Originally Posted by
LLUMom
Nikon's D40 is a lightweight body, comes with a decent 18-55mm lens, but if you add the 18-200mm which has vibration reduction (VR), you don't have to change lenses for traveling and can do a lot without a tripod. The 18-200 is pretty much a one-size-fits all unless you need the 12-24 wide angle, too. There are some good reviews out there on the web. The D40 can be had for under $500 with the 18-55 lens, the 18-200 is available for a little less than $700.
I use the 18-200 almost exclusively and like it very much. Now that the D300 is out, I wonder what a Nikon D200 sells for.
BTW, I agree that not changing the lens will cut down substantially on dust, but you will still need to clean the sensor periodically.