Entry level DSLR

[Cooper]

Well I finally got D40 with AF-S 18-55 kit lens. $420 and I got lens protector and 2GB SD card as well
So far I'm very pleased with picture quality compared to Canon SX100. Though I guess it's like comparing bmw and ferrari
The only thing I can't quite understand is why manual focus cannot be adjusted for infinite distance. Auto focus just won't work in the dark. I never had this issue with compact.
Can anyone enlight me on this please ?

[[XC] 2long4u]

Autofocus will work in the dark if you light the subject first to give it something to focus on. That is what the AF light is for on the camera, sometimes you will need a brighter light. A flashlight works well for that.
That's one of the bad things about the 18-55 and 18-200 there is no scale.
Oh, congrats on your purchase. I have the D40 and it is a great beginner DSLR.

[lowbid]

Iam trying to decide between a Nikon d80 and a canon rebel xsi and from what iam reading the d80 is the one to get.The d80 comes with a 18-135 lens or is it better to get a body and a 18-55 lens or something else.I had a Olympus that did me well till somebody lifted it of my desk yesterday so Iam in the market for a new camera and dslr is what Iam going for.It will mostly be used for fishing taking pictures from the bridge on my boat of the pit and people fighting fish like marlin.

So I would like to know what yall experts would recommend for a good dslr and lens.

thanks...lowbid

[Nate P.]

I vote for the D80, but the XSI has some great features as well like liveview and 14-bit RAW's.

[Soulburner]

Well I finally got D40 with AF-S 18-55 kit lens. $420 and I got lens protector and 2GB SD card as well
So far I'm very pleased with picture quality compared to Canon SX100. Though I guess it's like comparing bmw and ferrari
The only thing I can't quite understand is why manual focus cannot be adjusted for infinite distance. Auto focus just won't work in the dark. I never had this issue with compact.
Can anyone enlight me on this please ?

Autofocus relies on light, usually edge contrast to set focus distance. Without light the camera is blind. Try using a flashlight.

Alternatively, if you planned on getting a flash it has a much much better AF assist beam.