I have narrowed it down to 3 cameras, help me choose

[Disney*Dreamer]

I like this one because it has an extra lens and it is a Nikon
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=532253&is=REG Total shipped $564.95

I like this one for the price and it is a Nikon
http://www.jr.com/nikon/pe/NKN_D60KIT_hy_RB/ Total Shipped $399.99

I like this one because it is a Sony, and the package it comes with, though I already have memory cards that will work with it. Plus I like that the AF isn't in the lenses. (Or is it, correct me if I am wrong, I can't find anything that says otherwise)
http://www.adorama.com/ISODSLRA200A.html Total Shipped $499.00


Which one would you choose and why?

 

[spinetnglr]

To answer your question about the IS in the Sony ....copy and pasted right from the last link

The DSLR-A200 camera also incorporates Sony's Super SteadyShot image stabilization in the body to allow shooting at shutter speeds of 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than otherwise possible and since the stabilization system is built into the camera body, every compatible lens attached to the camera (including all Minolta Maxxum and Sony Alpha lens) benefits from it.

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

To answer your question about the IS in the Sony ....copy and pasted right from the last link

The DSLR-A200 camera also incorporates Sony's Super SteadyShot image stabilization in the body to allow shooting at shutter speeds of 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than otherwise possible and since the stabilization system is built into the camera body, every compatible lens attached to the camera (including all Minolta Maxxum and Sony Alpha lens) benefits from it.

I am sure I read the whole thing too, how did I miss that. Thanks for pointing it out.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

IMO, you should rethink your options. You are buying not just a dslr, but a whole new system that includes different lenses that may or may not work with your camera choices. Good lenses are not cheap either. If your hands shake, you will need a body or lens w/ VR or IS built in. Nikon builds the VR into the lenses. Those good lenses aren't cheap. I had the D80. When I thought of upgrading my lenses vs. body, everyone told me that in the case of the D90, I couldn't go wrong because it's such a vast improvement in ISO capabilities over the D80. Normally they'll tell you buy the cheap body and get the better lens. In this case, everyone I spoke with said, get the better body because it's that much better in quality. I would spend a little more and get the D90. You can get the body only on Amazon w/ free shipping for about $800. If you're on a really strict budget, Nikon also has a new prime lens for it 35mm 1.8 I believe for about $199. Or you could get the 50mm 1.8 for around $100. Then when you can afford it, get the zoom lenses.
Good luck!

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

IMO, you should rethink your options. You are buying not just a dslr, but a whole new system that includes different lenses that may or may not work with your camera choices. Good lenses are not cheap either. If your hands shake, you will need a body or lens w/ VR or IS built in. Nikon builds the VR into the lenses. Those good lenses aren't cheap. I had the D80. When I thought of upgrading my lenses vs. body, everyone told me that in the case of the D90, I couldn't go wrong because it's such a vast improvement in ISO capabilities over the D80. Normally they'll tell you buy the cheap body and get the better lens. In this case, everyone I spoke with said, get the better body because it's that much better in quality. I would spend a little more and get the D90. You can get the body only on Amazon w/ free shipping for about $800. If you're on a really strict budget, Nikon also has a new prime lens for it 35mm 1.8 I believe for about $199. Or you could get the 50mm 1.8 for around $100. Then when you can afford it, get the zoom lenses.
Good luck!

Anything over $600 is completely out of my price range. I appreciate the advice though. I am really just looking at the 3 I posted.

 

[spinetnglr]

If you are only looking at the three you posted I would go for the first one. With that option you are getting two decent lenses with a wide range of focal lengths from 18mm to 200mm. Plus if you break down the costs of buying those three separately the 55-200VR can be had for about $225, the 18-55 for about $130 which leaves about $210 for the body. While I agree there are choices out there with more options than the D40, for that price for a good body to start with you cant go wrong. I might be a bit biased because I have a D40 and never regretted getting it although in a year and a half I felt I outgrew it. The autofocusing in the lenses only is and issue for the D40 but not one that cant be overcome and at some point if you upgrade the body to say something like the D90 it will no longer be an issue. There were so so many D40s sold because it was widely regarded as a very good camera for the price.

 

[oogieboogieman]

The second camera you are looking at from JR's is a refurbished camera, not exactly new. I personally would not buy that one, there's no telling what wrong or what has been fixed with it. I'm sure it my have some type of warranty.
I have used Sony in the past and I liked it. It's a good camera as well as the Nikon d40.

Good luck with your decision.

FYI, check ot www.resellerratings.com They don't have a very good rating. Description of the nikon D60 dosen't mention anything about a battery or charger ( unless I overlooked it)

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

All three are nice cameras. I also would skip the refurb camera although it's probably fine and I would assume there is a return period for it (and that may be what it is - a camera someone returned).

