Nikon D3000

[tinkabella627]

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.

Ok I am trying to remember what lens it was that was in the package but I think it was
Nikon - Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom Lens

The only reason I would get this is because it comes with the package with a very nice bag and if I add the bag price to the camera, this lens ends up costing me $75 as opposed to the $250 original price (or $150 with a $75 bag free). I have price compared but I have only seen maybe a $60 difference in just the camera and with this package I am saving $175.

 

[ukcatfan]

Ok I am trying to remember what lens it was that was in the package but I think it was
Nikon - Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom Lens

The only reason I would get this is because it comes with the package with a very nice bag and if I add the bag price to the camera, this lens ends up costing me $75 as opposed to the $250 original price (or $150 with a $75 bag free). I have price compared but I have only seen maybe a $60 difference in just the camera and with this package I am saving $175.

I have a question to ask you. Is what you are spending a very important factor?

 

[tinkabella627]

I have a question to ask you. Is what you are spending a very important factor?

It is a semi important factor. I am more looking at this as if I am going to want this lens in 6 months I might as well get it now when I can get it for a better price. I don't want anything to extravagant. I just want a "starter" dslr. I don't feel that I will ever need anything more than that because I am not doing this for a career just a hobby and so that when I start a family I can have a nicer camera to work with.

 

[ukcatfan]

It is a semi important factor. I am more looking at this as if I am going to want this lens in 6 months I might as well get it now when I can get it for a better price. I don't want anything to extravagant. I just want a "starter" dslr. I don't feel that I will ever need anything more than that because I am not doing this for a career just a hobby and so that when I start a family I can have a nicer camera to work with.

I am honestly not just trying to push my brand here, but I want to let you know that the Pentax K-x is a better deal. Nikon is great, as are all brands, but you seem to be thinking about how much you are going to spend and also state that you are not planning any pro endeavors. The K-x with 18-55mm and 50-200mm is $545 after $50 rebate from Adorama. The kit with the 18-55mm and 55-300mm is $629 after the $50 rebate. Also, the K-x is a better camera than the D3000 and D5000, although the D5000 is very close. Plus, the K-x comes in different colors

 

[tinkabella627]

I am honestly not just trying to push my brand here, but I want to let you know that the Pentax K-x is a better deal. Nikon is great, as are all brands, but you seem to be thinking about how much you are going to spend and also state that you are not planning any pro endeavors. The K-x with 18-55mm and 50-200mm is $545 after $50 rebate from Adorama. The kit with the 18-55mm and 55-300mm is $629 after the $50 rebate. Also, the K-x is a better camera than the D3000 and D5000, although the D5000 is very close. Plus, the K-x comes in different colors

oh no! more choices haha my husband is going to go crazy with me constantly changing my mind... off to look at that one now

 

[tinkabella627]

new question... we have a camera we want to sell... we don't have an ebay account. Does anyone know any sites where we could sell it?

 

[ukcatfan]

new question... we have a camera we want to sell... we don't have an ebay account. Does anyone know any sites where we could sell it?

Craigslist

 

[Agent P]

Skip the guide mode in the d3000, pretty worthless, the 5000 is a much better camera. If you can swing it cost wise, and like the feel of Nikon, go with the D90.

Another concern is the the size factor, too big/small for your hands. If some of these seem to big, look at panasonic/olympus for their micro 4/3 cameras that are thinner yet can change lenses.

All the kit lenses that come with any brand are good starter lenses to get your feet wet and let you learn. A good combination of a 18-55 plus 55-200 is light weight and easy to use for general photos. Later when you feel comfortable with the controls, then you can look into speciality lenses.

Books are helpful, so are classes, if you have a independent camera shop near you they probably have more selection and knowledge then the teenager at Best Buy, the prices are fair and they often have classes to take that will help you enjoy your new hobby.

 

[Agent P]

For selling , agree with craigslist, local sales are easier, picked up a used D80 this way for a second body so my wife and I would not fight over the camera to take pix of the kids.

Post process programs depends on mac vs PC but Photoshop Elements is a safe choice for most.

