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My DH recently got the Nikon D60, and he LOVES it. He was looking at the D5000 as well, but ultimately felt that he doesn't NEED a DSLR for video, especially if he is just starting to really get into photography, but that's a personal choice. (Besides, he got himself the Flip HD, instead.) Not to mention, you can always upgrade the body in a few years if you want to, since the lenses are all compatible.
Anyway, with Nikon or Canon, you can't really go wrong. I would go to a store that either sells or specializes and ask them any questions you have. Also, feel the camera in your hands, and find out which one you're most comfortable with.
Good luck!
I bought FI the Nikon D40, and we both use it and love it. My true love is 35 mm SLR photography and printing, but alas, no darkroom access anymore and it is getting increasingly impossible to get your hands on film, paper, etc for a reasonable price. The D40 is a good alternative to the point-and-shoots because you can still have artistic control over aperature, shutter, etc, and play around with concepts (not to mention you can change out lenses, we have a zoom and a fisheye in addition to the normal range lens.) that you just can't with a point-and-shoot.
I have been to a store and they recommended the Nikon D3000 b/c it is a good starter camera and I probably won't use some features of the Nikon D5000. The 5000 is $300 more, and I am trying to figure it out if it would be worth it to go ahead and buy it and will end up using those extra features as I get more knowledgeable.
The 3000 was on sale (about 50 off), and I don't know if the guy at the store really recommends that one b/c of the price or the camera itself. That is why I am trying to get everyone elses' opinions!
Keep 'em coming please!
My suggestion (and what I did when I got my DSLR) is to find a used body that's still in great shape, and put the money you've saved into lenses. Lenses are far more important for good photography than the body is, since pretty much any recent camera body will do a great job. I got a Nikon D50, in part because it was important to me that there be an autofocus motor on the body in case I wanted to use older lenses without a built-in autofocus mechanism.
IMHO, as you get to be a better photographer, you'll probably need the bells and whistles less than you think. Unless you really want the video mode (and honestly, I can't imagine taking video with my DSLR, even though I do use my compact camera for video now and then), I think you'd be absolutely fine with a slightly older model camera and some killer lenses.
i have the Nikon d80. I LOVE it! I would say go into a shop and actually HOLD the cameras. then you'll be comfortable with the size. if you are like me you want to take it everywhere with you, you will want to make sure its not TOO big, which I think some of them are.
I'm a canon girl so I am not super familiar with nikon bodies, but I wanted to second HL's suggestion that you put your money in lenses and don't worry so much about the body. You can have the best camera body in the world and if you have a sub-par lens your photos will not be stellar. You get a very basic body and some kickass lenses, you will get amazing shots. :)
In that same vein, do not buy a body + lens together as a kit because almost always the lens they give you is crap. Do some research and buy a mid-grade lens (most lenses can be categorized to three categories: cheapies (stay away generally); mid range (your best value); and professional grade (way too expensive usually for a hobby photographer).
I can't tell you much more but if you want to know anything about canon pm me :)
I come from a Canon family, so I have a Canon body because then I could steal my father's expensive lenses. <3 Canon
ALSO, remember...
LENSES are way more important than bodies. Sneriously.
I love Canon! My FI has a Canon Rebel XSI and it's amazing.
And I definitely second fifty on the fact that the lenses are what really matter!!
i'm a Canon shooter as well. I 2nd not getting a kit. I did that at first and it's a junky lens. both systems have their pros and cons, so it's just about getting one system that you like and sticking with it. i would recommend holding both entry level cameras in your hands and seeing how they feel. good luck! photography is a beautiful hobby to have. mine hobby turned into my profession!
Okay, so the Canon people, what camera do you suggest?? And for both Nikon and Canon users, which lenses are good to buy?? At the store they suggested the 55-200 VR lens (nikon). This is so complicated!
Go for this one, but just the body.
As far as lenses go, get the best wide-angle you can afford and the best normal you can afford. Telephoto is nice to have, but gets extra expensive.
Also invest in an external flash.
Being a photography hobbyist myself I would suggest either any Nikon (The bodies are all pretty much the same) or the Canon Reble XTI, which is an excellent starter camera. They are both great and you will really get good photos with either one. As for lenses, make sure you get a basic lense which usually comes with the camera, a wide angle lense and I always like something fun, like a fisheye lense which makes for some great photos!
CANON. Start with the Rebel XTi and then work your way up.
I 2nd the first poster who said: "feel the camera in your hands." The camera needs to be an extension to you and it needs to feel right in your hands. I can't stand the way a Canon feels in my hand.... to me, the ergonomics of Nikon are better. Technology wise, Nikon and Canon will always flip-flop and see-saw technological superiority.... and once you begin investing in one it's very VERY expensive to switch. So, feel the Nikons and feel the Canon cameras and go from there. Also, Nikon and Canon zoom in opposite directions! Nikon zooms in by rotating the ring clockwise and Canon is counter clockwise... that may have an impact on your decision as well.
As for starting out, I rec. buying the 50mm f/1.8 of either Nikon or Canon. It's the cheapest lens either company makes and it's amazing. Make sure you learn about each setting and how to manually expose a shot. Learn how the shutter, aperture, and ISO all relate and impact each other.
That 50mm lens is amazing. I second that.
I've been shooting with Canons for almost 15 years now, and so a Nikon feels weird in my hands. :p
The hubby and I have been going back and forth about getting one of these and you are making the Canon that much more appealing for us!
You honestly can't make a bad decision with either (Canon or Nikon). You just have to pick one and stick with it.
One thing to consider between Canon and Nikon is what sort of photog you're doing. Canon is slightly preferred for doing quick changes, i.e. lenses, and iirc, some settings. For still life or portrait photog, or where you really won't be switching around a lot, Nikon is used more.
I dunno, I bounce around between lenses so often. And well, yeah. I've said why I'm a Canon before. :p
Another vote for "feeling the camera in your hands"- I tried out a ton of cameras and found an Olympus DSLR was the best fit for me, much lighter, fits my smaller hands better, plus I get the same results as the pricier brands.
A great forum and reviews to check out is www.dpreview.com.
I have a D5000 specifically for low-light conditions because of the type of photography I have to do. It is *the* low-light DSLR.
Thank you everyone for your advice/opinions. I am definitely going to get a Nikon, but can't decide between a D500 or D90. I really want the D300 but can't spend that much money on a DSLR. I bought a couple of books to teach me the basics of photogrpahy...but I was hoping to find a class to take around where I live....
Actually, "the" low light DSLR is the Nikon D3 ;-) But that's a pro camera that costs $5,000 ;-)
D90 over D5000 hands down, no contest!
I just bought a D90 for my Fiance.. he picked it out.. so I assumed it was good.
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I am wanting to get into photography as a hobby and have been researching digital slr cameras. So far, I am leaning towards the Nikon D3000 and 5000 (can't figure out which one I need). Does anyone have any advice for me? I am not even definitely sure I want a Nikon...that is just what some people have recommended. Any help at all would be appreciated. Thank you.