First, I'd go with which ever camera felt more comfortable in my hands. If there's no preference then I like that the Sony will AF with all lenses. The Nikon D40 will AF with most lenses but not some of the more economical ones, and you also have to have special lenses with Image stabilization. With Sony you also have the option of picking up some less expensive Minolta AF lenses and you will have both stabilization and Auto Focus.

 

[annnewjerz]

I would also rule out the refurb D60. The price difference isn't that much less than the D40, and it doesn't look like the kit lens that comes with it is the newer VR lens.

I would go with either the D40 or the Sony, I think both would be great systems for you.

Here are some pro's for each:

D40: Great price, comes with the nicer VR version of the 55-200 lens which will both AF with the D40, you can add the 35mm f/1.8 for a good low-light lens for another $200 in March and have a really nice starter kit that could probably last you for a while (you have wide, telephoto and low-light), Nikon is a good system to buy into and you can find accessories really anywhere that sells camera equipment.

Sony: Has IS and AF built into the camera body (which the D40 does not), you already have memory (although I'm not sure how big your cards are---you need big ones for a dSLR, especially one that's 10mpxl), the price is nice (although the D40 might be a better deal because even though you are spending $100 more than the Sony package---you are getting a $250+ second lens to go with it).

One way or another, you'll love whatever you get. With all of the pro's for each kit, I would go out and handle them and see what you like the feel of best.

 

[RCDisneyFan]

I think I said in response to another of your posts that I'm biased toward Nikon, because I have one.

If I was going to pick between the D60 and the D40 - I'd get the D40 with the VR lenses. Always invest in better glass - digital camera bodies are essentially disposable but lenses are not.

I don't really know anything about the Sony but last time I looked Sony cameras used a proprietary memory stick - as opposed to CF or SD cards, which are used by most manufacturers.

So, not sure if you already have things like card readers - or other electronics that use SD cards...it's minor compared to investing in cameras and lenses - but still something to think about..

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

I think I am leaning toward the Sony, I have a 1gig and a 4gig card for it already, plus I love the Sony that I currently have. I went to town last night and handeled the Sony and the 40D, I found them pretty similar, so that didn't help much. Thanks for all of the suggestions. I am off to browse photos taken by each on here and other sites..

 

[oogieboogieman]

The Sony is a very good camera, it has some very good features. I currently have the Alpha 100 and I use it with some Sony and Minolta lenses. Sony discontinued the Alpha 100 and the 200 became there entry level camera. IMO, out of the cameras you listed I would lean towards the Sony. I like the fact you can use the older Minolta Autofocus/ Maxxum lenses. They are old but good lenses. Look on Craigslist and Ebay for deals.

If I didn't use my Olympus cameras and being so heavily invested with them I would use the Sony more often.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I don't really know anything about the Sony but last time I looked Sony cameras used a proprietary memory stick - as opposed to CF or SD cards, which are used by most manufacturers.

So, not sure if you already have things like card readers - or other electronics that use SD cards...it's minor compared to investing in cameras and lenses - but still something to think about..

This info is not quite correct. The Sony DSLR's use Compact Flash memory or the memory stick with an adapter. The two exceptions are the A700 and the full frame A900 that have dual slots so you can have both a CF and memory stick. I love that feature- it's saved me a few times!


Disney*Dreamer - if you haven't discovered this already it's a thread with quite a few Sony pictures.
Sony Alpha Thread

There several good, affordable options when you look at the Minolta AF lenses. Ebay was mentioned and I also like keh.com. They seem to be very conservative in their ratings and allow returns. By having access to the Minolta's I've been able to acquire lenses that I otherwise would not have if I were having to pay new prices - in any of the brands.

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

This info is not quite correct. The Sony DSLR's use Compact Flash memory or the memory stick with an adapter. The two exceptions are the A700 and the full frame A900 that have dual slots so you can have both a CF and memory stick. I love that feature- it's saved me a few times!


Disney*Dreamer - if you haven't discovered this already it's a thread with quite a few Sony pictures.
Sony Alpha Thread

There several good, affordable options when you look at the Minolta AF lenses. Ebay was mentioned and I also like keh.com. They seem to be very conservative in their ratings and allow returns. By having access to the Minolta's I've been able to acquire lenses that I otherwise would not have if I were having to pay new prices - in any of the brands.

Thanks, I have been lurking on that thread for a while now, I do have a Sony, just not a DSLR, but I still get amazing pics out of it for it to be a bridge camera.

 

[zackiedawg]

I think I am leaning toward the Sony, I have a 1gig and a 4gig card for it already, plus I love the Sony that I currently have. I went to town last night and handeled the Sony and the 40D, I found them pretty similar, so that didn't help much. Thanks for all of the suggestions. I am off to browse photos taken by each on here and other sites..

