Member of the Month

KilaTsunami
October, 2024

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Camera halp!

profile picture
pmw
Posts: 5760 - Karma: 831
posted this in media&arts, not enough trafficking

So I am sure there are a bunch of similar threads out there, but I really want a camera for christmas. I dont know much about them, but I do know enough people with nikons and have used them enough to know I like them. i want some help with it because I am a complete n00b with photography but really want to get into it. Mainly I would photograph skiing, nature, and anything else I find interesting. Im sure there a bunch of threads about this but I could use some help. This doesn't seem like a bad camera, and it seems like it would get the job done for me.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nikon+-+10.2-Megapixel+Digital+SLR+Camera+-+Black/9456803.p?skuId=9456803&id=1218107268800

sorry if its not clicky

no established price range yet, so post anything that seems like it would work well
thanks in advance for any help!

if anymore info is needed a shoot a pm if you want, or just post in the thread

Dec 6 2009 7:56PM
0 0
profile picture
cab509
Posts: 806 - Karma: 34
If you want to shoot Nikon the D3000 will work well for a beginner. I have the D60 (what the D3000 replaced) and it was a great starter camera and still gets used by me today but for what I like to do it does have it's down sides. The FPS needs to be faster to shoot good sequences and the low light ISO noise is kinda annoying to me, but as a beginner camera this will do wonders.

if you have a bit more to spend look into the D5000 maybe. I'm personally going for the D300s next but I wouldn't recommend the D300s as a beginner camera.
Dec 6 2009 8:04PM
0 0
profile picture
Mr_Papageorgio
Posts: 1271 - Karma: 117
the d3000 is a great entry level camera. im a canon guy myself but it is purely preference. if you're looking to just use this as a camera that will last you a long time and get the job done in terms of taking pictures of ski/travel then its a great option

but.

if you want to turn into a better photographer over time (which i suspect you do) you probably want to step up a little bit and work a little bit more to get a hold of how to use it.

the rebel xsi isnt a huge step up but with this package you also get a telephoto lens which is a must if you want to shoot nature as you said

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/589090-REG/Canon__EOS_Rebel_XSi_a_k_a_.html

and the d5000 (nikon) is just a bit of a step up from that

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/658345-REG/Nikon__D5000_Digital_SLR_Camera.html

have fun!
Dec 6 2009 8:06PM
0 0
profile picture
pmw
Posts: 5760 - Karma: 831
i didnt look at the specs, but is the main difference between the d5000 and d3000 mainly the mgp? and what would be the disadvantages of getting the d3000 or the d5000, or any other camera
Dec 6 2009 8:07PM
0 0
profile picture
cab509
Posts: 806 - Karma: 34
the D5000 has a CMOS sensor which is better then the D3000 sensor which is the one the old D60 used I think (my D60 over exposes a bit naturally so I have to step the EV down a bit to get pictures I like to begin with) the CMOS sensor is supposed to be a very good senor.

looking at them quickly the D3000 looks like a repackeged and remodeled D60 while the D5000 looks like a newer camera with a few better features in my opinion. I would probably go with the D5000 if it was me buying a new body.
Dec 6 2009 8:14PM
0 0
profile picture
pmw
Posts: 5760 - Karma: 831
thanks a lot, those will really help. now i just have a nikon biased simply because i know of the brand more, nothing else then that (i also know more people with it actually) now, would the $50 be worth it to get 12.3 mgp, and 4.0 fps opposed to 3.5

also, in general, what is a better camera?
Dec 6 2009 8:15PM
0 0
profile picture
pmw
Posts: 5760 - Karma: 831
lol
Dec 6 2009 10:08PM
0 0
profile picture
cab509
Posts: 806 - Karma: 34
Between the D3000 or D5000? I would say the D5000 is a better camera. If it's between the similarly priced Canon and Nikon, they are about the same level.
Dec 6 2009 10:12PM
0 0
profile picture
pmw
Posts: 5760 - Karma: 831
ya i meant between the cannon and nikon. just trying to figure out if the nikon was worth the extra money
Dec 6 2009 10:15PM
0 0
profile picture
cab509
Posts: 806 - Karma: 34
it depends on who you talk to. They are both wonderful companies and either will do you well . I shoot Nikon but hat is me. My Dad shoots Canon.
Dec 6 2009 10:19PM
0 0
profile picture
pmw
Posts: 5760 - Karma: 831
ok, thanks for all your help
Dec 6 2009 10:20PM
0 0
profile picture
cbalkman
Posts: 274 - Karma: 114
Stick with Canon or Nikon. It is basically inevitable that you will want to move up in a camera system with new flashes, lenses, and bodies.

