Looks good but you don't have a wide angle coverage. How about the 17-85 EF lens instead of the 28-135. How about a Nikon D200?

Mack,

25 years ago there were some rather dubious zoom lenses around. These days there is really little advantage in a single focal length lens over a zoom except in some special purpose lenses possibly.

The Canon 20D or even the Rebel XT provides a lot of performance for the money, especially when you also get the "kit" lens sold with it. Start with the kit and then see from experience what more in lenses you might need.

Nev er could warm up to nikon!!!
the 28-135mm will become a 44.?mm which is wide enough for me
when you use the 1.6 maganification on 28mm, If I find I need a wide angle I would rather a prime lens

Sorry, I didn't catch the name?

My HONEST opinion? It really doesn't matter what you get. Photography is more about process than about particulars. You can have a lot of fun with anything from a pinhole camera to a new Hasselblad digital. Just get something and start enjoying it and let your own muse take you from there.

It sounds to me like you've got yourself an excellent kit in mind already. When you've played with it for a while, you'll notice things which you need. Get them then.

One thing I can't help but recommend though is a good tripod. Something large and stable enough to hold some weight but light enough that toting it around isn't an onerous chore.

Here's another tip: buy used from your local camera shop. Not only will you save money, but you'll make knowledgeable friends who can make helpful suggestions. Sit and chat with them. Particularly if you're spending money, they'll chat for hours with you about the specifics of YOUR situation. The internet is a wonderful place to shop, but there's just nothing to replace the personal service you get at a local store.

Thanks for your response ,to my query, I know that any camera you get or use has the same pricipals as film camera
but digital is without the film only!But digital camera do offer more controls on the camera now than I had on my old F-1 canon , Have reading and looking thru a lot more information lately , Have driven myself NUTS with information, on different cameras and lens ? But have come to concluetion that a KIT is the best way to go , And go from there! I thank you all for your input!!
Folks have happy holidays!!

MACK:]

Mr.Brooks:
Have done a lot of thinking a research on the problem of what to get and how much to get, I am going with your advice and getting a Kit [canon eos20d with 17/85 IS/USM lens

and thats it for now since also will need to get some type of computer program to run all those files thru,So its best to start small and build from there thank you for time
and have a very good holiday
respectfully
Mr.Lauren MacIntosh

Mack,

I hope you enjoy the adventure.