the noob DSLR ?

[xurusaibobx]

so black friday is coming up and i want to invest into a DSLR and wanted to get some feedback. i know the question has been asked 100 times Canon or Nikon! but it comes down to what feels better for you personally right?

wells i found many deals online already

costco.com already has a special for d40x 2lens kit which to mee is the best deal out there. comes with VR 75-200 lens i think it was? either way it was a VR lens

Circuit city will have a XTI 2lens kit for a little more then the nikon but without upgraded len like the nikon.

both are just under 900 bucks but nikon comes with a lot more stuff. bag/memory card/nikon dvd/ what not


there are D40 and XT specials as well but people tell me 8mp is old already, mind as well go for a 10mp and last u a little longer. but really 2 more mp doo me good? am just getting into the hobby.

i heard nikon lens dont have autofocus or something like that? while canon does? canon has the EOS feature as well but nikon doesnt, worth the $$ extra for all what canon offers?

idk am a noob only been using a Point and shoot my whole life but my dad was a real photo back in his younger days so he has a lot of old school pentex/canon cameras with all types of lens....

[hachirolla808]

If you are refering to the Canon 40D. It is a sweet camera. It's the updated version of the 30D. It now has the dust reduction system that was a problem with the 30D. If you look on ebay you can get a pretty decent deal on the 40D's. The thing about camera's is that if you are really into you will always want more, so if you are like that, get the 40D. You won't be disappointed. :dj:

[kombi731]

all my Nikkon lenses have Autofocus.. and VR on the longer ones.
there are different lenses of the same size. It comes down to glass and elements inside and diameter at the front. I believe it would be 70-300. The reasonable one of those w/ VR is $600-700. the other lens may be a 18-135 f3.5 DX. I have that one the range is killer. quality is good.
Memory is not a package breaker its so cheap now. Get the cards that write faster it will make a world of differnce on sequences. One thing to watch w/ Cannon is the size of the front of the lens. You'll want a UV filter to protect them and there's polorizers etc. My nikkon lens all have the same size filter thus swappable between them. Canon XTI is a filter on most lenses. Works for them seems like high quality(low f's) have a large glass. Look at long lens (like surfing). But XTI's work just fine I just happened to notice the smaller lens.
Bags,Cases - I got a "pelican" case for all the places I go. waterproof 30', uncrushable, lockable w/ padlock(nothing like locking it to your car in your car), and they honor a lifetime warranty. best 80 bucks I've ever spent.
a tripod is a must for sunset/sunrise/ low light - the list goes on
another little thing between my Nikon and bros XTI. I have a little plastic guard thats removable over my LCD. They're LCD's are hammered already.

bhphotovideo.com is a nice website if you haven't been

[xurusaibobx]

nikon d40x package
18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S
DX Zoom-NIKKOR Lens
55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S
DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR Lens with optical image stabilization
Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery
Quick Charger
USB Cable
Strap
PictureProject CD-Rom
Bonus Accessories:
Camera Bag
1GB SD Card
Nikon School DVD - Fast, Fun & Easy -
Great Digital Pictures
Nikon School DVD - Understanding Digital Photography - Release Your Digital DSLR's Potential

to me this is a HUGE DEAL! right? less then 900 bucks!

canon XTI
18-55mm Lens, EF 75mm-300mm High Performance Zoom Lens


canon of course is more expensive right

but do the added features of canon justify the price? EOS really work? 9 point AF?

[imagesbyk2]

they will both do a great job. If you are spending about the same for each camera (within $100) they will pretty much perform the same way. If you dont have a preference, just get the cheaper one. If it makes any difference, I weighed my options and the selling point for me (I chose Canon) was that we have a local service center on Oahu.

