Advice on entry level DSLR.

[Ariel77]

I'm currently looking at the various Nikons.. D40, D40X and the future D60. Not sure which to choose, the differences seem all so subtle.
Canon was ruled out for ergonomics, unless someone can convince me otherwise.
Pentax isn't available here, although I might look for alternate routes if you guys think the K10/K100/K200 are really worth it. K20D is above budget.
Only other I can think of is Sony, A200/A300/A350, same thing as the Nikons.. even fewer differences as far as I can tell.

Any help in finding decisive differences between the models above and suggestions would be very much appreciated. Oh, and I know very little about lens.. any help there would also be nice.

[Soulburner]

Ergonomically speaking you are correct. Everyone is different, but generally speaking the Canon Rebel XT/XTi/XSi are one of the least comfortable SLR cameras to use.

The D40 is very good for a starter, but it does limit your lens selection. I would look for a used D80 to get into the Nikon game. The same lenses you learn with can be used on future cameras.

Otherwise the K10d is a very good camera, I would read all the reviews you can and find out each camera's faults and weaknesses and find out what you can and can't live with.

I can't offer incredibly detailed information regarding the differences between a lot of the models, but how about you tell us what you need?

Live View?
Burst/Continuous shooting speed?
Other features, etc...

[aspire.comptech]

I shoot with a Pentax K100D

I would recommend either the K100 or the k200 with no reservations. The K200 has the same cmos sensor as th k10 but with improved buffers and other features.

Heres a couple sample pictures of mine.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y184/aspire727/IMGP6265.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y184/aspire727/ChainBWphotoshop.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y184/aspire727/IMGP6186.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y184/aspire727/IMGP6163.jpg

[Ariel77]

First off, thanks for the replies.

I'm guessing the D40 will limit my lens selection due to the lack of internal AF. Is it really a bad thing? I'm thinking of starting off with just a main and zoom lens, macro as soon as I can.. after that I have no idea. I haven't done much lens research so far.

The major differences I've seen between the D40/D40X/D60 are base light sensitivity(not sure what that influences honestly), dust reduction, and the active d-lighting(only D60 I believe).

I'm tipping towards the D60 due to the d-lighting, unless base lighting sensitivity is important. MPs, DOF preview, exposure/white balance bracketing and continuous shooting speed are the other differences I found but are minor for me. I believe that's about it. One of the cons I saw on dpreview was "Disappointingly RAW+JPEG setting only records Basic quality JPEG's". Still trying to understand what that means.

The D80 here is still higher priced than the above, so it's out of my range unless *really* worthy.

Only differences I found between the Sonys are that the A300 is a A200 with Live View and the A350 just has more MPs.

What would you choose if it were just Nikon vs Sony? Pentax will probably be a hassle to get a hand of for me(international shipping most likely). The reviews I've seen haven't placed the K10D or K100D above the D40 or Rebel XTi to the point of going out of my way to get it, and the "softness" of the K10D's jpegs aren't much to my liking. The K200D might change my mind though.

I guess my major problem is there are no extensive reviews of the newer cameras just yet, heh.

[Soulburner]

Between just Nikon and Sony? Nikon D60. Odd comparison though...normally you choose between Nikon and Canon.

The A300 looks like it should be a great camera, and it will be interesting to see how it does. Nikon has better lens selection though.

[Nate P.]

I shoot with a Pentax K100D

I would recommend either the K100 or the k200 with no reservations. The K200 has the same cmos sensor as th k10 but with improved buffers and other features.

Heres a couple sample pictures of mine.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y184/aspire727/IMGP6265.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y184/aspire727/ChainBWphotoshop.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y184/aspire727/IMGP6186.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y184/aspire727/IMGP6163.jpg
Really nice pics, I may have to have a look at the K200 as well as the D40. How is Pentax's lens selection?

[Ariel77]

Between just Nikon and Sony? Nikon D60. Odd comparison though...normally you choose between Nikon and Canon.

The A300 looks like it should be a great camera, and it will be interesting to see how it does. Nikon has better lens selection though.

D60 it is then. Thanks for the help.

For lens, I'm deciding between these:
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
or
AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

No VR on the second though, not sure if it's worth it.

and
AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4D
or
AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D

I can't find any extensive comparisons to see if they're worth the price difference.

and finally the
AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED

Leaning more towards the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED here.

Any last ideas/suggestions?

[MaxxxRacer]

The 50mm F1.4 and F1.8 wont work because they are not AF-S lenses. Meaning that they require the camera to have the motor drive for autofocus, like the D70 and above have.

