Nikon recommendations for beginner with upgrade potential

[djacobox372]

When considering a camera it's typically a balance between sensor/image quality and features/build quality.

The sensor isn't only about resolution, in fact the color quality and high-ISO ability is what really sets different sensors apart. Nikon typically recycles their sensor technology downwards, so many camera models from different model lines share similar sensor tech.

Here's the breakdown, all these have similar sensor design/image quality but varying features and prices ranges:

1) D100, D70, D50, D40, D3000 = 6mp CCD, price range ($185-250)
2) D200,D80,D60,D40x = 10.2 mp CCD, ($250-400)
3) D300,D90,D5000, D3100 = 12mp CMOS ($400-700)
4) D7000,D5100 = 16mp CMOS ($600-$1100)
5) D3,D700 = 12mp full frame CMOS ($2000-3000)

Your budget puts you in the 2nd and 3rd bracket, so basically you have to decide which is more important to you: a CMOS sensor or a better build quality and more features? The CMOS sensor will give you about 1.5-2 stops better ISO performance, which is a pretty big deal.

I've seen d5000's selling for a STEAL on ebay, $200-300... I'd consider one of those. My 2nd choice would be a D200, due to the metal body, af motor, and full compatabiity with manual focus glass.

 

[violakat03]

Both of those lenses are awesome, but i would suggest u forgo one of them for a 35 1.8, its a great lens for dx. The d40's low light isn't as great as what is available today so a 35 1.8 will go further than 18-55 as a standard, you'll miss the wide end a bit however.

All the lenses came together with the camera. I bought it from a seller on craigslist. I met the seller at Tim Horton's so I could check the shutter count (5700) and the photos on a computer screen. I was suitably impressed and I decided to purchase it. So now I'm the proud owner of my first DSLR!