Fair Question

sweetbutterfy1973 said:

Thanks everyone!

I am going to get the D90.

I can get the D90 with the 18-105 mm or the 18-55 mm. Which one is more useful to me?

I am also going to get the 35mm 1.8 as well.

Mind made up

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Great choice! You will not regret it. With the money you save from not buying the D7000, you could put into some nice lenses. I would go for 18-105 mm for kit lens. I have the 35mm 1.8 and it is amazing but I used the kit lens for a few months before buying the prime.

sweetbutterfy1973 said:

I can get the D90 with the 18-105 mm or the 18-55 mm. Which one is more useful to me?

I am also going to get the 35mm 1.8 as well.

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Excellent choices, exactly what I would have done

I would recommend the 18-105 for the additional reach in 'outdoors' mode.

If this is your first DSLR, IMHO you can safely ignore the 16-85 for now: the small incremental benefit is only obvious to advanced users. Make your next lens choice after you have played with and learned how to use the camera and the lenses above for a few months/years.

Cheers,
Jack

Well since you were thinking strongly about the 85 mm lens at the beginning of the process, I'd reccomend getting the 18-105, so you have something to try out that focal length, over the 18-55. That way you'll have a better idea if you'll eventually want 50 or 85 (or something else).

Don't sweat it. I have the D90 and it is a stellar choice. Mine is two years old and I am still learning new tricks all the time. But, it was easy to operate right out of the box when I was a rookie. Although I do not own the 18-105, I think that is also a good choice for you. Since you do not know the effects of different focal lengths (85mm, for example), this lens will let you choose a variety of focal lengths and experiment. You can set it at 85mm for one day and see how much you like that approach. Another day, take portraits at 105mm or 60mm. You will soon get a feel for the different effects of each spot on the range. Then, you will find that you want to shoot more than just portraits or maybe you will start getting paid for portraits. With all that experience, you will know exactly what lens to get next.
--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/brev00

sweetbutterfy1973 said:

I am going to get the D90.

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Just curious: What exactly made you decide on the D90 over the D5100?

Cytokine said:

The D7000 can use both AF and AFS lenses the D5100 can only use AFS lenses

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That's a bit misleading. The D5100 can use both AF and AF-S lenses but will autofocus only with AF-S lenses.

I guess because I was originally going to get the D90 until I got off-track with all my reading . And when I found the body for $698 , no shipping costs , it is cheaper than the D5100. I know I am a beginner, but I wont always be and I want a camera that I wont grow out of too soon. Not sure if I would out grow the 5100 but it really is mostly cause of the price. And people telling me I cant go wrong either way.

and as a kit the D5100 came with the 18-55 mm not the 18-105. And the 2 are almost the same price

Feel free to tell me what you think about my choice!!! I havent ordered it yet but I will be tonight!! thx

You cannot use autofocus with the D5100 with 85 F/1.4 D lens, so this combo is out.
85 F/1.4 G is much more expensive than D, but will autofocus on 5100

If you get the d7k and 85 F/1.4 (either D or G) you will have equipment that far exceeds your abilities for at least a year or two, but at least it is one of the best setup money (big money) can buy and will work well beyond your initial learning state.

If this is too much $ to spend, then get D5100, not D90 for one simple reason - any camera ages, but buying already aged camera is twice as bad. With D5100 aged in two-three years you will still be using very capable camera, better than D90 is today. D5100's sensor is best of the pack today (same as on D7k).

About lenses: 85 F/1.4 is sure nice, but the 85 F/1.8 version is almost as nice. You won't feel a difference until you are able to realize that difference between these two lenses and that is years from now. Then you will be in a position to decide which next lens you need (and money may be a different subject too). D5100 will not autofocus with 85 F/1.8, so the D7k is in order. And this is the setup I would recommend myself, plus you will likely need another wider angle lens for more general shooting: either some zoom, of wide zoom+normal primes - options are almost unlimited.

I would like to stay away from any older technologies (except 85 F/1.4 D and some great nikon AI lenses) like cameras or lenses, including "recommended" tamron 28-75 (nice lens but it is already aging and it isn't best in class and also has awkward zoom range for DX)

And yea - the nice 18-105 will serve you well, but it won't replace a dedicated portrait lens.

Nik

no offense, joking really, but my choice is getting harder the more I read!

You'll do well with the D90 -- great camera. It's not the newest kid on the block, but will likely serve you well for many years.

I have had a D90 for a couple of years and just moved up to a D7000
but I have specific reasons for doing so-I shoot sports, need a good viewfinder,
need high shots per second, need quick focus.
A D90 would be fine for you, probably more than you need.
it sounds like a D40 would even suit your purposes-
I shot with that camera as well and it takes beautiful portraits
and is straighforward and easy to use and light as a feather.
18-55 is a little short for portraits-
I'd try the 18-105 for extra reach and versatility.

I just traded up from a D90 to the D7000. For one thing: the ability of the D7000 to get good pictures inside the house (in lower light) is profoundly better than that of the D90.

The D7000 does have a steeper learning curve than the D90 and there will likely be frustrations along the way. It's a waaaaaaaaay better camera than the D90.

You likely would not get over frustrations with a D7000 without some time and effort on your part. Or, for whatever reason, it may be perfect for you and you'll love it from the moment you try it. I did.

I bought mine from Costco, packaged with the 18-200 mm lens. Total: a little over $2000.

sweetbutterfy1973 said:

I guess because I was originally going to get the D90 until I got off-track with all my reading . And when I found the body for $698 , no shipping costs , it is cheaper than the D5100.

