Digital cameras 101

[timinator]

Hi, I'm considering my first Digital SLR. I've read that the lenses that come with them are low end. Also the same camera can have a different lens(s) included in the kit, depending on where you buy it.  Should I just accept the included lens and upgrade later? Recommendations would be appreciated.

Tim

[Deb]

Not all "kit" lenses are poor. The ones put together by the camera manufacturer themselves can be pretty decent indeed. But, you do need to do a little research to find out exactly which lens the manufacturer is offering with the body. Just look up their description on the manufacturers website. As for kits put together by vendors, do your homework and you may be just fine.

[Mike54]

Adding to what Deb has said most of the DSLR's can be purchased without including "the kit lenses". Take a look at the listings over at B&H Photovideo and you'll see references to "camera body". That said I will say that the kit lense I purchased with my Canon 300D produces perfectly fine images though the build is a bit on the cheap side. If you decide to go the no lens route and get a lense seperately check out the reviews at fredmiranda.com (hopefully you don't have to become a member to view them). They are primarily for Canon and Nikon however. If you are looking at something other than those two you can check out the reviews at photography review. You might get some good info there. In any case, as Deb said, do some homework, you don't want to suffer "buyers remorse".