While it used to be true that many brands could offer the same quality and diversity in their product line, that is simply no longer the case.

Basically, Canon or Nikon is the best bet for a starting photographer. They offer a far more comprehensive lens selection, have superior sensor technology, and will be able to offer the products you need as you start buying more advanced equipment.

I happen to be a Canon man, but that's just me.


Dec 6 2009 10:30PM
0 0
profile picture
TPatel
Posts: 207 - Karma: 10
in the same situation and couldn't have said this better myself

but to answer your question, after picking which level of camera you want (and it sounds like you have) go to bust buy, and hold both in your hands. take a few photos, w/e. in the end, just get the camera that feels better in your hands. if that camera is an extra $50, i'd say go for it, b/c if you feel good holding it, your going to take better pics. so yeah, if the nikon feels better, spend the extra money.
Dec 6 2009 10:31PM
0 0
profile picture
1080ski
Posts: 4424 - Karma: 191
just remember, that glass is way more important than the camera you get. if you can, try and get a 50mm f1.8 or f1.4. you'll love it, i promise
Dec 6 2009 10:31PM
0 0
profile picture
cbalkman
Posts: 274 - Karma: 114
Also, before someone calls me out for being close-minded, there is always Leica, Mamiya and Hasselblad, which are far superior to Canon or Nikon.
Dec 6 2009 10:31PM
0 0
profile picture
cbalkman
Posts: 274 - Karma: 114
But do not purchase at Best Buy.

Get it from New York, online.

bhphotovideo.com

adorama.com

JR.com

amazon.com


If it's more than $5 cheaper than B&H, it's a scam.
Dec 6 2009 10:35PM
0 0
profile picture
pmw
Posts: 5760 - Karma: 831
up
Dec 7 2009 7:33PM
0 0
profile picture
pmw
Posts: 5760 - Karma: 831
could use some help

this seem like a sick deal to anyone?

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-NIKON-D5000-D-SLR-CAMERA-18-55-VR-3-LENS-16GB-KIT_W0QQitemZ130348052956QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDigital_Cameras?hash=item1e595971dc#ht_13096wt_1167
Dec 8 2009 4:21PM
0 0
profile picture
Delaney
Posts: 621 - Karma: 206
cannon
Dec 8 2009 4:49PM
0 0
profile picture
TPatel
Posts: 207 - Karma: 10
i agree. when i said go to bust buy, i meant to go and physically hold the cameras and see which one feels better, not to buy from them sorry that wasn't business with all and never had any problems. clear.

also, all the sites listed above are legit. Just fyi, some of them, namely bandhphotovideo and adorama (i think) may be closing for Hanukah. They will allow you to purchase stuff, but it wont ship until after the holiday.
Dec 8 2009 11:51PM
0 0
profile picture
cbalkman
Posts: 274 - Karma: 114
Yeah true, I was clarifying for the OP. The floor models at Best Buy are so abused. I don't help--I always leave the custom functions on the strangest settings possible for floor models.
Dec 9 2009 7:04PM
0 0
profile picture
cab509
Posts: 806 - Karma: 34
well yeah, but I doubt anyone looking at a D3000 is going to want to spend more then 10K on a camera.


that's like telling someone who is looking at an Audi  A4 to go get a Lamborghini Gallardo instead. Yeah they are better but they aren't exactly in the same league.
Dec 9 2009 7:10PM
0 0
profile picture
cbalkman
Posts: 274 - Karma: 114
Correct you are sir. I wasn't suggesting them, I was just covering my ass. People sometimes get aggressive defending their camera brands and take aim at the Canon/Nikon guys.
Dec 9 2009 7:32PM
0 0
All times are Eastern (-5)