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Our American friends are paying $900 for the D90 at large online dealers like B&H and Adorama, which is $100 more than the D5100!

In Canada, the D90 at $698 or so, is typically cheaper than the D5100, and would certainly be very high on my list if I was looking for a new camera, not only for the price, but the features vs. the D5100 (much better viewfinder, AF lens compatibility, wireless flash commander, 2 command dials, top LCD, and so on).

Enjoy your new camera!

--
Patco
A photograph is more than a bunch of pixels

My advice to you is GET OFF THIS FORUM! for now. Everyone has their opinions and preferences. (lucky you didn't ask Canon or Nikon!). Seriously, stop reading or asking for opinions on these forums or you will go nuts. If you want to be sure of the D90, then visit PBase.com and look at pictures done with d90. If you find some that are great, then you too will have the potential to take the same quality photos.

sweetbutterfy1973 said:

no offense, joking really, but my choice is getting harder the more I read!

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Sweetbutterfy1, I have not read most of the thread, but what you are getting are other peoples personnel preferences.

The answer to your question depends on why you want a camera.

Do you want a camera to take pictures of family and friends and have no real interest in photography: D3000 or D3100 with 18-55mm VR kit lens.

Are you a beginner and thinking about photography as a hobby: D3100 or D5100 (D5000) with 18-55mm VR and 55 to 200mm VR lenses. The kit lens are of very good optical quality.

Are you an experienced photography: D5000, D5100, D90, D7000 and select lenses based on your experience.
--
Canon A2E, Sony R1, Panny TZ5, & Nikon D5000.

Here are the prices broken down (although price isnt EVERYTHING...ultimately I want to LOVE my new camera!!)

Here in Canada I can get these prices from Future Shop

D90 body = 699
D90 with 18-105 lens= 960
D90 with 18-55 lens = 800

D5100 body = 758
D5100 with 18-55 lens = 889

D7000 = 1140
D7000 with 18-55 lens = 1249

35 mm 1.8 lens AFS = 279
50 mm 1.4 D AF = 359
85 mm 1.4 D = 1148
85mm 1.8 = 540

Still, I am not sure. I may never make my mind up. If you read above I thought my mind was already madeup. I am easily swayed only because I am trusting other people because I dont know enough to make my own judgements. Back to square one....and this is why I started the thread to begin with!! oh my. Still welcoming any advice, suggestions

I was in your position, first time DSLR buyer, kept reading, over read if you asked me, then I just said screw it, since money wasn't too big of an issue I brought a D7000, and it's been great so far. The best advice I can give you is, buy what you really want, you will be spending a lot of money on whatever you decide to buy ultimately. The worst thing that can happen is that it doesn't work the way you want it or you don't like, and then you can just return.

Jerry R said:

Sweetbutterfy1, I have not read most of the thread, but what you are getting are other peoples personnel preferences.

The answer to your question depends on why you want a camera.

Do you want a camera to take pictures of family and friends and have no real interest in photography: D3000 or D3100 with 18-55mm VR kit lens.

Are you a beginner and thinking about photography as a hobby: D3100 or D5100 (D5000) with 18-55mm VR and 55 to 200mm VR lenses. The kit lens are of very good optical quality.

Are you an experienced photography: D5000, D5100, D90, D7000 and select lenses based on your experience.
--
Canon A2E, Sony R1, Panny TZ5, & Nikon D5000.

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That is also an opinion. Any of the cameras you mentioned are perfectly ok for beginners who want to take on a hobby. People with "no real interest in photography" should by a point and shoot and stay away from DSLRs

Jerry R said:

Sweetbutterfy1, I have not read most of the thread, but what you are getting are other peoples personnel preferences.

The answer to your question depends on why you want a camera.

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I know I am getting people's preferences but I dont know how else to figure this out. I realize I am probably making too big a deal out of it...but I feel like I am starting a journey and trying to figure out which road to take .

As my posts stated above, I mostly want to take portraits of my baby girl. So, I want that nice portrait look with a nice blurred background. But of course it wont be the only use for my camera as I have 3 kids and will want to pick it up and just take pictures with it. And summer coming I will want to use it outdoors too. But not to get away from the main purpose...take nice portraits!!!

I want to learn to take great pictures. This is a hobby now but perhaps as I get better....you never know. I just dont want to outgrow my camera. I dont want to wish I had a different one in a year.
Thank you

those are good prices. I bought a D90 with 18-55 lens at best buy canada for $750 last x-mass. It was a great deal but I regret not choosing the 18-105 lens.

sweetbutterfy1973 said:

Here are the prices broken down (although price isnt EVERYTHING...ultimately I want to LOVE my new camera!!)

Here in Canada I can get these prices from Future Shop

D90 body = 699
D90 with 18-105 lens= 960
D90 with 18-55 lens = 800

D5100 body = 758
D5100 with 18-55 lens = 889

D7000 = 1140
D7000 with 18-55 lens = 1249

35 mm 1.8 lens AFS = 279
50 mm 1.4 D AF = 359
85 mm 1.4 D = 1148
85mm 1.8 = 540

Still, I am not sure. I may never make my mind up. If you read above I thought my mind was already madeup. I am easily swayed only because I am trusting other people because I dont know enough to make my own judgements. Back to square one....and this is why I started the thread to begin with!! oh my. Still welcoming any advice, suggestions

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