One of the reasons people choose Nikon over Canon is that you can get lenses from 40 years ago that will work on the most recent body, it's all backward compatible. Canon tend to chuck out their lens systems after fifteen years or so.
The Nikon mount is fully compatible across the range. However not all the features on the latest Nikon lenses will work with all cameras across the Nikon lens.
Thanks for the recommendation, think the Canon 500D seems to be a better camera, and the price is a lot more affordable.Would you recommend any lenses? Or would the standard 18mm-55mm IS Lens be the best for a beginner?
Have you got a glossary there Andy?
cos working in public sector there's far too many acronyms as it is.