2007 i was in US taken a lot of pictures with my friend's Nikon D70 + 12-24 F4. When i recallled, actually it wasn't very tired even though it(D70 is heavy right?) was hung on my neck for a long time. I guess i was very focus taking picture and enjoying it as well.
Coming purchase will be my first dslr, in fact it's going to be my first personal camera that share with my wife-to-be. Really hope to put the money into good use. We both like photography anyway!
I don't mind getting a 2nd hand camera, as long a good deal comes along and it actuallys saves money too.
Honeymoon most probably will start at the end of April. So i want to get a camera now and try to learn and use it frequently in these few months. Hopefully i can master the basic skill before we fly.
I'm now seriously considering Andy's proposal. For the past 1 week i have spent a few hours per day digging into photograhpy stuffs like reviews, comments, thread discussion, looking at sample photos, etc. Still gather my thoughts though.
If i ever raise my budget, i might go with D90.. another league. but slim chance to raise.
Good to know a few things
1. you still have time to learn - important, cannot be rush.
2. you read the reviews - it is tired, but give yourself some time, maybe another 2 more weeks. you will slowly figure your way out. when I deciding my 1st dslr, I took about 6 weeks to gather info + decide
.
3. you and your wife-to-be like photography - means both of you will mostly enjoy a dslr, thus can eliminate the compact.
4. you tried dslr - can quite sure to get dslr
So now comes to which model - seems you have decide on Nikon. And seems your friend got a Nikon, so I would say Nikon should be a good choice for you, since -
1. You may able share lens with him in future
2. You may exchange info / learn technique from him.
So now which Nikon to go? Too bad I've no experience with Nikon, but if not wrong, the current affordable model will be D5000 or D3000. What is the 2nd hand price for D90?
For sure I will suggest you get a kit lens, but now just to decide which model to go.
Might want to look at this thread describing some older model of Nikon's?
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=381385