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Best Beginner D-SLR?


Obsessed Reefer

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Obsessed Reefer

I'm looking into getting a new D-SLR camera, and I'm wondering, which is the best 'beginner' one? I was like the looks of the Nikon D40, and it's price isn't that bad. Same with the Canon EOS XT. Any suggestions, or notes about the two I was looking at?

 

Thanks.

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inferno2113

I have an old Manual Nikon n8008s. I still use to this day. And I love it.

 

As for DSLR I would go Nikon. The D40 are ok but you might want to look into maybe getting a D60.

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Nikon makes nice beginer level SLR cameras. D40/D50/D80

 

I would recomend Canon, after owning and shooting both.

 

The Canon Digital Rebel XTi is a good camera. It has great features for the price.

 

My 2 cents...

 

:D

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Really.... I do.

 

For me nothing compares to developing film and making the pictures yourself.

lol, I was talking to the OP, sorry - there's got to be five threads in here asking the same question. :)

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tarajean0627

I have a canon rebel XTi and I love it!!

 

I looked at getting the Nikon D40 because I have a friend that has one and it is just awsome too!

 

They are both great cameras. I choose the Canon because of a couple of things but the main one was the ease of using the menu. It wasn't quite as confusing as the Nikon. But both are super cameras and which ever you chose you will surely love. Which ever one is cheaper is always a good decision maker in my book when it is such a close race. LOL

 

Happy photoing!

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if you like to be limited in the lenses you can get AF with and have a crippled water down camera then by all means. go for the D40 or D60...Sorry its just WTH where they thinking making these cameras. I would rather have a D50 that is way older then these. Atleast its not water down and can use ALL AF lenses designed for the Nikon mount and have AF still.

XT would be a better buy then D40 or D60

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flojophoto

check out the brand new canon rebel xsi! the best consumer dslr out there right now. Fyi I am a pro and own a 5d and love it!

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SaltWaterNewb

I agree, stay away from the Nikon D40 and 60. The D50 is a nice camera with arguably some of the best high ISO abilities out there. Also, they can be had very cheaply if you buy second hand. Also, although discontinued, the D70 is an excellent camera. I have one and was selling it but I think I am just keeping it and converting the sensor to IR. I would whole heartedly recommend the D50 or D70.

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The D50 is a nice camera with arguably some of the best high ISO abilities out there.

Ummmm right..your in a dream world there

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SaltWaterNewb
Ummmm right..your in a dream world there

 

I didn't say THE best. It has excellent high ISO ability.

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I think this camera, D40 has a purpose in the world, but is not meant to be a hardcore SLR, like D300 etc

 

the camera is not watered down (speaking in terms of IQ, obviously it has fewer options than high end cameras b/c its entry level), the purpose for removing the AF motor in body is to make the camera smaller and lighter and more marketable to beginners/people that want a little more flexibility when using as a P/S

 

there is still good lens selection, although more expensive for the same lenses that are normal AF, however the "standard" D40 shooter will never go outside the kit lens, anyways, I would assume

 

OP, if you plan on getting into the photography hobby and getting a variety of lenses, then go for the D80 if you want a Nikon or a used (obviously) D50

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I have to recommend the Canon XSi. I just got one a couple of weeks ago. What finally sold me on it was the live view. A SLR purist will likely say live view is useless but for macro shooting on a tripod it is great for me. What also sold me on it (the geek in me) was the include capability to hook it to my computer and take shots. You basically have full control from the computer. I also splurged and got the EF 100mm f/2.8 USM macro lens which I also have to recommend. This whole setup was not cheep at least in my book but I guess if you are a pro you would spend this much on a lens alone. Here are a few of my first shots from around the house. Still room for improvement of course. I am glad I waited and spent the extra money!

 

Flower_Blue.jpg

Fly.jpg

Red_Hots.jpg

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tarajean0627

detrazgw,

absolutely beautiful!!

 

back to the OP and one more reason that I chose the XTi was that if you go out and find any lenses that are less than 20 years old for a canon they will fit this camera. I don't know if this is true for the new canon, but if it is you really can't go wrong with these cameras. Just look at the pictures above. :)

 

Sarah

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OP, I asked the same questions a few months back ... what beginner DSLR to get? I basically got the same responses that you are getting here in this forum (from the same people! many many thanks because it was all very helpful info!) In the end I decided on the Nikon D40... I am VERY new to DSLRs and photography in general ... I MAY want to got deeper into the hobby someday but I will re-evaluate when that day comes ... my wife and I wanted a DSLR that we could take pics of the new baby and have something decent to use on vacation. (Plus I wanted something to take aquarium pics of ... looking into the Tamron 90mm lens and/or some macro filters at the moment for .... someday ;) )

 

In the end I got a D40 with stock 18-50mm lens and a Nikon 50-200mm VR lens for $740, brand new complete from a Nikon dealer with full warranties including a 5 year warranty on both lenses.

 

I'd recommend checking out cametacamera.com .... they have an ebay store. Great people, great prices.

 

And yes, even though this is still a "beginner" DSLR there is a HUGE learning curve ... ;)

 

Good luck! I hope this helps!

 

PS - the 50-200mm VR lens was great recently when we went on vacation in florida to take pics of alligators and other wildlife from a distance (including pics of my father-in-law acting stange cuz he thought no one was watching! HA!) ;)

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as a Nikon shooter, I wholeheartedly agree w/ the comments regarding live view and macros

 

I also agree w/ the comments about it being useless in other occasions

 

if you're only looking for low end/base model, then I think the Canon would be a better choice, equal image quality, less hassle with lens selection, live view to help make the transition from a powershot to a real camera, and same price bracket

 

however, if you do choose the D40 don't feel like you've made an inferior choice

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(Plus I wanted something to take aquarium pics of ... looking into the Tamron 90mm lens and/or some macro filters at the moment for .... someday ;) )

You do know that the Tamron 90mm will not be able to AF on the D40 i know most use mf when shooting macro anyway, but if you wanted to use it as a short tele for general shots it will not have the ability to AF

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You do know that the Tamron 90mm will not be able to AF on the D40 i know most use mf when shooting macro anyway, but if you wanted to use it as a short tele for general shots it will not have the ability to AF

 

Yup, I realize that :)

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Obsessed Reefer
I'd recommend checking out cametacamera.com .... they have an ebay store. Great people, great prices.

 

I'm very happy you mentioned them. I found the following last night, and am pretty sure its the one I'm gonna get. Thanks for all the comments, but I dont really plan to get deep into photography, I'm looking for a base dslr, and I've used the D40 before, and like it.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D40-Digital-SLR-...oQQcmdZViewItem

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IMO, I would not get that auction setup

 

here is why

 

1. the 55-200 that that auction comes with is not the VR version, which can be had for like $50 extra and you will like the VR way better

 

2. here is that same kit at bh for $100 less (just the camera and 2 lenses) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5003...tal_Camera.html

 

IMO, the "extras" that that auction comes with are not worth $100

 

you can get yourself a case, a memory card, and a reader if you feel you need one for way less than $100 and that other stuff is just junk anyways

 

if I were you I'd get the D40 w/ 18-55 kit and then separately purchase the 55-200 VR

 

EDIT: here you go http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D40-Digital-SLR-...oQQcmdZViewItem

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SaltWaterNewb

Are you 100% on getting the D40? If not, there are some D70's and a D80 for sale on a photography board that I am a member of. There are also much better deals on used D40's from people who buy them not planning on getting too deep in to photography (like you) but then once they start making great pictures they get hooked and then want to upgrade. If you not in a huge hurry let me see if I can find you some other options, including the D40.

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