Buying a Nikon D5100?

I'm planning on buying a Nikon D5100, but I'm unsure as to whether or not I should buy the camera with the lens or if I should buy just the body of the camera and buy my own lens? This is my first DSLR, so all advice is appreciated!

Since this is your first dslr buy the kit lens with the camera, learn how to properly operate both camera and lens then you'll be ready for more lenses.

Once you figure out how to use the view finder instead of a silly screen, learn the controls and start getting the results you want (this can take a long time) you'll be ready to upgrade your lenses and perhaps your camera body as well.

For now, just buy the kit lens.

You'll also need a genuine spare battery, 2 or 3 8GB Class 10 SDHC cards, a card reader, a case and several basic photography books.

If you buy the Nikon D5100 with the lense, you would more than likely get the 18-55 mm vr lense. It runs about $180.00 by itself. The 18-55 mm vr lense is superb for a great all around lense. It's a fast lense too. Just do the math on price for body only or with lense. If your merchant wants to give a different lense with the D51, get the body only, then add the 18-55 MM VR. You won't be disappointed. If you do an internet search for this lense, look at Ken Rockwell's website. The camera itself is also a no brainer. You can also add custom lenses later according to your needs.

This decision depends on what you want to do with your camera. But, for all purpose, you should get it with the kit lens unless the other lens you plan on buying is about as wide angle as the kit lens; such as a 18-105mm lens.

I would recommend D3200. Its relatively new with advance processor and sensor.

You should buy it together with the kit lens. 18-55mm vrII lens is very good lens. It is one of the nikon best lens for DX format.

As for the subsequent lens, it will depend on your photo shooting style and habits.