Nikon DSLR gurus

[TravelingGal]

OK, I have researched for DAYS and thought I''d ask for you two cents too.

I have a choice between 3 cameras. D80, D60, D40.

I would be a DSLR newbie. I take decent photos but find in low light with my never standing still daughter, I want a more capable camera. Be using it mostly to take indoor snaps of her, portraits in general and travel/landscape photography. No interest in high action stuff, although that may change once we get her into sports.

I have checked out all 3 cameras. D80 is a bit too much camera for me...in features AND size. I have small hands and it felt awkward to me.

LOVE the feeling of the D40/60. Much better than the Canon XSi which felt awkward. The D40/60 really felt just right and I liked the heft (or lack thereof).

So here is where I am at:

D80
Pros
- A Camera I can "grow" into
- Can use AF with the Nikon nifty fifty lens
- reasonably priced right now

Cons
- won''t be able to afford a VR lens right now (I have shaky hands)
- heavy so I may not even want to take it out.

D40/D60

I''ve read the D40 is the low light/high ISO king. I don''t plan on making huge prints so the 6MP would be enough for me. Should I..

- get the D40 and used the money saved for a nice VR lens that is better than the kit lens
OR
-get the more recent D60 for some of the newer features and the two VR kit lenses

Cost would be about the same with the above two options.

I''m stuck!

 

[wishful]

Tgal i'm not going to be all that much help but I do own the Nikon D40. I got it with two lenses and I must say - even though I need to either go take a photography class to learn how to utilize all the features or spend some time reading the manual, I've had a lot of fun with it thus far.
It's easy to handle and is the lightest weight of the bunch.
I just need to practice with it more!

But I'd go for it!!!!!! Esp if you save a little and can get an extra lense!

 

[Sapphire_Cutie]

Date: 10/3/2008 1:30:14 PM
Author:TravelingGal
OK, I have researched for DAYS and thought I''d ask for you two cents too.

I have a choice between 3 cameras. D80, D60, D40.

I would be a DSLR newbie. I take decent photos but find in low light with my never standing still daughter, I want a more capable camera. Be using it mostly to take indoor snaps of her, portraits in general and travel/landscape photography. No interest in high action stuff, although that may change once we get her into sports.

I have checked out all 3 cameras. D80 is a bit too much camera for me...in features AND size. I have small hands and it felt awkward to me.

LOVE the feeling of the D40/60. Much better than the Canon XSi which felt awkward. The D40/60 really felt just right and I liked the heft (or lack thereof).

So here is where I am at:

D80
Pros
- A Camera I can ''grow'' into
- Can use AF with the Nikon nifty fifty lens
- reasonably priced right now

Cons
- won''t be able to afford a VR lens right now (I have shaky hands)
- heavy so I may not even want to take it out.

D40/D60

I''ve read the D40 is the low light/high ISO king. I don''t plan on making huge prints so the 6MP would be enough for me. Should I..

- get the D40 and used the money saved for a nice VR lens that is better than the kit lens
OR
-get the more recent D60 for some of the newer features and the two VR kit lenses

Cost would be about the same with the above two options.

I''m stuck!

Hi TGal,
I can not speak for the other cameras BUT my SO got me the Nikon D40 last Xmas and i LOVE it! I have my camera on me almost 24/7 and its AMAZING and easy to use. I have a friend who is a photog and ha a Nikon D200 and he personally suggested the D40. I am by no means a pro and I am just starting out myself. Its just a hobby that I have ALWAYS loved... Ill post a few shots so you can see what it can do. And these pics were all taken with the standard 18-55mm lens

 

[Sapphire_Cutie]

this pic and the one above were taken with no flash through a train window while moving...

 

[Sapphire_Cutie]

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[Sapphire_Cutie]

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[Sapphire_Cutie]

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[Sapphire_Cutie]

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[Sapphire_Cutie]

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[MonkeyPie]

Date: 10/3/2008 2:02:31 PM
Author: Sapphire_Cutie
...

VERY nice shot!

