Beginner Purchase Nikon D5000 or...

[lynweber]

Hi this is my first post. I am in Indiana in the US. I am excited awaiting my first purchase but find myself confused a lot by all the stuff. I am just learning about aperture and ISO stuff been reading a book for sometime making notes etc. So here are my questions.

I am really thinking of getting the D5000 but what is the main difference between Nikon and Canon, i'm sure all of you are Nikon lovers but I really want to know to make a better decision I was contemplating the Canon XSi.

Also, what lens besides the 18-55mm would be good for starting out I have heard good things about the "nifty 50".

Thanks for your input!

[RLucas]

Hi Lynn, and welcome!
I would say, if it is a toss up between the two, Hold both of them, and test them. Some people prefer the Canons, and some the Nikon. It ends up being what you feel is the easier to use and navigate for you. As far as lenses go, take your time with the kit lens, and see how far that takes you. When you find the limitations of that lens, you can better choose what you need to get the job done.

Good luck, and happy shooting!

Luke

[Shokinen]

There is no big difference exept the buttons are placed differently. Go in a store near your place and take the time to feel both bodies. You'll probably like one more than the other.

As for a second lens, the 55-200 is a nice complement and it's not that expensive (VR version please). Telephoto lens are fun for wildlife and sport photography.

The 50mm will not autofocus on the D5000. You can consider the 35mm DX. It will autofocus, it's good for composition practice, it's also very sharp and the bokeh is amazing.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by Shokinen

There is no big difference exept the buttons are placed differently. ...

Well, that and the autofocus motor issue. The Nikon D5000 won't autofocus if the lens isn't designated as AF-S. Which means the 50mm f/1.8 you contemplate will be manual focus only on the D5000 (usually not a big deal unless you plan on doing action photography, like sports, or small children with it).

On the Canon side of the fence, all the focus motors are in the lenses, so all the EOS lenses, whether they have USM or not, autofocus on all the bodies.

[Whitemaiden159]

Hi lynn, I'm very new at this so keep this in mind as you continue to read. I have purchased the Nikon D-90 and just love it. I also am new to shutter speed , aperture and ISO and taking notes as we speak. I spoke to quite a few photographers and they told me it really was what you take pics of is how you pick your lenses. I bought a 18-105 mm and a 70--300mm. this will help me with protrait and close ups and the others help with me nature shots like with deer, and NASCAR. Hope this helps. B