Spent the weekend at a friend’s place in Los Angeles. We usually talk about 4 topics.Investing, Gadgets, Cars and Human Stupidity. This time was no different.

I’d long been eyeing his Nikon D70 DSLR but at over $1500, there was no way I was going to spend that kind of money. For my trip to Europe last, size won over functionality and I purchased the Canon SD300.

However, taking great photographs is a very enjoyable hobby and the ownership of an SLR or DSLR is a must. He mentioned that Nikon had just come out with the new D50. The approximate $800 price-tag includes 2 lens 18mm-55mm and 55mm-200mm. You can read a great indepth review of the difference between the D50 and the D70 here. The D50 seems like a great buy. Of course, the D70 has now dropped in value too, but the D50 kit is still about $400 cheaper than a comparable D70. Thats nearly 50% cheaper! Now all that remains is too convince the wife!

He also recommended the following books:

• National Geographic Photography Field Guide: Secrets to Making Great Pictures
• National Geographic Photography Field Guide: People and Portraits
• National Geographic Photography Field Guides: Landscapes