Recommendation needed

[Disney*Dreamer]

I would like an entry level SLR. I would like it to have auto focus and at least one lens to get me started. I want to take basic family snapshots, but am tired of my full-featured point and shoot, I want something that will allow me to take better quality photos.

I have been admiring the Nikon D40, but am not married to it.

I would also like to spend as little as possible so I also need suggetions on who is a reputable dealer with good prices.

 

[RBennett]

You've DEFINITELY come to the right place, but get prepared because you're going to get every brand out there named here. Having said that, Nikon is really nice and a LOT of people on here use it but me personally I lean more towards the Pentax. There is the Pentax K200D with the 18-55mm kit lens and you can get it at bestbuy and b&h for right at $700. I like the Pentax if for no other reason than it has the image stabilization in the camera body, where others have it in the lenses (making the lenses more expensive.) Like I said, this is just one person's opinion and I'm sure you'll have tons more responses. Now one other thing is, and this is just what I was told, if you buy any other brand the camera over time sucks out your brain and sends it to aliens. I can't PROVE that, but that's what I was told!

 

[RCDisneyFan]

I'm a Nikon user, so I'm biased, but I'll repeat what I've posted a couple of times this week. The Nikon D40 with the kit lens is a steal at ~$400. For a beginner, I wouldn't see the need to pay extra for the D60 or the D40x.

I'm sure there's a nice Canon user on the board who'll recommend one of those to you too.

Best thing to do is pick out a couple of models you're interested in and go to the store and play with them. The feel of the camera in your hands is much more important for a DSLR than P&S. And yes, buy from B&H, Adorama, J&R (they're only good if you know exactly what you want and they have it in stock - the other two are MUCH better from a stock & general service perspective.)

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

I'm a Nikon user, so I'm biased, but I'll repeat what I've posted a couple of times this week. The Nikon D40 with the kit lens is a steal at ~$400. For a beginner, I wouldn't see the need to pay extra for the D60 or the D40x.

I'm sure there's a nice Canon user on the board who'll recommend one of those to you too.

Best thing to do is pick out a couple of models you're interested in and go to the store and play with them. The feel of the camera in your hands is much more important for a DSLR than P&S. And yes, buy from B&H, Adorama, J&R (they're only good if you know exactly what you want and they have it in stock - the other two are MUCH better from a stock & general service perspective.)

So J&R is a reputable dealer? I have been eyeing a GPS on there for my parents, but had never heard of them before, maybe I can find a camera on there too!

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

Also, would you recommend a refurbished camera?

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

Okay, I looked at those sites and I like this one.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=500315&is=REG

When I add it to the cart the price drops to $499.95 Is this a good deal, I know the one is a typical kit lens, what will the other lens allow me to do?

 

[RCDisneyFan]

Also, would you recommend a refurbished camera?

I don't see any real issue with buying refurbished - it's discounted because somebody already bought it, already had an issue and it's been fixed. So...theoretically it's less risky than just buying a new one. My caveat is this: I have bought used lenses before but not a refurbished DSLR.

Having the 18-55 (which is a great little lens) and the 55-200 will give you a great range to play with taking pictures. I would probably pass on the kit containing the 55-200 if that lens doesn't have Vibration Reduction (VR.) Digital cameras are very susceptible to "camera shake" and the further you zoom, the more noticeable it is. You *may* find yourself frustrated by blurry pictures with the 55-200 (those of us with naturally shaky hands can't live without VR!) Also, without getting all technical - VR would allow your lens to "use light" better. I would get the 18-55 kit and save my pennies to get the 55-200vr lens (it's less than $300)

 

[bob100]

I have been admiring the Nikon D40, but am not married to it.

I would also like to spend as little as possible so I also need suggetions on who is a reputable dealer with good prices.

I think there was another thread recently here about the Nikon D40,
It was a nice camera a few years ago but now with only 6 MP, very limited features, - you can do a lot better with a Canon !

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

I think there was another thread recently here about the Nikon D40,
It was a nice camera a few years ago but now with only 6 MP, very limited features, - you can do a lot better with a Canon !

Can you suggest a paticular Cannon for me to look at, my bother-in-law just got the xsi and loves it.

 

[bob100]

Can you suggest a paticular Cannon for me to look at, my bother-in-law just got the xsi and loves it.

honestly, from what I know now (and if I was buying today) I would go with something like this -

Canon XSi (450D) with 18-55mm Image Stabilized Lens,
$549. (free shipping ! )
12 MP, live view, all the features, full package - battery, cables, etc.

http://www.adorama.com/ICADRXSIBKR.html

yes, it says "refurbished" but hold on - from everything I've ever read on the Canon forums www.photography-on-the.net/forum these refurbished deals from Adorama and B&H look and act like new and they come with a warranty. (not as long as the original Canon warranty but you can buy a longer one)
something to think about !

then shortly after that I would buy the Canon 55-250 IS telephoto zoom lens for less than $200 (refurbished !)

