Reading mode: Light Dark

Which one to buy?

Go to last post
P

PigMundt

New member
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Location
Austin, TX, US
I am a beginner that has a point and shoot and am upgrading to a digital SLR. I have it narrowed down to the Nikon D-series but can't figure out which one to invest in.

Any suggestions/goods/bad/preferences that can help me figure out which one to buy?

Thanks!
 
I guess I'm looking to get my most "bang for the buck". In a perfect world where money wasn't an option, I'd go the D200-D300 route but my budget won't allow for it. :) I'd like to keep it under $1000 for the initial purchase, then add on lenses for birthday/Christmas, that sort of thing. Since I'm a very green beginner, I don't mind learning the ropes on a small lens and then progress from there.

I have held a D40 and it just seemed cheapo looking to me (no offense to anyone who likes it). The D80 felt nice and I liked the viewfinder on top. I am seeing used D70/D60 on Craigslist that are decent priced, but for a couple hundred bucks more I can get a new D60/D80. There lies my confusion....
 
If the D40 feels "cheapo" to you, the D60 won't feel much better. If you liked to hold the D80, I say, go with that. Seems to me you already know what you want (the D80). I own a D60 myself, and I see nothing cheapo about it, but I like the smaller size. Comes with drawbacks (no AF motor in the body), but for me it works. Now... personally I think it's most important how it feels to you, and if the D80 felt good, go with it!

Congrats!
--
Karin At Work

 
How about the D70? I found a gently used one that is less than 6 yrs old with a 18-55mm lens, filters, tripods, chargers, memory cards, etc... for $500. Is that a good deal?
 
I upgraded from a D70 to a D80. The more important reasons were the much
bigger and brighter pentaprism viewfinder (same as the D200), more versatile
flash commander (again, same as the D200), and the 10 MP gives a bit more
room for cropping.
A camera without a focus motor, like theD40/x/60) is not an option for me,
but is a non-issue for a great many others.
PigMundt said:
How about the D70? I found a gently used one that is less than 6 yrs
old with a 18-55mm lens, filters, tripods, chargers, memory cards,
etc... for $500. Is that a good deal?
Click to expand...
--
Patco
A photograph is more than a bunch of pixels
 
I have been very happy with my D50, for some very attractive prices, if you can find one. Little bigger than a D40, but has a an AF motor so you can use older AF lenses. And there are some nice bargains on them at reputable dealers, too.
--
All the best,
Kit
Please see my pictures at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kithg/
 
D70/s is a good camera but I think it's just a bit too old at this stage when you are considering it as your first camera. In comparison to what's on the market, D70/s's processing speed is a lot slower, something I found annoying when compared to my D50. The user interface is also not as refined. However, the IQ is still up there, so if you don't mind it then by all means go for the bargain.

D40/40x/60 are good cameras and a logical jump, but if it doesn't feel right, then I'd go with the D80/D50 route. D80 is a more complex camera with better features, but it does mean there is a steeper learning curve. D50 has less features than D80, but build qualilty wise, it's closer to D80 than D40. #

best of luck
--
-Bo
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bo_z/

 
mbareetbc said:
D70/s is a good camera but I think it's just a bit too old at this
stage when you are considering it as your first camera.
Click to expand...
I agree with this guy on this. I own a D70S myself and I now realize that D40/40X/60 have a little better high-ISO performance.
mbareetbc said:
D40/40x/60 are good cameras and a logical jump, but if it doesn't
feel right, then I'd go with the D80/D50 route. D80 is a more
complex camera with better features, but it does mean there is a
steeper learning curve.
Click to expand...
You should really learn the basics of photography before you start shooting with that camera. D80 is definitely overwhelming for someone who is just getting in to DSLRs.

--
Raghu Kadava
http://picasaweb.google.com/dee70s
 
Don't forget: extra card, extra battery (both very important).

Software soon.

At least protection filter for lens.

Tripod.

That'll take beyond 1K, I guess.

--
Regards, RHLPedrosa

 
I recently upgraded from a P&S to the D80 back in January.

If that's the model you feel most comfortable with - go for it. You will not be disappointed. I am very happy with mine. The D80 has auto/semi-auto settings that you can start using right away until you get comfortable learning the manual settings.

--
Mary M
http://www.pbase.com/maryva2

 
I jumped from a Sony DSC-5 which I loved and purchased the D80 last fall. It is a great camera, a lot of features and learning curve is just that, learning cure which you will have to do with all cameras. I have been very happy with mine and still learning.

Good Luck!

Tim
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top