seriously trying to decide...HELP!

[phaither]

ok, i've done some research and i"m definitely detting a DSLR soon. right now, i keep going back and forth on which to get. i definitely am entry level so i don't need to aim too high. i was really interested in th D5000 b/c of the tiltable LCD screen. i am short and have two kids so i thought it would be helpful in getting some difficult shots. is this gimmicky- will i regret it later? the guy at my local camera shop said i could get the D3100for about the same $ but i don't really care about the video feature. yet.

i know i'm rambling, but this is nothing compared to what's going on in my head

another question-how annoying is it to have a body without the autofocus motor? would it work out in the long run to get the D90 just for the motor? i will probably start with the kit lens, but eventually i'll want a telephoto zoom and maybe a 50mm prime.

any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance...
faith

[OsmosisStudios]

The in-body focus motor isnt much of an issue, and is becoming increasingly less important as time goes on. Nikon are updating their lenses to AF-S models and only have a select few left. Of course, there are some (like the PC-E lenses) that can't possibly be autofocus. It's not likely to be an issue

As for the D5000/D3100 debate: The tiltable screen can be fantastic, btu I've never found a use for it besides doing video or photos on a tripod that isn't in a comfortable position (ie something very low or high). Other than that fairly useless. Keep in mind, too, that the D3100 isnt just improved video: it's a full generation newer. So the sensor, processor, etc are also all new.

[phaither]

thanks for your honest input. i need to hear from more seasoned photographers before i buy. i don't want to shell out lots of $ and regret getting something else...

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Most people recommend the 50 prime because it's been the 'standard' lens for decades, but on the cropped sensors of todays digital SLR cameras (not counting the full-frame FX cameras), the equivalent angle of view comes from the 35mm f/1.8 lens, a fantastic gem that doesn't cost all that much more than the 50 prime does and WILL autofocus on all Nikon dSLRs.

As for the tilting LCD, I know a concert photographer who shoots entirely using the angled screen (on a Sony in her case) by holding the camera overhead to get a higher vantage point and composing via the screen. Other than that, I don't know anyone who uses their angled LCD for anything other than to protect the screen when not in use.

HTH.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Almond.Butterscotch

Other than that, I don't know anyone who uses their angled LCD for anything other than to protect the screen when not in use.

HTH.

Like I mentioned, I've only found a few uses for them. The major one was when shooting some video with a D5000 on a tripod. If you;ve got a decent head, you can pan side to side and use the camera similarly to a TV studio camera.

[LATphoto]

Hi
I'm a newbie too but I wanted to make my investment in a new camera just that little bit more than an entry level. I bought the Nikon D7000 and it is more or less an intermediate camera.
However - what a great camera this is. It is perfect for the beginner and very user friendly. Take a look at Nikon D7000 User's Guide and make your decision from there. Good luck.

[phaither]

Originally Posted by Almond.Butterscotch

Most people recommend the 50 prime because it's been the 'standard' lens for decades, but on the cropped sensors of todays digital SLR cameras (not counting the full-frame FX cameras), the equivalent angle of view comes from the 35mm f/1.8 lens, a fantastic gem that doesn't cost all that much more than the 50 prime does and WILL autofocus on all Nikon dSLRs.

Thank you for the info. this is exactly the kind of thing i need to learn!

[phaither]

Originally Posted by LATphoto

Hi
I'm a newbie too but I wanted to make my investment in a new camera just that little bit more than an entry level. I bought the Nikon D7000 and it is more or less an intermediate camera.
However - what a great camera this is. It is perfect for the beginner and very user friendly.

As great as this camera may be, i've already narrowed down my choices to a field of two. please don't make it any harder... thanks

[TheEagleSpirit]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

The in-body focus motor isnt much of an issue, and is becoming increasingly less important as time goes on. Nikon are updating their lenses to AF-S models and only have a select few left. Of course, there are some (like the PC-E lenses) that can't possibly be autofocus. It's not likely to be an issue

As for the D5000/D3100 debate: The tiltable screen can be fantastic, btu I've never found a use for it besides doing video or photos on a tripod that isn't in a comfortable position (ie something very low or high). Other than that fairly useless. Keep in mind, too, that the D3100 isnt just improved video: it's a full generation newer. So the sensor, processor, etc are also all new.

I see a lot about the internal focusing in the nikon lenses are they replacing the camera motors? I am finding my lenses with vibration reduction and internal focus to be faster and better quality also I don't use kit lenses but use f2.8 and faster lenses for my purposes in concerts with low light and some travel pictures where they do not permit flash or video, The most expensive lens I have is the nikor f2.8 70-200mm vr with excellent quality. Tamron f2.8 17-50 mm vr for group shots and portraits, landscapes. A tamron f2 60mm with macro but no vr that I feel will be great for pictures when I go to Graceland where no flash allowed. Since I have a nikon D90 and D7000 the wide angle and 60 mm lens on each camera will cover most of my needs. I also think about a nikor f3.5 85mm with macro and vr would round out my collection for all purposes. They all have the internal focus motors in them.

[phaither]

ok, so i think i've decided that i don't really need the tilting LCD, so i'll probably go with the 3100. but i DO need a lens that will allow me to take great indoor shots. do i bother getting the kit lens or do i buy a la carte..... as always, your help is appreciated!
faith