No problem - I think we like helping and parading such knowledge that we have - just don't look at me at least as an utter expert - I just pass on my hard experience earned by spending my own money - sensibly or otherwise.
Yes better lenses get better results - I am not saying that you should not buy a cheaper basic dslr with kit lens but just don't expect to get instant and total perfection. The images you need to get can be achieved with the kit lens but you will need higher ISO (and some grain) to compensate. However the dslr's with larger sensors can "stand" the higher ISO settings without plunging into the same grain levels of the small sensored cameras. Therefore you will probably meet your obectives with any reputable dslr kit-lensed camera (they are all "reputable" these days).
With the better (faster) lenses you can reach your objectives on lower ISO settings and of course you have the acceptable higher ISO ranges up your sleeve until the lens/ISO ratio gets so good that you can get acceptable imaging without flash in "almost dark" with (say) a full sized sensor camera such as the Canon 5D, a f1.2 lens and 1600 ISO. Even then there is some grain - but what do we expect - miracles? (Smile)
Yes is the answer but it depends on whether you are after the ultimate or whether something less will satisfy your need. As a self-confessed "newbie" you will probably be amazed at how well a kit lensed dslr will perform. I think that what we are saying is that if you are particular and want to pursue your objective to the nth degree then you will inevitably progress to the largest sensor and the fastest lens that you can afford. Regrettably this rules out the Oly combination and it is only recently that Nikon moved to a "full-size" sensor.
However don't take these hypotheticals to literally. If you buy good lenses the Oly is as strong a performer as any and there are only a relatively few camera users outside of the professional sphere obsessive enough to dig deep enough in their wallets to get the highest level gear - and that includes Canon and Nikon users.
Therefore I think that you could safely put your toe in the water with the camera brand that suited you and a kit lens and find out whether this was enough to ring your bells. Bear in mind that if you think you are the type to catch the bug badly enough to check out the cost of the more expensive bodies and lenses and see if this gives you heart failure. However most people manage quite well with basic dslr kit and take wonderful images with it.
It would seem foolish to go off and spend a truckload of hard-earned and then find that it was too sophisticated for your requirements - the most expensive gear needs more thought to use and does not automatically convert you from "newbie" to "pro".
We were giving advice on the gear best suited to accommodate your wishes but it does sound that you would be overjoyed with the improvement in imaging given by a standard body and kit lens only (relatively cheaply).
For example prime (fixed focal length) lenses have the edge on most zoom lenses - that means to cover a range you have to have a few - and even a few good quality fast lenses is a lot of hay to burn.
Yep I am sure of it but there are others better able to answer this particular query.
There are some quite nice 3rd party lenses about and they are generally cheaper than the oem equivalents.
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Tom Caldwell
