OK. Thank you for your suggestions

Well, I have a deposit down (like a layaway) for a D40 and a 55-200mm VR lens at my local shop. I chose to get the 55-200mm VR version rather than the non-VR version because I could actually see the shakiness at 200mm with the VR off. It made enough of a difference to me to make it worth the extra $50.

@ Bahammel - I would by a refurbished model (Body Only) and get the VR lens by itself. Of course, per my post above, the VR lens isn't any better... I would stick with the Non-VR and put the savings towards the 55-200 or a cheap prime instead.

I've got both the VR and the Non-VR. There isn't much of a difference. The Non VR version has nano-coating, and the VR version does not. I can't really tell a difference. Ghosting isn't really a problem on either lens. Of course I haven't been able to recognize any benefit from the VR either.

Why would you want the Non VR version? Other than price, I don't see an advantage to the non VR one.

Hello all,
I've been looking around on the web for the D40 with the 55-200mm VR lens. Seems like everyone sells it with the non-VR version? Can one find a decent price on the combination? Thanks!
-Bruce

Yeah, even the guy I was talking to said he was surprised it's lasted this long because it's the only sub-10MP camera in the lineup.

Either way, I'm worried a bit less about the camera disappearing on me this week... LOL What I'm worried about now is the promotion where I can get the 55-200mm VR lens for a $100 off when buying the camera, too. That ends May 23rd. :) AND the shop does layaway... I just have to see if I can do layaway with the promotional price on the lens and I'm getting a D40 soon. :)

I wouldn't be surprised. It's the oldest of Nikon's DSLR offerings. I do hope that Nikon will be offering a replacement for the D40, there will be a big gap when it gets discontinued under the D5000.

I was actually just told by somebody at a local camera shop who does all the dealings with Nikon for the shop that his rep said that the D40 is going to last until the end of the year.

So you think we're just riding out what's left in stock at stores? How long do you think that'll last?

I thought it was discontinued in the U.S. although BH and other retailers still have stock. The difference in the U.S. is that Nikon seldom makes official announcements that items are discontinued and they don't update the website very often.

Well, from what I'm reading, it's discontinued everywhere else. What's the story on it being discontinued in the US?