What DSLR to buy?

[Pea-n-Me]

Yes, maybe the OP should have called this one the "Tell Us How You Really Feel" thread!!

 

[DizzyV6P]

Hi guys...Just to let you know, I settled on the D60 with the one lens kit. You'll have to help me when it comes time to purchase the super 55-200 one...there's so many different kinds, I know I'll get the wrong one. Should be here tomorrow!

You might want to check out Ken Rockwell's site as well. www.kenrockwell.com
He's a bit of a controversial character among Nikonians, but I've found some of his advice and reviews spot on.

 

[Nanu57v]

Welcome to Nikonsville; I'm confident that you will enjoy your new camera. If you can stretch for it, you might want to consider the excellent 70-300VR instead of the 55-200 or 55-200VR. Of the latter two, from all I've seen, the VR is well worth the extra money.

~Y

How much $$ are we talking for them? I was looking at one of the bundles that had the camera and lens I got, plus the 55-200, and it was $200 more, but to buy the lens by itself was $150. Made no sense. Plus, since I was trained in film (and 15 years ago at that) I have NO CLUE what I'm talking about. Maybe someone will recommend some good reading for me.


BTW--My camera is out for delivery!!! Less than 24 hours after purchase!

 

[YEKCIM]

How much $$ are we talking for them? I was looking at one of the bundles that had the camera and lens I got, plus the 55-200, and it was $200 more, but to buy the lens by itself was $150. Made no sense. Plus, since I was trained in film (and 15 years ago at that) I have NO CLUE what I'm talking about. Maybe someone will recommend some good reading for me.


BTW--My camera is out for delivery!!! Less than 24 hours after purchase!

The 55-200VR is currently running about $210 online and the 70-300VR is about $480 online. Both are fine lenses, although my experience is limited to the 70-300VR. I really do like (and need) the ability to go out to 300mm (which is 450mm in 35mm film equivalence).

FWIW, I was comparison shopping for a friend earlier this morning and found a two lens kit like you describe (18-55 + 70-200 non VR) for only $100 more than the D40 + 18-55 only. This was comparing two different online retailers, though.

~Ed

 

[tripodjw]

What no one has mentioned so far, is go down and play with them all, one of them will just feel better to you, either ergonomically or because of the menus etc. That's the one you should get.

I'd second this. I was going along the line of Pentax K20D as i preferred the feature set. But when i tried one out, i just couldn't get along with it. The buttons weren't in the right places for how i hold the camera. My opinion was that i could buy it for the features, but if i wasn't comfortable using it i'd miss a lot of shots.

So i decided to try out the next on my list, a Nikon D80 and it just felt right in my hands. SO far going through my pics from my recent WDW visit i think i'm picking up the DSLR thing reasonably well and have a few shots i'm fairly proud of (and that's before i even consider trying proscessing them further).

 

[DizzyV6P]

If you're worried about price, don't forget to check out the used/classifieds section at the more popular Nikon forums. You'll find people selling their 55-200VR and 70-300VR so they can upgrade to the better Nikkor lenses.