Starter Camera!!!! HELP!!!

Beth81 · Jan 12, 2009

ANDS,

Thank you so much for helping me. I promise I thought I was going to go crazy from reading all of this information. Now, if you don't mind me asking what camera do you have? Oh and what about filters, converters, or flashlights? I'm not exactly sure what the filters and converters are for so can you help with that and also which flashlight would be a good flashlight for me to buy?

Beth81 · Jan 12, 2009

Oh and here's another questions:

What's the telephoto lens? I see telephoto and standard and super telephoto? I don't get it.

ANDS! · Jan 12, 2009

A Nikon D300. Only filters I have are UV filters and they are scattered around my house. Don't really use them. If by flashlight you mean Speedlight (or Flashgun) I have an SB600 which gets the job done when I need it to.

All told if you went with this:
Nikon D80
Nikon Nikkor 50MM F/1.8
Nikon SB-600 Speedlight

Total Cost: 781.90 with 10 dollars or so shipping. That would still be 100 dollars or more less than a new D90 that will do everything you want.

Beth81 · Jan 12, 2009

I so so thank you for helping me out. If my photographs ever make it big I'll owe it to you. LOL. You can read up and somewhere someone gave me the web link for kenrockwell.com. I don't know if you've ever been there but I think he has talked me down to the d40 with the sb400 speedlight. and he says a good all around lens is the 18-200mm VR. I've never heard of Ken Rockwell so can I trust his opinion or should I stick with your option or maybe go with at least a d60? i definitely prefer something light weight.

ANDS! · Jan 12, 2009

Kens suggestions are for the AVERAGE photographer. And for the AVERAGE photographer, all they need is really the D40 and the 18-200 VR. However, if you are interested in being more than an average, every now and again hobbyist shooter, then you will, very soon, start to see the limitations on the D40.

These limitations are NOT in image quality, but in the logistics and handling of the D40. After holding the D80 and D300, I could in no way go back to a D50, let alone a D40.

You will notice that Ken uses his D40/SB400 combo mostly for what he would consider casual shooting. He's not wrong, but if he (and others) had to choose ONE camera, the D40/SB400 combo would not be it. So yes, those three are a nice combo, but it all depends on how far you plan on taking things.

Beth81 · Jan 12, 2009

Ok then I think I'll stick with your combo. now where can I order tese items that you mention above? Especially for this great price?

Beth81 · Jan 12, 2009

LOL nevermind. i clicked on the link. He he oh so what about the cleaning part of this camera? I think it's called auto clean? I know the d90 has it so what is that for? I'm sorry for all the questions but I'm just so confised that's it's easier to take someones advice at this point instead of reading anymore articles.

Beth81 · Jan 12, 2009

What's an easy photo editor to start with that I can grow into also?

ANDS! · Jan 12, 2009

For the moment, do not think or worry about anything other than getting a camera, a good lens and the desire to shoot photos. Seriously. If you try to throw the kitchen sink in to your buying decision you wont ever get a camera. Just realize the D80 will be all the camera you need for your entire journey from Padawan Learner to Jedi Knight.

DavidElliot · Jan 13, 2009

ANDS! said:
A Nikon D300. Only filters I have are UV filters and they are scattered around my house. Don't really use them. If by flashlight you mean Speedlight (or Flashgun) I have an SB600 which gets the job done when I need it to.

All told if you went with this:
Nikon D80
Nikon Nikkor 50MM F/1.8
Nikon SB-600 Speedlight

Total Cost: 781.90 with 10 dollars or so shipping. That would still be 100 dollars or more less than a new D90 that will do everything you want.

just to put it into more perspective that would be 100 dollars less than a new D90 body, no lens included.

jonesy1 · Jan 13, 2009

I just want to thank everyone for the great posts here, I am in the same situation. I have an S5 right now and want to move up.

I am still stuck between canon and nikon. I just got a couple of books out from the library to read up as well..... I want to do my homework before I jump in to anything.

So thanks for everyones input on this thread! you are helping more than one poster for sure!

Beth81 · Jan 13, 2009

I'm extremely grateful to all of you that has taken time out to help the newbies of the group. I was really beginning to get frustrated at the photographers here in my town because they all act snobby and not willing to help me but then again why would they? After all, I'll be their competition soon. :lmao:

. Anyways, I'm always open for suggestions and as soon as I get my camera in I'll start posting some pictures. And while we are on the subject of pictures. lol will the d80 take black and white pictures?

ANDS! · Jan 13, 2009

Beth81 said:
And while we are on the subject of pictures. lol will the d80 take black and white pictures?

Of course. Shoot in color, then convert to black and white using CaptureNX (or ViewNX the free version). Do not shoot black and white in camera, as somewhere down the line you may well think "Gee, I wonder what that would've looked like in color."

saltydog3317 · Jan 13, 2009

I was where you are now a few months back. Wanting a good camera and not really knowing much. I was reading every review I could find.
A friend of mine who has a Nikon D300 took some time with me and talked about what I was interested in shooting and how much money I had etc.....
I settled on the Nikon D40 with 2 kit lenses the 18-55 and the 55-200.
I also got 2 uv filters a cp filter, 2 batteries a very nice bag with numerous other useful things included for just under $800. I then purchased a Manfrotto tripod on Boxing Day for $250.
I am VERY happy with the pictures I am taking so far. I also ordered the Understanding Exposure book and suggest this to anyone new to the hobby to start learning the basics. This book has helped me very much.
So for a little over $1000 I have pretty much got what I need to take a wide variety of pictures. I may want a few other lenses down the road but the 2 kit lenses I have are taking great pictures for me now.
My friend who helped me get started says the D40 is a great learning camera.