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Digital SLR Camera....Am I ready?

Discussion in 'Photography' started by jolayiv, Mar 12, 2009.

  1. Mar 12, 2009 at 6:54 AM
    #1
    jolayiv

    jolayiv [OP] Carolina Alliance

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    I have wanted to try my hand at photography for a while. All I have now is a simple point and shoot Panasonic Lumix. Don't get me wrong it takes some great pics but I would like to try using different lenses, filters and what not. So how does one know if they are ready to make the step?

    BTW I'm looking into the D40 or D60.
     
  2. Mar 12, 2009 at 7:00 AM
    #2
    Hotdog

    Hotdog My hair is all natural Moderator

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    I think that if you are planning on getting different lenses and you want autofocus, then you will save yourself some money by going for the D60.
     
  3. Mar 12, 2009 at 7:02 AM
    #3
    sch0enne

    sch0enne Well-Known Member

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    hey,

    as long as you think you are interested in learning stuff about photography i think your ready to get a dslr. it will just take some time to get the hang of different lenses, filters etc. but the best way to learn is hands on. i say go for it! i have a canon 30d and a whole bunch of equipment to go with it and i love it. what kind og photography would you be most intersested in doing?
     
  4. Mar 12, 2009 at 7:06 AM
    #4
    jolayiv

    jolayiv [OP] Carolina Alliance

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    Thanks for the advice. I do like the autofocus feature.

    I would like to focus on the outdoors (sports and nature)(still and action)
     
  5. Mar 12, 2009 at 7:25 AM
    #5
    fletch aka

    fletch aka www.BeLikeBrit.org

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    A couple of web sites to check out.
    First, http://www.pbase.com/cameras You can check out the pictures that the camera and lens can take. Look for the camera you are interested in and follow the link to galleries, pictures are from amateurs and professionals alike.
    Second, http://www.dpreview.com/ This is the site for unbiased information on camera's.
    And lastly, if you have a camera shop that rents equipment, there is nothing like using the the equipment to help you with a decision. Be sure to check reviews on the "kit lens" if you go that direction. Often buying the body only and opting for another lens even if it's a few dollars more can give you a much better deal in the long run. Often, not always the kit lens can be a poor choice especially from stores like Best Buy, Sears, Target etc. IMHO
     
  6. Mar 12, 2009 at 7:33 AM
    #6
    tdm156

    tdm156 Well-Known Member

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    B & H is a great place to shop and buy from. They stand behind everything and you wont have a problem with getting your products. I would go with nothing less than a D60 or D80 myself. I am a Nikon guy and have been shooting my D70 for several years now and love it. Too bad they discontinued it to produce more models in different price levels. Go to a camera store and put the different models in your hand. Do the research and you wont be disappointed at all.
     
  7. Mar 12, 2009 at 7:34 AM
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    fletch aka

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    X1 on B&H, top notch customer service!
     
  8. Mar 12, 2009 at 7:46 AM
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    jolayiv

    jolayiv [OP] Carolina Alliance

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    Thanks fletchaka! Those sites have tons of info.
     
  9. Mar 12, 2009 at 7:50 AM
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    fletch aka

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    No problem!
    :p
     
  10. Mar 12, 2009 at 7:52 AM
    #10
    Hotdog

    Hotdog My hair is all natural Moderator

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    Don't take my word for it. Please verify the details of what I said.

    The D40 can be autofocus, but you have to get more expensive lenses.
     
  11. Mar 12, 2009 at 7:54 AM
    #11
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    It has AF even with the "Kit" lens:

    http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-N...rch_08good40&gclid=CKC655rSnZkCFQ8gDQodu2SfCg

    Fast, accurate 3-area auto focus: The D40's advanced 3-area AF system and the refined algorithms inherited from more advanced Nikon digital SLR cameras deliver fast, efficient and precise auto focus. AF refinements deliver greater precision with fast, more consistent subject acquisition and improved focus tracking for consistently sharper pictures.
     
  12. Mar 12, 2009 at 7:59 AM
    #12
    Hotdog

    Hotdog My hair is all natural Moderator

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    but if you were to buy an aftermarket lens you have to buy an AF lens which I think is more expensive.

    It has to do with the d40 body not having an AF motor built in, but the D60 does.
     
  13. Mar 12, 2009 at 8:03 AM
    #13
    ACBWV91

    ACBWV91 Well-Known Member

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    If you think you're ready for it, get one. I am into photography as well and learn everything I know from my uncle(he's a pro). He always told me that it doesn't matter what kind of camera you have, as long as you can take a good picture. You could have the crapiest camera in the world and still be able to take great pictures.

    It's always fun to have a new toy though! :D
     
  14. Mar 12, 2009 at 8:06 AM
    #14
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Ok....hmmm.......the D40 I looked at had an AF switch on the body near the lens...I "belive" they do have it in the body.....Not sure.......:(
     
  15. Mar 12, 2009 at 8:07 AM
    #15
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Looking at this pic
    [​IMG]

    It seems the AF IS only on the lens.....
     
  16. Mar 12, 2009 at 8:23 AM
    #16
    jolayiv

    jolayiv [OP] Carolina Alliance

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    Ok. Wow! I may be in over my head looking at dpreview.com. I'm not sure if I could even use on of these at even a fraction of it's ability. :eek:
     
  17. Mar 12, 2009 at 8:25 AM
    #17
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    No, but you will learn and grow into it..
     
  18. Mar 12, 2009 at 8:28 AM
    #18
    Hotdog

    Hotdog My hair is all natural Moderator

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    Most people have very little knowledge of all the features. You can leave everything in auto mode and take much better pictures than by using a small point and shoot.

    I know very little about all the features. I'm planning on buying one when we have kids that mandate a very short shutter lag.
     
  19. Mar 12, 2009 at 8:28 AM
    #19
    Hotdog

    Hotdog My hair is all natural Moderator

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    yeah
     
  20. Mar 12, 2009 at 8:37 AM
    #20
    jolayiv

    jolayiv [OP] Carolina Alliance

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    I feel that I can take pretty good photos and have a pretty good eye.
    (Just to show of a bit)

    [​IMG]

    Well, minus my shadow.:D


    That's kinda what I figured. But still....Wow
     

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