camera for beginner - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

03/07/2008 02:51:38 PM · #1

Hi,

I am looking to buy a camera but I have a lot of choices and I don't know which one would be best for a beginner at digital photography. I've done a lot of work with Black and White film photography, but its not quite the same :).

I would really like to get a Nikon D80, but it seems really advanced, so I was just looking for some opinions on what to get! Right now I just use my parents' panasonic camera, so anything would be an upgrade really!

Thanks. :).

jbpk11

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

03/07/2008 03:01:28 PM · #2

you shot film SLR?

IMO it wouldnt be a hard switch. I went from a Canon T70 (film SLR) to a Canon 20D...no real problem. Camera is only advanced as you want it to be.

Quigley

Nikon D700

03/07/2008 03:01:55 PM · #3

Hi the D80 is not all that advanced even for a beginner. I went right into the D200 and have never looked back. It is a learning curve but it's worth it just read the manual and don't be afraid to try things on your own. I didn't even look at the manual for about three months I just too my time and forced myself to learn the camera and they I sat down and read the manual and worked through anything that I was having trouble with. Now the way I did it is not for everyone but I learn vary well hands on and not so well from books. Then I joined this site and have learned even more from the great people here.

All the best to you and I hope you make a choice that's right for you.

Hey FYI the D200 has come down even more since the introduction of the D300 so you might want to look there as well the camera is super and easy to learn.

MAX!

Anders

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G

03/07/2008 03:07:22 PM · #4

I think if you're willing to spend the money on the D80, then its a great option! I believe it still has all the auto and scene modes, allowing you to 'grow into' the more manual modes. I guess the main choice for now is whether you want to go down the Nikon or the Canon route, but its very much a personal thing. When I was looking for my DSLR I tried the Nikon and fell in love with it, I personally perferred the more bulky body and the way it felt. You might also want to think about the possibilities for future lens purchases (I think its fair to say that on the whole Canon lenses are easier to get hold of).

In a nutshell, don't worry about how advanced you might think it looks now- it just means that you can grow into it as you learn more. Its a great idea for the long run.

digitalpins

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

03/07/2008 03:14:48 PM · #5

If you want to jump into SLR's you got the Canon Rebel XTI or Canon Rebel XSI or you also get the older Canon Rebel 350 to learn with. You go with nikon and get the D60 or D80. I also just saw this tiny little slr //www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1372

Pentax DA L 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL

03/07/2008 03:22:07 PM · #6

Thanks everyone!
I guess all the modes and functions are just kind of intimidating.
I think I'm going to stick w/ the D80.
Thank you!

mgsmith53

Pentax K-R

03/07/2008 03:45:51 PM · #7

I was a Pentax K1000 guy for ever, and was a little imtimidated by DSLR, too. Went with the K100D so I could keep using my lenses. Yes, it took some time and patience to get the hang of all the features, and I'm not there yet, either. But it's been a gas, it's cheap to shoot LOTS of pics, and the quality is outstanding.
Go for it, and have fun!

SteveJ

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

03/07/2008 03:53:34 PM · #8

Originally posted by farfel53:

I have to agree, the K100D and the new model, the K200D, are really great cameras. The K100D Super is cheap at the moment and the pics really are stunning!!

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

03/08/2008 03:52:15 AM · #9

Okay, I guess I'm going to look into the K100D and K200D now because I actually use a K1000 right now..
:) Thanks!

Tajhad

Canon EOS R

03/08/2008 06:44:02 AM · #10

If you are considering Pentax, and maybe have some Pentax lenses, in the price range you are considering (Nikon D80) - then maybe you could go to the K10D or K20D. A hell of a camera for the money. And not that much of learning curve up from the K100D. The extra features I don't you even regret. You may as well get the best you can aford at the moment. A lot of us here don't upgrade bodies that often, so they may also agree with me on that point.
The problem is you are locked into a system. But any of the most popular cameras (Pentax, Canon, Nikon) are going to give you good results.You just have to be satisfied with your system and not play a game of "what if" I had gone with the other one.
There is a lot of good natured banter on this site about which system is better and why, but that is all it is - "good natured banter". I think every one is happy with their system choice and want to let people know why.
Your chioce?
The Nikon D80: A good, well featured camrea. Links you in with good quality lenses. A lot of people prefer the feel of the Nikon bodies.
Pentax K200D or K20D: Well featured, weathproof body, access to reasonably good quality lenses (some of which you may already have - the old K lenses will fit the Digital bodies). I remember a 135m Pentax lens I had with my old Pentax SLR film camera.
The best lens I ever had.
Theres also the Canon 450D - same as above for the Nikon - except, some people don't like the feel or size of the body.
I find it ok though. It just depends what you get use to.
But- check the Pentax's out first.
As mentioned earlier - all the systems have auto functions until you gradually get use to it. So the learning curve only has to be as fast as you wish to go.

Message edited by author 2008-03-08 07:13:10.