Need help finding new camera

schmidt215 · Mar 11, 2011

I am not necessarily new to cameras, but i have never gotten a DSLR before and am looking to buy one. I am looking at Nikons and do not necessarily know which one to choose to buy, so if could have any suggestions that would be great! And i know that some of them do video, and I dont care for that. But pleases suggestions on which camera to get would be helpful! Thanks again

bigtwinky · Mar 11, 2011

1- You don't mention budget. Your choices in Nikon range from D3100, D7000, D90, D300, D300S, D700, D3, D3S/X

2- Lenses are way more important than bodies. If i had $2000, I'd rather a $500 body + $1500 lens then a $1500 body + $500 lens

RockstarPhotography · Mar 11, 2011

we need more information. What are you planning on shooting? Are you going to be outside alot where you may need a weathersealed body? Will you be shooting in low light so you need good iso performance? Details dude!

schmidt215 · Mar 11, 2011

Sorry about that haha. Well i was thinking about spending around 700 the max. I would consider the D90, but i feel like its too expensive for me since i am a college student. I plan on shooting just about anything, but to be more specific, nature, sports games, car races, that kinda thing......and there will probably be times where i will have to shoot in low light.

bigtwinky · Mar 11, 2011

You won't go too far with $700 if you need a body and a lens.
The variety in what you shoot will often be impacted by your lenses.
Sports, wildlife = long lens
Landscapes = wide lens
People = medium lens

But for $700... hmm... I really dont know Nikons that well. If the D90 is too expensive, then look at the D3100 and D5000, get the kit lens that comes with it and just start learning

schmidt215 · Mar 11, 2011

I mean i found some kits from B&H and another place that had the price range for the D3100, D3000, and the D5000, but i was wondering if i should start with the D3100 or D3000 because it has the built in guides or go with one without. I am still learning about lighting, ISO and all that other stuff, but i don't know what is the best camera to go with for the start of a DSL. As of right now, I have a Panasonic DMC-FZ20 which was given to me, and i want to upgrade to something where I can do more with it, such as changing the lens. I am still learning so I don't know what I should exactly start with when it comes to a DSLR.

RockstarPhotography · Mar 11, 2011

If you can read your owners manual you don't need the guides..........

schmidt215 · Mar 11, 2011

That's what i figured haha, but D3100 and D3000 come with guides. I would get the D5000 but the one minor thing that I dont like about it, is that it has the screen that can flip around.

xjoewhitex · Mar 12, 2011

schmidt215 said:
That's what i figured haha, but D3100 and D3000 come with guides. I would get the D5000 but the one minor thing that I dont like about it, is that it has the screen that can flip around.

Well as I am aware the d3100 is the better body of the 3 you mention anyways, it does have the guide button if you do find that useful. Has the highest Mp count of the 3 if that is important to you @14.2. And also has the highest ISO capability's but im not sure how the photos looked while turned high.