First time DSLR buyer - need recommendations

[goodguy]

Thanks for all the recommendations.

The d7000 seems like a nice camera.

I really want a nice camera. I have always bought those cheapo throw away cameras and i think it is about time i get a quality camera. Nikon dslr's fit the bill i think. I want something that will last over time and something upgradable. I dont want a toy to take pictures with. I dont want something i would give my daughter to take pics of her friends with. I think its time for me to get a nice camera.

The main reason i want to get a nice camera is for macro photography on reef tanks so that i can get some original photos for my book and website. A point and shoot camera wont give me the same quality i am looking for, i dont believe.

Ill look more into the d7000 and figure out where to get one soon. Thanks for all the links and the help. Keep it coming.

Cant agree with you more about the Nikon D7000, I took my time comparing DSLRs and without being bias to any camera maker I found that for the money the D7000 was the best choice.
Got mine for 1000$+tax with the 18-105mm VR lens.

Good luck on your research.

 

[joshua_]

Hello,

I was recently making a similar decision to yours and found this site to be helpful in making my decision - DxOMark - Nikon

I also find this site very helpful - Nikon Cameras: Digital Photography Review

Sounds like you are already off to a good start so I'm not sure if you need any more information or not.

 

[SnakeBlitz33]

I think I am going to stick with the D90. It's in my price range used and I know it's not top of the line, but I am pretty sure that I will be able to get the pics that I want out of it for what I want to do with it. If I get more into it, I will give the other better cameras a try - but for now I am going to get the D90. Thanks everyone for all the help and thank you for all the links! I really appreciate it.

The D90 is the one that I keep going back to every time that I look at another camera. I guess it's the one for me.

So, now that I have finally decided on a camera - after going through all of that research and finding things out and gained a lot of knowledge about parts and what they mean, I guess it's onward to lenses and then trying to figure out how to use the darn thing. lol

 

[SCraig]

I think I am going to stick with the D90. It's in my price range used and I know it's not top of the line, but I am pretty sure that I will be able to get the pics that I want out of it for what I want to do with it. If I get more into it, I will give the other better cameras a try - but for now I am going to get the D90. Thanks everyone for all the help and thank you for all the links! I really appreciate it.

The D90 is the one that I keep going back to every time that I look at another camera. I guess it's the one for me.

So, now that I have finally decided on a camera - after going through all of that research and finding things out and gained a lot of knowledge about parts and what they mean, I guess it's onward to lenses and then trying to figure out how to use the darn thing. lol

You'll enjoy the D90, it's a great camera. I have a D7000 and still use my D90 as well.

You'll really appreciate the Commander mode for off-camera flash when shooting reef tanks. Being able to place a couple of off-camera flashes where you want them at the tank really works well. I have 2 fresh-water tanks and usually shoot my fish with a flash on each side of the tank firing in or over the tank shooting down into it.

 

[SnakeBlitz33]

Thanks for reaffirming what I was thinking. I appreciate some feedback from a person who knows how to photograph aquariums! I really do think I will be happy with the D90 as my beginner camera. Who knows what this wonderful new hobby will open up for me.

 

[Helitech]

Like i said either way is a good choice! Have fun and keep snapping! I hope you aren't upset that I threw another body in the mix, I just wanted to make sure you at least THOUGHT about the D7000