I'd always go for the highest resolution I could afford, filesize would not be a concern for me, as the larger the file then arguably the better quality the image (assuming a good lens/skill level of course).

If the file sizes are large then just get yourself a good workflow for reducing filesize. Open in Irfanview, crop to required proportions, resize to 800x600, save as Jpeg with 90% compression, check filesize, save as 80% check filesize....still too big, consider resizing to 640x480, save as 90% etc etc etc....

I have the Canon 400D, and the difference in quality between that and my fuji s5600 (5mp) is dramatic. Yes, it's worth it.

The VR, is it worth it......I have no experience of Nikon, but as with the IS system in Canon, it's meant to help. Often the higher spec IS/VR lenses are better optically as well, but it's not always a given. I have a non-IS 90-300mm lens, and an IS 100-400mm....I've got great shots out of both of them, but I am reassured to have the IS on the 400mm lens. If you can afford it then it's probably worth having, if you can't then you will still get great shots, but may have to work harder or be more lucky in lower light situations where a larger aperture would be preferable. VR should help in these situations by reducing camera shake during longer exposures.

Yes, the wide angle and telephoto 'lenses' are converters of a sort.....they are more like filters with a magnification effect, as true converters usually go between the lens and the camera. These lenses alter the light entering the main lens, so I suspect that optically they will not give the same quality as a true converter which is designed to work in conjunction with the lens and body

Steve

Omag 2.0 wrote on Jan 9^th, 2008 at 3:45pm:

Well the D80, the Olympus E-510, and the Canon Rebel are all very attractive, but are more than I can spend, plus they (with the exception of the Canon) intimidate me with complexity.  I have a fear of buying something that is over my head.

I have been seeing some reviews on youtube through a user named "cameralabs" along with several others, and they have proved extreemly helpful in educating me about the cameras and the bodys and even lenses.

The Ruptured Duck wrote on Jan 9^th, 2008 at 6:10pm:

Which brings me to another question to anyone who uses Canon or Nikon:  Why are the Nikon zoom lenses cheaper than the canon?

Nikon 70-300mm VR AF-s:  http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-AF-S-70-300-VR-Lens-For-D40x-D80-D200-Camera_W0QQitemZ...

Canon EF 70-200mm IS:  http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EF-70-200mm-F4L-IS-USM-70-200-for-400D-40D-5D-UV_W0QQi...

Omag 2.0 wrote on Jan 9^th, 2008 at 6:23pm:

Would it otherwise be in Dutch or French?

And "Wheau", seeing prices in the $500's is much more reasuring

The Ruptured Duck wrote on Jan 9^th, 2008 at 6:31pm:


.de stands for German websites, so German would be the main language...

Be sure to check out the local shops too. They might have great kits on offer or special offers, certainly when new camera's arrive. The Canon 450D should be around the corner, so the price of the 400D will lower.

Just think carefully on what you want and don't get blinded by all the top-of-the-line stuff like L-lenses. I'd love to use them too, but I simply don't have the budget to spend. But if you read reviews, you'll quickly discover that there are very good price/quality products out there, that don't kill your piggybank.