[kombi731]

Nikon has a bunch of AF points EOS is what they call it. Honda calls it VTEC doesn't always make it faster or have a broader power band.
the focus points are easily selectable and lockable on both cameras. I only really use one at a time. and I move it frequently w/ my thumb.
I went Nikon cause the price between deals and completely happy.
I look at my friends who spent more... they don't have lens hoods (Nikon came w/ for every lens), or guards for LCD, Battery(discharge) etc.
what kind of card is that Ultra 2? 3? oh and Picture project is ok.. I loaded it. if you can get Adobe Lightroom, or Creative Suite ( 1,2,3) you'll be far more powerful on the processing end.

those look pretty parellel in frames per second, MP, the canon lens is longer@300
hmm tough call

[kombi731]

(I chose Canon) was that we have a local service center on Oahu.
he makes a huge point!! I know someone that sent their D200 to the mainland for work ( his fault on needing work, not Nikon)

[xurusaibobx]

yeah canon has a center locally and time to time i seen them have free cleaning expos here...canon uses CF cards too...

man its hard to call

people i know that have dslr have nikons but they have expensive ones like d80s i think?

anyways i think am going wit the nikon package since i get more for the money compared to the canon package kit

[kombi731]

sweet then scam their lenses from time to time. I know D50/80/200 swap no prob

[xurusaibobx]

does costco offer extended warrenty like circuity city? only the 90 day warrenty?

[kombi731]

um Nikon has Nikon warranty
I beleive lens for Nikon USA are 5 year
the body I forget
there are Nikon lenses not for the US market that are cheaper and fit. warranty is claimed one year I dunno bout grey market I have all Nikon USA (market) stuff
had no problems to date other than learning and playing catchup as I missed out on the film era

[UnTaiMaiShu]

Since you're starting off in the DSLR world and only see it as a hobby, then get the most for your money or get as much as you can afford. But if your going for performance, then get the best you can afford and build up from there.

8MP vs. 10 MP? Not much difference to a regular consumer and it depends what you plan on doing with the images afterwards. Web use only, printing 4x6 you could even go with a 2MP camera. If you're planning on printing 24" x 36" or larger, well, go for more MP. Everything in between can be done with a camera with 3-10MP.

For me, I chose Canon because I've always been a Canon user from the Elan II (film). I've invested in Canon lenses as well as third party lenses for Canon that I couldn't switch to anything else unless someone gave it to me.

Whatever you choose, have fun shooting.
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[xurusaibobx]

kit package to kit package which one is better?

nikon or canon?

i dont plan on buying more lens anytime soon probably just a speedlight/tripod/cheap fisheye to play around with....

i read the reviews and nikon kit lens are somewhat better then the canon kit lens, is that correct?

nikon : 18-55mm and 55-200mm VR lens

Canon: 18-55mm and 75-300mm

i think those were the kit lens...

ive seen a lot of people shooting nikons and all the professionals shooting canon...

my dad used was into photography back in the 70s/80s he has all kine of canon cameras and lens... and he was really into it back then thats why he told me go for a canon...

[imagesbyk2]

they will both do a great job. If you are spending about the same for each camera (within $100) they will pretty much perform the same way. If you dont have a preference, just get the cheaper one.

the canon 75-300 might not be sharp in the 200-300 range anyway. some people say its "unusable". If I were you, I would just get the body and kit lens. Dont spend money for a cheap telephoto like that. spend the money and get a flash unit instead.

[xurusaibobx]

yeah thats why am leaning towards the nikon kit since it has the VR 55-200mm lens, reviews say its better then the canon 75-300 kit lens....

only problem i see is nikon not having a repair shop in hawaii incase something goes wrong wit my camera but a lot of nikon users havent had a major problem so i hope i dont.....

[UnTaiMaiShu]

Either or should be okay and again, depends what you're going to shoot. Every day shooting, you probably won't tell. Shooting other stuff, like HIN next month or sports, you might be challenging but don't let that discourage you. Just keep shooting and learn to shoot well.

Eventually as time goes by, you'll get a better feel on what lenses you really want or need. The 55-200mm seems to be a good every day every place lens but might be a little long on the short end so you might have to step back a little further unless you don't mind switching lenses. Third party lenses like Sigma and Tamron aren't that bad and about 1/3 -1/2 the price as Nikon and Canon. I started off with a Sigma 28-200mm lens and I've shot anywhere from sunsets at Waimea to weddings to football games at Aloha Stadium (sideline shots) at night and the images are consumer quality. Canon kit lens are okay as well for consumer quality too. Might take alot more time and luck in Photoshop to make it stand out.

I agree with i2k though, get the best flash unit you can afford.
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[imagesbyk2]

I meant kit lens like 18-55mm. Does Nikon offer something like that? It sells for about $100 new and $80 used for Canon.

