NEWBIE Seeking Suggestions for SLR CAM

[chromance]

Well im really glad i found this website cause i certainly have a few
questions , ive recently began my search for my very first digital camera.
Initially i was planning on just buying a point and shoot camera and then
decided the heck with that and get straight into the SLR . I just have a
few questions thats all on which camera would be my best bang for the
bucks since im seeking my first slr camera. Ive basically narrowed my choices
down to the Nikkon D40X , Nikkon D40 , or the Nikkon D80 . I like them all really. except im having abit of troubles with the bundled packages. For myself i would like to take up close pictures and of course far way pictures like for baseball games or even football games. Any maybe the odd wide angle picture for some mountain scenery . I dont really want to spend $2000.00 . but eventally with all the lenses im sure $2000.000 would easliy be spent over time. But for the right now . I want something with good quality that allows for some up close and far away pics. any help and suggestions on some good lens would be great appreciated. thanks.

C

[r3g]

If you can afford it definitely get the D80

[jcon]

If you plan on upgrading lenses in the future, get the D80, it has a much better list of lenses that will autofocus than the D40 or D40x. If you are just looking for something cheap to buy and not upgrade the glass, then the D40 line will be fine for you.

I would suggest the D80 with a nice lens and an SB-600 flash to start out.

[chromance]

Is the SB-600 flash mostly for indoor type pictures? I don't really
see myself taking many indoor pictures right away maybe in the future.
I have 3 trips planned this coming year and most of em will be out doors.
If i can get away with the stock flash that would be just fine.

[fionndruinne]

If you can afford it, I would also say go for the D80. Maybe a body only deal and a good general purpose lens, like an 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor (pricey; $850). Just a general suggestion; I'll let those with more hands-on knowledge of Nikon lensing give you more specific advice.

[chromance]

Well the D80 packages ive been looking at are as follows.

Nikon D80 Digital w/18-70mm DX $1499.00

Nikon D80 Digital w/18-135mm DX $1419.00

this is canadain prices !

Just not sure which lens would better benfit me for the right now.

[fionndruinne]

Well, all I know is that reviews on Amazon are much more glowing concerning the 18-70mm. From the sound of it, the 18-135mm has some focus/quality issues, but the 18-70mm sounds nice and sharp. Now, that's not going to give you a whole darn lot more telephoto than my 18-55mm, but would indeed be a nice general purpose lens.

[rawpaw18]

Barrel distortion at the 18 end of the 18-70, is significant. If you plan to take a lot of architectural shots at the wide end, could be a concern for you.

[swgod98]

barrel distortion is noticeable on both lenses. And the 18-135 does not have focusing issues that I'm aware of. There are many people happy with it's fast and accurate capability.

Overall, the 18-70 might be a slightly better performer. But, the 18-135 makes up for it in range.

I would definitely recommend the D80. If you want to save money, the 18-135 offers a nice range. But, if you want to separate your lenses into your shooting categories, get two lenses (1 for your closeup and 1 for your range)...

I suppose you could get the Sigma 70-300 APO DG, which is noted as a macro lens (if only mildly so). Then the 18-70 kit would complement it perfectly.

It really depends on your budget.

[fionndruinne]

What I've heard: the 18-135 can be slow, has some distortion throughout its range. The 18-70 is supposed to be sharper than usual at its long end and widest aperture.

But reviews on places like Amazon must be taken with a grain of salt... people like to blow off steam when they spend bucks on something that's not exactly as they expected.

[lightinsky]

for "up close" pictures, do you mean like close-ups of flowers and such?? in that case, you might like to also think about the sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5 macro. I've also just heard of it, but it gives you a general purpose lens, which is faster and have macro abilities. its about US$300 plus, about the same price as the street price of the nikkor 18-70 and 18-135.

not sure if the 18-135 would suit your tele (far away) needs though. baseball games, you'll prob need the 70-300. the sigma APO DG is a bang for the buck at this range. (also macro enabled)

let us know if we throw too much technical terms at you... can be overwhelming..

[chromance]

No , I won't be into taking picture of flowers ! not anytime soon.
What I mean by up close pictures , is like of people behind monuments and
stuff.! or a nice family picture . nothing real real up close. I'd likely be
taking picture of out door scenery like on golf courses and mountains.
Im going to san diego in september and i'll be wanting to take pics at the
football game and baseball games . Im abit confused as for the range of these camera's ! like what kind of optical zoom would i be getting with certain lenes.?

