For an entry level DSLR, I would go with the Nikon D40 6.1 with 18-55mm and 55-200 mm VR lense. I would add the SB-600 flash and the ML-L3. I would shoot with these for a while and then determine if you want to invest in a 300 or 400 mm lense. In general, I would invest in expensive lenses rather than expensive bodies.

In general, I would invest in expensive lenses rather than expensive bodies.

Definitely! And, get as much optical zoom as you can get.

Also shoot lots of pictures and delete the ones that aren't as good as you need. Practice shooting house sparrows and pigeons so when the peregrine falcon lands in your bird bath you will know what to do without thinking about it.

That's funny about the Peregrine Falcon, but so true! It's practice, practice, practice. Shoot hundreds of photos (I shoot 1500 an outing on average) each time you go out and practice on easy yard birds so you'll know what works. Establish habits so when once in a lifetime photo ops happen, you'll react instinctively.

Skip the point and shoot cameras, as you'll quickly become frustrated with their limitations, and spend your main money on DSLR lenses since new technology makes camera bodies obsolete each year.

A second, terabyte hard drive cost us $126 installed, and is a great place to store photos without slowing down your computer.

Thank you so much for these suggestions. I was looking at the Nikon D40 on amazon. A reviewer mentioned something about light issues.

I have had a lumix with a optical zoom for a while and sometimes have issues with light or movement (not using a tripod). The reviewers comment about light sensors scared me away. Is this something I need to be concerned about with this camera or was the reviewer splitting hairs and comparing to much more expensive models? Is the issue of light settled in the lens or body? Thank you for the tip of focusing on lenses, I didn't know that.

Will I always need a tripod with this Nikon d40?

That is a great suggestion about practicing on whoever is around not waiting for the rare sight. I have found over the years that photographing birds made me able to spot them much more quickly than I used to. I find many of the photo's on this site stunning in their beauty and am just amazed at what I see in a closeup picture of a dove or flicker, birds I used to think so ordinary.

Also, do you think this Nikon would also work decently for indoor family shots at holidays?

Thanks for your patience with my questions.

This was taken with a Nikon D40 and a Sigma 50-500mm lens. As you can see it was taken in dappled shade. With the Sigma I do need lots of light compared with less lens power. This was also handheld as most of my pics are. I am just not very good with a tripod. I am practicing as it does make a big difference, especially in low light conditions.

I wouldn't worry about the one negative reviewer, The D40 has 461 reviews on Amazon with a 4.5 average.

You wont need a tripod. I've never used a tripod with a D40.

It will take great indoor photos, but I would recommend a better flash that can be used indirectly. This is true of most DSLRs with built in flashes.

If I had a friend or family member wanting to jump to DSLRs I would even consider a refurbished one ($339). Add the 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S VR for ($225), add the SB-600 flash for ($219). For $800.00, you have more camera than you'll know what to do with. To get great pictures you'll still need to understand the basics of photography. Its more about the photographer than the equipment most times.

Here is a link that might be useful: refurbished D40

The trouble with digital DSLRs is that they quickly become obsolete because of constant innovations in technology. My cutting edge $1400 Canon 40D bought in 2008 now sells new for $300 and is far surpassed in quality by the new Canon EOS 7D, priced about $1600. If you just wait a few months you can get this year's best cameras for a fraction of what they cost when first released.

The advice to buy older refurbished cameras worked well with film cameras, which didn't change much over the years, but digital cameras are increasing in quality exponentially. It doesn't make any more sense than buying an old refurbished computer to save money; it would be too slow and clunky for most applications.

Birds can be small, fast-moving targets moving in and out of shade, or in dim woods; you will need all the technology you can afford