Photography Guys....Need Advice

[thstone]

I use a Nikon D60 with a few different lenses. Its an awesome camera and 10 times better in picture quality than any point and shoot. As you noted, the tradeoff with an SLR is greatly improved picture quality versus portability.

Nikon seems to have quite a few different models (D40, D60, D3000, D5000, etc) in the same price range ($500-$1,000) so you may have to spend some time doing research comparisions between all of the different base models and their lense/accessory bundles.

[markbike528]

Still have the Nikon lenses? -- Brand choice made.
Old lenses (manual focus) still work on new Nikons.

The advantage in higher cost camera bodies is more buttons for things like ISO,white balance, exposure compensation, etc, less menu searching.

I got a D700 for the low light capabilities and got a lot of buttons and weight along with it. If you don't need that, virtually any currently sold Nikon will meet your needs.

Mark
D700 in Manual, Auto ISO max 6400
2000 Boxster, 2nd car ever owned.
1980 Honda CBX (6 cylinder bike)
1992 Honda CBR600 F2
1995 Kawasaki Ninja 500 (the wife's bike).

[vitaminC]

If you want small and light, but with way better performance than your P&S, try the Panasonic GF2, Sony NEX, Olympus EP, etc. All will do what you're looking for without breaking the bank or your back.