[Rooz]

the "x" in 10x zoom is simply the multiplication factor from the narrowest focal length. ie: if a p&S starts at 28mm and is a 10x zoom, it's a 28-280mm equivalent. if it's 28mm and is a 4x zoom, it's 28-112mm.

sounds to me like you need a general do all in one lens. in which case you can;t go past the 18-200mm VR. one lens for all your trips which gives you great range. keep in mind that with the d80 is not full frame, it's 1.5 so effectively the 18-200mm is the equivalent of 27-300mm.

if you're happy to interchange lens' you will get great results from the 17-70mm sigma and the 70-300mm nikkor VR. that setup will basically cover everything you could posibly need. possibly adding a 10-20mm side angle at a later stage.

[chromance]

Thanks Rooz for the input ! those lenes are just abit more then what I wanted to spend, I guess i should have been looking into this a little sooner that at last minute. Im just your average joe I dont need professional looking pictures . But i do like quality in my pictures. maybe I could buy the stand alone D80 and purchase the optional lens seprate. i'll check into the costs! I wasnt really looking to spend much more then $1500 .

[lightinsky]

yup, that's right...

so for the 18-135, you'll get about 7x zoom..

But (correct me here if i'm wrong), you won't get like 7x magnification for everything you see, since this is based on the 18 mm for the lens..

a normal eye-view is about 50mm, so effectively, when you zoom in at 135mm, you get like 2.6x magnification for what you see...

also, do consider how much you'll like to utilize the camera's functionality going forward... the D80 has lots of stuff built in it, but if you don't feel like you're going to explore and go into lotsa details, it might feel like a waste of resources. But if you feel like you'll like to grow into the camera and explore the details, then by all means.

that said, the D40 has full manual controls if and when you want it, but also a user-friendly interface that takes fantastic pictures... its smaller and good for travelling as well..which might actually be a good fit... it all depends on your projected needs..

[chromance]

Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG Macro For Nikon "NEW"


what is the above lens like?

[lightinsky]

i personally feel that its a great lens... it gets great pics, and i definitely like the macro mode that comes with the tele zoom..

its also nicely priced for its quality... you find that many agree that this is the budget best lens for this range..

one thing though, the focusing can be a little slow... but this is usually not too much of a problem...

it;ll give you nice game shots i believe, with its long zoom... (in daylight)

[chromance]

and how comparable is the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG Macro For Nikon "NEW" as to the nikkor 70-300mm vr?

[jcon]

If your looking in the 70-300mm range, the Nikon VR is the best of the bunch. Couple that with the kit lens and you should be happy.

[lightinsky]

never used the VR before, but its generally claimed that it'll give u 2-4 stops..

meaning, if i hand held and shoot a pic at 1/300s for the sigma (at 300mm) to get a good shot (no camera shake blur), on the VR I can go down to 1/60 s maybe and get a good shot...

note: in general, in order not to have camera shake blur, ie blurring of pic due to you hands moving the camera, your shutter speed has to be 1/(focal length).
so for a shot at 60mm, you can hand hold it at 1/60s without camera blur... but this is just a guideline.. depends on how firm your hands are.

[fionndruinne]

The D40 is pretty nice, especially for a newbie. Both of the earlier lenses discussed auto-focus with the D40, so that's not a problem. The only real pain so far in the D40's lack of a focus motor is for macro lenses. Not a decently inexpensive one out there, and primes can be costly as well.

[chromance]

I was thinking about the D40 or even the D40x , but I figure the
D80 has better upgrade features with lenes and stuff. Plus i'll
like be blowing pictures up so a good quality camera is a must.

[Rooz]

the d40 and d40x will produce brilliant photos to blow up. apart from you as the photographer, the LENS will be the biggest factor with your IQ, not necessarily the cam body. what do i mean ? all things being equal...a d40 plus the nikkor 18-55mm f2.8 will likely produce a BETTER image than a d80 with the kit lens.

not sure if you have a stereo system but the analogies are similar in hi-fi. alot of people go with the dogs bollocks in an amp, use most of their budget and then buy crappy speakers and wonder "why the hell isn't this sounding liek a $5000 system ?" well, because you used all your budget getting the sexy fancy amp. the speakers are the heart of a hifi system just like the lens is the heart of your photographic system.

not trying to influence you into buying a d40, if you want to grow with the cam at a fast rate, then sure the d80 will be a better choice if you have the money. just pointing out that with the current crop of DSLR's, pretty much any brand will give fantastic IQ if you give it a fair go with a good lens.

