[SL01]

Originally Posted by DTNJNQ

Also check out www.dpreview.com

This is one of the best digital camera web sites with reviews of many cameras and also an extensive forum.

What he said...

I've had a Canon D60 for ages, and more recently a 40D. My buddy's a Nikon guy... you really can't go wrong with either.

My bit of advice - a high quality lens will make more difference than just about any other feature in the camera body. And a lens will far out-last the body. Look for "L" lenses for Canon (the 17-40mm L is my personal favorite, and it's not ridiculously expensive), and Nikon's equivalent. I also personally avoid the "digital" lenses (EF-S in Canon's terms) as they'll produce poor image quality if you ever move to a full-frame body, if they even work at all.

You may also consider renting a body/lens, or just getting a body and renting a couple lenses to try them out. Before making my most recent lens purchase, I rented one for a week from here: http://www.lensprotogo.com/

--SL01

[RobLS]

Originally Posted by EmeraldRx

I'm actually in the market myself, I've been looking at the D90, do you guys think the video feature is worth it?

From what I've read, it holds up real well against more pro video cameras. "Holds up real well against the big boys" I read somewhere. And after seeing some video, I would agree. As for the D40 vs D60, I've also heard the same thing, that people take the D40 over the D60.

[paologaspar]

Canon 20D here. If you've never used either system, tossing a coin is good enough. FWIW, Nikon has really good warranties compared to Canon (granted, I've never had a canon break down on me without a lot carelessness on my part). I once had a camera get submerged into a partially salty river and it worked for about another 10 months when it died after dropping it several times.

[warmtoes]

Although I agree 90% is the lens the newer D-SLR bodies do get you incredible low light sensitivity and incredibly accurate and quick auto focus.

The picture quality on my 40D even at ISO 1600 is pretty well without easily noticeable grain which really helps when I take photos of my son playing hockey.

[RobLS]

Well thats true especially with Nikon's new sensors. The noise is kept down real well, even at the really high ISOs. And using my 18-200 in barely any light works pretty well actually. Not as well as a proper lense for that area, but pretty darn good.

[john970]

Originally Posted by warmtoes

Although I agree 90% is the lens the newer D-SLR bodies do get you incredible low light sensitivity and incredibly accurate and quick auto focus.

The picture quality on my 40D even at ISO 1600 is pretty well without easily noticeable grain which really helps when I take photos of my son playing hockey.

Yeah, the low light thing can be critical for certain photography. ISO 1600 is now usable on the entry level dslrs, and even ISO 12800 looks decent on the new full frame cameras.

[RobLS]

But hey, lets not drift too far from the OP now

[EspressoBoy]

If you are looking for dslr remember there is a trade off...

Holdays... you have to lug that big thing vs p&s
Going through security at airports
A bigger case than your p&s
You will find the body flash will hold you back...


EspressoBoy

[warmtoes]

Oh yeah, the OP. Any of the entry level Nikon's and the Canon Rebel XSi or XS are pretty darn good. And, the cost of image stabilized lenses has come way down as well. For a new D-SLR buyer I would highly recommend the IS or VR lenses.

[EspressoBoy]

Originally Posted by warmtoes

Oh yeah, the OP. Any of the entry level Nikon's and the Canon Rebel XSi or XS are pretty darn good. And, the cost of image stabilized lenses has come way down as well. For a new D-SLR buyer I would highly recommend the IS or VR lenses.

Totally agree here! IS is mandatory on any camera now in my opinion, even P&S.

EspressoBoy

[RobLS]

Originally Posted by EspressoBoy

If you are looking for dslr remember there is a trade off...

Holdays... you have to lug that big thing
Going through security
Batterys are big and heavy and you have to recharge all the time
Buying the starting kit is just the beginning
You will find the body flash will hold you back...
You will want more La la la lens...
You will not just spend time here, but on places like...

EspressoBoy

Not true, I find the battery to be quite light (to me) and that the battery lasts a lot longer than my p&s

[warmtoes]

I do agree that the batteries I've had are not bad in weight and last a long time. But, the whole package is way heavier than a P&S or an advanced EVF for sure.

The entry level units are smaller and lighter. But, I don't mind the weight even with the battery/vertical shutter grip with two batteries in it. It makes for a more stable unit when shooting.

[RobLS]

I know, but the whole recharging them all the time? lately I've been casually shooting like I did with my point and shoot, and its been more than a week and I still havn't hit 50% battery. And I'm using the battery that came with the D300, no vert grip.

[warmtoes]

I don't have to recharge mine much either. Hardly much leakage over time either. And, I got knockoffs from a local supplier that work incredibly well considering they are about 15% the cost of Canon units.

[RobLS]

On my p&s the batteries would lose their life very quick. By the end of the year I got my last one, like 8 months after I purchased it, every day I would have to recharge it while I was in thailand or hawaii. I got one third party backup for it too, that was even worse. Then again, I've read that the D300 manages its battery usage really well, allowing you to last longer and get more shots in, by a good margin.

[warmtoes]

Originally Posted by RobLS

On my p&s the batteries would lose their life very quick. By the end of the year I got my last one, like 8 months after I purchased it, every day I would have to recharge it while I was in thailand or hawaii. I got one third party backup for it too, that was even worse. Then again, I've read that the D300 manages its battery usage really well, allowing you to last longer and get more shots in, by a good margin.

The same power management goes for the Canons equipped with Digic 3 or Digic 4 processors.

[RobLS]

I'd watch that comment espresso, "*sensor*", that will get some people mighty upset

And for warmtoes. I don't know much about the Canons. I just remember seeing a chart comparing the cameras that can compete with the D300.

[RobLS]

Hehe quite alright, you're still cool to me hehe

[RobLS]

hehe. its as if it never happened... woo we can get a conspiracy going.

[Bizall]

D40 user here as well. I love it and it's a great entry into the DSLR world. It's very user friendly, with options to grow into. GL.

[bubble]

The entry level Nikons are nice. I still have my D50 - I really like it. It's handy to have when I want a lightweight camera. I stepped up to a D300 to gain higher ISO, a faster shutter speed and way more gain on custom settings. You can probably pick up a D50 on ebay for a great deal.

A large drawback, for me, to the D40-D40x-D60 is that it only autofocuses with AF-S lenses. So, if you have some older Nikon lenses, you might have to focus manually. Also, if you think you might purchase some gem of an older, used lens - odds are it won't focus automatically.

The D80 and now the D90 are a nice alternative not to mention the video capabilities of the D90 - if that matters to you. Plus, the D90 is a new generation, probably has some new things I'm not aware of besides the video.

I love my D300, however, for someone getting into dSLR, it might be a little intimidating, it has no preset modes, whatsoever, including AUTO mode (aka the little green box).
I would say if you go with Nikon, to start with one of the entry levels. Honestly, the video wouldn't justify the price of the D90 - unless there were other benefits. Websites like kenrockwell.com and fredmiranda.com are extremely useful in researching that kind of stuff. Also, you can use flickr.com and search using the camera model - that way you can see what each camera is capable of. Keep in mind Photoshop use and possibly non-kit lenses - most usually listed in the tags.

Good luck on your decision! Happy shooting!

[pit1]

Great tips... thank you. With all your advice, I'm thinking saving some money with the entry level DSLR and a good lens is the likely route. I'll report once I pull the trigger.