Almost ready to buy my first DSLR camera! Few questions first...

[KevieKev05]

Well, I've been doing as much research as I can, and after going to Best Buy today and feeling around the different cameras, I think I've decided on purchasing the Nikon D3100. All the information is overwhelming, but I'm trying to grasp it because I'm ready to take the next step in photography. As soon as I get my tax return, I want to purchase the camera and all the goodies needed so that I can start my journey into the world of DSLRs!

I want to make sure I purchase everything I might need as soon as my return comes (before I spend the money on anything else!). My plan is to photograph things like shows/parades at WDW, other sights at WDW in general, and since I cruise on DCL a lot, I want to photograph all the wonderful things there (LOTS of inside stuff with low lighting, the shows - without using flash of course, the fireworks show - hopefully, and maybe some night time shots from the top decks). I'll be going on a transatlantic cruise in May, so I want to photograph as much of the ports as I can since I don't know if and when I'll make it back over to Europe. And of course, I want to try and photograph my cute dachshund, Todd!

Here's what comes with the camera:
-D3100 digital SLR camera body
-AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens
-EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
-MH-24 Battery Charger
-DK-5 Eyepiece Cap
-DK-20 Rubber Eyecap
-AN-DC3 Camera Strap
-BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover
-BF-1B Body Cap
-ViewNX 2 CD-ROM
-18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

I was looking at potentially getting the Nikon DSLR starter kit (2-DVD set and camera case). Worth it?

I saw that "Understand Exposure" by Bryan Peterson seems to be highly recommended. Is that a better choice than his "Understanding Photography Field Guide"? Any other book that might be useful? I want to learn as much as I can!

And I know I'll probably need another lens and I was thinking perhaps the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR [Vibration Reduction] Nikkor Zoom Lens. Would that work for my needs? Or is there another one that might be better?

Also, are there any other things I'm going to need in addition to all of this? Like I said, I want to try and get everything needed in the beginning before I spend the money on other not-as-exciting things, haha.

I appreciate any help and answers I receive. I was hesitant to post, but everyone seems so helpful and friendly here that I thought I'd give it a shot!

Thanks!

 

[C&B Young]

I don't shoot Nikon, so I can't speak with hands-on experience, but if you're shooting low light indoors neither the kit nor 55-200 will likely be "fast" enough. You might want to pick up Nikon's 50mm f/1.8 lens, although I don't think it'll autofocus with the D3100 body (not that manually focusing is a bad thing, but the autofocus is a nice option to have as a beginner).

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I'm not a Nikon shooter either, but from what you are describing you will need faster and wider glass (lowlight inside). I would look for something in the 30-35mm f1.8 or better. The ISO performance of the 3100 is not bad, but also not the best out there. If you are looking at a long tele you will have to decide if you are going to use it in good light or lowlight. If lowlight, then look for something with f2.8, but these are usually $$$! The Nikon shooters should be able to give the exact specifics of the Nikon and/or third party offerings. To shoot the fireworks almost any lens will work as long as you are using a tripod and a remote (or the camera's shutter delay). The purpose is to stablize the camera and have relatively longer shutter speeds. When it comes to tripods, that's another whole story. I own three, a gorillapod, a lightweight travel tripod (Cullmann-just for travel) and a heavier one for around home for general use. Also, I would purchase an extra battery, memory cards and a bag to carry all this stuff. Welcome to the DSLR world!

PS When I first started out, I picked up Understanding Exposure and I still recommend it.

 

[mom2rtk]

At some point you might want to add a tripod. Much of the nice night photography you see here, including the fireworks shots, are done with a tripod. Along with that, you'll want a cable release for your camera.

 

[my2princessgirls]

I don't shoot Nikon, so I can't speak with hands-on experience, but if you're shooting low light indoors neither the kit nor 55-200 will likely be "fast" enough. You might want to pick up Nikon's 50mm f/1.8 lens, although I don't think it'll autofocus with the D3100 body (not that manually focusing is a bad thing, but the autofocus is a nice option to have as a beginner).

This is correct. I just got the D3100 and am now saving for the 35mm f/1.8 since it autofocuses. Maybe if I had more experience then I would consider a manual focus lens, but I'm new to DSLR and feel I have enough to learn as it is. There is a 50mm f/1.4 that has autofocus, but it is priced around $400 compared to the 35mm @ closer to $200. Since I'm a beginner, I'm going with the 35mm f/1.8.