IMHO I do not recommend lenses with large focal distances (like 18-200). They are typically slower and image quality is not as good. If you just want one lens and dont want to change i, then get a SLR-like camera. You wont have to worry about sensor dust, or buying new accessories.

The human eye sees at about 50mm. If you are using a 55-200 lens with a 1.5x multiplier, your widest shot will be about 75mm. pretty darn close if you ask me.

[kombi731]

did you get a camera yet?? the anticipation is killing me

[xurusaibobx]

not yet
having second thoughts now dammit


8mp XT/d40 seems like a good deal to me...idk what to do spend the extra dough for xti/d40x? i going wait now


lol..or might just end up with canon sd1000

[UnTaiMaiShu]

What ever you choose, you'll be happy. Let us know what you ended up with and just shoot!

[xurusaibobx]

yea i already have a hand me down panasonic z something lumix the one with 12x optical zoom but i think somethings wrong wit it, all the pictures come our bolchy maybe burry idk

[layton7m]

just get all the play around with all of them for a week then return the ones you dont want!! haha!! let me look at your camera...

[xurusaibobx]

picked up a d40x

now the fun begins!

dont have my bag yet cause it was out of stock so i gota wait a week

i doo need a flash though..?? anyone

[kombi731]

yay finally you purchased one
what lenses did you get?

[xurusaibobx]

18-55 and 55-200vr

i wanted the 18-135mm i might buy one if i find a deal on one...

but right now its just getting used to all the features and what not....

[xurusaibobx]

whats a good tripod i should pick up?

[beefy242]

whats a good tripod i should pick up?

spend more money here. Ive had my quantaray i picked up at Ritz Camera for around $20 and it isnt holding up too well... kinda flimsy now... but it is getting the job done. Only thing is, the next step up from that one was like $60...

anyone know of another camera store, besides Ala Moana, that is closer to Kapolei? (sorry to thread jack)

[japaneezy]

whats a good tripod i should pick up?
anything from manfrotto or bogen will be pricey, but it will be very sturdy and last you the rest of your life. don't skimp out on the tripods.

[imagesbyk2]

manfrotto and bogen are the same company. Gitzo tripods are the probably the best you can get. bogens are a good value. I picked up the bogen 3021 pro.

The question here is what kind of equipment are you using? If you are mounting a $4,000 camera on your tripod with telephoto lens, you dont want a $60 tripod to fall on you.

Check the specifications for the tripod to make sure the legs and head will support the weight of your gear.

[xurusaibobx]

i just got the 2 kit lens right now 18-55 and 55-200 vr

am looking to pick up a macro lens

which would be good for me with my d40x

been reading reviews online of some tamrac sigma nikon 105 vr lens

and also been hearing about some old school nikon lens to look at like the non-Ai 55mm Micro Nikkors. some of the old school macros that will work with the d40x

any thoughts?

any macro will do....

but i read the ai-55mm mirco was one of the sharpest nikons made

[Shinigami052]

unfortunately I'm a cannon guy. If you were to go cannon, i'd suggest the 100mm macro. I got it and it's an awesome lens.

[xurusaibobx]

the new XTS or whatever looks very nice btw...lol i should of waited but i couldnt wait like always

[beefy242]

unfortunately I'm a cannon guy. If you were to go cannon, i'd suggest the 100mm macro. I got it and it's an awesome lens.

im gonna buy that lens... i found a deal from a guy on photo.net that bought a D5 and it came with one, after already owning one and its only $375 new in box. fo sho.

and also, i am a canon guy, so i cant help you out. I can say that i got my tripod from Ritz in Ala Moana, only $20 but its starting to seem kinda flimsy after a month of owning it. think the salt water is taking its toll?
:pirate1:

[japaneezy]

i just got the 2 kit lens right now 18-55 and 55-200 vr

am looking to pick up a macro lens

which would be good for me with my d40x

been reading reviews online of some tamrac sigma nikon 105 vr lens

and also been hearing about some old school nikon lens to look at like the non-Ai 55mm Micro Nikkors. some of the old school macros that will work with the d40x

any thoughts?

any macro will do....

but i read the ai-55mm mirco was one of the sharpest nikons made
teh Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Close-up Lens has a slightly sharper image than the sigma, so says my buddy who had used em both. I'm looking into that one too. retails for 900 bux though...

