[deletedelete]

So id like to start doing some better photography. Right now I use the iphone or my girlfriends nikon cool pix. I need something more serious. Ill probably try and find a used one and I dont want expensive.

Im not pro enough to need a 1k at this point. I just want whatever cheap beginning camera most use. Thoughts?

[anthony @ eas]

I'd definitely recommend the D40 w/ the kit lens - a really awesome camera.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40.htm

[deletedelete]

Originally Posted by anthony @ eas

I'd definitely recommend the D40 w/ the kit lens - a really awesome camera.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40.htm

Ill look into that, thanks.

[vachss]

Any one of the following will do everything you want and give you plenty of opportunity to learn about photography and decide where to go next:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/comp...n_d40&show=all

Both Canon and Nikon make excellent cameras in the entry-level DSLR segment. Both have minor advantages and disadvantages, but nothing really significant. Just find a good deal on any of these and start shooting.

[deletedelete]

Originally Posted by vachss

Any one of the following will do everything you want and give you plenty of opportunity to learn about photography and decide where to go next:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/comp...n_d40&show=all

Both Canon and Nikon make excellent cameras in the entry-level DSLR segment. Both have minor advantages and disadvantages, but nothing really significant. Just find a good deal on any of these and start shooting.

Thanks, I hope I dont have to pay more then $500 for one. Gonna look to buy used or trade for one.

[BillLee]

look up nikon D40 or canon 40D.

They are both great entry level DSLR cameras.

[dcstep]

Here's a similar thread with a $1000 budget in a Photography discussion forum:

http://photo.net/beginner-photograph...s-forum/00Up2e

[vash_241987]

Hmmm...I'm going against the grain here and say check out a sony A200. Reason I bought mine was that I got it during the Circuit City store closings, so I got a pretty good deal (it was also the only xmas present i got). It's pretty good for a entry level DSLR. Being a amature at this hobby the potential of this camera could be exploited by a pro, but thats why they get the more expensive ones .

Here is a review: http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/AA200/AA200A.HTM

I was in the same boat as you, I wanted a canon rebel, but it was too expensive. I wanted a nikon, but my sister got one. Funny thing is she wanted to trade me my a200 for her D80 cause I was taking better pics.

Here are a few examples of my expertise:
Sorry for this crappy pic, the original one is on my moms laptop








It's all on how you understand how to use the various features on your camera.

[scollins]

Originally Posted by BillLee

look up nikon D40 or canon 40D.

They are both great entry level DSLR cameras.

I'd consider the the Canon 40D is a giant step up from a Nikon D40, and not exactly an entry-level DSLR. Canon's Rebel line would be more comparable I think....


Some suggestions:
Nikon D3000 with 18-55 kit lens: $550 at Adorama

Canon XS with 18-55 kit lens: $500 at Adorama


Of course, these are right at your max budget, and that doesn't include the little extras you always need (bag, extra battery, etc.)

[deletedelete]

Wow, nice pics and thanks for all the suggestions.

Im gonna try and find a camera around my budget then find a used local one or trade some of my stuff that I have for sale for one.

So at my price point, they are all evenly matched? Nothing really I should stay away from? I believe that anything like a nikon dxx or canon rebel will be fine for my needs at this point. Then ill learn the lingo and the features and understand everything better.

[anthony @ eas]

^^ I hate to keep referring to Ken Rockwell, but he said this about the D3000:

The D3000 is Nikon's newest inexpensive DSLR. It's a good camera all by itself, but it's the worst DSLR Nikon has ever made. What makes it worse by comparison is significantly slower and balkier operation when compared to other Nikon DSLRs.

The Nikon D40 is a better camera for less money.

The Nikon D3000 is inferior both in operational speed and ease of use, as well as inferior in technical image quality. Specifically, the D3000 is about one stop noisier at any given ISO than the D40; the D3000 is as noisy at ISO 800 as the D40 is at ISO 1,600. While the D40 looks great at ISO 1,600, the D3000 is too grainy at ISO 1,600 for normal use. You have to keep the D3000 at ISO 800 or below for the best results.

Best thing to do is read reviews and then actually try them for yourself.

[deletedelete]

Still looking for my first dslr. Got an offer to trade my rims for sale for a nikon d100. Im on a real tight budget since im trying to buy a house. And my friend is letting me borrow his d80 soon so I can try out a dslr before committing myself to getting one. Its not easy with so many choices and opinions out there. The problem is just the price for me.

[ZJP]

I have a D40 also with the 18-55mm, 55-200mm VR and a 10-20mm.

Great DSLR for starting out and getting used to everything.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D40-Digita...item51900f3b01

[deletedelete]

Originally Posted by ZJP

I have a D40 also with the 18-55mm, 55-200mm VR and a 10-20mm.

Great DSLR for starting out and getting used to everything.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D40-Digita...item51900f3b01

Im really looking to offset the cost with something that I have up for sale. Kinda weird i know, but i dont have money for a house and fun stuff right now. Would you take cash and a trade?

[UdubBadger]

Originally Posted by BillLee

look up nikon D40 or canon 40D.

They are both great entry level DSLR cameras.

40D is hardly entry level, you'd be looking more into a Rebel XS, XSi or T1i for entry level Canon

[UdubBadger]

Originally Posted by scollins

I'd consider the the Canon 40D is a giant step up from a Nikon D40, and not exactly an entry-level DSLR. Canon's Rebel line would be more comparable I think....


Some suggestions:
Nikon D3000 with 18-55 kit lens: $550 at Adorama

Canon XS with 18-55 kit lens: $500 at Adorama


Of course, these are right at your max budget, and that doesn't include the little extras you always need (bag, extra battery, etc.)

yeah sorry, didn't read this far down... good info scollins

[ZJP]

Originally Posted by Prowess Symphony

Im really looking to offset the cost with something that I have up for sale. Kinda weird i know, but i dont have money for a house and fun stuff right now. Would you take cash and a trade?

Sorry man, not looking to get rid of my D40 just yet - at least not until I have some extra $ laying around for a D90.

Good luck.

[deletedelete]

Originally Posted by ZJP

Sorry man, not looking to get rid of my D40 just yet - at least not until I have some extra $ laying around for a D90.

Good luck.

Oh the d40 on ebay wasnt yours, lol. Whoops. But thanks for the link.

[deletedelete]

lol typo. I should be getting a d80 this weekend to borrow. Looking forward to doing doing a few pics of the 335 in the big snow storm thats expected and maybe some better shots of the girl in my avatar. I excite!

[deletedelete]

nikon d3000 on sale at bestbuy for $499. Good deal or no?

edit: found it at newegg for $460.

[ibeclueless]

nikon d3000 is good to start off with.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...al_Camera.html

i buy all my camera stuff from bnh, they shipped their stuff overnight which is a good thing


buy it from newegg since it is cheaper

[deletedelete]

Originally Posted by ibeclueless

nikon d3000 is good to start off with.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...al_Camera.html

i buy all my camera stuff from bnh, they shipped their stuff overnight which is a good thing


buy it from newegg since it is cheaper

Most people gave the d3000 good reviews except ken rockwell which anthony posted earlier in this thread.

I have bestbuy rewardzone points, so I should be able to get this camera with lens, brand new for $450. Many of the used cameras are in that price range, so I believe that this is a pretty good deal for a beginners camera. Any reason why I shouldnt jump on this? Is getting a used d80 or something like that for the same price better then getting the d3000 new?