TGal, I have the D60 and I worship it. It was my first truly high-end camera and it is VERY capable. It goes up to 1600 iso but that tends to be a little more grainy than I like, so I do my best to have tons of external light to keep it at around 100 iso. So if you want to stay away from the on-camera flash (which is truly retina-searing), buy a maglight

It''s my sneaky trick for when I have low lighting conditions and don''t have my external flash available!

I have very small hands, too, and it fits me perfectly.

 

[Sapphire_Cutie]

...

 

[Sapphire_Cutie]

one of my FAVS of my nephew

 

[Sapphire_Cutie]

ok...i got a lil carried away LOL. sorry! Monkey Pie...THANX for the compliment but i have NO idea whicb ''shot'' you are reffering to lol.

 

[MonkeyPie]

The "rickwalking" one lol.

 

[TravelingGal]

Thanks gals! I appreciate your input.

SC, awesome photos. It seems like you are handling the camera well.

MP, I did hear the D60 is not as good at higher ISOs than the 40, but I wonder if a novice like me could tell and if it''s just splitting hairs. What I do like as a novice is the dust control benefit on the 60. And I''ve seen your shots and know that it''s a great camera with a great user.

I know you got a new lens, but those photos you recently posted, is that with the kit VR lens?

Oh, the dilemma. The 60 is 827 with both VR lens and makes it easy for me whereas I need to research which lens I would buy with the 40.

 

[MonkeyPie]

Date: 10/3/2008 2:34:01 PM
Author: TravelingGal
Thanks gals! I appreciate your input.

SC, awesome photos. It seems like you are handling the camera well.

MP, I did hear the D60 is not as good at higher ISOs than the 40, but I wonder if a novice like me could tell and if it''s just splitting hairs. What I do like as a novice is the dust control benefit on the 60. And I''ve seen your shots and know that it''s a great camera with a great user.

I know you got a new lens, but those photos you recently posted, is that with the kit VR lens?

Oh, the dilemma. The 60 is 827 with both VR lens and makes it easy for me whereas I need to research which lens I would buy with the 40.

I LOVE the dust control sensor. It means I have less worry about getting crap on my lens when I switch them out, and I do this a lot. Though if you find a decent person in your area to clean it for you, it really isn''t so bad if you do decide to go with the D40.

From my most recent shoot (which I need to post individual shots of, since my link was against board rules) they were all with my 18-55mm VR kit lens. Personally, it''s my favorite of the two. I also have a 70-300mm manual focus Sigma, and it is fabulous, but not really necessary unless you''re a nerd like me

The VR makes a HUGE difference in shooting - it prevents so much more natural movement, like your own breathing, that would ruin a shot.

I shot a couple times with a friends D40x, and while nice, it felt and looked weird - the display is much different than it is on mine, and the buttons didn''t seem as obviously marked. I am a little biased, though.

You COULD always go with a D300...LOL.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 10/3/2008 2:40:24 PM
Author: MonkeyPie

Date: 10/3/2008 2:34:01 PM
Author: TravelingGal
Thanks gals! I appreciate your input.

SC, awesome photos. It seems like you are handling the camera well.

MP, I did hear the D60 is not as good at higher ISOs than the 40, but I wonder if a novice like me could tell and if it''s just splitting hairs. What I do like as a novice is the dust control benefit on the 60. And I''ve seen your shots and know that it''s a great camera with a great user.

I know you got a new lens, but those photos you recently posted, is that with the kit VR lens?

Oh, the dilemma. The 60 is 827 with both VR lens and makes it easy for me whereas I need to research which lens I would buy with the 40.

I LOVE the dust control sensor. It means I have less worry about getting crap on my lens when I switch them out, and I do this a lot. Though if you find a decent person in your area to clean it for you, it really isn''t so bad if you do decide to go with the D40.

From my most recent shoot (which I need to post individual shots of, since my link was against board rules) they were all with my 18-55mm VR kit lens. Personally, it''s my favorite of the two. I also have a 70-300mm manual focus Sigma, and it is fabulous, but not really necessary unless you''re a nerd like me

The VR makes a HUGE difference in shooting - it prevents so much more natural movement, like your own breathing, that would ruin a shot.

