First DSLR choice

[BigScott]

Hey everyone. I will be purchasing my first DSLR camera in the next month or two and I am curious what you recommend for someone who is just getting started. I have been looking at the Nikon D3000 but I would like some input. What would you recommend for a new hobbyist? Thanks.

[kirbinster]

That is a tough call, without knowing more about you and what you hope to accomplish. Do you think this will be a passing fad or something that you really grow into. What type of things do you want to take pictures of - sports, people, scenery, animals, nature, etc...

Nikon is a good choice, but I may be biased since I have Nikon equipment. In the entry level (consumer line) the Nikon bodies do not have autofocus motors, which means you have to get AF-S lenses that have motors in the lenses. Not a big deal since you don't have older lenses, but lenses like the 50mm f/1.8 will not autofocus on those cameras. Do you like the small size of the D3000, have you compared it against the D90 or higher cameras? Personally I like the small size, but many do not.

If you really get interested in this you will quickly outgrow the D3000. Further, for about $100 more you can get a D5000 which has a much better sensor and the moveable rear screen which lets you take pictures with liveview above your head or on the ground very easily.

If you want to save some money you might go for a used D40. That way you can learn and if you decide its not for you then you have not invested that much. Also, you will loose less when you decide to upgrade to a D90 or D300s. The other option is that if you know this is really for you then you might want to just start with the D90 that will be good for you for many years.

[Big Nick]

What I always recommend to people with this type of question is to get out and rent a camera or two see which one you are more comfortable with and go with that. DSLR's can be a substantial investment. If you plan on using it for a long time you are going to put more and more money into it. Eventually you are going to want to upgrade which you are going to probably want to stick to the same brand so you don't have to buy all new lenses and so on. So why not rent a couple you can see which line you feel most comfortable with. All brands are going to have the same basic feature set so it really is just an issue of preference.

[sk66]

I'm a Nikon user, but if I were to do it again I would seriously consider Canon. One of the biggest factors is that good glass for Canons are cheaper than comparable for Nikon.
i.e. aprox $1600 for a Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS USM -vs- $1900 for Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 AFS VR.
It's even more notable when buying used lenses.

[BEGM83]

Im also a Nikon user and got the D60 (which i believe is no longer avaliable) and having played with the Canon equivilent i can honestly say i made the right purchase for me.

Go out and have a play with both brands, try the next price band up on both brands too and then back to the original you were looking at. Take your time with it too because once you start buying lenses and stuff you're kinda stuck with your choice (unless you want to make all that outlay again!)

[Dodge]

Hi BigScott

Pretty new myself too, but I will be the guy to stand in the Sony corner, although admittedly I can't vouch for the other brands 'cos I aint had em

BUT, I have really enjoyed my Sony a350. Theres some really sweet second hand Minolta lenses to be had relatively cheep too, that fit the Sony cameras, and the image stabilization is in the camera as opposed to the lenses as with most brands, if I understand correctly.

I guess everyone is loyal to their choice, TBH, if I'd read more I probably wouldn't have chosen Sony, based on general concensus and brand snobbery, but I'm glad I did. That's just me though. As the others have said, read reviews online and if possible, try before you buy until you find what you like.

Sony, Nikon or Canon, none are going to be crap, so its just personal preference.

[Dodge]

Can't help wondering who's the biggest out of BigScott and Big Nick.

[BigScott]

Originally Posted by Dodge

Can't help wondering who's the biggest out of BigScott and Big Nick.

I'm a 6'3, 200lb cop.

I am interested in a lot of landscape photography. This isn't something I ever intend to make money with but I want to take good shots. I have looked at a couple of different cameras (all in the Nikon line) but I am somewhat limited by price. I will take a look at other brands as well and try to test a couple of cameras out. I appreciate all of the information.

[Big Nick]

Originally Posted by BigScott

I'm a 6'3, 200lb cop.

I am interested in a lot of landscape photography. This isn't something I ever intend to make money with but I want to take good shots. I have looked at a couple of different cameras (all in the Nikon line) but I am somewhat limited by price. I will take a look at other brands as well and try to test a couple of cameras out. I appreciate all of the information.

Lol... Ive ran from a lot of cops.. But no more because I be short and round.

[FoG]

I have a Nikon D60 and more than happy with it I would say shop around I know that it is nice to get the latest equipment but would also say a year older are cheaper and just as effective so you can in effect get more for your moeny also use the net hunt around and find a bragian I know I bought mine locally and got a steal but it was a one off deal because they marked the price wrong meaning they had to honor the price I paid (£230 wihtout battery_)


Good luck PS Nikon are great and if you can find one try getting a decent year old D90 or similar also give an idea of price and will see what i can find you