I haven't read through everything, but going to chime in quick after looking at the two bundles you linked to:
Neither of them have VR on the 55-200, which in my opinion is where it's probably more important. I bought the D40 kit with 18-55kit and 55-200VR back in December from BH for $509 I believe.
The other stuff kinda looks nice, but you could possibly be better off waiting for a nice D40 and kit lens deal, and then adding all the other stuff a la carte later as you need it. I bought a book on Amazon how to use it (D40 Field Guide I believe, probably better than the Nikon one?) for pretty cheap ($13 now).. with the D40 kit and that book that should be plenty to get your feet wet for a while and then you can start spending money where you think you need it (flash, zoom lens, prime lens, etc). I made the mistake of buying everything under the sun to play with it, but didn't use 90% of it. I never used my 10-20mm lens or my 55-200VR lens, so I sold both of them.
I eventually got a D90 because I was convinced I could take much better pictures being able to autofocus with my 50mm prime, but really it didn't do much at all. The lighter weight and smaller size of the D40 really is a pretty big bonus, especially after carrying the D90 around for a while. Most non-pro lenses you'll use autofocus on the D40 these days, and the third-party lens manufacturers are supporting this as well.
My advice, honestly, is to buy everything used. You'll get a MUCH better deal and then if you don't use something you can sell it back for roughly what you paid for. The Fred Miranda forums (fredmiranda.com) is where I buy all my stuff, and I'm sure you can find a low-used D40 and kit lens in there with a little patience. Obviously it's up to you, since you don't have warranty coverage, but everything I own now was bought used and I've had 0 problems. The forum incorporates feedback so you can be sure you're buying from someone with a good reputation.
Otherwise, even if you start out small, go as bare as you can (D40 and kit lens), and then work your way up. My advice would be to add on the Sb-600 flash and the 35mm 1.8 lens. In the end, what I've found and what many will tell you, is you're the key factor in how your pictures turn out, not how much gear you own.
Neither of them have VR on the 55-200, which in my opinion is where it's probably more important. I bought the D40 kit with 18-55kit and 55-200VR back in December from BH for $509 I believe.
The other stuff kinda looks nice, but you could possibly be better off waiting for a nice D40 and kit lens deal, and then adding all the other stuff a la carte later as you need it. I bought a book on Amazon how to use it (D40 Field Guide I believe, probably better than the Nikon one?) for pretty cheap ($13 now).. with the D40 kit and that book that should be plenty to get your feet wet for a while and then you can start spending money where you think you need it (flash, zoom lens, prime lens, etc). I made the mistake of buying everything under the sun to play with it, but didn't use 90% of it. I never used my 10-20mm lens or my 55-200VR lens, so I sold both of them.
I eventually got a D90 because I was convinced I could take much better pictures being able to autofocus with my 50mm prime, but really it didn't do much at all. The lighter weight and smaller size of the D40 really is a pretty big bonus, especially after carrying the D90 around for a while. Most non-pro lenses you'll use autofocus on the D40 these days, and the third-party lens manufacturers are supporting this as well.
My advice, honestly, is to buy everything used. You'll get a MUCH better deal and then if you don't use something you can sell it back for roughly what you paid for. The Fred Miranda forums (fredmiranda.com) is where I buy all my stuff, and I'm sure you can find a low-used D40 and kit lens in there with a little patience. Obviously it's up to you, since you don't have warranty coverage, but everything I own now was bought used and I've had 0 problems. The forum incorporates feedback so you can be sure you're buying from someone with a good reputation.
Otherwise, even if you start out small, go as bare as you can (D40 and kit lens), and then work your way up. My advice would be to add on the Sb-600 flash and the 35mm 1.8 lens. In the end, what I've found and what many will tell you, is you're the key factor in how your pictures turn out, not how much gear you own.