Disney*dreamer...When you mention already having a Sony camera, and that you have memory cards for the A200 already...I just wanted to double-check that you aren't referring to any Memory Stick memory cards that Sony P&S cameras use. The Sony Alpha line actually use CF (Compact Flash) cards, NOT Memory Stick cards. That said, 8GB of memory card in CF format even in decent Extreme III speed will run under $40, so it's honestly not a big deal. I'd never make a decision on a $500 camera because it was compatible with a $30 memory card!

As for your choices - I'm sure you can't go too wrong either way, so I'd let the ergonomics and handling of the cameras be your deciding factor. If you find that the design, grip, and buttons & controls of one camera are particularly comfortable or natural, that is a very big factor in taking great photos.

The Nikon will have a larger selection of lenses overall for serious camera buffs, though the D40 is slightly limited compared to the middle-grade and higher Nikon digitals that are compatible with all Nikon lenses. The Sony has a few body advantages that might help make future lens choices a better bargain, with the IS and AF in body...which allows all older AF Minolta lenses to be compatible, and have the advantage of being stabilized.

Just make sure you're happy holding and comfortable shooting with the camera you choose!

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

Disney*dreamer...When you mention already having a Sony camera, and that you have memory cards for the A200 already...I just wanted to double-check that you aren't referring to any Memory Stick memory cards that Sony P&S cameras use. The Sony Alpha line actually use CF (Compact Flash) cards, NOT Memory Stick cards. That said, 8GB of memory card in CF format even in decent Extreme III speed will run under $40, so it's honestly not a big deal. I'd never make a decision on a $500 camera because it was compatible with a $30 memory card!

As for your choices - I'm sure you can't go too wrong either way, so I'd let the ergonomics and handling of the cameras be your deciding factor. If you find that the design, grip, and buttons & controls of one camera are particularly comfortable or natural, that is a very big factor in taking great photos.

The Nikon will have a larger selection of lenses overall for serious camera buffs, though the D40 is slightly limited compared to the middle-grade and higher Nikon digitals that are compatible with all Nikon lenses. The Sony has a few body advantages that might help make future lens choices a better bargain, with the IS and AF in body...which allows all older AF Minolta lenses to be compatible, and have the advantage of being stabilized.

Just make sure you're happy holding and comfortable shooting with the camera you choose!

You are right, and I found that out when I went to town, the A100 allows you to use the memory stick, not the a200. But, like you said, that isn't a big deal. I did hold them and the A200 just felt better to me. I like the looks of the Nikon, but it didn't feel right.

I am going to go with the A200, now it is just time to find the best deal! From a reputable place. I went to Ritz to hold them, and I can say that I would never buy anything from the guy I talked to, I am not saying Ritz, but the guy, he made me feel like you hear people who ordered from Abe's of Maine talk about feeling. First thing I said is that I was not ready to buy yet I just wanted to see the cameras, then he starts upselling their ESP, which is fine, but I am not paying $300 for a ESP on a $500 dollar camera, then he says, all in the same breath, you need an extra battery, memory card, and a bag too. Talk about overwhelming a person that just wants to LOOK at the cameras. I know what I need, just let me look at the camera for a minute, geez.

 

[oogieboogieman]

I totally agree with you about Ritz/Wolf Camera. I'm kinda surprised after you mentioned that you were just looking, that he still talked to you. I was in there a couple of weeks ago looking for a certain type of camera backpack (just to see if my camera and lens would fit) and once he found out that I wasn't going to purchase it, he walked off. Oh well, it's his companies loss!

You will like the A200. Just make sure to buy yourself a Minolta AF 50mm 1.7. Great lens, it can be found used for about $50.00.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Wow, I'm surprised to hear all that about Ritz. I often go to the one here in town (because they are pretty much the only camera store in town, unfortunately) and I often have trouble getting anyone to help me. I called a few times to ask questions over the phone and several different sales people told me they don't work on commision so it didn't matter who I spoke with that anyone could help me when I came in. I did have them try to upsell me once on their Extended insurance plan on a lens I bought, but once I said no that was it. It's weird about that sales guy though because if they don't get commissions why would he go to so much trouble in upselling you? Strange.

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

I totally agree with you about Ritz/Wolf Camera. I'm kinda surprised after you mentioned that you were just looking, that he still talked to you. I was in there a couple of weeks ago looking for a certain type of camera backpack (just to see if my camera and lens would fit) and once he found out that I wasn't going to purchase it, he walked off. Oh well, it's his companies loss!

You will like the A200. Just make sure to buy yourself a Minolta AF 50mm 1.7. Great lens, it can be found used for about $50.00.

Thanks for posting that lens, I would like to get one with a better aperature than the kit lens.