Planning on buying first DSLR, any advice?

bect28 · #1 (**permalink**) 25-04-2008, 01:02 PM

Hi!

I've never used an SLR or DSLR before but am looking to buy one in the near future. I've looked at the Nikon D60 (apparently replaced the D40x which was what I was originally going for) and have been told that this is a good camera, especially for a beginner. Has anyone used or got one, if so would they agree?

Alternatively, could anyone recommend any other camera that might be suitable?

Thank you!

Eos1nrs · #2 (**permalink**) 25-04-2008, 01:06 PM

Hey Bec

Warehouse Express - Camera Accessories and Lenses, Photography Equipment, Canon, Nikon Digital Cameras

used them plenty before, very reliable and Andy Rouse tends to give honest reviews. i shoot nikon here at the studio but canons rule..both are great and neither will let you down or give bad results!
sigma lens are good alternatives and nicely priced these days
once you have settled on something, pop into london camera exchange nr Marlands in soton and get a hands on play. buy online if its cheaper also better payment options with spreading costs over 12 months etc.
good luck and take your time!

cyclone · #3 (**permalink**) 25-04-2008, 01:47 PM

If it was my money, as I have said in another thread, I'd buy the D40 off Amazon, it's less than £280 and you really don't need the extra pixels, infact I use my D80 in 6MP for JPEG's as they come out sharper.
I don't see anything on the D40x or D60 that are an advantage worth paying for.

There's not even much point going for a D80, unless you already have lenses that focus with the pin drive in the body. Really Nikon have 3 DSLR's worth considering, the D40, D300 and D3.

bect28 · #4 (**permalink**) 25-04-2008, 03:03 PM

Thank you for the replies!

Eos - cool yeah, I've been past there a couple of times, might go in and see what they say. Never tried a Canon before, I'll look into them too.

Cyclone - I wasn't sure about the pixels, I have a 5MP digital at the minute and I guess I (naively) assumed that the more pixels, the better, but the D40 was what I was originally considering and if you reckon 6MP is enough then I think I'd be better off saving my money there, especially since I am very new at this!!

Thanks again! :-)

Eos1nrs · #5 (**permalink**) 25-04-2008, 03:31 PM

Dont go for the D40. it doesnt have a motor for the lens which means you are limited in lenses. means you have to have built in motors (ie Sigmas HSM lenses) esp if you want to do fully auto shooting. LCE also does 2nd hand gear and should come with 3 or 6 mths warranty.

see here at DP review
Nikon D40 Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

cyclone · #6 (**permalink**) 25-04-2008, 03:49 PM

We'll have to agree to disagree on this one then.
The OP mentioned a D40x and D60, which also are missing the motor in the body.
The kit comes with 18-55mm, a likely addition would be 70-300mm 2 versions (VR and non-VR) both have built in focusing and the non-VR is a steal...
I did mention the D80 because of the motor issue, but still think that for somebody that doesn't already own the older pin drive lenses the D40 at that price is a great choice.

Eos1nrs · #7 (**permalink**) 25-04-2008, 04:17 PM

aah in that case Bec ignore my comments. not too aware about most Nikon's apart from the D2x if I'm honest and what i said i was told by a neighbour who was sold the camera and now wished she hadn't got it!
Cheers Merv, no need to disagree, you just know more about the Nykons range than moi!!

chatting to the boss re D3 soon...

Ogofmole · #8 (**permalink**) 25-04-2008, 04:34 PM

Hi Bec, make sure that you handle a good range of cameras before you buy, as you will find one camera that will fit your hands perfectly and have all the controls in the right place for you, once you have found this camera - then you can shop around for the best price. Although if your local shop is not that much more dearer than on-line I would still go for buying locally as you can always pop in if you get a problem, but saying that DSLR's are very reliable these days.

carregwen · #9 (**permalink**) 25-04-2008, 04:35 PM

1. Take out a heavy mortgage to pay for all the lenses you will find that you 'must have'.
2. Buy a reasonably good camera. But if you can, always buy better quality lenses - if you have that mortgage.
3. Canon/Nikon cameras and Sigma lenses are a good and cheaper option if mortgage funds are hard to get, like they are now!
4. Read reviews.
5. Go to a proper camera shop, get advice, try them out with different lenses on.
6. Think of a figure, then double it for the first two years. That is what you will probably spend.
7. Take out a second mortgage!
8. Local courses will help if you need practical and software skill development. Judging from your age you won't think much of camera clubs. Camera club members, being older, don't have mortgages.

I bet that didn't help at all...

Tco · #10 (**permalink**) 05-05-2008, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carregwen

1. Take out a heavy mortgage to pay for all the lenses you will find that you 'must have'.
2. Buy a reasonably good camera. But if you can, always buy better quality lenses - if you have that mortgage.
3. Canon/Nikon cameras and Sigma lenses are a good and cheaper option if mortgage funds are hard to get, like they are now!
4. Read reviews.
5. Go to a proper camera shop, get advice, try them out with different lenses on.
6. Think of a figure, then double it for the first two years. That is what you will probably spend.
7. Take out a second mortgage!
8. Local courses will help if you need practical and software skill development. Judging from your age you won't think much of camera clubs. Camera club members, being older, don't have mortgages.

I bet that didn't help at all...

Though written with a wink and a smile....this is sound advice. Once you get the bug it's going to cost you if you get carried away. Decide on a budget and look at samples/images of the gear you intend to buy. Add this to the advice given by the guys earlier in this post and you should be good to go.