Camera recommendations?

[wnyrider]

I'm getting a new camera for my birthday. I get to pick it out next week!

I'd like a new SLR digital body that would work with my old Nikon lenses...

I want what I get to be fully automatic, but also the ability to set it up manually. I'd like it to be fast enough to shoot action but also have good macro ability. Zoom lens woud be nice, too. Is that too much to ask? Or should I really go with the Nikon digital body and use my existing lens and skip the point-and-shoot?

What do you have, do you love it, and why?
[/I]

Here is an idea-- Like you I have had an old Nikon SLR that I had bought extra lenses for. This past year I impulsively treated myself to a new Pentax DSLR, the K20. I love its weather resistance and rugged nature. I found info on a photo forum that mentioned this adapter that allows Pentax users to use their old Nikon mount lenses. I found the adapter on ebay. It was a seller overseas, maybe Hong Kong. I was really skeptical, but it really is rather neat and has worked out fine. The downside is that the camera's auto focusing won't work through the older lenses so you have to manually focus. But, I was used to that anyways. I will eventually buy a Pentax dedicated zoom (there is a 50-500mm I drool over!), but in the meantime I am able to enjoy the convenience of a DSLR with the adaptability of my old cherished lenses.

[Zen]

You could probably buy any adapter from the well known sellers like B&H Photo, Adorama, Broadway Photo,etc.

I wouldn't trust a Hong Kong address plus you have to pay so much for shipping.

[HelenOster]

You could probably buy any adapter from the well known sellers like B&H Photo, Adorama, Broadway Photo,etc.

Thanks for the recommendation for Adorama Camera (& even B&H!), but please, always check the feedback at www.reselleratings.com when dealing with ANY other seller that is unknown to you!!!

[Zen]

So where's my gift certificate?

[Selkie]

So where's my gift certificate?

In the mail? But it might be until APRIL before the mailman can make it to your mailbox!

[Zen]

Tell me about it. I'm still waiting on tax paperwork

[zoom-zoom]

Thanks for the recommendation for Adorama Camera (& even B&H!), but please, always check the feedback at www.reselleratings.com when dealing with ANY other seller that is unknown to you!!!

Definitely! There is a LOT of bait-and-switch in that industry (if the price sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is)! Adorama, B&H, Calumet, and Etronics were always reputable when I was purchasing a lot of photo gear.