new to DSLR camera...Please help (Canon EOS, Nikon, hobby, d30)

[nelly76]

Hello all,
I am looking for my very first DSLR camera. I am narrowing my choice to nikon camera maybe D60 or D80 with 18-55mm and 50-200mm lenses. I am interested in photography as a hobby to take pictures of places we visit and of my children and family. I also want a camera I can grow with as I learn more. But I am very confused about all the photo lingo, I will eventually take a class in photography. What are the main functions of DSLR camera I should look for? what is the advantage of getting a body and one 18-200 lens or getting a combo of the two?? Like I said, I want to capture moments of my children playing and take it when we go on trips. thank you all in advance for your answers.

[ShepsMom]

Nikon D60 or D80 might be too much to bite for you, i would start with something like D40. You probably will never use ALL that camera offers. For family snaps this would be ideal. Also look into Canon Digital Rebel, very good to start and learn with, and not as pricey as more upgraded versions.
Lenses, buying a kit will get you started. 18-200 is still pricey, around $700.00, if that's not going to burn your pocket, go for it. I have the lens and i like it, not such a good performer in low light, but it's a nice "walk-around" lens, covers good range of different situations, from landscapes to portraits.

Just read about all you can read and go to the store, play with cameras, play with lenses, see what you like.
You probably going to start with Auto mode, and as you get used to the camera, start learning Manual setting, those are the ones you will need to learn to really take good shots!

Good luck!

ps: If you decide on D80, i probably will be selling mine, as i'm upgrading to D300

[nelly76]

thank you for the info, but if I will get D40 will I be able to upgrade to a different lens after a while.

[Nomadicus]

Originally Posted by nelly76

thank you for the info, but if I will get D40 will I be able to upgrade to a different lens after a while.

This link may help you out some with the Nikon models:
Digital SLR Cameras from Nikon (http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Digital-SLR/index.page - broken link)

I agree with Sheps Mom about starting with the D40 or D40x. I always think it is better to go with entry level cameras to learn with and use a better grade of lenses other than the standard kit lens if you can. As far as I know the lens mount is the same on all the Nikon models. Some lenses may not fit the FX cameras if the are specifically made for DX bodies.

Here is a link to look at the Canon Rebel series cameras that Sheps Mom refered to:

Canon EOS SLR Camera Systems

For Canon Specific questions I'll be glad to help with the lingo. For Nikon there are several good Nikon users here on the forum that can also help.

HTH.

[ShepsMom]

Not quiet. read this:

Nikon D40

D60 might suit you better for lens capability

Nikon D60

[Nomadicus]

Originally Posted by ShepsMom

Not quiet. read this:

Nikon D40

D60 might suit you better for lens capability

Nikon D60

I'm glad you posted and I didn't lead astray. Usually the problem only arises when using newer cropped sensor lenses on full frame sensors. Even with my 1.3 crop canon sensor I can't shoot a lot of canon's new lenses. The better L lenses are never a problem with any body at least for now. Is this true for Nikon bodies? Just curios.

[ShepsMom]

I believe, not positive, D40 is the only body that has lens limitation, any later upgrades fit any lenses. I might be wrong, however.