[jcon]

all things being equal...a d40 plus the nikkor 18-55mm f2.8 will likely produce a BETTER image than a d80 with the kit lens.


Not tryin to be a smartass but it's the 17-55mm F2.8. Just didnt want someone to see that and think of something else:o :D

I'm sure it was just a typo, Rooz:p

[chromance]

ROOZ : you must have been reading my mind or something.
I was just going over the specs for the D40x and comparing it to the D80
not all that much difference between the two .. I might go with the D40X
but if the price difference between the D40x and D80 are not that much then might as well go with the D80. i'll have to check how much the D40x body goes for . or even the D40 . long as I can use the Nikon AF-S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 IF EF VR and Sigma AF 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC with it.

[Rooz]

i was leading him up the garden path. :p
if i can't have it...why should he ? :D :D :D

[Rooz]

Sigma AF 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC with it.
you can't use this on the d40 series. you will have to get the 18-200VR or the kit or the you-beaut 17-55 nikkor. thats the price you pay for no internal AF motor.

[jcon]

i was leading him up the garden path. :p
if i can't have it...why should he ? :D :D :D


:D LOL:D :D

[XaiLo]

ROOZ : you must have been reading my mind or something.
I was just going over the specs for the D40x and comparing it to the D80
not all that much difference between the two .. I might go with the D40X
but if the price difference between the D40x and D80 are not that much then might as well go with the D80. i'll have to check how much the D40x body goes for . or even the D40 . long as I can use the Nikon AF-S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 IF EF VR and Sigma AF 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC with it.

24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED-IF AF-S @ $300US it's a relatively fast lens at an attractive price point and it's really sharp, something to consider.

[abyssknight]

Just to chime in about the D40, don't forget the 55-200 VR which recently came out. The D40 Kit and that lens is sure to keep a new comer entertained for awhile. Personally, I think that as long as you hold the camera before you buy it, you should be pretty safe. '

Also, things to remember:

Lens Hood or Multi-coated UV Filter
Cap Keeper
Carrying Case
Tripod
Remote
Lens Cleaning Kit w/ Rocket Blower


I'm sure I've forgotten a few items, but they do add up. I recently bought the D40 and ended up spending about $760 and I still need to get a few things.

[nap]

Your budget is $1500? Why not get the D40 and the famous 18-200 mm VR lens?
Their approximate prices are $560 + $800 = $1360 + tax

[lightinsky]

you can't use this on the d40 series. you will have to get the 18-200VR or the kit or the you-beaut 17-55 nikkor. thats the price you pay for no internal AF motor.

I think the sigma 17-70 is IF though. The front does not rotate as it focuses. And think i read that it is Internal focus. IF = AF-S?

[Ray Schnoor]

I think the sigma 17-70 is IF though. The front does not rotate as it focuses. And think i read that it is Internal focus. IF = AF-S?
No, IF = Internal Focus. If you use this on the D40(X), you will have to manual focus, but you can use it on the D40(X).

Ray.

[tcadwall]

We need a sticky post with "D40 compatible lenses".... Here is what Sigma says about it (http://www.sigmaphoto.com/news/news.asp?nID=3289).

[wannabe]

I bought my D80 with the 18-135 kit lens. I took this set-up on vacation and was very happy with the results and versatility. I have since upgraded to the 18-200VR and have added the 50mm 1.8. I would highly recommend the D80 over the D40 based on lens compatability alone. The 50mm 1.8 is a great little inexpensive lens to have and it will not work with the D40. You may not want to expand your lens collection now, but this photography thing is very addicting and you may want to add more lenses down the road. The D40 will greatly limit your ability to do that.

[chromance]

Well i think ive narrowed my choice down to two camera kits .

Any suggestions welcome.

1st KIT : The D80 Body
Lenses : Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED Lens
Lenses : Nikon AF-S VR 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 IF ED Lens

Should i stick with the above or can I find something that does the same
for abit cheaper?

