Photography Questions.

Well i'm in need of a new hobby, I've always been into taking pictures and i've always admired those who took very pro like photos. So with that, im looking into getting into photography; i realize it can be a kinda pricy hobby. But, why not?

So i have a few questions:

I've pretty much decided on Nikon. (Sorry cannon Fans)

I know im a begginer, and dont really need something real fancy. But i don't want to regret in the long run, not getting something more high end. (kinda like my Tacoma- I have a pre-runner and wish i had the 4x4 TRD off-road). haha. I was looking into the (D3100, or The D60) Which one?

Any tips for those who have been into the hobby and learned the hard way?

Thanks!

 

what is your budget? do you think you could stretch it out and get a D90?

Of the 2 you listed I would go for the d3100 though.

 

I bought my wife a D90 for her first "real" camera, and she absolutely loves it, and it takes amazing photos. A lot of good reviews for it too. Get a couple of decent lenses for it and you'll be good to go.

 

I could stretch it out and get the D90. I am just so impatient, haha. it'll just take a little longer to get. but if it would be worth it in the long run, it would be worth it!

 

It will be IMO since you will have AF with all the nikon lenses, plus lots of other advantages that Im not aware of lol.

What lens were you planning on going with?

 

Well im not 100% sure yet. Im still new to the whole DSLR thing, I was looking at buying the body and then buying seprate lens. I do know that i want something that takes really good night shots.

 

What do you mean by night shots? long exposure landscape type stuff or low light, fast moving type stuff?

 

Low light, fast moving type.

 

You're going to need a flash for that for sure, then after that maybe a fast prime or f/2.8 zoom.
Im not really sure what is good with the nikons but im sure someone will chime in on this later.

 

I was in the exact same spot as you a year ago. My choices were between the D5000 and D60. I chose the D5000 and have been really happy with it. For you I would compare the D3100(mid-level) and the D90(mid-high level). Technology for cameras has already change in that time and the D60 is almost outdated so to say. If I was you I would save up for the D90 that way it will have all features you will want especially autofocus on every lens. The only plus the D3100 has over the D90 is it can autofocus during video. But if you plan on using that feature that much just get a video camera.

As for lenses just get a kit lens or something simple like a 18-55mm lens. This will be cheap so you dont have to worry about that. Im telling you that just so you find what type of pictures you want to take the most without spending all of your money on a really expensive lens and realizing you have no use for it.

For if you plan on taking nights with fast moving objects then a flash unit is a must get a SB-600. This makes the camera autofocus a lot quicker and then you can take a series of photos at night too.

 

The very first thing you need to know is its not the camera that makes good photos its the lenses (and photographer).

I would do the D3100. a great camera and will last you for years to come!

And good choice on nikon! because their lenses are sharper than Canon!

Setup, D3100, 18-200 f3.5-5.6, 35mm f1.8, SB-600, 16GB SDHC card

OR

D3100 Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 and the Sigma 70-200 f2.8. if you save up and spend a little bit more on those lenses (not much) you will be pretty much set for life....you could also probably toss in a 35mm f1.8.....

 

Thanks for the Advice Panda And Nitro! You take some sick pictures panada! I trust your judgement!

 

Thanks! No worries. Definitely check into (pro) third party lenses as they are a great alternative. (and loads cheaper)

 

Will do! I should be getting everything in a few weeks, i have to get a windshield for my taco first. haha.

 

Here's a few tips. Don't buy new, buy used. A good prime holds it value well, don't worry about the cost if you can afford it. In most cases, you won't lose a dime owning those lenses for years. There's high demand on good prime lens in this market.

I am not a big fan on 3rd party lens, one reason is AF compatibility issue on upcoming models, you may have to send the lens in for rechipping. Second is reselling value.

I'm not sure about Nikon, but for Canon, there would be another price increase on most of the lenses on Feb the 1st, and that would affect both new and used market.

Have fun finding your first DSLR rig.

 

yes canon lenses are going up in price!

 

If you think you will be getting somewhat serious with it, get the D7000 body and the 35mm f/1.8. Or spend another hundred and get it with the kit lens (18-105mm VR).

If you want something as a stepping stone, the best bang for your buck in my opinion is the D40. It can be had for ~$250.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D40-Body-...tal_Cameras&hash=item230d80b511#ht_500wt_1156

Forget the video recording capabilities. The frame rate is lower than most smart phones now.

 

agreed. for the price the D40 is said to be the best entry level bodies!

 

ok
which should i buy



Nikon D3100 DSLR Digital Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens




or

Canon EOS Rebel T1I DSLR Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens DSLR Digital Camera