I bought an Olympus EVOLT E-300 in 2006, and a Nikon D-50 in 2007. I bought the Oly because I liked the example photos (colors) and the price... a body and 2 lenses for around $799. Even though I knew the number of lenses were limited, I thought it would be a good way to try out the DSLR world. It was, but I realized I wanted 'more'.
I borrowed a friend's Nikon D-50 and loved the photos, so I went out and bought that (Costco). I like the quality better than the Oly, but the shorter kit lens is too big (I want a wider angle). For Disney World, I liked the two lenses of the Oly. So, now a wider lens is on my list.
If I could afford to spend a few several thousand dollars, I'd buy a Nikon D300 or the one my brother has (a Canon EOS 5D Mark II). What I'd really like is to have the equipment to produce photos like the photographer that Melissa listed in
this thread. Or, what Fioontje used for the photos
here. Oh, then I need all those high quality lenses to go with them.
