Looking for a good camera

[Bunky]

Re: Looking for a good camera

You should be able to find a D90 used (reconditioned by Nikon) if you are on a budget. Otherwise I would get a Nikon D5000 over a Nikon D40 just because the sensor in the D5000 is from the D90/D300 series. I have a D90 and really enjoy it over the D70s that I did not like as much. The 18-105 is a good lens but a better lens is the 16-85 which is what I should have purchased.

We have the D70s (one that Ken R raved about too) and after reading his reviews I am sure the D40 in the right expert hands can deliver great results but for many people it may not be as easy as it is for him. I found the D70s had flaws (like color balance, daylight and flash exposure results) that left me wanting....so I got D90 after just using it for less than 30 seconds. It has a great LCD, quick focus, better exposure accuracy (D-Lighting), better 800 iso performance, etc.

[john m.]

Re: Looking for a good camera

Its not really that I am on a budget, Ive been getting steady business right now just not full correction until I can sell my dang guitar to buy the tools haha. How do you like the D90? Do you think that it has to much or would be the perfect camera? I completely agree on your statement of his rave on the D40! I also thought that well obviously a professional can make any camera great so since its small and lightweight no wonder he loves it!

I looked at the D5000 and that also looks great! Its like a slightly downgraded D90. So based off of your experience with the D90 would you say that it is worth it to just save and do a few extra cars to get that? And if so would you go with the kit or just buy the body only and than get a different lens?

Thanks for all the help guys
John

[Bunky]

Re: Looking for a good camera

I like my D90 a lot -- night and day over the D70s. It was not cheap. The D90 has a lens motor in the body so you can use a lot more lenses than the D40/D5000 in the Nikon line. It has received excellent reviews from many review places and the primary issue is just it is just not cheap. I really think the bright high resolution LCD on the D90 really makes a big difference in determining if you have good pics.

But, it depends on your preferences. If you play with these cameras in a store, you can how ease of use, view finder, focusing speed, controls to change settings, etc what feels natural for you.

[john m.]

Re: Looking for a good camera

Thanks! I think ill just save up my money and get the D90! What do you recomend for a good regular shooting lens? I figure it might be better to get the body and then a few lenses or so.

[ZoranC]

Re: Looking for a good camera

Thanks! I think ill just save up my money and get the D90! What do you recomend for a good regular shooting lens?

18-105 VR that comes in kit with D90 is great lens. I got D90 kit when it first came out and later sold it to get D300 but I kept 18-105, that's how much I liked it, it's incredible bang for the buck.

[PorscheGuy997]

Re: Looking for a good camera

Hey Zoran,

How's the flare on the 18-105mm? My 18-70mm has a lot of trouble with halogens and bright lights. I know it's silly to take shots like these and not expect flare, but I just wanted your thoughts.


In the mean time, I'm really looking forward to going with a wide angle (14-24).

[ColonelCash]

Re: Looking for a good camera

Don't know about others on here, but I'm a sucker for a good fish-eye photo.

I just got the Canon SX 200 IS and I'm pretty happy with it. Ordered from Amazon, it had a small scratch on the bottom so they gave me an additional $90 off the purchase price, so I just HAD to keep it

28mm wide lense, lots of shooting modes, 720p movie mode and 12x optical zoom...plus, its got a real retro look to it that I like. Some people complain about the auto flash pop-up, but that is really being nitpicky (in my opinion).

[Bunky]

Re: Looking for a good camera

I do need to practice on taking pics of swirls in paint. I still have a problem getting the lighting / angle right to get a decent exposure and show swirls. I just have always been in a hurry.

[ZoranC]

Re: Looking for a good camera

How's the flare on the 18-105mm? My 18-70mm has a lot of trouble with halogens and bright lights. I know it's silly to take shots like these and not expect flare, but I just wanted your thoughts.

I have not tried it under conditions as yours for same purpose as you but in situations I use it (it is my what I call "tourist" lens, lens I reach for when I want only one solid lens with me) when I shoot "into the sun" flare has been quite well controlled. Modern coatings seems to be doing their job.

[Megafast13]

Re: Looking for a good camera

I love my Canon Rebel XTI. They just came out with a new one that can shoot HD Video now as well.

[john m.]

Re: Looking for a good camera

Ive settled on the D90, went to a store that had them to just feel them and check them out and as much as I like the D40 with the small size and lightness to it. The D90 is just so much better. Sure the pros say the D40 is perfect but pros can make any camera take good pictures cuz they know what they are doing...right?

Im debating getting the body only and then getting a seperate lens or getting the kit. I didnt like the lens with the kit when looking at the D90 but im a noob with lenses. I want one that will be good for anything like vacations or general shooting, or potraits outside for fun, and shots of cars being able to get good detail in the defects. Also I will probably get another one with good zoom, someone on another forum recommended me the nikkor 70-300mm so I will have to check that one out. I would really love a fish-eye! Love those but it will have to wait

Now if I can only sell my guitar things I dont use I can get money and get it soon. It makes me mad when 4 people say they want it and back out Not trying to push a sell but if anyone knows someone that wants an electric guitar and knows how to ship it well let me know haha keep the tips coming guys!

[Jeff U]

Re: Looking for a good camera

You need a basic lens that is somewhere around 35mm. Something like the basic 18-55mm that often comes with many "kits". Even at 70mm, the 70-300mm zoom is to much zoom for you typical family/indoor type photos.

From what I've read if you want a do it all lens look at the VR18-200 from Nikon.

It is expensive (~$700) but it does everything well. My friend, real camera buff, has one and he thinks it is a great lens.

If you end up with either the D40 or D90 and the VR 18-200mm, the equipment will be well beyond your expertise and it will take a long time to "out grow" them.

I have had a D40 with the basic 18-55mm lens for about a year and still feel the camera is much more capable than me.

I also got the separate flash, Nikon SB-400. I'd highly recommend it.

[john m.]

Re: Looking for a good camera

Awesome Ill look into the 18-200 one! and the 70-300 wouldnt be for normal stuff Ill use that for airshows! Got a blue angels one coming up in october that should be awesome and wanna be able to get some good shots.

[01GPGT]

Re: Looking for a good camera

I wish I had the money to buy a good camera. I had to settle with a point and shoot 7 megapixel Nikon Coolpix.

I here ya on the Guitar stuff. I am trying to sell mine and I keep getting people acting like they want to buy it and then they don't.

[john m.]

Re: Looking for a good camera

^I know its so frustrating, they ask what kind and then say they are interested and turn it down out of no where. Last guy came and looked at it, played it said he wanted it than said he coudnt get it! Its driving me nuts cuz I dont wanna have to ship and stuff