I shot a couple times with a friends D40x, and while nice, it felt and looked weird - the display is much different than it is on mine, and the buttons didn''t seem as obviously marked. I am a little biased, though.

You COULD always go with a D300...LOL.

Ha no...D300 will break my wrist. My friend who is a total newbie loves her D80. But I wonder...a camera is worthless if you don''t take it out to take pics. And I really really loved the D40/60 casing.

I think you''re right on the VR, which is why this is a tough decision. What do you think of getting the D40 and spending the dough on the VR 18-200mm? This lens got great reviews and while I know no lens is the be all end all, I am thinking I could have fun with this until I know what else I want to buy. Plus it would mean changing out the lens less on the 40.

 

[MonkeyPie]

Date: 10/3/2008 2:48:13 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Ha no...D300 will break my wrist. My friend who is a total newbie loves her D80. But I wonder...a camera is worthless if you don''t take it out to take pics. And I really really loved the D40/60 casing.

I think you''re right on the VR, which is why this is a tough decision. What do you think of getting the D40 and spending the dough on the VR 18-200mm? This lens got great reviews and while I know no lens is the be all end all, I am thinking I could have fun with this until I know what else I want to buy. Plus it would mean changing out the lens less on the 40.

I think that could be a great idea. A good camera doesn''t mean too much if you don''t have good glass, and the 18-200mm is really a superb lens for the money. Plus, if you do ever decide to upgrade to a D60, 80, or even 90 (which has a really cool movie feature), that lens will fit on any of those. It''s a plus side to buying Nikon.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 10/3/2008 2:51:55 PM
Author: MonkeyPie

Date: 10/3/2008 2:48:13 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Ha no...D300 will break my wrist. My friend who is a total newbie loves her D80. But I wonder...a camera is worthless if you don''t take it out to take pics. And I really really loved the D40/60 casing.

I think you''re right on the VR, which is why this is a tough decision. What do you think of getting the D40 and spending the dough on the VR 18-200mm? This lens got great reviews and while I know no lens is the be all end all, I am thinking I could have fun with this until I know what else I want to buy. Plus it would mean changing out the lens less on the 40.

I think that could be a great idea. A good camera doesn''t mean too much if you don''t have good glass, and the 18-200mm is really a superb lens for the money. Plus, if you do ever decide to upgrade to a D60, 80, or even 90 (which has a really cool movie feature), that lens will fit on any of those. It''s a plus side to buying Nikon.

From what I understand, 40 to 60 is more of a cross grade than an upgrade...so I would probably go 90 in a couple of years when the prices for the body come down to the 700 range like the 80 is now.

Thanks so much for your two cents and look forward to seeing more pics with your 60!!

 

[MonkeyPie]

You''re welcome! I feel special when I can share knowledge. Lol.

 

[D2B]

I just bought the D60 and no regrets, love it. I also bought some books specifically written for the d60 so I can learn to get the most out of it.

If you cant make up your mind between the d40 and d60 have a look at

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=nikon_d60%2Cnikon_d40&show=all

(if you click on the green indepth review sections, you will find PLENTY of detail and comparison to help you decide (or become even more confused lol)

half of the info at this stage is too technical for me , so I look at the conclusion and intro mainly

.

I am so happy with mine. from my understanding the d60 is basically the same as the d40 with a few features added.

good luck

d2b

 

[D2B]

Sapphire cutie,

can i ask a question about your photo with the ladybeetle,
what lens and settings did you use? It looks great and I am still having some trouble getting used to the macro function. - novice slr user here

thanks

d2b

 

[Allison D.]

Tgal, I''ve been meaning to post a link for something I found that helps tremendously with noise reduction for pics taken with the SD850.

http://www.neatimage.com/

Free download for non-commercial users, and it is fantastic in reducing graininess.

 

[MonkeyPie]

Date: 10/3/2008 3:13:07 PM
Author: D2B
Sapphire cutie,

can i ask a question about your photo with the ladybeetle,
what lens and settings did you use? It looks great and I am still having some trouble getting used to the macro function. - novice slr user here

thanks

d2b

This is totally rude, but in case she doesn''t see it...I can tell you.

