Camera / Photo Junkies....Help please!!

[SPEEDBEAD.]

I was looking at cameras today, 3 dSLR's in particular.

Sony a200

Sony a300 w/ live view

Nikon D40

Please give opinions, why's and why nots....

Thanks fellas. JFrancho, I expect to see you in here somewhere

If you would like to know anything else, just let me know and I will try and answer as best I can.

[burleytog]

Of those listed, D40.

I would suggest you look at Canon's wares as well.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

I think the only thing that concerns me about the D40 is the fact that it is only 6MP

[burleytog]

I think the only thing that concerns me about the D40 is the fact that it is only 6MP

Take a look at the Canons.  Don't know what your budget is, but the Rebels are under $1000, the 40D is around $1200.

If you're not sold on a true dSLR, then give this one a look.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10669034

The only difference between one like that and a dSLR is the ability to change lenses.  I can do just as much with my Powershot A720 as I could with my old Canon SLR.

IMO, unless you're making money with the camera, the dSLR's are overkill for the average user.  It is much easier to carry a smaller camera and use it.  My Fuji S5000 was just a bit smaller than my Canon SLR and while I took over 20000 photos with it (over four years), it was a pain to carry around.  When the time came for a new camera, I went smaller rather than larger.  Easier to carry when fishing, hunting, etc. while a dSLR wouldn't be making the trip.

[NEKvt]

I think the only thing that concerns me about the D40 is the fact that it is only 6MP

D40x is 10.2 megapixel.  You cannot go wrong with nikon.  I think you will find the selection of lenses for the nikons to be much better.  The only thing about the D40 is that it can not autofocus old lenses because it does not have an internal motor.  It works perfectly with all the new d lenses though.  This is basically only an issue if you had an older film nikon and a bunch of lenses and wanted to just buy a new body to use the old lenses on.  

[Alpster]

Wayne,

I have a Nikon D60and several lenses. Don't let the megapixal thing bother you. It's all about lenses, the D40 Nikon can be bought with a lens kit for less than $500 from WalMart and you will love it. Check out this guy's site. He is pretty sharp on all kinds of photography.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/

Ronnie

[RobbyZ5001]

Circuit City has SLR's 30% off of MSRP right now. I work there I can check if we have anymore. I think we have some rebels. If we do I will PM you. or if you PM your number I will call you tonight when I get to work. 30% off is a good deal for an SLR.

[mattm]

I just recently got a Canon Rebel XSI and love it. I would suggest that you take a look at Cannon's as well just for an honest comparision. Noway to go, but Nikon or Canon imo.

The Canon has more megapixels than the Nikon, but as Ronnie said its much more about the lenses. Both cameras will be able to take much better pictures than you can. If you have a pretty good grasp of how far away your subjects will be I strongly reccomend skipping the kit lenses and upgrading to a better lense. If you aren't certain at this point or won't have available cash to buy another lense fi you find yourself needing another just go with the kit.

I purchased my camera at Beach Camera online. If you haven't already you should check the site out. You can save a ton of money purchasing online. Even if you don't buy from them the website is a great source of info and reviews. I was able to buy just the camera body, an accesory kit and a much nicer lense than is included with the kits for only a couple hundred more.

When I bought I liked the Canon's a little better, but the main decision came down to the fact that my Dad and his friend both had higher end Canon's so I could try their lenses before purchasing new ones.  Lenses can cost some serious bucks.  If you already know someone with a Nikon or Canon that is seriously into it and has multiple high quality lenses you might want to strongly consider going with that brand.  You won't go wrong with a Canon or Nikon.

[J Francho]

You want a Nikon, Canon, or Fuji.  Period.  I use Canon, but I'm tied to the EOS mount with all the Canon lenses I own.  If I could afford to start over, I might go Nikon - they have some of the best wide angle glass.

Of the cameras you listed, the Nikon would be my choice.  You should also look at Canon Rebels as well.  

For most general walk around shooting, you'll want something in the 18-70mm range.  A fast prime (fixed focal length, not zoom) like a 50 f/1.8 is also great for shooting in low light situations, like indoors, with no flash.

Just for reference, 5 MP is all you need for up to 11x14 prints.  I've even seen good 16x20 from my lab made from a cropped 5MP image.  Its not about MP, its about the sensor and the glass.  Canon and Fuji make the finest sensors, while Nikon Glass is hard to beat.

[J Francho]

Check out this guy's site. He is pretty sharp on all kinds of photography.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/

Ronnie

OH NO!!!! Not that guy!  Keep in mind, his site is SATIRE, and not meant to be informational.

Read this: http://www.kenrockwell.com/about.htm

[MitchIsFishin]

Speed,

For what it's worth, my 40 yrs of experience in photography has taught me to buy 'around the lenses'. Examine what you'll be doing photographically and if you think you may expand into a larger system, plan your glass purchase first. The bodies of most dslrs in their respective price points are similar and offer most of the same options.

That said, obviously Nikon/Canon/Pentax all offer good basic packages. A D60 (or D80/D90) can work well, but a D80/D90 will allow the usage of older AI nikkors. Keep in mind that unless you are using full-blown Photoshop and/or performing pre-production work for publication, most glass will serve your needs. Good luck

For reviews, check:

http://www.dpreview.com/ OR

http://photo.net/

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Thanks for all the advice.

I just got back from Circuit City and walked out with the Nikon D40.

Out the door for $370.  Figured that would be a hard price to beat.

Thanks again for all the help.

Wayne

[1inStripes]

Was that with a 18-55mm lens?  I am a Nikon fan as well.  May get a DSLR in the near future.   If anyone has older Konika Minolta lenses, and look to get a DSLR you can go with Sony.  They bought KM DSLR to start into that line of the industry.  Really Canon and Nikon both make great lenses and products.  I have a friend who bought the Sony A300 and loves it too though.  

For more affordable lenses, try a Tamron as well. They are nice for the price.