Looking at DSLR's, need some help!

[Camaro_94]

I'm looking to buy a new camera. I've only had point & shoots, but I'm looking to step it up and get something good.

I want something that is pretty user friendly (wont need a masters degree in photography to know how turn it on), will take good pictures, and decent videos.

I've narrowed it down to 4 options

Nikon D3000
Nikon D40
Canon T1i
Sony Alpha

I dont know much about these, but post your experiences with them if you own or have used one before! I'm not looking to spend over $700 with the lens(pushing it as it is).

[~chipsahoy~]

I have a Nikon D3000, so I am a little biased. I love this camera. Takes great shots, and a really good bang for your buck. Just my opinion!

[Camaro_94]

I was playing around with a D3000 earlier today at best buy... They all were pretty confusing and using a lens is definately going to take some time to get used to. I really liked it. The T1i seemed to be really big and bulky, but had a lot of cool features.

From what I understand... The D3000 kinda replaced the D40, right?

[Fastbird]

The D3000 is the D40 replacement. It's Nikon's standard entry level DSLR now. But.....if you can afford a D3000, have you looked at the D5000??? More camera for the money IMO.

[Camaro_94]

Is it really worth the extra $200 though? Just wondering. I guess I'd rather do it right the first time around. Do you own a D5000?

Its a little more than I wanted to spend, but if its really worth it, then I guess I should look into it.

[Fastbird]

Is it really worth the extra $200 though? Just wondering. I guess I'd rather do it right the first time around. Do you own a D5000?

Its a little more than I wanted to spend, but if its really worth it, then I guess I should look into it.

Let me put it this way. You have the Canon T1i on your list. That's Canon's version of the D5000. Tha D5000 is basically a D90 in the D40 body. Yes the D5000 is worth it over the D3000. High ISO performance, frames per second, and more adjustability over the 3000. There is more differences I just can't think of them right now.

[Camaro_94]

Is it still user friendly though? I'm definately interested in the D5000 now. I didnt like the T1i because it seemed to be too big and bulky, but liked the feel and size of the D3000/D5000.

I think I may be convinced, but I just need to go back to best buy tomorrow to check one out.

Thanks for the info everyone!

Hopefully I can pick it up in the next week or so!!

[mmd8x28]

I personally use a Pentax K2000.. LOVE the thing to death. Wish I got the rare white version and not the black version.. I was literally one of the FIRST to get one.. My serial is literally 95..

Some examples from my camera..
http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2010/007/4/a/Fire_by_blackevilweredragon.jpg
http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs50/f/2009/286/e/2/Morning_Sky_by_blackevilweredragon.jpg
http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs49/i/2009/205/c/2/Dock_by_blackevilweredragon.jpg
http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs44/f/2009/062/4/2/Going_Fast__by_blackevilweredragon.jpg

[joelster]

I'm pretty sure you can't shoot video with a D40. I have a D40x and love it.

[mmd8x28]

Keep in mind if you want to shoot video with a dSLR. Check to see if it's a CMOS or CCD. CMOS cameras use a rolling shutter for video, and look absolutely horrible in motion.. CCD's on the other hand use a global shutter for video, and do not have the problems.

[Fastbird]

Don't get a DSLR because it shoots video. It is manual focus only. Just a marketing tool.

The d5000 is me first dslr. Look for some shoot posts I have made here. That should say enough.

[dilatedpeoples28]

I have a T1i and love it. My friend has a D40x, and he doesn't even shoot with his cuz he likes mine that much more. Either get the D5000 or T1i, either way you wont be disappointed.

[PipesTA]

I have a D40 and it's worked great for me. Check out this site, he's a little bias but has a lot of good info.

www.kenrockwell.com

[Scott85]

I was in the same boat as you awhile back . If you can afford the D5000, its worth it . The Nikon is very user friendly and low light pics are awesome in it . I didn't get the D5000, but ended up with an Olympus E620, I've been very happy with it. I was able to get it with 2 lenses for just under what the D5000 cost with only 1 lens. I had a D3000 for a couple days and returned it because it didn't have "live view", which I like to have for taking pics at certian angles.

[Tricked-Out-Toy]

X4 or 5 on the D5000. Ive been looking at DSLR's for over a year trying to figure out whats right for me and how it fit into the budget. I went to tristatecamera and picked up the D5000 for a little over $600. I origianly was lookign at the D40 D40x and the D3000 and the features in the D5000 are ALOT better. The fold out screen is the tits! Im very much a rookie but I wanted something I wouldnt grow out of as I started taking classes and getting into it more.

[KissMyWhtSS]

I must say that the build quality on the D40 is quite a bit better than my Digital Rebel XT. Though my Digital Rebel takes nicer pictures from my experiences. I've used a D40 a couple times at work when updating some of our Residence Hall Pages (I work for my University's Housing & Dinning Services)

[Fastbird]

Pipes, I'm glad you put the note in about KR being biased. I enjoy his reviews but that man needs to let go of his D40. :D

[PipesTA]

I agree. Talk about a poster child of a fanboi :laugh:

[Fastbird]

I agree. Talk about a poster child of a fanboi :laugh:

Definitely. But the guy can review stuff pretty good, you just have to read through the BS. he was a bit harsh on the D3000 though, but I will admit that it's high ISO was horrible in most of the tests I've seen even compared to the "archaic" D40.

[BlownFormula]

I have a D90 and absolutely love it! I like the D90 over the D5000 because with the D90, you aren't limited to lenses that have a built in autofocus motor. The D40 is pretty damn decent, tho, and won't break your wallet.

[Fastbird]

I have a D90 and absolutely love it! I like the D90 over the D5000 because with the D90, you aren't limited to lenses that have a built in autofocus motor. The D40 is pretty damn decent, tho, and won't break your wallet.

I think that lens issue is pretty much non-existent for a lot of guys. Reason being is most DSLR's sold anymore are going to people who have never owned an older SLR camera, so they're starting from scratch and don't have that need for the older lenses. If you're on a budget then yeah, you can find some good ones for a song, but the technology in the modern lenses with the (Nikon line) VR that's in them now is just more of a case to not worry about having an internal focus motor in the body. Take that out of the picture and the D90 just has more external controls than the D5000 which is primarily menu based. I'll take the smaller body of the 5000 over the (what I felt to be) rather clunky and overly large body of the D90.

[BlownFormula]

If you think the D90 is chunky, you must REALLY hate the D300!:)

[Huff035]

I haven't had much time to mess with my D5000 but I really like it. I had a Rebel before, it was ok but the Nikon is so much better.

[~chipsahoy~]

If you think the D90 is chunky, you must REALLY hate the D300!:)

Hey now, leave me and my D3000's chunkiness to the side...

In all honesty, my D3000 does just fine for what I want it to do. Obviously the 5000 is better, but for me, I decided that since this was my first DSLR that I would just go with the entry level D3000. Nothing wrong with it, regardless of what anyone says. It will get the job done far better than any point and shoot out there, not to mention other DSLR's. If you can afford the 5000, then by all means go for it. If you can't, the 3000 will suit your needs just fine and still produce quality shots.

What YOU need to do is research the camera's you are contemplating, and then get the one that best fits your criteria. It's all about personal preference. (my preference is anything Nikon if that helps... :) ) Good luck!

[BlownFormula]

The D300 is the obese one. Not the D3000. The D3 is even chunkier!!!

[~chipsahoy~]

The D300 is the obese one. Not the D3000. The D3 is even chunkier!!!

Ah, after looking back at your post I now realize you were talking about the 300. Carry on...

[Fastbird]

I had zero interest in even holding a D300. GREAT camera, but not for me. The D5000 was my perfect match.