 

[C&B Young]

This is correct. I just got the D3100 and am now saving for the 35mm f/1.8 since it autofocuses. Maybe if I had more experience then I would consider a manual focus lens, but I'm new to DSLR and feel I have enough to learn as it is. There is a 50mm f/1.4 that has autofocus, but it is priced around $400 compared to the 35mm @ closer to $200. Since I'm a beginner, I'm going with the 35mm f/1.8.

For the price difference, I think you'll be much happier with the 35mm over the 50mm. Not only does it autofocus, but I think you'll find the focal length a lot more useful. I've got a Sigma 30mm lens for my Canon which I use a lot more than the 50mm lens, 50mm is an odd focal length on a crop camera (for me anyways) - not wide enough & not long enough either!

 

[KevieKev05]

I seriously can't thank everyone enough for all your help and suggestions!

I'm thinking in addition to the lens the camera comes with, I'll get the 55-200mm VR lens and perhaps the 35mm f/1.8 lens (since it will autofocus). Is getting the 55-200mm VR lens be necessary? Or should I just stick with the 18-55mm lens the camera comes with? Like I said, I'll mainly be shooting parades/shows, the cruise ship, and the sights at the ports of call. So, actions shots, inside shots, and landscape shots. I just want to make sure I'm not getting more than needed, but still want to make sure I have the proper tools necessary to help get some great shots!

I'll definitely be getting an extra battery, an extra memory card or two, and I'm sure a tripod (if not now, then down the road, along with a wired remote, since I read this model doesn't have a wireless remote option). And of course, I'll be finding a case to try and carry all of this (especially for the cruise --- hopefully it won't be too much since we're packing for 14-nights and have airlines with luggage restrictions to deal with, haha!). And I think I'll get "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson.

Anything else? Will I need filters or anything?

I'm so incredibly excited to start this new journey!

Thanks again!

 

[mom2rtk]

50mm is an odd focal length on a crop camera (for me anyways) - not wide enough & not long enough either!

I feel exactly the same way about mine. Sure it's a cheap lens. But it's still a waste of money if it sits in the bag unused like mine does. Too long for indoors, too short for wide shots...... it just never seems right. The best use I found for it was when I wanted to bring my DSLR into Disney on Ice disguised as a bridge camera. So I took off the strap and put on the nifty fifty..... and in like flint. I would have enjoyed a long fast telephoto.... but this did the trick.

 

[mom2rtk]

I seriously can't thank everyone enough for all your help and suggestions!

I'm thinking in addition to the lens the camera comes with, I'll get the 55-200mm VR lens and perhaps the 35mm f/1.8 lens (since it will autofocus). Is getting the 55-200mm VR lens be necessary? Or should I just stick with the 18-55mm lens the camera comes with? Like I said, I'll mainly be shooting parades/shows, the cruise ship, and the sights at the ports of call. So, actions shots, inside shots, and landscape shots. I just want to make sure I'm not getting more than needed, but still want to make sure I have the proper tools necessary to help get some great shots!

I'll definitely be getting an extra battery, an extra memory card or two, and I'm sure a tripod (if not now, then down the road, along with a wired remote, since I read this model doesn't have a wireless remote option). And of course, I'll be finding a case to try and carry all of this (especially for the cruise --- hopefully it won't be too much since we're packing for 14-nights and have airlines with luggage restrictions to deal with, haha!). And I think I'll get "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson.

Anything else? Will I need filters or anything?

I'm so incredibly excited to start this new journey!

Thanks again!

It really depends on what you want to photograph. I went with my kit lens many days on our trip in Sept 09. It was just too hot to lug around extra gear. I did great in the MK with it, but I really wished I had my longer lens at DHS. We didn't do AK, or I would have wanted it there too. You WILL eventually want some extra reach, and the best deal is often what they are offering to get you to buy the camera, so I'd probably do it.

Just know that as you go along, you want might to add other lenses to your collection to meet specific needs. The 2 starter lenses are a great way to get going though.

 

[SrisonS]

As far as your cruises, maybe look into getting a good walk-around lens to avoid needing to change them. I know that on the 2 I've been on, I didn't always have time to just stop and take all the time needed for shots. Our group, or even just my wife, would always be on the move. For my Canon, I have a 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 that was just great. Never really to close or too far for my shots. It's also good when you don't know what types of things you'll see. It also performed well indoors on the ship, including at the shows. I could sit a few rows back and not have to bump up the ISO too high (which would create noise), and I would still have a nice shutter speed and exposure.

I'm not sure which Nikon versions are good though.