Finally got my camera now I need help!

[mom4scrapbooking]

I went into best but all ready to buy the Canon T1i and research this for months. When I got in and starting playing around I ended up buying the Nikon D5000. I am hoping I made a great choice! I will definnetely need to read the manual and watch the video. Anyone have any experience with this camera. Did I do well? I did buy an extra lense which is the 55-200 mm and it case with the stock lense. Is this ok? what should I purchase next? I would love any and all suggestions!

 

[ThurlFan]

If this is your first DSLR, you might consider not purchasing anything until you've played around with your current gear to see what it will and won't do. Then decide what's important to you that you're not getting, and then see if an investment in additional equipment will get you where you want to be.

Having said that, a fast lens (say something like a fixed 35mm with f/1.8 or faster) for nice indoor and/or portrait work is a popular addition to most kits.

 

[disneyboy2003]

Congratulations on your new dSLR. I shoot Canon, so it's my job to tell you that you should have bought Canon! Just kidding. Now that I've got that out of my system...

Since this is your first dSLR, I have a feeling you would have felt the same whether you bought the Canon or the Nikon. There's a learning curve to these dSLRs, and it can be pretty intimidating and pretty overwhelming, regardless of what brand dSLR you own. In the end, though, all entry-level dSLRs (ex. Canon T1i, Nikon D5000, etc) all take very very good photos. You can take a great photo from any of these entry-level dSLRs.

You were right to try out the different cameras in your hands first, before you made your purchase. For a beginning user, that's probably THE most important feature to consider.

Someone else a couple weeks ago on this message board was also asking for reassurance about their new Nikon D5000 purchase. Here's what I replied a couple weeks ago:

I don't know if you're familiar with Scott Kelby. He's a HUGE author of Photoshop and photography books, president of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals, and a big Nikon photographer. He's written several books on Photoshop, Lightroom, and a series of books called "The Digital Photography Book".

Anyway, he recently went on a vacation to Italy, and accidentally left all his camera equipment at a NY hotel *right before* leaving for Italy. So once he got to Italy, he scrambled to buy a replacement Nikon camera, intending to use it for the vacation and resell it when he returned back to the US. He ended up buying the Nikon D5000. He was very pleasantly surprised at its performance and the photos it took.

When he got back to the US, he sold his old back-up camera, and the Nikon D5000 became his new back-up camera.

Here's his story: http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2009/archives/5202

Anyway, if Scott Kelby can give a huge thumbs up for this camera, I'll bet it must be really good.​

Hope that helps. (you still should have bought Canon! )


One more thing. You asked what you should purchase next. If you haven't already, your next purchase should be the book Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson (link to Amazon). This book is the most-recommended book on this message board. It will help you understand the basics of photography (ie. shutter speed, aperture, ISO, etc.).

You can also consider buying an Intro to Digital Photography book. There are dozens of such books at your local bookstore, so browse through them to see which one fits your learning style.

 

[photo_chick]

If hte Nikon felt right in your hands then you made the right choice for you.

The lenses you already purchased cover a good range and I'd hold off on another lens purchase until you have had the camera a bit. Then you can see what shots you are unable to get and purchase accordingly.

Maybe invest in a polarizing filter or a neutral density filter set if you just have an itch to shop. And don't forget to find that perfect bag for you.

 

[mom2rtk]

1) If you plan to do any nighttime photography, like fireworks at Disney, then you will eventually need a tripod and shutter release cable.

2) Extra memory cards

3) Extra battery

Then I recommend hanging out here in this forum. If you see shots you like, that you want to do yourself, then ask what you need. It will soon become obvious what direction you need to go.

Have FUN!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Welcome to the D5k club It seems like the D5000 is getting to be pretty popular anymore. There are a couple of us on the photography boards that are still learning all the different features it has in it and it seems like they never end.

Honestly, I wouldn't go out buying anything just yet. Take what you have and just go play for a while. Once you get the feel for what you like go from there.

If you really have a hole burning in your pocket, this is what I've picked up so far.

Extra Battery- I don't really use the LCD much so really I don't need it unless I forget to charge the 1st one. I'm not 100% sure how many pictures I got from one charge, but I know it was at least 500 using the viewfinder.

Different bag- ($85 Best Buy) I went with the Lowepro Slingshot 100 because I hated the bag it came with. It was big and bulky and always in the way while I was walking. With the Slingshot, I can go from packed to shooting in just a few seconds assuming I have the right lens on.

Tripod- ($60 Best Buy)I've had so much fun with this at night. Definitely a must for low light pictures and fireworks if you want to capture the tails as the go up into the sky.

Wireless Remote($5 Ebay)- Used to take pictures without touching the camera. I used it a few times to take family pictures so I can be in them too, but I always use it at night on the tripod.

Nikon 35mm 1.8 lens($199 Best Buy)- Like the PP stated, great for indoors with lower lighting.

Adobe Photoshop Elements($99 Adobe)- nice editing tool and works well enough for me when shooting in RAW format (NEF)

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Here's an excellent thread started by TheGoofster. He recently purchased the D5000 and every week he learns something new and shares it.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2370366

 

[jupster75]

Nikon 35mm 1.8 lens($199 Best Buy)- Like the PP stated, great for indoors with lower lighting.

I have to agree. I love this lens.

 

[Spinning]

You sound like me! LOL! I could have written the same post and probably did about a year ago! I was all set to buy the nikon D90 went into the store played with it and came out with the Canon 50D! So it really is what feels best in your hands.....

I waited almost a year before I purchased anything new toys for my camera. I know my personality and I could go nuts over lenses and things...

My first purchase was a good camera bag and card. After I used the camera and saw what I needed I bought my first lens, 85 1.8. I love it. I now have my eye on the 50 1.4.

Best advice I can give you...take tons of pictures and don't be afraid to play with the camera and see what it can do.

 

[boBQuincy]

You made a great choice, after all 2nd best (to Canon) is still very good!
Just kidding! A D5000 is a very good camera and should do just about anything you can think of. Your lens choices are very good to start with, covering a wide range.

Get out and practice until it all becomes second nature, and have fun!

 

[SrisonS]

I agree with all the suggestions mentioned above. One thing I'll highly suggest is a lens hood for each of your lenses. It's main function is to prevent lens flare from the sun, but it will also physically protect your lens. I'm at Disney a lot, and have no problem walking around all day with the lens cap off, and only the hood as protection (unless I go on rides of course).

I'd also suggest purchasing a bag online. Go to Best Buy to browse, but hit the web for good pricing. Have fun with your new purchase.