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k4rp

Nikon D200

Tokina AF 12-24mm f/4.0 AT-X Pro DX

04/15/2007 05:40:24 PM · #26

I don't need long post to say: Try and get a D50 and invest in good glass!

Tajhad

Canon EOS R

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS USM

04/15/2007 06:42:57 PM · #27

I would agree with "option" here. People often talk about upgrading bodies later - but sometimes it isn't that easy. I have outgrown my 350D but I won't be replacing it in the near future. I would rather spend whatever limited money I have on glass. Therefore I would go a bit up from what you are thinking - I can't see you regretting it. The D80, canon 30d or Pentax K10D. Finding the extra $200 (or whatever ) now ,is going to be easier than finding another $2000 (for a new body) in 2 years time.
Also if you buy well now - it could last many years. There are still people shooting with canon 10D (and I assume the Nikon equivalant)- and these cameras must be well over 5 years old.
Buy the most you can afford. If you are set on Nikon - the D80

raspberry

Nikon D80

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5- 5.6G ED DX

04/16/2007 05:45:20 AM · #28

Thanks again for the information and advice!

I went to our local shops today and looked at both the D80 and D40x. I was offered the D80 with a 18-135mm lens (for 1290 euros) or with a 18-55mm lens (for 999 euros). In another shop they offered me the D80 paired with a 18-70mm lens (for 999 euros).

Any thoughts about those options and which of those might be a good choice for me to start out with?

obsidian

Nikon D80

Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II for Nikon

04/16/2007 05:51:19 AM · #29

Originally posted by raspberry:

As I went for the D80 with a Tamron 18-200 I would veer towards the 18-135 as it gets a good rating. Then again, I would now go for the Nikon 18-200 VR lens but it is hard to get and a lot more expensive.

k4rp

Nikon D200

Tokina AF 12-24mm f/4.0 AT-X Pro DX

04/16/2007 06:04:12 AM · #30

Originally posted by raspberry:

The lens is a seperate decision. It really depends on how you use your camera now, and how you're planning to use your next.
Do you shoot wide angle a lot? Or tele? Or Both?
Myself, I walk around with a 12-24 because I just love wide angle. I couldn't live with a 18-135. While other people are exactly opposite, they walk around with a 50-150 or 70-300 zoom.
And if you're looking for a general walk around lens, the Tamron 17-50 2.8 is a beauty. The range, the quality and price are all great.

marbo

Nikon D5000

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

04/16/2007 07:37:31 AM · #31

Originally posted by raspberry:

Get the D80 with the 18-135 or 18-70 both very good lenses.

raspberry

Nikon D80

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5- 5.6G ED DX

04/16/2007 02:49:49 PM · #32

thanks again!

geoffb

04/18/2007 04:05:49 PM · #33

Raspberry,

I would suggest going with the D40 and investing in a good lens to supplement it, rather than going with the D40x or D80. All three are excellent cameras, but I would not be able to justify the cost of the D40x/D80 over the D40 for the few benefits they bring. I have a D40 myself and have not once wished there was something more the camera could do. I have never been frustrated with the 3-point autofocus, and find 6 MP to be more than sufficient. The only times I've been frustrated are when I wished I could zoom in farther--which I will be able to do once my 55-200 VR arrives (which I can afford after foregoing the XTi).

If you're just learning, the D40 does more than everything you need. Rather than worrying about things like additional autofocus points or the ability to use old lenses (which won't be a concern for you, since you're beginning at a time when compatible lenses are mainstream), I would invest my money in good lenses and my time in learning photography. Learn not just what to shoot, but when, where, how, and why. All those features are useless unless you know how and why to use them.

I was convinced that the Canon XTi was the camera for me, until I read Ken Rockwell's site (including this page, which I would advise you to take a look at) and was swayed to the D40. It is a beautiful camera, and you will not be disappointed.

If you've got the money, skip the D40x and D80 and go straight to the D200. This is a camera who's higher price point is justified.

FireBird

04/18/2007 04:34:06 PM · #34

Raspberry, if you're on a budget get the D40x or D40 and maybe start out with the kit lens. Then buy a nice lens later on that can be used with a better body. The camera is just a light box that holds the sensor and electronics. The lens is where most of the quality resides. The nice thing about the D40 and x is that we're never going to hear you complaining about slow focus speed. ;) No screw focus lens allowed. But the D40 and x is not going to be a great macro camera. I'm pretty sure it doesn't have mirror up capability. Heck, I don't even think it has DOF preview. But it is just about the smallest DSLR size and weight wise. With a 20 or 35mm lens it would make a nice unobtrusive street photography camera.

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