sjlogghe
TPF Noob!
- Joined
- May 3, 2010
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- 9
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- Location
- Wisconsin
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I have decided to buy a new DSLR camera. I currently have an "advanced P&S", and have been wanting to get a DSLR for some time now. With tax returns - I can finally afford an entry-level one.
I have been trying to do my research, and it seems like it just confuses me even more! I've spent hours reading reviews, going to different websites, etc. and feel I'm no closer to choosing a camera than I was before. Help!!
I have no plans to be a professional photographer, I just enjoy taking pictures - and want to document more beautiful, artistic memories than I currently am. So I don't need a pro DSLR, just looking at an entry-level, more for beginners, not too expensive camera.
For some reason I guess I prefer the Nikon brand. I'm looking at getting the D3000 or D5000. However, after reading some things, I now have lots of questions and am just not sure.
Question 1 - No built-in auto focus ... problem? Like I said, I don't plan on becoming a professonal - I won't buy a ton of lenses, just the basics that I need for family/travel shots. So is the fact that there's no built in auto focus going to be a big deal?? Or if I just stick to the AF-S lenses, will I be satisfied?
Question 2 - Which one? I know one of the key differences is that the D5000 has live view, but I've seen and been told that shooting strictly through the view finder won't be hard to adjust to in the D3000. I know there are a couple other more specific changes, like higher ISO on the D5000, but I'm wondering - for what I'll be using it for - is it really worth the extra $200 to go with the D5000?
Questions 3 - Kit lenses. Will they be enough? I'm looking at purchasing the cameras with 2 kit lenses ... the 18-55mm f/3.5 - f/5.6 DX Nikkor lens, and the NikonZoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom Lens. Should I do this, or buy the body only and get different lenses? I've read that the Nikon kit lenses are actually fairly good, but some sites advise to just get the body and purchase your lenses separately.
Question 4 - What does the 55-200mm zoom translate to? I still know P&S talk ... I currently have a camera with an 18x zoom lens. I like how I can get close to things from really far away - what would be a comparable lens to this much zoom? I don't know the lingo yet to know how much zoom a 55-200mm lens has.
Question 5 - For blurring backgrounds, do I need a certain lens or can I do this by adjusting the settings on the camera?? I thought I could just adjust the settings - switch t A mode, adjust the aperture, and change the exposure time. However, someone recently mentioned a lens they had to get blurry backgrounds ... do I need it?? Or will adjusting the settings work just fine?
Phew, okay - I think that's it for now. I am just so frustrated, because it seems like doing the research I'm trying to do is just making me more confused and indecisive! Any help will be GREATLY appreciated!!!
I have been trying to do my research, and it seems like it just confuses me even more! I've spent hours reading reviews, going to different websites, etc. and feel I'm no closer to choosing a camera than I was before. Help!!
I have no plans to be a professional photographer, I just enjoy taking pictures - and want to document more beautiful, artistic memories than I currently am. So I don't need a pro DSLR, just looking at an entry-level, more for beginners, not too expensive camera.
For some reason I guess I prefer the Nikon brand. I'm looking at getting the D3000 or D5000. However, after reading some things, I now have lots of questions and am just not sure.
Question 1 - No built-in auto focus ... problem? Like I said, I don't plan on becoming a professonal - I won't buy a ton of lenses, just the basics that I need for family/travel shots. So is the fact that there's no built in auto focus going to be a big deal?? Or if I just stick to the AF-S lenses, will I be satisfied?
Question 2 - Which one? I know one of the key differences is that the D5000 has live view, but I've seen and been told that shooting strictly through the view finder won't be hard to adjust to in the D3000. I know there are a couple other more specific changes, like higher ISO on the D5000, but I'm wondering - for what I'll be using it for - is it really worth the extra $200 to go with the D5000?
Questions 3 - Kit lenses. Will they be enough? I'm looking at purchasing the cameras with 2 kit lenses ... the 18-55mm f/3.5 - f/5.6 DX Nikkor lens, and the NikonZoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom Lens. Should I do this, or buy the body only and get different lenses? I've read that the Nikon kit lenses are actually fairly good, but some sites advise to just get the body and purchase your lenses separately.
Question 4 - What does the 55-200mm zoom translate to? I still know P&S talk ... I currently have a camera with an 18x zoom lens. I like how I can get close to things from really far away - what would be a comparable lens to this much zoom? I don't know the lingo yet to know how much zoom a 55-200mm lens has.
Question 5 - For blurring backgrounds, do I need a certain lens or can I do this by adjusting the settings on the camera?? I thought I could just adjust the settings - switch t A mode, adjust the aperture, and change the exposure time. However, someone recently mentioned a lens they had to get blurry backgrounds ... do I need it?? Or will adjusting the settings work just fine?
Phew, okay - I think that's it for now. I am just so frustrated, because it seems like doing the research I'm trying to do is just making me more confused and indecisive! Any help will be GREATLY appreciated!!!