You''d need a true macro lens to get very close, but the shot she has there can be achieved with the kit lens that comes with your D60. You can get up to 6 inches away from your subject. Make sure you are shooting on the largest print size possible, and then after you get the picture on your computer, crop it around the item you were shooting. It''s like instant macro

If you want to get even closer, you''ll need a different lens.

 

[D2B]

Thanks,

Appreciate the fast feedback.

I think I am in heaven, a jewellery forum and photo questions answered, all I need next is a dedicated travel and food section and I will never leave my PC

One more question to you monkeypie or sapphire cutie, (or any other experienced users of the D60

the shot out of the window of a train, great fast shot and no blurring,
what did you use, settings, iso speed etc - I am playing around with mine at the moment (literally got it a week or so ago) and have some blurring when there is motion, but when I get it right, oh boy, the pictures are beautiful.

thanks heaps

d2b
Oh, hope I am not stealing the thread TGal, hope the webiste link is useful to you.

cheers
d2b

 

[puffy]

TGal i have the 80 and i love it. it is a bit heavier, but i guess i got used to it. we bring it with us almost everywhere we go. when we go to parties and such, people are always asking me to email them the pics from our camera. we have a few different lenses also. but it seems like you''re deciding between the 40 and the 60. so i guess i''m not really too much help. sorry

you will need to get an SLR when A is more mobile to get all the pics of her crawling or cruising every where.

 

[Sapphire_Cutie]

Date: 10/3/2008 3:13:07 PM
Author: D2B
Sapphire cutie,

can i ask a question about your photo with the ladybeetle,
what lens and settings did you use? It looks great and I am still having some trouble getting used to the macro function. - novice slr user here

thanks

d2b

D2B,
Thanks for the compliment. I have the Nikon D40 and used the standard kit lens. Its a 18-55mm lens. I used the Macro mode and This pic wasn''t cropped. I was taking shots of my friend on the beach and he had shells in his and and the LB just flew and perched on his hand for a shoot! It was awsome. And as for the train window shots I had it on the action position and just stayed as still as I could while taking the shot. I will have to look at those pics on my cam to tell you what the ISO was etc. So that ill get back to you on.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 10/3/2008 3:20:30 PM
Author: Allison D.
Tgal, I''ve been meaning to post a link for something I found that helps tremendously with noise reduction for pics taken with the SD850.

http://www.neatimage.com/

Free download for non-commercial users, and it is fantastic in reducing graininess.

Alj, did you just download the demo? I assume it times out? Looks interesting, thanks a lot...I think that will help with print.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 10/3/2008 3:11:11 PM
Author: D2B
I just bought the D60 and no regrets, love it. I also bought some books specifically written for the d60 so I can learn to get the most out of it.

If you cant make up your mind between the d40 and d60 have a look at

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=nikon_d60%2Cnikon_d40&show=all

(if you click on the green indepth review sections, you will find PLENTY of detail and comparison to help you decide (or become even more confused lol)

half of the info at this stage is too technical for me , so I look at the conclusion and intro mainly

.

I am so happy with mine. from my understanding the d60 is basically the same as the d40 with a few features added.

good luck

d2b

Thanks d2b...I have been spending more time on dpreview than I care to admit! I will check out this thread as I don't think I've seen that one yet!

ETA, no you're not stealing my thread...please by all means, ask away! I'm learning too!

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 10/3/2008 3:38:31 PM
Author: puffy
TGal i have the 80 and i love it. it is a bit heavier, but i guess i got used to it. we bring it with us almost everywhere we go. when we go to parties and such, people are always asking me to email them the pics from our camera. we have a few different lenses also. but it seems like you''re deciding between the 40 and the 60. so i guess i''m not really too much help. sorry

you will need to get an SLR when A is more mobile to get all the pics of her crawling or cruising every where.

Yeah, my friend loves it too. I keep vacillating over this! But TGuy will not take the camera...it will be my toy and I really hate lugging stuff around. Part of me thinks why not get it since most pics will be taken at home. Then I read that the d40 is actually better in low light conditions, which since our apartment doesn''t get a lot of light, is important!

Yeesh.