Nikon D80 questions

[Joao Ferreira]

First of all i would like to thank all of you photo enthusiasts because i´ve been to this forum searching for answers for a long time now and it´s been really good to learn all those things you can´t learn by reading a manual.
It´s my first post here and only because now i´ve purchased a digital camera (after spending a long time saving money and reading forums) that i really want to learn how the get the best out of it - so i come here searching your help.

I´ve purchased the Nikon D80 with the 18-70 kit lens - i have it for 3 days now and i already have a few important questions to ask:

1- immediatly as i turned on my camera for the first time (after reading all the manual procedures) i saw a dead pixel on the LCD, it´s nothing big but it´s there. It seems that it doesn´t afect my photos since it´s only seen when i lit the back LCD. My question is: should i take it back because of it? is it important not to have any dead pixels or it´s nothing to worry about?

2- about filters, i had a Panasonic FZ-20 (which i loved and helped me to learn a few tricks) and i´ve always used a UV filter and a Polarizing filter. I´ve read that with these new DSLR filters aren´t that great, they change the way the lenses behave ... it it true? should i use any kind of filters on these machines? which ones you advise? My main concern is to protect the lens from being scracthed or dirty... i already have a Hoya UV filter (green box) should i use it?

3- i like to take all kind of pictures, sport, portraits, landscapes, macros ... and right now i´m already thinking on which lens should i buy next. With your experience in digital photography can you please advise which lens should i go next? which models?

Thanks to you all for your patience, and i hope you can help me entering this new and exciting world...

P.S - sorry for my english :)

[Joao Ferreira]

I have never thought that my english was that bad ... :p

[fionndruinne]

If you can exchange your camera with no trouble or hassle, I'd say do so; if the dead pixel really doesn't bother you then it may not be a problem, but at least it might make for a better resale value, if you want to upgrade at some point in the future.

Congratulations on the camera! It's a great one.

A clear UV filter will not affect the camera's function at all. Polarizing filters should not either, as far as I know. One thing, though; your kit lens probably has a rotating front element, meaning every time you change the focus you will have to readjust the filter.

[Sintares]

If you are going to use a filter make sure its a good multicoated one.

All filters may degrade the image to some point which is why many do not use full time clear filters to protect the lens, but if you insist on doing so, get a good expensive one from a decent maker.

Obviously since a polariser will block light ie it can be used as a ND filter, you will not want to be using that full time !

[Rooz]

One thing, though; your kit lens probably has a rotating front element, meaning every time you change the focus you will have to readjust the filter.

only the 18-55 element rotates. the 18-70 and 18-135 kit lens' are IF so CPL's will be no problem.

[Joao Ferreira]

Thanks to all...

...i guess the dead pixel is nothing to worry about then ...
about the filter if i ever use one it should be a top one right? but if i don´t use one and as long as i´m carefull with the lens there should be no problem ...

About the next lens to get ... no advise or tips? i was reading about the nikkor 50-f/1.8, they say it takes amazing pictures... but i´m completely blind regarding zoom lens...

Any help would be much appreciated

Cheers

[Rooz]

the 50mm is a fast prime lens which as excellent IQ and is very cheap. it's around $100. the rest of the lens/ accessories will depend on how much you want to spend and what you will be using it for. there are just so many lens' at many, many different price ranges you may have to narrow it down a little. then there a hot shoe flash which i think are essential for indoor photography.

w/ regard to filters. i now use UV filters on all my lens' and have no issues but am also conscious of when i can;t use them. ie: around direct sunlight where ghosting/ flare can occur. there are many people who just refuse to use them though.

a CPL is a different story. its very handy for glary sunny days. i recommend you get a good one though. B+W are some of the best around. Hoya are also very good.

dead pixels are not that uncommon on lcd's. if you CAN take it back then you may aswell. but many stores won;t take it back anyway unless there is a cluster of dead ones all together or there are a whole bunch of dead ones.

[Joao Ferreira]

Thanks Rooz!
I´ve never thought dSLR would be so controversial :) it started with the choice of the camera (Nikon vs. Canon), now it´s the filters (use or not to use) ... well ... i will probably buy a good one but if there´s a reason for me to stop using it i will.
Can you please advise which brands and models should ilook for?
I have Hoya UV but i don´t even think it is multi-coated (green brand) ...

[Rooz]

i buy my filters from here:
http://hvstar.net/

i use B+W. which one to get is the same as anything else with photography...it almost entirely dependent on your budget. :)

[toriaj]

Thanks for the link, Rooz. Looks like I can get a B+W UV filter for 16 bucks! I'm hoping it will help with the bluish mountains I get all the time :(