Photo: Nikon D300 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom LensPrice: $2,479.95 and ranked 5/5 stars with 51 customer reviews!

Back in December 2007, I made my first post about a mid-range Digital SLR camera that I had just purchased - the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi. (scroll mid-way down the gift guide to read).

In advance of posting about a new group of wonderful long-lensed SLR’s arriving to market in the next few weeks, I wanted to guide you towards a wonderful article recently written by Mike Davidison, CEO of Newsvine, “A Rookie Guide to Digital SLR Cameras.”

Mike dives right in and explains the query that so many of us reach after owning a number of pocket-fitting 7-10 megapixel cameras, “What’s the story with the SLR?” Why would I want to own such a big bulky camera? And, make that serious of an investment? And, if I do, when is the right time?

As you look forward to my upcoming series of posts on these bulky, sexy, snapping, shooting, SLRs in the coming weeks, take a moment to get a better understanding of what’s behind the technology and how it applies or doesn’t apply to your own photographic needs.

Visit Mike’s post over at his blog: mikeindustries.com.

[Try out our Interactive Buying Guide for digital cameras.]