Here's the next stepping stone in my view from entry-level DSLRs. Incredible feature set, ruggedness, and quality - plus the superb handling and ergonomics Nikon is known for. I really love this camera. Now that the D300 is out, get a D200 for a deal and skip the D80. Used they run a bit over $700. (You might want to keep your D70 as a second body.)

This updated D80 brings much of the D3 technologies to Nikon's midrange DX line up, including its super low noise characteristics. While it doesn't have the build quality of the D200, it sure packs a lot of appealing capabilities and warrants careful consideration at this price point.

At nearly 1/3 the cost of the Nikkor 18-200mm VR zoom, this lens might appeal to some as a low-cost alternative. For me, the loss of VR and the 200mm end is not worth the savings, but you can try it and see. Amazon makes it easy to sell your lenses later! Sharp, compact, and light (due to heavy use of plastics), with distortion issues at 18mm.

Available light candids of kids requires a fast lens. This very sharp lens stays at f2.8 the entire range, is built like a tank, and has a built-in motor for quick & quiet focusing.

Like all photographers, I have numerous bags in many sizes for different needs. However, the 170 is my favorite minimalist bag. It perfectly holds, for example, my D200 + 18-200mm, 10-20mm, SB-600 flash for fast retrieval, plus filters, memory, batteries, and charger. It even has a belt loop and weather shield..

I've standardized on SanDisk Extreme III CompactFlash cards. They're on Nikon's approved memory card list in my Nikon D200 manual, plus have been 100% reliable. Carrying multiple cards gives redundancy in case of a rare failure.

While the Nikon sensor allows you to get very low noise at higher ISO figures, sometime you need to supplement interior lighting or use fill flash. One of the reasons I went with Nikon is their amazing flash system, which allows you to integrate existing and flash lighting to achieve very natural results. This tool will expand your world of great picture taking.

If you bought a Nikon, flash, and 1-2 lenses, now you have the basic equipment needed to take your photography to another level. Well, almost. Next stop: Scott Kelby's wonderful books that are packed full of great techniques to make the most of your new equipment. Read 'em and you'll become a better photographer.

This is a useful compendium of techniques on how to get the best image quality at every step, from equipment choice to printing. Covers some uncommon special topics: lens testing (something you should do to evaluate each new or used lens purchase), picking a computer for image work, workflow and image enhancement techniques with Photoshop, etc. A lot of great info in one place.

One of the other new worlds that digital photography opens up is image processing, and Photoshop is the premier software tool for transforming the images captured by your camera into finished works. Photoshop Elements gives you almost all of the essential tools you'll need at a fraction of the cost of the full Photoshop suite.

Once you perfect capturing and enhancing your images, you'll want to make the best prints imaginable. Epson printers produce stunning matte finish prints with beautiful color and detail. The R1800 is a lower cost alternative to the terrific R2400, and makes incredible matte and glossy prints (glossier than the pricier R2400) in sizes up to 13x44" with 200 year archival ink.

In time (or if you purchase a used DSLR), your sensor won't come clean simply using a Rocket duster (above). To check your sensor, photograph a light surface (like the sky) with a very small aperture (f22 or greater). Particles will show up as blurry spots. First read http://www.bythom.com/cleaning.htm and then use this cleaner kit to make your sensor like new.

This lens is big, heavy, and expensive. Now for the superlatives: uncompromisingly sharp -- even wide open, ultra-quiet and fast focusing, fixed f2.8 aperature, plus VR. Appealing mainly to pros that won't settle for anything less than the best, it effectively replaces all the prime lenses in it's zoom range -- it's that good.

Also uncompromisingly good, this lens, the 70-200mm, and the D3 will set you back $10 grand, plus you'll be yearning for the 14-24 F2.8 next. If this is just a hobby, now you've got a serious addiction; however, if you're a pro, these are quality tools of the trade that stand up to punishment and deliver the goods.

For the pro using a D3, this exceptional camera is an ideal second body because of its similar handling. It shares much of the D3 sophistication, but uses a DX sensor (unlike the full-frame D3). It also makes an incredible primary camera for the serious amateur.