I’m looking at buying a Nikon D7000 and I’m curious if I should simply forego the kit lens for an alternative? Alternatively, I’m thinking of getting a good 28mm lens for candids of the family/kids. The kit lens is a NIKKOR 18-105mm DX VR Lens and adds roughly $200 to the price tag.

My D70 finally died after “someone” pulled the CF card out, jammed it back in getting it stuck then leaving it sticking out sideways. While I managed to straighten the pins out and reseat the card I can’t get it to read successfully even though I’ve tried reformatting and another card.

Update: Dec 8. Ordered it without since the kits were out of stock.

I have a $l(Nikon D70) which I’ve taken +30K photos with and a few weeks ago I took a bunch of pictures of the kids hanging Christmas ornaments which for some reason were nearly all corrupt when I went to download them from the flash card. I’m not sure if the issue was the card or the camera but I’ve been wanting a new camera with support for HD video and have been since looking around.

My first thought was to stick with Nikon but since I don’t have a huge investment in lens it’s not a requirement so I’m opening it up to other options. The first two cameras I sought reviews on were the $l(Nikon D3100) and $l(Canon EOS D60). I’m also looking at the $l(Nikon D7000) and $l(Canon EOS 550D).

I know the price range here is pretty wide but I’m really interested in the addition of HD video so a good combination of still and movies is my preference. My shooting will be largely kids and various birthdays/sports/activities over the coming years. I’d also like something that can shoot video of the occasional holiday event in low fairly low light conditions.

Anyone with experience/thoughts on any of these or other cameras I should consider?