[japaneezy]

n00bs rejoice, the nikon gods hath bestowed thou with the d60!
from the horses mouth, incase you haven't heard yet (semi old news)
Nikon today introduced the new D60 digital SLR camera, to provide stunning picture quality and versatility in an easy-to-use, compact camera design. The New D60 Digital SLR joins Nikon's award-winning line of D-series digital SLR cameras and shares a form similar to the D40 ? Nikon's smallest D-SLR camera ever. With 10.2 effective megapixels and a wealth of innovative and user-friendly features, the D60 enables both photo enthusiasts and those new to digital SLR photography to capture incredible images like never before.
Nikon D60 Features at a Glance

Extraordinary 10.2-Megapixel DX-format Nikon Picture Quality
Includes AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR (Vibration Reduction) Lens
Fast Startup and Split-Second Shutter Response
Shoots Continuously at up to 3 Frames per Second
Active Dust Reduction System with Airflow Control
Easy Operation with Intuitive Controls
Up to 500 Pictures per Battery Charge
Based on CIPA battery testing standards
Bright, 2.5-Inch Color LCD Monitor with 170-Degree Wide-Angle Viewing
Nikon's Smallest Digital SLR Ever!
Automatic Exposure with 8 Digital Vari-Program Scene Modes
In-Camera Editing Functions
Users will immediately appreciate the D60's fast 0.18-second start-up time and split-second shutter response, which combine to eliminate the frustration of shooting lag ? a common issue with many point-and-shoot digital cameras. With a fast and accurate autofocus and the ability to shoot continuously at up to three pictures-per-second, the D60 faithfully captures pictures that other cameras often miss. The D60 does all this while delivering extraordinarily vivid and detailed pictures, ensuring that fleeting expressions, special moments and memorable events are captured beautifully.

Packaged with Nikon's new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens, the D60 camera and lens outfit delivers striking image sharpness. What's more, Nikon's proprietary VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization technology also dramatically reduces blur caused when shooting handheld pictures, especially in low light.

The camera's 10.2 megapixel CCD sensor delivers crisp, high-resolution images with astounding color and clarity, while Nikon's advanced 3-D Color Matrix Metering II ensures that images are exposed beautifully and automatically, even in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, Nikon's new digital image processing concept, EXPEED, delivers smooth tones and accurate color for vibrant pictures and flattering portraits.

The D60 also offers consumers comprehensive in-camera functionality, such as Active D-lighting. Through this innovative Nikon feature, the camera can, with the option selected, further optimize shadow and highlight detail?as pictures are taken. Shots that once required adjustment with photo editing software can now go straight to the printer, bypassing the computer altogether.

For added fun and creativity while reducing or helping to eliminate time spent manipulating pictures later, the D60's In-camera Retouch Menu enables users to accomplish a wide variety of tasks without a computer. The D60 offers new in-camera editing capabilities, including adjustable cross-screen star effects, color-intensifying filters as well as D-lighting, Red-eye correction, Image Trim and more. The D60's Stop-Motion Movie mode is a D-SLR first that enables users to create stop-animation movie clips from a series of as many as 100 consecutive JPEG picture files. More experienced photographers will also enjoy shooting in the lossless NEF (RAW) format, and then adjusting image parameters, such as size, format, and white balance, all within the camera.

While many cameras now feature a dust cleaning function, the D60 takes this idea one step further. In addition to offering an Image Sensor Cleaning function that quickly and silently shakes off specks of image degrading dust, the camera also minimizes the dust that can come into contact with the sensor through a unique Airflow Control System. This design works to channel particles away from the sensor with every click of the shutter, resulting in even further reduction of dust particles and the spots they can leave on pictures.

Ergonomically designed with intuitively placed controls, the D60 is a camera that's compact and ready to go wherever life leads. It also features a new power conserving Eye Sensor that turns the big 2.5-inch color LCD monitor on and off automatically when the user alternates between taking pictures and reviewing camera settings.

A customizable LCD monitor user interface rounds out the D60's convenient features, as users can create their own wallpapers and adjust color settings to adapt to their preferences. The D60's design also supports Eye-Fi memory card functionality, enabling the convenient wireless transfer of images from the D60 to a computer, when using Eye-Fi memory cards.* Additionally, photos can be securely written to readily available SD cards, high-capacity SDHC cards and Eye-Fi memory cards, offering users a range of data storage options.