 

[originalkk]

I think what you need to remember with an SLR is that you are really buying into a LENS system. Nikon and Canon lenses are not compatible with each other's camera bodies. If you buy a new camera body later on, you can only re-use the lenses with the same make of camera. As lenses are often the major cost elements in a system, it is therefore important that you choose a camera brand that has lenses you like and a camera body you feel comfortable with.

Last year I tried both a Canon XSi and a Nikon D40. The Nikon just felt better in my hands and the controls seemed more intuitive. 6 megapixels is enough unless you want to print poster sized pictures (even then you can upscale in Photoshop). I can't think of any features that were hugely important to me that the Canon had that the D40 didn't have, bearing in mind the price difference. The D40 was smaller and seemed lighter to hold. Certainly I have been very pleased with the quality of the images from the D40.

By the way, it is rumoured that Nikon may be replacing the D40 with a new model very soon.

 

[spinetnglr]

I agree with RCDisneyfan on passing on the kit with both lens. While it is a good price you would be better off to buy the one they have right now that has the 55-200 VR version for $749 with a $150 instant rebate for a cost of $600. To me that would be a better deal than the non VR kit they have listed. At least that way you are accumulating some better lenses if you decide to upgrade your body in the future. If you dont want to spend that much from the start I would look for the best deal with just a body and starter lens. No matter what brand you choose try to get to a store where you can actually handle the cameras you are considering a see what feels best. I have a D40 and I love it. And although I upgraded to a D300 I still have the D40 and will continue to use it when I want to "go light" because it is small, light and easy to handle ... maybe not the case though for someone who has bigger hands.

 

[kaffinito]

It's really important to try out the camera first before you buy one. Reviews are one thing but you need to get the DSLR that feels right to you. I started out wanting the Sony A100 or the Canon, but when I got to the store to try them out I ended up walking out with a Nikon D60.

I also went from a frustrating pns to a DSLR because I wanted more than what I was getting from the pns. Since you just want one that will give you portraits of your kids, then you don't need to spend a lot for a DSLR.

 

[Amy]

As I haven't taken the plunge into buying a dSLR yet (I'm still in the dreaming stage), I just wanted to add that I heard the other day that Ritz Camera is declaring bankruptcy. That might mean some good deals.

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

I am going to town tonight to look at them in person, I have had ahold of the Canon XSI of my brother-in-laws, It isn't much bigger than my Sony DSC-H2, so the size is no big deal on that one, but I want to get ahold of the Nikon.

I read on a review that the Nikon lenese were more costly because the autofocus is in the lenses. Can anyone tell me how that works as far as the Canon and other brands go? TIA.

 

[annnewjerz]

The D40 will not AF with all lenses, only those that are AF-S and AF-I, however you can still manually focus any other AF lenses. Before upgrading to the D90 recently, I had the D60 and had this same problem. I bought the 50mm f/1.8 and was able to manually focus it with no problem (may be more of an issue if you wear glasses). It is a little bit of an inconvenience, but I learned to really like it. I was able to buy the D60 for relatively cheap and add a few lenses to my collection for not too much money. Now, I have upgraded to the D90 and all of my AF lenses work perfectly---got the best of both worlds.

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

The D40 will not AF with all lenses, only those that are AF-S and AF-I, however you can still manually focus any other AF lenses. Before upgrading to the D90 recently, I had the D60 and had this same problem. I bought the 50mm f/1.8 and was able to manually focus it with no problem (may be more of an issue if you wear glasses). It is a little bit of an inconvenience, but I learned to really like it. I was able to buy the D60 for relatively cheap and add a few lenses to my collection for not too much money. Now, I have upgraded to the D90 and all of my AF lenses work perfectly---got the best of both worlds.

I am legally blind, so autofocus is an absolute must.

 

[annnewjerz]

I am legally blind, so autofocus is an absolute must.

Well in that case, lenses are slightly more pricey but you still have a great selection of lenses to choose from that won't break the bank...and buying used is another great option.

A lot of D40 users have a kit consisting of the D40, the kit lens it comes with, the 55-200mm VR (under $300) for some extra reach--and now that Nikon has introduced a new DX prime that is very affordable (35mm f/1.8 for $200) I think you can still get a great, reasonably priced kit that has fully autofocusing lenses.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I'm of the belief that you should go hold and play around with all the camera brands and then decide from there.

I'll also mention the Sony entry level camera which is the A200 and is $499 with the kit lens. I think Sony gives you a lot of bang for the buck with this camera. It auto focuses and has in body stabilization so any Sony or Minolta auto focus lens will be stabilized.

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

I'm of the belief that you should go hold and play around with all the camera brands and then decide from there.

I'll also mention the Sony entry level camera which is the A200 and is $499 with the kit lens. I think Sony gives you a lot of bang for the buck with this camera. It auto focuses and has in body stabilization so any Sony or Minolta auto focus lens will be stabilized.

I would LOVE the Sony, but I have been under the impression that it was more expensive. Thanks so much for taking the time to post here, I am going to check it out as well. I have a Sony DSC-H2 now and LOVE it.