Nikon D3000

[tinkabella627]

I did not look at the deals, but I suspect that there are better deals than BB. Look at Adorama, B&H, and Buydig.

I have never heard of these but will look now, thanks!

 

[tinkabella627]

VR = Vibration Reduction and it means you can take pictures at slower shutter speeds provided the subject is still.

The D3000 is a good camera but I would highly suggest looking into the D5000. It has a better sensor.

Ok so the better lens would be the one with the VR?

The D3000 has a guide feature that will really help me learn, which is the appeal to me. But can you explain more about the sensor? How is it better? (I'm sorry I am so confused, I am new to all this)

 

[Icemann]

Look up dpreview.com and look at a few cameras side by side then when you think you have one in mind.What do plan on using it for pictures wise.kids sports,landscape you get the idea.then go to the store if you can and hold it and see if it feels right.You are about too get into a very expensive hobby.You want to be sure and get something you like and can grow into.You will get a hundred opinions about cameras here,all good you will have to figure out what to do with all the information.Ask questions here and other sites on the web read the manual and read it again as for something to read other then the manual Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson is a good read.But remember one thing have fun doing it

 

[tinkabella627]

So what exactly would I use that extra lens for? I asked the guy in best buy... he didn't seem to know, so of course I knew I was coming here to ask because people here seem to be more knowledgeable.

 

[ukcatfan]

So what exactly would I use that extra lens for? I asked the guy in best buy... he didn't seem to know, so of course I knew I was coming here to ask because people here seem to be more knowledgeable.

To put it in terms you might understand better, think of it as more zoom like on a p&s camera. They are both zoom lenses, but the main lens is basically like having a zoom that is 3x. Combine the two and you have 18-200mm covered or about 11x zoom.

Since you do not know a whole lot about DSLRs, I suggest that you take a step back and do a little more research. Nothing against Nikon at all (even though I use Pentax ) but you really do not know enough to decide on a system yet (i.e. brand). Most people do not switch brands after picking one because they become invested in it. It is a major decision that could impact you for many years. You should consider Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony, and Olympus at a minimum but that is not even all of them.

 

[tinkabella627]

To put it in terms you might understand better, think of it as more zoom like on a p&s camera. They are both zoom lenses, but the main lens is basically like having a zoom that is 3x. Combine the two and you have 18-200mm covered or about 11x zoom.

Since you do not know a whole lot about DSLRs, I suggest that you take a step back and do a little more research. Nothing against Nikon at all (even though I use Pentax ) but you really do not know enough to decide on a system yet (i.e. brand). Most people do not switch brands after picking one because they become invested in it. It is a major decision that could impact you for many years. You should consider Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony, and Olympus at a minimum but that is not even all of them.

Well I have looked into a couple and test them out every time we are in stores, and I really don't think I will ever learn if I don't just pick one and go with it.

 

[ukcatfan]

Ok so the better lens would be the one with the VR?

The D3000 has a guide feature that will really help me learn, which is the appeal to me. But can you explain more about the sensor? How is it better? (I'm sorry I am so confused, I am new to all this)

The better sensor will allow you to get images at higher ISO speeds that are cleaner (i.e. less noise). This is very helpful in low light situations or other times when you need a faster shutter speed. Off the top of my head, the entry level models with the better sensors (and better high ISO performance) are the Pentax K-x, Canon T1i, Canon T2i, and the Nikon D5000. There are also some Sonys, but I do not know the models numbers. You will typically not see an Olympus in this list since they use sensors that are a little smaller and have a more difficult time keeping noise down.

 

[tinkabella627]

The better sensor will allow you to get images at higher ISO speeds that are cleaner (i.e. less noise). This is very helpful in low light situations or other times when you need a faster shutter speed. Off the top of my head, the entry level models with the better sensors (and better high ISO performance) are the Pentax K-x, Canon T1i, Canon T2i, and the Nikon D5000. There are also some Sonys, but I do not know the models numbers. You will typically not see an Olympus in this list since they use sensors that are a little smaller and have a more difficult time keeping noise down.

Ok, after reading some reviews, I see the benefits of the D5000... but I am scared to not have the guide feature haha. Here is something I am dealing with now... having the soft background... I used the D3000 guide and it said that you need a low F #... so I do that on my camera that I have on home, and nothing happens, it looks like a normal picture. But done with the D3000 with help from the guide it works. I don't understand what I am doing wrong and it makes me scared to get the D5000 and get frustrated with it.

 

[ukcatfan]

Well I have looked into a couple and test them out every time we are in stores, and I really don't think I will ever learn if I don't just pick one and go with it.

What you really need to know are the implications of going with a certain brand. If you ever think you are going to be a full time professional photographer, then Canon or Nikon are likely the best choices since they are the only ones offering the really high end stuff. But that typically comes at a little premium in price.

If you are not going to go that route, then you might save money going with someone like Pentax, Sony, or Olympus. They have less overall lenses and accessories available, but have most of what the average consumer would ever need. The Olympus is a really different system (5/3). It offers more depth of field at any particular focal length/aperture combination. This could be good or bad depending on what you want to do. It also offers the ability to zoom more since it has a 2x lens multiplication factor where most others are 1.5-1.6x. Again, this could be good or bad depending on your needs. The big downside is that the high ISO is not as good.

The best thing to do is to look over some reviews and then scan through what is available from those websites I mentioned.

