Hi Steve,
To check on lens compatability go to the Nikon website and you can find which lens series will work with each Nikon camera model. You can get a good breakdown of which features will work or not (ex. the lens may operate on the new camera but you will only be able to manually focus it).
Another way to check compatability is to google "nikon lens compatability" and see what you get.

Hi USMC,
Just a few thoughts. How many pixels do you think you will be needing? You can get excellent enlargements up to 13x19 with 10 megs and most pictures up to 8x10 really only need around 5 megs. The idea that more megs is better only applies to someone who is seriously going to be printing at very large sizes ( and likes to spend a lot of $ on their printing). I have been using Nikon gear for several years and the main reasons are because I like the way the cameras feel in my hand as much as the way the controls are laid out on the body. I currently use a D40x (10.1mp) and a D90 (12.2mp) and get great prints up to 13x19. Luckily I sell enough of my work to afford the large format printer I have because the paper and ink gets rather pricy. You should get out to a camera shop and see how the cameras you are thinking about getting "feel" as well as function. If there's a real photo nut working behind the counter they will love spending the time with you so you are really happy when you finally choose your weapon! Al

Hi Cathy,
You don't indicate what type of camera gear you are using so here is some general info on moon shots. If you want to make something bigger you have to be able to enlarge the image by 1) using a lens that allows you to get a larger image or 2) enlarging your image in post-processing on your computer. For the first one you will need equipment that can do this - I use Nikon gear and have a 300mm f/4 telephoto lens and I couple it with a 1.4 tele-converter that really gives a BIG image but the downside is that the lens alone costs around $1400. You can get less expensive zoom/telephoto lenses if you are using a dslr camera but if you have a "point and shoot" type digital camera you will be limited to the range of the zoom feature built into your camera. The second option involves "blowing up" the digital image using whatever software you use to process your digital files on your computer. This is not a good way to do it however because the final enlargement inevitably ends up looking fuzzy and out of focus due to the separation of pixels as you enlarge the image. A higher megapixel camera will give you some leeway to increase your picture size but the smaller cameras have small image sensors that severely limit enlargement. Al

Hi Cynthia,
Digital conversion is very easy. You will need a software program to do this. Photoshop CS5 is the latest version and the top choice of professionals but it is rather expensive (~$600). A more user friendly program that will do almost everything Photoshop does is Photoshop Elements 9 (~$99). It offers several ways to make b&w pictures from your jpeg and raw files. I use Elements almost exclusively and get great results. A suggestion - there is a book "The Photoshop Elements 9 Book for Digital Photographers" by Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski (~$50) that I think is the best companion guide to learning and using Elements. It is easy to read and gives step by step instructions on every aspect of the Elements program. A hint - go to your local bookstore and sneak a peak at pages 175-179 and 332-333. Even better, start shooting in Camera Raw and use the technique on pages 99-101. The final results will amaze you. The only other things you will need are good photo paper and a decent printer, and you will get great b&w prints. Good Shooting! Al

My name is Al. I'm a new subscriber and live in southern Delaware. I've been into photography for many years and currently have a small photo business specializing in nature and wildlife. I use Nikon gear. I love long walks on the beach (especially with my tripod) and tend to be found hanging out at many of the popular watering holes (Bombay Hook, Blackwater, Forsythe Preserve, etc). If you're ever out and about and spot me hiding in the bushes, please stop and say hello (but not too loud you'll scare the birds).

Hi Jen,
I'm probably going to be repeating what everybody else is saying but here's a few things to keep in mind:
1) you can't get good pictures unless you take them so carry your camera with you everywhere and take lots of pictures
2) get a good software program and learn how to organize and store your digital photos
3) learn how to let go - just because you've shot 13 billion pictures it doesn't mean you should save all of them. Review, edit and delete the ones you will never look at again
4) read about photography - there are some great photographers who have actually written great books about every topic you could ever want to learn about (Scott Kelby, Matt Kloskowski, Rob Sheppard to name just a few)
5) use the internet to improve your knowledge of photography - there's a lot of info out there
6) enjoy!

Hi Dick,
Congrats on the new camera. Here's some ideas for you. I'm sure you've read your manual by now and felt a bit overwhelmed by it. I have owned a number of cameras over the years and always found it helpful to browse the bookstores for a more reader friendly book on the specific camera model I was using. You might have to spend a lttle time in the Digital Photography section but it usually pays off. Also, a great set of books that might really help is the 3 book boxed set "Digital Photography" by Scott Kelby. He's great at explaining stuff so it's understandable and he has a really warped sense of humor as well. The tips and insights you'll pick up from his books will really help you