In reply to Pete Ford:
My flatmate has a d200 and 18-200 VR and it's a lovely combo. Unless you're shooting fast stuff in low light it can't be beaten really. I'd try and familiarise yourself with the auto iso feature, as it's really helpful, and the iso button isn't in the most helpful place.
I'm a canon man myself, but if i was to get anything different, it'd be a d200.