Need advice for a new camera

[caralyn817]

I am in the process of buying a new camera. I want something with a better zoom than my standard digital. I have been looking at the Nikon D60. Does anyone own this? If so, what do you think about it. Or should I go with another brand? Please help.

 

[ukcatfan]

If zoom is what you want, look at a super zoom p&s, not a DSLR. The standard lens will only be a 3x zoom. If you want to get one lens on a DSR that covers a long range, the lens alone is going to probably cost you $400, so you are probably looking at a $1000 package. There are many reasons to look for a DSLR, but zoom is definitely NOT one of them.

 

[Anewman]

Not sure how much the D60 costs, but Tamron makes an affordable lens that would give you about a 10x zoom compared to your current camera.


$250 after $30 rebate.
Tamron 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 AF DI-II LD Lens f/ Nikon w/ Built-in motor

http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=TM18200XRDINA2

 

[fhirleighinn]

It depends on if you are looking at price or quality. A D60 will give you much better quality than a Point and shoot. you will have the flexibility of interchangable lens, which you do not have with a P&S. Not to mention the higher ISO ranges which might also help.
Zoom is definetly a reason to look at a DSLR

 

[Anewman]

Or you can buy the Sony A200 for $499(circuit city). and the following $50 lens for $550 total.

http://www.samys.com/product_detail.php?item=10498

 

[MonoManBlue]

I agree....if you want zoom, you NEED to look at an SLR. A P&S will only get you whatever is built into it, you cannot go further. With an SLR, you can buy a lense that will zoom quite a distance, granted you might spend a small fortune on it, but you can certainly get them.

I would try to find a D80 though, the AF motor in the body is worth the extra cost, plus there are various other differences that make the D80, in my opinion (im also biased since I own an 80), better than the D40 or 60 models.

 

[MonoManBlue]

Or you can buy the Sony A200 for $499(circuit city). and the following $50 lens for $550 total.

http://www.samys.com/product_detail.php?item=10498

how the heck can they sell that lense so cheap?

 

[bob100]

I agree....if you want zoom, you NEED to look at an SLR. A P&S will only get you whatever is built into it, you cannot go further. With an SLR, you can buy a lense that will zoom quite a distance, granted you might spend a small fortune on it, but you can certainly get them.

just my $.02 - the ultrazooms by Canon, Panasonic, etc. can get you pretty far telephoto and close-in macro shots for less than $300. (Look at the samples on different camera pics on Flickr, ) I would still consider that a good option, then in a year or two if you really want to spend the money and lug around those lenses, go for the big camera

 

[YesDear]

OP, is the longer zoom the only thing you want? What is your price range and your experience level and what other things do you want to accomplish.

I know some people that want better pictures but do not want to "lug" around DSLR's. Then the other P&S cameras mentioned here could be better options.

If you want more control over the image and want better, I believe, options then a DSLR, I think is the better choice. I prefer Nikon and the D60 is a good camera. That is where personal choice and $$$ become the issues.

I always suggest you go to your local camera store and ask to play with a D40, D60, D80. Then play with the Canon/Pentax/Sony equivalent. Some times it boils down to which camera you like the feel and use of most.

The worst camera you can pick is the one you do not use.