i've been really contemplating in getting a new camera lately. after i get some more money of course.. lol but i really don't know what kind to get. i'd like to get a nikon, but because i don't have the most experience, i want one that i can get familiar with easily but not too simple where i'd need another updated version a short while after. does anyone have any pointers?? ideas???
Thursday, June 4, 2009
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I have a Nikon D80. Since the introduction of the Nikon D90, the D80 has dropped significantly in price. The D80 is a beefy camera, but if you go with an 'easier to learn' D40, D40x, D60...you won't be able to take advantage of all the nikon lenses. Nikon hasn't changed their lens mounts, and the D80 can 'read' and meter with older lenses, whereas the beginner models can only use a much more limited selection of lenses.
Your camera system should be built around your lenses - always invest in glass because cameras get 'updated' every year - glass stays the same.
I would recommend two lenses for you, the kit lens that you can get with the D80, it is an 18-135mm 3.5 lens, and I would encourage you to get a 50mm "prime" lens. A prime lens is a fixed focal length lens, so to zoom, you use your feet. The 50mm is the lens that made me realize and use depth of field to my advantage and not just depend on the camera. It also taught me the importance of focus.
These are two of the lenses I have, and I am very happy. I also have a used (made in 1989, so if I had a D40 I wouldn't have been able to get this)75-300mm 5.6 zoom lens. I paid $100.00 for it, and all of my squirrel photos were taken with it.
I would really NOT recommend the beloved 18-200mm VR, yes it has 'all' the focal lengths you would want in a walk around lens, and yes, it has VR (vibration reduction) but the picture quality is compromised at many of the f-stops.
Just so you know, every lens has a 'sweet spot', an f-stop where it performs the very best. Now, the prime lenses really are the best, because they don't zoom, they don't move so they don't have to compensate meaning excellent crispness and color to all images.
I wish we lived near each other, I'd let you play with my D80. You really can't go wrong with it, it is a wonderful camera.
Also, think about what you like to photograph the most (my answer was always everything) and think too, what do you like to do to photos? Shooting black and white is important to me, and the D80 can do that in camera. I was not jealous when the D90 camera out and could do HD video, I don't need video. Do you know what I mean?
Also, get the book Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. He is an egotistical dude, but his advice is sound and helpful.
You might want to look into flash later, and the D80 can take any one. I have the SB600, and I don't regret it. If you can get a cheap SB800 - get it. They aren't making them anymore, so if there is a good used one, you would like it. It is more powerful than the 600 and it can be the master flash, whereas the 600 is always the slave flash.
That might be down the road though. I wouldn't worry about flash yet, the D80 has an onboard one, but you will realize VERY soon, onboard flashes kinda suck. No matter how great the camera.
Wow, that was a lot, is your brain fuming? LOL!
Email me: goettin@gmail.com if I can be of more help.
:)
THANK YOU SO MUCH! You said a lot, and I am going have to go back and reread it & take notes, but I think I understood. :) I definitely wish we lived close. LOL You have no idea how much I want to meet you! Isn't it neat on how similar interests and passions and a simple thing like the internet can bring people together and make new friends?? I will definitely email you sometime. You have been helpful so many times and in so many ways. Thanks!!!! :D
You are so very welcome. :) I wish we could meet too!
I forgot to mention which 50mm - Nikon makes 3. Go with the 50mm 1.4D. 1.4 refers to the widest possible aperture - smaller numbers mean larger openings and larger openings mean taking greater advantage of available light. That is what a makes a lens 'fast'. A slow lens has a smaller 'widest opening', for example, my zoom only goes to something like 5.6 - so it takes more light to make pictures.
:) Just thought I'd add a little more info.
I agree - it is pretty cool how friendships are forged on the internet. Louis and I love the East Coast - maybe I can talk him into a road trip!
I also wanted to add, if you look at camera bags, I would invest in the Lowepro brand. I have a slingshot 200, and I really like it. Depending on how many lenses you get, you could get away with a smaller bag that would hold only one camera and lens.
It is a lot, I know. I spent a lot of time on Nikon's website, and googled everything I didn't know - which was everything, but I wanted to go to the store knowing exactly what I wanted so the salesperson couldn't convince me otherwise. :)
Ok, I'm done - LOL. :)
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