2nd KIT : The D40 Body
Lenses : AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 G ED II Lens
Lenses : Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm G VR IF-ED

Probably more power with he D80 , but the D40 would be fine for a newbie like me ..

[tcadwall]

I would recommend the D80 kit. I think you will really wish you had a D80 if you don't get it. There really is a good chance that you will want a prime(like the 50mm f/1.8) to autofocus.

[fionndruinne]

Well, here are the differences that would stand out to me (in terms of how I am using my camera): The D80 will give you more AF points, a bigger selection of autofocusing prime and macro lenses, and more megapixels. A couple of other things as well, but these are the ones which stand out. Now, pit this against the more compact size and smaller price tag of the D40.

As to more "power" in the D80, that's not necessarily true - you may or may not utilize the advantages of the D80, and if you don't, they're not really advantages at all.

From experience what I can tell ya is the D40 produces beautiful results, and the kit lens for the price is excellent. Faster (larger aperture) would be nicer lenswise, though, personally, as I tend to shoot a low of medium-to-low light shots.

[rawpaw18]

I also agree that your D80 kit would be the way to go.

Lightinsky: HSM (Sigma) = AF-S (Nikon) lenses have their
own motors and are not driven by the cameras.

[jcon]

I also suggest the D80 "kit". Your D40 kit is a little strange though. The 2 lenses you list cover the same focal range, except for the extra reach of the 200mm.

The first one seems to make more sense. Toss in an SB-600 or SB-800, too:D

[chromance]

I'll make a decision here in the next day or two.

[fionndruinne]

Ah, that is true. Look into the 55-200mm DX VR AF-S, it would compliment your other lens. However, it is brand new, and I haven't seen any reviews on its performance yet - the 18-200mm is a good performer. Have you looked at the Sigma f/1.4 30mm HSM prime (correct me please if I got any of those details wrong), going for around $450? A good prime lens like that would be a great addition to, say, an 18-55mm plus 55-200mm VR. Those three lenses would not put you out that much altogether (about $820, the same price as the 18-200mm VR).

[lightinsky]

I also agree that your D80 kit would be the way to go.

Lightinsky: HSM (Sigma) = AF-S (Nikon) lenses have their
own motors and are not driven by the cameras.

Oh, yes, rawpaw18, HSM is the word... thanks...

Chromance, I see a lot of lens and camera recommendation and stuff flying around... hard decision eh... but again.. its really what type of shooter you are or want to be become... if you think you'll want take it up as a hobby and to take your time and 'explore" the fun details in the camera, lenses and different type of photography, then D80 is the way to go, given lens selections features etc..

Not to say that you cant do the above with D40, but there are some restrictions. But if you feel you just want quality pictures, and play with it now and then (you'll still have lots to play with), then go with the D40..

You'll have lotsa fun either way you go. Also, kit 2 don;t make much sense to me?? why have the 18-55 when u have the 18-200??

[Rooz]

1st KIT : The D80 Body
Lenses : Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED Lens why not go with the sigma 17-70mm instead ?
Lenses : Nikon AF-S VR 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 IF ED Lens

2nd KIT : The D40 Body
Lenses : AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 G ED II Lens this lens is unnecessary if you get the 18-200 VR
Lenses : Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm G VR IF-ED.

[nap]

1st KIT : The D80 Body
Lenses : Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED Lens why not go with the sigma 17-70mm instead ?
Lenses : Nikon AF-S VR 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 IF ED Lens

2nd KIT : The D40 Body
Lenses : AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 G ED II Lens this lens is unnecessary if you get the 18-200 VR
Lenses : Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm G VR IF-ED.

The 2nd kit is probably that way because you can't buy a D40 without a kit lens. So if you plan to use the "famous" 18-200 mm VR on a D40, you'd really have two lenses with you (unless you sell the kit lens of course).

[chromance]

IM Stumped again ! . this choice in cameras is really getting to me.