 

[ukcatfan]

Ok, after reading some reviews, I see the benefits of the D5000... but I am scared to not have the guide feature haha. Here is something I am dealing with now... having the soft background... I used the D3000 guide and it said that you need a low F #... so I do that on my camera that I have on home, and nothing happens, it looks like a normal picture. But done with the D3000 with help from the guide it works. I don't understand what I am doing wrong and it makes me scared to get the D5000 and get frustrated with it.

That is depth of field. That is something that a DSLR excels at but a p&s can hardly do.

 

[tinkabella627]

That is depth of field. That is something that a DSLR excels at but a p&s can hardly do.

Well I am glad it isn't just me being completely clueless. I read over the guide 5x to make sure I was reading it right and it worked without fail in the store, so I though for sure I could do it on this camera at home and here I sat trying to figure out why the same concept wouldn't happen.

 

[disneyboy2003]

Ok, after reading some reviews, I see the benefits of the D5000... but I am scared to not have the guide feature haha. Here is something I am dealing with now... having the soft background... I used the D3000 guide and it said that you need a low F #... so I do that on my camera that I have on home, and nothing happens, it looks like a normal picture. But done with the D3000 with help from the guide it works. I don't understand what I am doing wrong and it makes me scared to get the D5000 and get frustrated with it.

I looked at the User's Guide / Manual for the Nikon D3000 (link) to read a little more about the Guide Mode (p. 37 of the manual).

Looks like the Guide Mode only gives you hints on 3 different scenarios:

• Soften the background? Choose a small f-number.
• Freeze motion (people)? Choose a fast shutter speed.
• Freeze motion (vehicles)? Choose a fast shutter speed.

That's it for the Guide Mode. You can pretty much memorize these 3 tips, and apply them on *any* dSLR, not just the Nikon D3000. In fact, any Intro to Digital Photography book will cover these specific scenarios and tell you the exact same answers. Just go to your local bookstore and look through the dozens of different Intro to Digital Photography books available. Even the Digital Photography for Dummies and the Digital SLR Cameras and Photography For Dummies books are actually pretty good.

As previously mentioned, the most-recommended book on this message board is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson (link to Amazon). It's quite an easy book to learn about the basics of photography.

I guarantee that the 3 scenarios covered by that Nikon D3000 "Guide Mode" are also covered in the above books, and the answers will quickly become second-nature to you. While that "Guide Mode" feature might be useful for the first few weeks of your photography, don't let it keep you from looking at other great dSLRs.

 

[tinkabella627]

Thank you! I have opened both of those links and am looking now. I am looking at the "for dummies" book that goes with the camera also.

A question about DSLRs in general... do any of them allow you to do spot color? Or is that something I would do in a photo editing program? And if so, what is the best program to do that on? My husband wants aperture (I have a mac) but I am not sure if that program does this.

 

[VVFF]

Thank you! I have opened both of those links and am looking now. I am looking at the "for dummies" book that goes with the camera also.

A question about DSLRs in general... do any of them allow you to do spot color? Or is that something I would do in a photo editing program? And if so, what is the best program to do that on? My husband wants aperture (I have a mac) but I am not sure if that program does this.

Always do it in post processing...you have very little control with things done in camera. That's why people shoot RAW . That's a whole separate topic though...all in time.

 

[tinkabella627]

Always do it in post processing...you have very little control with things done in camera. That's why people shoot RAW . That's a whole separate topic though...all in time.

That is what I figured... Now... what do people here use most for editing pictures? I have a mac if that makes a difference.

 

[tinkabella627]

another question...

since you all have me looking into the d5000 too now... that one has more "scene options".. if I were to just get the d3000 would I potentially be able to learn how to take the pictures the same way the "scene" settings would?

 

[ukcatfan]

That is what I figured... Now... what do people here use most for editing pictures? I have a mac if that makes a difference.

I hear that Aperture is pretty nice. Many people use Lightroom. I use Bibble and love it, but I am thinking that the new version for Apple is not available yet.

another question...

since you all have me looking into the d5000 too now... that one has more "scene options".. if I were to just get the d3000 would I potentially be able to learn how to take the pictures the same way the "scene" settings would?

Once you read something like Understanding Exposure, you will probably ignore scene modes. Trying to imitate them can help you learn though. Just remember that they are settings for general situations and not perfect, so do not try to copy them exactly.

 

[tinkabella627]

I hear that Aperture is pretty nice. Many people use Lightroom. I use Bibble and love it, but I am thinking that the new version for Apple is not available yet.



Once you read something like Understanding Exposure, you will probably ignore scene modes. Trying to imitate them can help you learn though. Just remember that they are settings for general situations and not perfect, so do not try to copy them exactly.

Thanks! This is a very big decision for me and I am not sure if I am ready to make it yet!

 

[tinkabella627]

another question....

what is the difference between a 50-200mm and 75-300mm and 55-255mm

I am now trying to compare the canon eos rebel with the nikon and trying to see the difference between these lenses.

I really appreciate all your help!

 

[ukcatfan]

another question....

what is the difference between a 50-200mm and 75-300mm and 55-255mm

I am now trying to compare the canon eos rebel with the nikon and trying to see the difference between these lenses.

I really appreciate all your help!

You need more information to tell the real differences. That shows the focal length differences, but more information such as the aperture ( displayed as something like f/4-5.6 or f/2.8) Also important is if it has IS or not (VR on Nikon). If you compare to any other brands, they will not likely have IS in the lens since Pentax, Sony, and Olympus build it into the body, not the lens.

That brings me to 3rd party lenses such as Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, etc. You can often save a decent amount of money going with one of these brands of lenses compared to the manufacturer brand. They typically make lenses to fit all the different mounts. They are also starting to include in lens IS for the brands of bodies that offer in body IS.