New Dad Needs New Camera Please Help a Newb out

[Ballistics]

A camera capable of taking very good pictures doesn't make much sense because it's more about the photographer.

It actually does make sense. I think it's about time we kill the whole "equipment doesn't matter" nonsense. It's essentially saying that you can take the same pictures with an 8mp cell phone camera that you can with a Nikon D700 and 70-200mm 2.8 VRII lens. Knowing how to use it is important, but having the right gear to get the job done is equally important. Afterall, what is a photographer with out a camera?

 

[memento]

given the proper light, i bet it'd be hard to tell the difference between a cell phone and dslr.

 

[Ballistics]

i found a Nikon D90 with a Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 wide angle lens and a Nikon 50mm f/1.8D lens for sale locally for $1300. The buyer is willing to sell only one lense if i want...recommendation on body and lense and price offer?

To me, this is a ripoff. The D90 body refurbished is $720 and the 50mm is $100 refurbished. I've seen the Tokina go for $500 used. But that's a very wide angle lens. Why not buy a D90 refurbished and pick up a Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 lens? You can get both for about 1000, and it will suit you well.

 

[Ballistics]

given the proper light, i bet it'd be hard to tell the difference between a cell phone and dslr.

Depends on the scenario. Completely controlled studio setting with $10,000 worth of light? Sure.

 

[memento]

Depends on the scenario. Completely controlled studio setting with $10,000 worth of light? Sure.

or a completely uncontrolled outside play ground in the afternoon? sure.

 

[Ballistics]

Depends on the scenario. Completely controlled studio setting with $10,000 worth of light? Sure.

or a completely uncontrolled outside play ground in the afternoon? sure.

Yeah? Show me.

 

[memento]

I'm not arguing whither or not a cell phone is just as good as a dslr. It isn't. Hell, that's why i own a dslr... because my Olympus P&S from 1996 was too SLOW to capture pics of my two year old. I own a dslr because I wanted something that took a picture when you pushed the button (no shutter lag).

Only after I got a dslr, did I realize I know nothing about photography.

Since then I have learned a tremendous amount (thank you TPF).

I'm just playing devils advocate.

So many people fixate on how many pixels or what's the newest thing.. they don't realize photography is about controlling light (which a nice dslr lets you do better; in worse conditions).

Given the proper light... 'any box with a hole' in it can make a great picture.



my advice to the OP is to find something really cheap on Criags List and use it to learn about photography. It wont take long to figure out what you do and don't like. And then you can make an educated decision on your next purchase.. assuming photography is a hobby you want to get into.


ftr - i use my point and shoot (S95) 80% of the time now...

 

[memento]

Yeah? Show me.

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/digital-discussion-q/263193-dslr-cell-phone.html

 

[NewDaddyMark]

ok guys...i appreciate the input but can we stop the pi##ing match? I'm just looking for suggestions on a camera. I understand there is overkill and I'm trying to avoid it. I'd like to buy what is needed to take pictures that have the ability to be blown up to poster size if wanted...If thats a certain cell phone...great...if its a $2000 camera...ok i'll figure it out...I dont care about video...I just want a camera with a lens or two that will allow me to take high quality pictures of my baby if used properly. That said....what should I get? Open to suggestions on body and lense. Nikon D40, D60, D70, D80, D90, D7000 etc Cannon T3i, T3, 50D etc? What?

 

[Ballistics]

ok guys...i appreciate the input but can we stop the pi##ing match? I'm just looking for suggestions on a camera. I understand there is overkill and I'm trying to avoid it. I'd like to buy what is needed to take pictures that have the ability to be blown up to poster size if wanted...If thats a certain cell phone...great...if its a $2000 camera...ok i'll figure it out...I dont care about video...I just want a camera with a lens or two that will allow me to take high quality pictures of my baby if used properly. That said....what should I get? Open to suggestions on body and lense. Nikon D40, D60, D70, D80, D90, D7000 etc Cannon T3i, T3, 50D etc? What?

What you are failing to realize is that through debate is where knowledge is received. This isn't a pissing match. Beyond that, you were already suggested a camera and lens.

 

[NewDaddyMark]

do your saying d90 with a tamron 17-50mm 2.8 lens is the best bang for my buck?

 

[Ballistics]

do your saying d90 with a tamron 17-50mm 2.8 lens is the best bang for my buck?

I'm saying that it's a place to start. It's up to you to figure out what works best for your needs. I bought a D5100 based on research and then returned it after 2 weeks of owning it and ordered a D7000.

 

[bentcountershaft]

do your saying d90 with a tamron 17-50mm 2.8 lens is the best bang for my buck?

I would say that, definitely. I'm a Canon shooter but if I lost all my gear and had to start over that's what I would do.

 

[thierry]

You can get a d90 slightly used for under $600 here: Amazon.com: Used and New: Nikon D90 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

and then I would reccomend picking up a Amazon.com: Used and New: Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) with Built-In AF Motor for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras


or Amazon.com: Used and New: Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR ED Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

 

[cbrown222]

If you don't care about video the d80 might be a better option to save money because the major difference between that and the D90 is video. D90 has HD video and D80 doesn't. The video on the D90 is pretty crappy.