I went to a few local dealers today and checked out the D80 and
the D40 camera's , I must say i really like the D40x and how it felt
in my hands . The D80 to much of my suprise was alot bigger and
heavy then I expected. Just unsure what lenses If the 40x has
the lens support im looking for though ! I need to read abit more
with the compatibility. Im just really searching for a good lens that
can take nice outdoor pics like mountians and maybe pics of lakes
and stuff . and of course some up close pics for the odd baseball
and football game I goto. So something for far away and something
for up close range for good head shots like a family photo or the
picture of a bud standing by a monument. Its not like im gonna be
using the camera everyday for a job or anything . back to the drawing
board.

Lenses: I also tried a couple of lenses and that 18- 55 lens is not bad for
close range but at the end of it I did find alot of distortion.

[r3g]

IM Stumped again ! . this choice in cameras is really getting to me.

I went to a few local dealers today and checked out the D80 and
the D40 camera's , I must say i really like the D40x and how it felt
in my hands . The D80 to much of my suprise was alot bigger and
heavy then I expected. Just unsure what lenses If the 40x has
the lens support im looking for though ! I need to read abit more
with the compatibility. Im just really searching for a good lens that
can take nice outdoor pics like mountians and maybe pics of lakes
and stuff . and of course some up close pics for the odd baseball
and football game I goto. So something for far away and something
for up close range for good head shots like a family photo or the
picture of a bud standing by a monument. Its not like im gonna be
using the camera everyday for a job or anything . back to the drawing
board.

Lenses: I also tried a couple of lenses and that 18- 55 lens is not bad for
close range but at the end of it I did find alot of distortion.

This should help you get an idea of the Lenses you have to choose from that will AF

http://nikond40.dpnotes.com/nikkor-lenses-that-af-on-the-d40/

http://nikond40.dpnotes.com/nikon-d40-and-sigma-lenses/

[XaiLo]

chromance, I walked around for six hours at the auto show with the D40 in my hand didn't think twice about it. :)

[chromance]

Where are the pics of the auto show? would like to see some.

Has anyone heard how the new Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR
is! can't find many reviews on it.

[jcon]

Go to Pbase.com and you can find pictures taken with any camera/lens you desire. Its a great place to see pictures.

[XaiLo]

Starts at the bottom of this page:

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28957&page=4

and ends on this page:

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28957&page=5

[chromance]

OK I think I made up my mind ! feel free to tweak .

Going with the D40 . its a good start kit for someone like myself.
ive seen alot of pictures with this camera and its great . Only
one question I have how big of a picture could a person blow
up on a 6.1 megapixel before it becomes grainy?

Ive decided on:

The D40 Body

Lenses Include:Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED AFS VR Zoom Lens

18-70mm f3.5 IF-ED AF-S DX Nikkor Lens

Nikon 50mm f1.8D AF Lens

I would have liked to have gone with the Sigma 17-70mm , but I dont think
its compatible with the D40 free free to correct me on this !

[jcon]

You are aware the 50mm 1.8D wont autofocus on the D40, right? Youll have to manually focus with that lens.

[chromance]

Yah ! that shouldnt be a big deal on the 50mm.

[XaiLo]

D40 and 50mm 1.8 pics

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showpost.php?p=215073&postcount=147

[chromance]

how come it wont af on the D40? its a AF lens.

[XaiLo]

It has to be a AF-S lens to autofocus on the D40, AF lenses are operated by the camera... little screw thingy n all.

[fionndruinne]

Sounds pretty decent. The enhanced bokeh of the 50mm prime should make manual focus easy, but here's a thought: if you plan on shooting some low-light action photos, concerts and the like, you'll want the big aperture of the f/1.8 to grab more ambient light, but in such a situation manually focusing won't be easy. In which case it might be better to save up for the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 (four hundred and change).

Although quite possibly the lens could have a tough time auto-focusing in low light. Anyone with experience on this?

[chromance]

the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 . is it AF?

[fionndruinne]

"HSM" as the Sigma's are called, yes. It auto-focuses with the D40.

[chromance]

OK ive for sure decided on a camera body! yah I keep changing my
mind ! ive decided on the D80 body , IM just gonna buy it with the
nikon 18-70mm f3.5 IF-ED AF-S DX Nikkor Lens or the 17-70mm Sigma
and add the 50mm f1.8D AF Lens . That should carry me through
my fishing trip and Golf trip ! and it'll give me time to get used to the
camera before I head done to San Diego in september to watch football
and baseball and take in the beach of course. At that time i will buy
into the 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED AFS VR Zoom Lens so thats about 4
months away in which time the price could drop or something better
might be out . Which of the lens is better in the 18-70mm range? the Nikon
or the sigma ?

