Is a Nikon D3000 with 18-55mm non-VR Lens kit for $379 a good deal?

Here's the offer. I have less than a day to decide:
http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/nikon-nikon-10-2mp-dslr-camera-with-af-s-dx-nikkor-18-55mm-lens-non-vr-kit-d3000-d3000/10135597.aspx?path=83cc0f7a515422459ecdb6cd1895d0d5en02

Right now I'm using a plain old point-and-shoot, and it seems this would be a good start in the world of DSLRs. What do you think? Is it a good idea to start at this level (low-end)? I can't spend much more than $500.

Yeah thats really good

Well a vr lens would be gud if you don't have a tri pod… And the mm in lens depends on your usage… Just check out the link and see the kind of lens you may need

You can't use non vr lenses without a tripod. As 3000 don't have built in image stabilization so it would be hard to take good picture in low light

In my opinion the D3000 with non-VR 18-55mm lens is NOT a good deal. The lens included with the camera is an out of production older model. Plus, I checked furureshop.ca at http://www.resellerratings.com and found nothing but negative comments.

In my opinion a much better camera and deal would be the Sony A390 from B&H -
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...ovideo.com - at $499.99.

The A390 has Live View, the D3000 does not.

The A390 has a focusing motor in the camera body, the D3000 does not.

Any Minolta Maxxum AF lens (introduced in 1985) can be used on the A390 and will auto focus as they should. Only the more expensive Nikon AF-S lenses will auto focus on the D3000. Suppose at some point you decide to add a fast 50mm prime (fixed focal length, no zoom) lens to your kit. You can find a Minolta Maxxum AF 50mm f1.7 lens for under $50.00. Nikon offers 3 versions of the 50mm lens: an AF 50mm f1.8 for $120.00, an AF 50mm f1.4 for $330.00 and an AF-S 50mm f1.4 for $435.00. Only this most expensive lens will auto focus on the D3000.

The A390 has Sony's version of Image Stabilization in the camera body so any lens used - even a Maxxum 50mm f1.7 made in 1985 - becomes an IS lens. Nikon has their version of IS (called VR) in some but not all of their lenses.

My suggestion is to forget about buying from futureshop and stretch your budget a bit and buy the Sony A390.

A non-VR lens isn't a good idea. My advice would be to visit adorama.com or www.bhphotovideo.com and find a used or refurbished d3000 and 18-55mm VR lens- it won't cost you much more than this offer.

For example, at B&H the kit with a VR lens is $440 refurbished:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...amera.html

Believe me, VR is well worth it- I have a D3000 and the VR 18-55mm lens, and I've gotten some incredible photos with it.