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      10-22-2010, 06:49 PM   #1
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Need help in buying a camera

Guys,

I need your help. I'm looking to purchase a camera for my wife's birthday. I want the one where you can change the lens. Someone told me to get the Nikon D90, but I have no idea what should I look for when it comes to specs. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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      10-22-2010, 07:55 PM   #2
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D7000 is replacing the D90. Go for any Canon or Nikon... both are good
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      10-22-2010, 08:05 PM   #3
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The D90 is a great camera and does 720p video however it is discontinued and its replacement, the D7000 may be overkill for a beginner (as would be the D90).

If she is new to real photography then you could maybe start with a Nikon D3100 - $650 ish. It takes great photos and HD video. It comes with a 18-55mm lens which will give you some wide angle but no zoom. You have a couple of options for bringing things closer - either a 70-200mm for about $300 or, to avoid changing lenses, the Nikkor 18-200mm VR for about $700.

If you don't care about video, get a used D40. A great camera. You should be able to pick up a used one for under $400 with lens. I started with a D40 and moved up to a D300S.

I would suggest you go to your closest Ritz and get a feeling for the size and weight. The 40/3100/5000 are quite small and light. The 90/7000/300S are monsters.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomroyal/2168822100/#

Lastly, if you are looking at a Canon or Nikon, don't worry about specs, especially megapixels.
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      10-22-2010, 10:11 PM   #4
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I am a newbie here and just wanna say Hi to everyone. I am Daniel from Pennsylvania, US.

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      10-23-2010, 10:19 AM   #5
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get nikon or canon
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      10-23-2010, 12:11 PM   #6
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I have a D7000 which replaced my D5000. The D7000 is Nikon's newest camera and is spectacular. Great features and settings for both beginner and pro.
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      10-23-2010, 12:38 PM   #7
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      10-25-2010, 08:42 AM   #8
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The D7000 is pretty sweet, but $1300 with just the kit lens was a bit out of my price range. I just picked up a D3100 after a month of debate between that and the Canon T2i. I think I have read every review and forum on the internet not to mention visits to several camera stores. There is no question the D7000 is better than both of these, but not the D90. The D3100 has the newest Nikon processor and also take HD video.

The D3100 will set you back about 700 with the kit lens. You may want to also look at the Canon T2i. Its about 200 dollars more but the video ability is superior. That being said, you have to manually focus the video on the Canon whereas the Nikon has auto focus. There are some drawbacks to the Nikon's auto-focus: (1) you can hear the gears in the lens actually focusing, which pretty much rules it out if you are trying to get a polished movie clip, and (2) the picture can be a little jumpy.

There are so many options out there, it was dizzying at first, but if you set a price point there is definitely something out there for you. You should also consider if you want a zoom lens or not (this can be a pricey addition as you will see).
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      10-27-2010, 02:06 AM   #9
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XSI with a 17-85 can't go wrong..
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      10-27-2010, 08:47 AM   #10
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If you want to get her something smaller than a larger dSLR, then look into the Olympus Pen, imo.
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      10-28-2010, 11:27 PM   #11
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Quote:
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XSI with a 17-85 can't go wrong..
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      11-29-2010, 01:37 PM   #12
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Help me decide. Nikon D90 or D3100? I need something that can take clear pictures (poster like / frame like), nice hd videos where you can't hear camera when adjusting, and can shoot pictures the fastest. My budget is 850 dollars. Thanks!
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      12-03-2010, 10:11 AM   #13
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canon T2i
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...i_Digital.html
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      12-03-2010, 04:16 PM   #14
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I just bought the D7000 today. It's very nice, but agree it's pricey.

OP - for your budget, I'd recommend the D90. It's basically the same as the D7000 with just a couple fewer features. Doesn't shoot 1080 video, but no big deal since it's still got 720 video. The focus and low light sensitivity isn't as refined, but you'll likely never notice. The D90 is a fine, fine camera and basically set the standard for higher end, entry level DSLRs. You hardly see any bad reviews of the D90. Also the D90 is quicker in frame rate 4.5/sec vs 2.9/sec than the 3100. I'd recommend the D90. It also has a built in motor in the camera body allowing you to use auto focus on lens that don't have a motor built into the lens itself. The 3100 is also a fine choice and has upgraded video capability vs the D90 along with a newer image sensor. But I think you'll find the D90 as a longer term investment.
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      12-08-2010, 04:54 PM   #15
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Is this a good deal for 500 dollars?

1. Canon Rebel XTI with two lenses
- canon zoom lens EF 75-300mm the other is EFS 18-55mm
- including the case
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      12-08-2010, 05:02 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by element_13 View Post
Is this a good deal for 500 dollars?

1. Canon Rebel XTI with two lenses
- canon zoom lens EF 75-300mm the other is EFS 18-55mm
- including the case
I think I sold my xti 18-55 2gb cf card and remote for 350. I assume the 18-55 is non IS. And the 75-300 is fairly cheap. See if you can get it for cheaper. What's te condition
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      12-08-2010, 05:05 PM   #17
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The seller said it's in good condition. How much do you think I should pay?

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/ele/2097832414.html
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      12-08-2010, 05:06 PM   #18
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http://newjersey.craigslist.org/ele/2101701862.htmlHere's the other one.
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      12-09-2010, 03:31 PM   #19
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first one is no longer avilable. tough to say 450 seems high for a 3rd sale with no real info on it. You can buy newer models then the xti for slightly more. if you want canon i would suggest checking out http://photography-on-the.net/forum/ and the for sale section there.
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