Chris your request begs some questions from me.....what makes you and your wife think you'll become serious photography hobbyists?


Do either of you have previous photography experience?


Do you understand some/all of the terms used in the replies?


I have to assume no after reading your generic "all kinds of photographs" statement and that neither of you have previous photography experience.


My point, if my assumption is correct, is that you don't need to start your quest with such sophisticated (expensive) equipment nor all the accessories, i.e. why jump into the deep end of the pool to learn how to swim? This strategy puts you at risk of becoming overwhelmed by the equipment and becoming disinterested w/the hobby resulting in you putting your expensive equipment on the shelf to collect dust.


How many of you started your photographic passion in this manner? I don't imagine too many....another assumption on my part is that most of you started off as myself; the passion was developed, you out grew your equipment and then you started spending your money on more sophisticated equipment and accessories.


My advice Chris; hold off on spending all your budget and invest in a simpler camera that has similar options to a DSLR, e.g. Canon SX20IS, G10 and purchase info books on photography. Learn the camera, WB, EV, ISO, F stops, composition, lighting, etc., develop the interest you have now to the next level.


The benefits to my suggestions Chris; you and your wife will know after a few months of learning this simpler equipment and what makes a good photo if you have the passion to make a more expensive investment, to do more learning and if not; you'll have saved yourselves 1500 bucks and have a nice little camera you can leave on the green box for nice snapshots.


BTW....if my assumption is wrong (mea culpa); less expensive body (Rebel or 50D) and better glass (prime and zoom), though I would still hold off on the accessories until after becoming totally familiar w/the camera, natural light situations and you have decided what type of photography you want to do.


Good luck