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Help me pick a digital SLR camera. - Page 3

post #31 of 113
12/20/07 at 11:21pm
I am a relative photo n00b, and I just got a D40x with the SB600 flash solely because I cannot get decent action shots of my small children with P&S cameras (and I've tried some rather expensive versions of those like the S9000).

This Christmas I am going to catch those little buggers in action ...
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post #32 of 113
12/20/07 at 11:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian SD View Post
Well, if my word isn't enough, here's an overwhelmingly positive review from Ken Rockwell on the 18-55 nikon kit lens

Hmm. Since Nikon started including this with their low end consumer model, the first thing everyone seems to do with a new camera is grind the shit out of it while playing manual focus.
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post #33 of 113
12/21/07 at 1:56am
I've tested and used both the D80 and D40x. If you're good with cameras, and have all your photo skills, then the overwhelming choice is the D80. If you don't know what the fuck you're doing yet, the D40x is the choice. The menu system on the D40x is MILES ahead of the old Nikon menu system. Each and every option on the camera (white balance, aperture, etc.) has a help file with very good explanations on use. If you're willing to wait a few months, the PMA show (every player in the camera industry announces their new lineups) is right around the corner and speculation is that Canon will release an update to the XTi since it's getting a bit long in the tooth. I'd at least try and hold out until then.
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post #34 of 113
12/21/07 at 2:03am
I'm not going to say much because a lot has been said, but I will say this about the D40x:

the menu system is a lot of help when you don't know what you're doing, but if you plan on using your camera a lot, you will learn very quickly, at which point, at least for me, the D40x becomes a very n00b camera and you don't like it at all. I've been shooting a Pentax k100d for about 4 months now...I picked up a d40x last week and I felt like it was designed for a 10 year old. Not dissing the camera, it takes great pictures, but it won't feel right if you plan on using it for more than you would a p&s.
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post #35 of 113
12/21/07 at 2:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian278 View Post
I'm in the market as well, and despite all the praise for the D80, what does it offer over the D40x for the absolute beginnner to real photography? I am starting from scratch here wanting to take the plunge as a hobbyist, does it make sense to purchase just the body of whatever (likely the D40x or D80) and get the lens separately, or is their a Nikon kit lens that is a good value (as I believe Brian SD stated)? I will also need to get some software (is Lightroom the way to go or is there a more economical option?) and I don't want this to turn into a $1000+ endeavor.

Kit lens should do for now...invest in a lens when you're sure you want to continue your hobby. By the way...you've picked an expensive hobby. It has a very, very good chance of turning into a $1000+ endeavor over time...much like peeps over at MC and their shoes.
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post #36 of 113
12/21/07 at 2:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by migo View Post
Kit lens should do for now...invest in a lens when you're sure you want to continue your hobby. By the way...you've picked an expensive hobby. It has a very, very good chance of turning into a $1000+ endeavor over time...much like peeps over at MC and their shoes.
All of my hobbies are expensive. At least this one doesn't have constant operating costs. I did just get a small prorated bonus after being on the job for a month, and (of course) I'm looking to blow all of it in one place. It's either this or the beginnings of a quality 2-channel audio system, thereby beginning my inevitable descent into audiophilia. Either way, I'm kind of screwed. Thanks for the feedback everyone. Any thoughts on software?
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post #37 of 113
12/21/07 at 4:28am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the advices, I think I am going to narrow it down to Nikon D40x and D80 but I am still open for suggestions. Here's a list of what I want to do with a DSLR:

Hiking: taking pictures of wild lifes, plants (both zoom in and close up) and landscapes along the way so I definitely appreciate a powerful zoom lense. Weight could be an issue. D40x's compact size and lighter weight has an edge in this area.

Museum exhibits: many museums allow taking pictures of exhibits without flash. Point-and-shot really sucks in this area. I understand SLRs take much better indoor pictures sans flash because the larger lenses allow more light in.

Vacation: the usual stuffs, shooting subjects in front of a building or a scenery with a sharp foreground and background.

Product photography: Occasional selling on eBay, close up and take in details of products. A live view LCD will come in handy in this case.
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post #38 of 113
12/21/07 at 12:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by migo View Post
Kit lens should do for now...invest in a lens when you're sure you want to continue your hobby. By the way...you've picked an expensive hobby. It has a very, very good chance of turning into a $1000+ endeavor over time...much like peeps over at MC and their shoes.

Well seeing as the D80 is close to $800 (street), by the time you buy 2 lenses, filters, camera bag, tripod, etc... you are in over $1000, guaranteed.

Jon.
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post #39 of 113
12/21/07 at 12:33pm
Is the fact that the D40x lacks an autofocus motor a big deal? It seems like that would be a convenience one would want. I understand there are certain lenses that will autofocus on the D40x, as well? Does that include the kit lens?
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post #40 of 113
12/21/07 at 1:01pm
Do you live in NYC? If so, you should make your way over to Beards & Hats on 9th ave and 34th street and at least handle both Nikons as well as Canon 40D and Rebel XTi. Once you have the camera in your hands you may discover that one may be too small or too big for your hands or that you hate the control layout. You will also be able to compare the weight of the camera and lenses. Nikon D40x, D80 and Rebel XTi have plastic bodies while Canon 40D and Nikon 300D have metal alloy bodies. Less expensive expensive lenses are generally lighter and smaller.

Some salespeople at B&H also know what they are talking about if you need additional advice.
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post #41 of 113
12/21/07 at 1:03pm
Quote:
Beards & Hats

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post #42 of 113
12/21/07 at 1:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Artisan Fan View Post

+1.



Jon.
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post #43 of 113
12/21/07 at 1:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dmax View Post
Do you live in NYC? If so, you should make your way over to Beards & Hats on 9th ave and 34th street and at least handle both Nikons as well as Canon 40D and Rebel XTi. Once you have the camera in your hands you may discover that one may be too small or too big for your hands or that you hate the control layout. You will also be able to compare the weight of the camera and lenses. Nikon D40x, D80 and Rebel XTi have plastic bodies while Canon 40D and Nikon 300D have metal alloy bodies. Less expensive expensive lenses are generally lighter and smaller.

Some salespeople at B&H also know what they are talking about if you need additional advice.

I do not, though by coincidence I did order my mother's Christmas gift from that establishment's online store.

I don't suppose Best Buy would have these kinds of models, or do I need to head to a legitimate camera store? I think Wolf Camera is my only such local option.
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post #44 of 113
12/21/07 at 1:35pm
Sorry Brian, I was replying to Mussel. I think he lives in NYC.

Nikon D40x can only auto-focus with lenses from AF-S and AF-I series, that have their own drive motor. The kit lens is AF-S so yes it will auto-focus with it.
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post #45 of 113
12/21/07 at 2:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dmax View Post
Sorry Brian, I was replying to Mussel. I think he lives in NYC.

Nikon D40x can only auto-focus with lenses from AF-S and AF-I series, that have their own drive motor. The kit lens is AF-S so yes it will auto-focus with it.

Thanks, that's exactly the detail I was curious about.

I'll try again---what software do you guys use for image editing?
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