As you say it could be different packages. But I suspect that it may be a matter of a shyster dealer. That is something that I have seen a good bit of. Dealers removing the the CDs, DVDs, and accessories that shipped with the camera and turning around and selling them for extra. Which brings up something else to be aware of.

I must say that I agree with Photocat. Take the time and enjoy photography.

Pleas forgive me if I am wrong, but if I understand what you are saying, then I believe that you are in error. Nikon's camera to computer and RAW converter programs comes free with the Camera as does View NX2. And it sound as if you are talking about raw conversion here? Nikon does sell it's upper end editor software, but I have never seen anything that Canon has that will come anywhere close to Capture NX2 and the other Nik packages. There are people that have abandoned PhotoShop to use just Capture NX2 (Though I fail to see the wisdom in that). You can't compare apples and oranges.

Sorry, as I read your post it came across a little off the point of the original question and seem a bit condescending (as taken by someone who can be condescending myself). Sorry again that is just how I read it.

To docjj: Gee chill Buba, let's be nice. Give the guy a break! Maybe everyone is not as well informed as you think that you are. We all have our opinions.

That depends on how much and what kind of editing, how powerful your computer is what do you intend to do with your images. Print small format, large format, internet, sell as stock, etc... If you are doing production work in large volume with a higher end client base then Adobe CS5 is the only thing that your not so knowledgeable customers will except. If you think more like a old film photographer and do quality work for galleries then add Picture Window Pro and Corel PaintShop Pro to that. Highly custom one of a kind stuff may be better done with GIMP (If you can work with the Plug-ins and write scrip). Good but not always great results on a zero budget, look at Paint.net. The list goes on. HDR is a wholly different ball game altogether. But starting out you may want to look at Paint.net it is free and you can get you feet wet while trying to see where you want to go.

I tend to agree with Charles. Buy the camera in your budget with the functions that you will need for the kind of work that you intend to do. And, make sure that it feel right for you regardless of what anyone else says. If it doesn't feel right you will not use it enough to learn it. There is a good article in the 2011 Sept/Oct issue of Digital PhotoPro (page 86). Don't buy a Ferrari if what you need is a pickup truck or mini-van.

As for education. The best education is a good mentor and a willingness to read and think.

It is a nice shot but, the most important thing is , what do you think of an image not what someone else thinks. Does it show what your mind saw when it got your attention? If you do or don't like it the opinions of others will carry less weight (except when for sale or in competition). Taste will always vary.

On another note, if you don't have an editor that has curves, levels, and local contrast, you may want to think about getting one. And looking at the image I assume that you don't.