Going to make a major camera purchase this year, needing advice

[vab206]

So with my recent engagement, as many of you on here may know, there has been the immense hassle of trying to get a photographer. After going through literally twenty to thirty different ones I've come to find out that about 3 in the area where i live are actually worth paying for, 90% of all of them have no clue how to photoshop, 70% of the ones that do overdo it, and the remaining literally charge enough for me to put a downpayment on a full size pickup truck. With that being said my soon to be wife has always had what i think is a knack for taking pictures so I've decided to hold off for another year on buying a vehicle and instead invest into a new DSLR camera.

I'm looking at the Nikon D7000. Camera looks great, nice specs, everyone seems to have good things to say about it. Only problem is I personally have absolutely no idea about lenses and the more technical aspects of new high end cameras. What I'm looking for is some advice on where to start learning, purchase advice, and possibly an online resource to learn more about photography in a whole... Not to mention camera advice.

Is the D7000 too much camera? When i do get a camera what are the most popular lenses? If you were starting right now what would you get?

and lastly, here are some random photo's she has took with her point and shoot. Flickr

[1ke]

D7000 is one heck of a camera. Will last her a long time. In my opinion, the D7000, K-5, and A580 are the cameras to get right now. Just pick your favorite brand. I would also let her go play with one first. Best Buy has the D7000 and A58 (the SLT version of A580) on display.

[duron]

a friend of mine has the D7000 & it's one fine camera but a bit expensive & since your trying your first DSLR did you conder the D3xxx or D5xxx series? it's better to invest in Lens as Bodies come & go almost every year. IF you can afford prime lens those are the ones to get & keep, other lenses I would get would be the 10-20mm wide, 24-70, 70-200mm & your arsenal would be fine.

& here is All you ever wanted to know about Photography

http://www.5min.com/Category/Arts/Photography

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/

http://www.diyphotography.net/43-pho...d-diy-projects

HTH

[lkiller123]

How about a 5D classic? Full Frame for the money you spend on the D7000.

[vab206]

Taking your post into consideration duron, i believe the D5100 would be the best bang for the buck. Going by your recommendations along with some others I've read on the internet ive put together a list of base components that I will need to purchase.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.689118
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16830993953
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16830993423
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16830993429 Threw this in for good measure, seems to come highly recommended from others on the web
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-10-24mm-...051384&sr=1-15

One thing I am wondering is where the best place to purchase such equipment is. I see what you mean about the body being a relatively minor purchase compared to the cost of the lenses needed. Also, thanks for the links

[duron]

Yes the 50f1.8 is a must have for many, it's a good starter-Prime lens which is fine for portraits & street photography.
BTW all those lens range also do come from 3rd party vendors like Sigma & Tamron & they are a bit cheaper with acceptable results.
much better to get them at your local store & avoid, if you can, those grey units which doesn't carry the official warranty, though they are a little cheaper & has in-store warranty instead.

[vab206]

Well, went to best buy yesterday to let her play with one. and we go to pick it up next week. kind of a on a whim purchase but she fell in love with it and they had special financing so i went ahead and bought it so she could start learning with it. came with the 18-105mm lens. planning on purchasing the 50mm f1.8 asap though. going from the pictures ive seen taken with that lens it seems to suit her style more.

[1ke]

Can't beat Best Buy's financing. I assume they are still running the 2 years 0%? Just so you know you must make those payments (purchase price/# months) otherwise that accrued interest of 26% compounded will rip your wallet a new one. Don't buy the warranty, any of it. Most damages from dropping can be fixed by Canon/Nikon for between 200-500. I worked with them during college.

[BeepBeep2]

I much disagree with the choices(!)
There are some problems there(!) First off, the D5100 and 50mm AF lens, that lens will not have any autofocus.
I have no idea why you would want to buy the 24-70 either, the 18-55 (well, it doesnt seem you have it) will offer enough flexibility and is basically the 24-70 FX lens for a crop body such as D5100/7000.
That 70-200 f/2.8 is fast, but that's about the only thing good about it. Optics vs. price tag,...and you must think, do(es) you (she) need f/2.8?

You need the f/1.8G if you want autofocus with a camera such as the 5100. The D7000 will AF with that lens, though.

I will also say that she would love shooting the kit lens (it seems your D5100/7000 came with an 18-105, kit lens for the D7000 anyway) as well as the prime. It's easy to get good bokeh out of a slow lens in certain situations...a lot easier than a P&S. I want a 35mm f/1.8G myself actually to compliment my 18-55 + 55-300mm lenses.

[1ke]

Another thought is to just buy 5100 body only and then get a good quality zoom for it, like a 24-70 or near equivalent.