 

[tinkabella627]

Skip the guide mode in the d3000, pretty worthless, the 5000 is a much better camera. If you can swing it cost wise, and like the feel of Nikon, go with the D90.

Another concern is the the size factor, too big/small for your hands. If some of these seem to big, look at panasonic/olympus for their micro 4/3 cameras that are thinner yet can change lenses.

All the kit lenses that come with any brand are good starter lenses to get your feet wet and let you learn. A good combination of a 18-55 plus 55-200 is light weight and easy to use for general photos. Later when you feel comfortable with the controls, then you can look into speciality lenses.

Books are helpful, so are classes, if you have a independent camera shop near you they probably have more selection and knowledge then the teenager at Best Buy, the prices are fair and they often have classes to take that will help you enjoy your new hobby.

For selling , agree with craigslist, local sales are easier, picked up a used D80 this way for a second body so my wife and I would not fight over the camera to take pix of the kids.

Post process programs depends on mac vs PC but Photoshop Elements is a safe choice for most.

Thank you for all your responses. I had my husband decide and he decided the d3000, mostly because it is sufficient enough for what we need, and I agree. I don't need more than what it offers and I am happy with that decision.

We decided to give my mom our old camera instead of selling it because she really wants a digital camera (went to vegas and had to buy a disposable, she felt pretty pathetic lol) so it is win win for both of us because she asked for our old one (only a year old and practically in new condition) for her bday gift.

I know how to use photoshop pretty well and I enjoy it, but the program is for my husband and he is really interested in aperture so I think that will probably be what he ends up getting. Later on I may get elements but we will see.

Thanks again everyone for the replies.

 

[FeeleyFans]

I'm looking to purchase a new DSLR. I've read all the reviews and can't seem to makeup my mind. I'm wondering if any of you photo pro's out there have an opinion. My one concern with the Nikon camera's is that the photos look a bit soft in comparison to the Canon. I've never owned a Nikon.

TIA

 

[mabas9395]

Are there any particular must have features that you are looking for?

Is there any particular style of photography you are interested in?

If one brand appears sharper to you, it's probably more due to the lenses used in the samples or user error.

If you are trying to decide between a couple of similar models, a good next step would be to go to store and hold them in your hands to see how they feel. That is an imprtant aspect you can't learn by reading online reviews.

 

[Frantasmic]

If I were buying an entry-level DSLR today, I'd select from the Pentax K-X, the Nikon D5000, or the Canon T2i.

Pentax probably gives you the most bang for your buck initially since it is such a bargain.

I'd buy Nikon only if I knew I'd use and buy future Nikons.

I'd probably end up with the Canon T2i based on the couple of initial reviews I've seen.

 

[SrisonS]

I don't think you'd be disappointed with either a Canon or Nikon. Their cameras seem to be pretty comparable to each other. And most people just lean a certain way based of preference (how it feels, control layout, etc..), and not necessarily that one brand is way better than the other. But the T2i seems to be getting some VERY impressive reviews. I have the T1i myself, and I love it.

 

[k5jm]

I vote T2i. It is the smaller brother of the 7D (which I have), and the 7D rocks.

 

[ukcatfan]

Another vote for the K-x. I have had mine for about six months and love it!!! It really is the best bang for the buck.

 

[DVC Mike]

I'd go with either the Nikon D5000, or the Canon T2i - both are great.

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

Pentax IMHO, best bang for the buck and 30+ year old lenses work beautifully on it thanks to the in body image stabilization, that was the kicker for me because DW had a bunch of older gear that I get to use on it!

 

[photo_chick]

Everyone tends to push their personal favorite. And that's the thing, it's a personal choice. You have to decide which features are important to you. Then go hold the cameras.

IMO, you can't really go wrong with a Canon, Pentax or Nikon.

 

[bob100]

Everyone tends to push their personal favorite. And that's the thing, it's a personal choice. You have to decide which features are important to you. Then go hold the cameras.

IMO, you can't really go wrong with a Canon, Pentax or Nikon.

basically true
and Sony and Olympus owners think you can't go wrong with their favorites!