The 18-55 Vr looks like a great lens other than the feel of the lens. I have the non VR and it just feels cheap, but it is... lol. The only thing that I really have agaisnt it is the lack of instant auotofocus override and the horrid focus ring which isnt relaly a ring. its just a grip on the end of the lens barrel. So essentially its useless for manual focus. BUT it is otherwise a kick ass lens for the price. To put it into perspective, I will probably upgrade to this lens over the current 18-55, despite its drawbacks.

Read the review of the 70-300VR and 55-200VR that i posted in soulburners thread. You will quickly forget the 55-200 ever existed.

[Ariel77]

The 18-55 VR comes with the D60 kit, so I guess I'll just go with that.

And your link was a great read, thanks. 70-300 VR it is.

Last but not least, here: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/compatibility-lens.htm#dslr
It says I could use the 50mm albeit without AF. Am I reading it wrong?
And just in case manual focus was possible.. would it be worth it?

[Soulburner]

From what I read the 18-55 VR has a new type of coating and a better build to it so it has a better overall feel than the older non-VR lens. Otherwise a real bargain at under 200 bucks. Definetely my choice for your main lens. It does have its drawbacks as Max pointed out but you can't expect perfection at that price point. It is better than the older 18-70 though, especially if you value VR.

Also you will find that with the D40/D60 cameras, you have to use AF-S lenses or you will not have autofocus. You can always run around trying to do it manually though ;)

Otherwise you are right on track, check my lens thread for more information. That is pretty much the same lens setup that I am going with. There are of course many other choices so don't think you are limited to those...but if you want VR you need to stick with the Nikon glass.

[MaxxxRacer]

As soulburner said you will be able to use the 50mm but without AF. I have a feeling Nikon will be releasing new high speed prime lenses (50 and 80mm) later this year, so I would hold out on that. If I cam correct we will be seeing a 50mm F1.2 or F1.4 VR, which will be absolutely awesome. With that lens and a D3 you could shoot in virtually any lighting situation and still get good exposure.

[Kryckter]

Opinions on the Canon Rebel 10.1 MP?? I didnt see anyone mention it and I thought it was one of the better entry levels.

[Ariel77]

Thanks guys, you've been very helpful. I'll take MaxxxRacer's suggestion and wait out on the 50mm.. 18-55 and 70-300 will be fine in the meantime.

@Kryckter: It is, I just ruled it out for ergonomics.

[Soulburner]

I'm assuming you've gone out and played with these cameras at an electronics store or camera shop. Get a feel for each before you buy.

[Ariel77]

I'm assuming you've gone out and played with these cameras at an electronics store or camera shop. Get a feel for each before you buy.

Already did, that's why I ruled out Canon(a few reviews noted the ergonomics, but I still had to try for myself), thanks for the concern though. :)

[MaxxxRacer]

I dont know why, but most of the Canons, barring the 1D, have very poor ergonomics. It's kinda bizarre.

[Grinch]

canon eos 40d ftw!

[yaddam205]

Not to thread cramp but.... on the subject.

I am looking at a D60 + Nikkor 18-200mm VR for a 1st time DSLR user. I have enough knowledge on them I think. Using various a point and shoots for about 4 years now.

Thoughts?

[Grinch]

great setup man....*-)

[Soulburner]

yaddam205;2833328']Not to thread cramp but.... on the subject.

I am looking at a D60 + Nikkor 18-200mm VR for a 1st time DSLR user. I have enough knowledge on them I think. Using various a point and shoots for about 4 years now.

Thoughts?
Right now, the D60 doesn't make sense at its price point. Find a D80 for $700 and go from there :cool:

Also the lens is ok, but expect heavy distortion at 18mm.

[MaxxxRacer]

I'd go with the D80 too. Even over the K200D since you asked.

And stay away from the 18-200. Its not a very good lens IMO. read some reviews on it.

[Magnj]

Pentax K200d with 18-55 and 50-200...

[libertysyclone]

I would pick up a used 20/30/40D, ergo is good, much better than the rebels.

If its just an entry camera it should be no big deal on it being used.

IMO the kicker is when you get serious about the "sport" of photography and you get stuck with off style glass.

Go with Nikon or Canon if you are looking into a long term hobby/business. Just for the reason of glass. I know several people with $30k in lenses and just upgrade bodies as they choose.

You will be surprised at how fast your lens collection adds up.

My wife shoots a 5D and I shoot a 20D. We really couldnt swap brands of body with out losing $10k in lenses.

[aspire.comptech]

Pentax K200d with 18-55 and 50-200...

An ever better lens is their 50mm prime. And for $200 its a bargain