Help!!! Buying new DSLR camera!!!

[photonature]

Hi All,

I finally decided to invest in a DSLR after using my numerous point and shoots. It just didn't cut it. I am new to this market and I was hoping you guys can help me guide me. I will be be taking mainly landscape shots with people in it and people shots. I have my eye on a few models from Nikon.(D80, D3000, D5000). I know that these models are a older but they fit my budget. I'm just not sure which of these models are better for me. I want a model where I have room to grow and I'm not stuck needing to buy another camera because it doesn't fit my needs. Thanks all for your help in advance.

[pharris201]

Go to this post and see if it helps.

http://digital-photography-school.co...erwhelmed.html

[Bruce A]

I think you are restricted with lens with those Nikon models - get a good used D90 and you'll have a wider selection of lenses especially from the used market.

[inkista]

Hate to tell you, but no matter how much you spend, you will always find there's something you'll want to upgrade to (lenses, bodies, etc.) But going with a good used mid-grade camera body is probably a good idea for getting a good balance of cost vs. features.

Personally, I'd say the D80 (or a used D90) are going to be better choices, because you'll have the ergonomically better dual-wheel controls, and a focus motor in the body, so you can still autofocus with AF lenses. The bodies in the two entry-level tiers lack a focus motor, and will only autofocus with AF-S lenses. While this isn't necessarily a handicap for landscape/portrait shooting, it can be one serious PITA if you get into action photography.

Suggest you look at this table of Nikon tiers/generations so you'll get a feel for how the model numbers lay out, and how old the camera you're looking at may be.

[Phillydog1958]

Originally Posted by photonature

Hi All,

I finally decided to invest in a DSLR after using my numerous point and shoots. It just didn't cut it. I am new to this market and I was hoping you guys can help me guide me. I will be be taking mainly landscape shots with people in it and people shots. I have my eye on a few models from Nikon.(D80, D3000, D5000). I know that these models are a older but they fit my budget. I'm just not sure which of these models are better for me. I want a model where I have room to grow and I'm not stuck needing to buy another camera because it doesn't fit my needs. Thanks all for your help in advance.

It sounds like this might just be your first DSLR. If it is, I'd go with the D5000. It's a good entry level camera. It will allow you to figure out if you even want to pursue photography as a hobby. If you decide that you don't want to, then you've made a minimal investment. If you decide that you do enjoy photography, you can always upgrade to a more sophisticated camera. I owned a D5000 and recently sold it and upgraded.

[Doug Pardee]

I don't intend this to be harsh, but sometimes ya gotta tell it like it is...

If all you can say about your point-and-shoot experience is "didn't cut it," a DSLR probably is going to be even worse. A good photographer can get plenty of good photos out of point-and-shoot cameras, and will know just which situations the digicams aren't working out in.

A DSLR is far from a magic solution. DSLRs are more challenging than digicams. They can reward experienced photographers with much better results than a digicam can provide, especially under challenging conditions like low light. They will also punish inexperienced photographers with much worse results than a digicam would provide, even under the best conditions.

For "landscape shots with people in it," getting sharp pictures on a DSLR will probably be a challenge because of the narrower depth of field on the DSLR. Those types of photos are usually a lot easier to get with a digicam.