Thanks again for the help and suggestions.

[sk8nphoto]

yes those are the cameras im looking at next to upgrade but i just got the panasonic fz7 n love...but i think im going with the d40x its got the 10 megapixel n 3fps! i dodnt care much about the lenses i just wnat a fisheye n i already got it so im set...but yea i would either go with the d40x or the d80 not the d40

[jcon]

...but yea i would either go with the d40x or the d80 not the d40


That makes no sense, the D40 and D40X are pretty much the same camera except for the MP.

The D40X doesnt even compare to the D80.

[fionndruinne]

I really think the D80 would be worth the added $200 or so. Unless the D40x turns out to have better noise performance than the D80, it's not really preferable.

[chromance]

Since i'll be investing in the 70-300mm vr lens , should I just go
with the 18-55mm lens rather then getting the 18-70mm lens?
probably save me 200 bucks if I went that route. also would
be adding the 50mm not sure which one yet. 1.4 or the 1.8.

[chromance]

Well , I got the ball rolling and ordered the D80 with 18-70 lens.
and added the 50mm F1.8 prime lens to it ! i'll buy the 70-300 VR lens
in a few months . Should be all I need for now .

thanks for all the help.

[fionndruinne]

Woohoo! May your days with said camera be of the happiest.

[chromance]

Thanks ! hopefully ive made the right choice !

[jcon]

Thanks ! hopefully ive made the right choice !


Dont worry, you have;) Enjoy your new camera! One thing to think about is adding a flash(SB-600, SB-800).

[chromance]

What about the new SB-400? not sure how often i'll need a flash.

[chromance]

One thing i been meaning to ask ! does the D80 Take videos?
ive never seen anyone mentioning it ! just curious.

[Ray Schnoor]

One thing i been meaning to ask ! does the D80 Take videos?
ive never seen anyone mentioning it ! just curious.
No, dSLRs do not take videos.

Ray.

[tcadwall]

Well worth your money to go with the 600 over the 400

[nap]

What about the new SB-400? not sure how often i'll need a flash.

Congratulations on your purchase! :-)

Well, the SB-400 doesn't have a horizontally-rotating head, thus you can't do ceiling bounces while the camera is vertical.

[tcadwall]

SB-400 doesn't have a horizontally-rotating head This is really just one of many reasons. It isn't as powerful, will not expand with you if you end up wanting to utilize off-camera functionality, and quite a few other less major reasons to opt for the slightly more expensive SB-600

[chromance]

Ceiling bounces? Im not a profession picture taker! LOL .

[Rooz]

all the more reason to bounce off the ceiling. am's need these little tricks much more than pro's do. all bouncing off a ceiling means is that yiu adjust the flash to be pointing vertically instead of directly on the subject. it produces MUCH better results to your photo, especially skin tones. i would consider it essential when buying a flash.

[chromance]

Well I got my D80 yesterday ! and I like it so far.
However Im not convinced on the pictures yet! still
need to play around with setting and stuff. still figuring
out the controls and stuff.

[jcon]

Congrats on your new toy! I am sure you will learn it very quickly! Any questions, ask away, thats what this site is here for!

Post some of your pics too, Id love to see some.

[fionndruinne]

A great camera, to be sure! If it's anything like the D40 (and I think the menus are just about the same), it shouldn't take you a whole lot to figure it out. I've had the D40 (my first SLR) for two weeks or thereabouts, and am just about proficient with it. Faster than expected!

[mugsisme]

Congrats on your new camera. Take a ton of pictures, and learn what is working and what is not. That is what I was told, and what I have been doing.

As far as the flash, go with the sb-600 if you can. The swivel head is great.

[JREMKE]

I know I will catch flack, but did you consider to pick up a D50?:rolleyes: This camera is a work horse, discounted and would save you some money. Compared to the Nikon F2 the D50 falls into a long term partner. Just a thought from a former film fossil!:)

[chromance]

The D50 has been discontinued.

[XaiLo]

Congrats chromance, and happy shooting.

[chromance]

Well ive had my camera for about a month now and just really got into testing some of the features. The true test
will be next week for my fishing trip .