Nikon D5000

It focuses closer (0.9 feet) than some of the more expensive Nikon zoom lenses (like the 16-85mm VR and 18-200mm VR lenses), it's smaller and lighter in weight, and the optical qualities are quite good.

If you are looking at third party lenses, look for HSM (Sigma lens) or motorized Tamron lenses.

Even their cheapest kit lenses have great optics and take great pictures.

The sensor is the same as the d300, a camera 1000 dollars more expensive, even it autofocus is not available when filming, the simple fact that high res video recording is available is great for a camera at that price range.

Contrary to what you might read, I have also successfully used the D5000 with AIS manual focus lenses and a hand-held light meter with excellent results.

I looked at the low-priced 50mm f/1.8D AF, but the auto-focus is not compatible.

I'm loving the bright colors, the automatic settings on this Nikon are fabulous!

And it's nice to be able to flip the LCD closed to protect the screen when it's not in use.

It doesnt have a top LCD display but I really dont like them, they look old.

I just want to take good shots of my very active two year old and some landscapes and family pictures.

First foray into DSLR photography and I can say this is a big leap from point-and-shoot.

Nature provides nice light contrast as well!

Nikon switches to a CMOS sensor instead of the CCD it's been using in its entry-level models, in this case, the same 12.3-megapixel version that's in the D90.

will not have the internal motors necessary to auto-focus - more below in CON's...- Navigation to get to the main settings used frequently when in the field (white balance, ISO, exposure compensation, etc.).

The sensor/image processing package is superb and the compact body is about as pleasant as an SLR can be to handle.