Wanting to jump from P&S to dSLR...what do I need and what to look for??

Mickey Fliers

DIS Veteran
Joined
Sep 18, 2004
Messages
4,872
I guess the title says it all ;) .

I am looking to forego my P&S and upgrade to a dSLR. I am currently shooting with a Fuji S5200. What exactly do I need to start and what would you all recommend ie: lens, filters, etc.? I would love to get some great low-light shots. Also, with a new little one on the way, we are going to need to take a ton of baby pictures.
 
Like you, I used a Fuji S5200 before upgrading to a Nikon system. I emphasize the word, "system" since a dSLR purchase is not exactly like a PnS purchase. The camera body itself is just one part of the equation. One should look at lenses and other accessories at least as critically as the camera body itself - perhaps even more critically.

There are many, many dSLR models to choose from, from all the major camera makers. I suggest you read reviews of cameras and lenses that would fall within your budget. If you are wanting to shoot low-light photos without using a flash, you will need to look at lenses with a larger maximum aperture (lower "f" number). In the world of zoom lenses, this can mean a significant investment. Primes (single focal length) are somewhat less expensive. For example most of us Nikon folks started off with a zoom lens or two plus a $110 50mm f/1.8 lens for low-light stuff. The new favorite fast prime, at least among Nikon folks seems to be the Sigma 30mm f/1.4, which will set you back $400 or so.

A good starting point might be a good camera body (not necessarily a high-priced one) and a "standard" zoom lens to sort of get started with. Once you have familiarized yourself with the camera, you will have a better feel for what lens(es) to add next. Different camera manufacturers offer different zoom ranges and primes, plus there are a couple of decent third party lens makers (Sigma and Tamron) who make lenses to fit most camera models.

From a strictly Nikon perspective, a D40 plus 18-135mm lens is (IMO) a good starting point, although the D40, D40x and new D60 lack the autofocus motor necessary to autofocus some older Nikon lenses. Other camera manufacturers offer excellent cameras and lenses as well, so be sure and check out what's available from each.

Good luck!

~Y
 
In my opinion a great dslr to start out with is a Canon Digital Rebel Xti. In terms of lenses as a beginner the 18-55mm lens it comes with is a good start. To get some nice low light a good start would be the canon 50mm f/1.8 which you can get for around $80 . I have both of these and they are great lenses. In terms of filters I would recommend hoya multicoated UV filters to protect the lenses especially with a little one on the way who will undoubtidly try and poke the end of the lens when you get close. It is much easier to wipe off a filter than the lens itself. Also as a tip the easiest way to get low light shots is to shoot in Av mode with the widest aperture possible so 1.8 on the 50mm or 3.5 on the 18-55mm. I hope that helps and gives you a good jumping off point to do some research.
 

Possibly the first thing to look for is the main shortcomings of your P&S, the reasons you have decided to go with a dSLR. You mention low-light and that is definitely one of the strong points of most dSLRs, including most of the entry level ones.

Look for a system that has a good, low-cost 50mm f/1.8 for low light. Unfortunately that leaves out Nikon's D40 and D40x (D60 too?), otherwise some good cameras. Look for low noise at high ISO, most dSLRs do very well in this regard, some are exceptional.
 
Thanks so much for the information. My Fuji is fine for snapping quick pics, but I find that at a high ISO (anything above 400) I end up with a lot of noise. And like I said, low light shots have become a PITA.

Do you have any recommendations for sites where I can do camera comparisons? I have consumer reports, so I am going to look there. Also, I would like to pick up a good book or site where I can do some "learnin". Any ideas?

Again, thanks for all your help!
 
Head....swimming.....

Primes. Lenses. Fixed. Auto. Zoom.

I think I will be researching the day away!

;)
 
Quick question....

Does the Nikon D80 allow for auto focus with all lenses?

Yes, with all autofocus lenses in the Nikon F mount. Also, I wouldn't necessarily rule out the D40/D60 on the basis of the 50mm f/1.8 alone. If you're looking for speed at a reasonable price, there are a few third party (Tamron, Sigma, etc.) f/2.8 zooms that will AF on the entry level Nikons and get excellent reviews. Also, I think Sigma has a 50mm f/1.4 coming out that will have an internal focusing motor, though I've not yet seen a price on it. That said, the D80 is a great camera with some other useful features that the D40/D60 lack (top lcd is one of the first that comes to mind).
 















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