Congrats on the new gear! The 35mm f/1.8 is a nice fast lens.

Hey have her post some pictures when she gets it Henry! She can say thanks to us by doing that :^)

Yes, you are correct. I get confussed sometimes with all the designations. She bought the AF-S DX 35mm lens.

Thanks guys!

I think that's what he meant, Adam. The previous post said 35, and there's not a DX 50.

I though she gonna get the af-s 35/1.8 not the af-s 50/1.4. Anyway congrats Henry!

Camera equipment is almost becoming like buying in the stock market.

Last night my daughters came over and we ordered her D5000, AF-S DX 50mm lens and a SB400 flash. Last night the D5000 body was $530.00 and today it is $550.00. I have been watching the price of this camera go up and down for the past several weeks since I knew my daughter was interested in one.

We have the DOW, NASDAQ, S&P 500 and B&H!

She is very happy we bought last night and again thanks to everyone. My daughter also says thanks.

adamz said:
kyoushinikon - for serious amateurs/semi pro d90 is the best camera on the market in terms of control vs price, for amateurs d5000 has better value; I thought once to sell my d90 and get a d5000, but it lacks one feature I use mostly - the top lcd

Adamz- I wasn't saying the D90 wasn't the best value for the features because it is when compared against almost every camera on the market (Nikon D3000, D5000, D80, D300, D300s, D40, D70 etc, Canon all Rebels, 30D, 40D, 50D, Olympus E620, E420, E3, Sony A350, A550, A700 etc...) It just doesn't sound like she will be using any pro features for a while and as such should save the extra $400 for a rainy day... the D5000 is cheaper but the D90 is a better value

kyoushinikon - for serious amateurs/semi pro d90 is the best camera on the market in terms of control vs price, for amateurs d5000 has better value; I thought once to sell my d90 and get a d5000, but it lacks one feature I use mostly - the top lcd

As someone who thinks the D90 is the best camera on the market in terms of control vs price... go with the D5000. The D90 is what you would get if you stuffed the D300s and D700 into the body of a D80/D5000, or essentially packed a D5000 with pro features your daughter will not use. You are recommending the right camera ;)

PB PM said:
Speed is one factor, since I shoot wildlife 80% of the time. Also the noise made by screw drive lenses drive me batty.

I see. I have tried the 50mm 1.8 on a D90, and it was massively loud. But very nice lens.

Yeah, I agree on the D5000 and the choice of accessories too.

NikoDoby said:
Sigh, I know which way this is going to go :^)

I know I'll be in the minority here (this forum is biased towards anything D90) I'm going to say D5000 because of the price, swivel screen, and it's smaller and lighter size.

Niko, I'm offended that you think we're all D90 ideologues around here. ;-)
I think she's going to love it, HNF.

dShe'll love the D5000. In a recent test of 90 digital cameras by DXO for color, dynamic range, high ISO and an overall score, the D90 and D5000 finished 15th & 16th respectively. The only difference was that the D90 was slightly better at high ISO settings, otherwise it was a tie. Only the higher end Nikons such as the D3,D3X and the D700 finished higher and they all cost thousands more. The D90 & D5000 finished well ahead of the D300 & D300S. Now granted, this was not a ranking based on bells and whistles etc., but it was an indication that both those cameras will give you excellent results.

You welcome Henry

My final recommendation to my daughter for tomorrow morning.

D5000
AF-S DX 35mm lens
SB-400 flash

AF-S DX 18-105mm lens (My surprise to her.)

I think she will be happy with this for several years to come.

Again, thanks to everyone!

I think I'd buy a high quality film scanner rather than getting dark room equipment.

I wish I still had the time to do my own film developing. Digital is just so much easier, though. Plus, the equipment takes up so much room.

Yeah, so the D5000 then. lol

Um, yeah, I..uh use the darkroom for other activities besides film processing on Saturday nights. Wait, come to think of it I don't think I've actually ever used a darkroom JUST for film processing on any night, LOL! 8^D

This thread is officially of topic now!

*facepalm*

I don't process my own film, so I wouldn't do that. I have spent Saturday nights in the digital darkroom though. ;)

I don't know about you guys, but I just spent my saturday night in the darkroom making six 8x10" halftone positive transparencies from a 35mm negative for a special project where I'm contact printing a series of the same image as a negative on 22x30" Arches rag paper with liquid light.

And now, movie time with girl.

saturday night in a photo forum my foot :)

Umm, I'm sure it is just tech photo nerds like us who spend Saturday night on a forum of any kind... lol.

Chris, not everyone who wants a "good" camera is interested in being a "serious" photographer. Most just want a camera that will allow them to take great pictures for memories sake.

It's the rare few, like the one's who spend Saturday nights in a photography forum, who appreciate the HOW part of getting a great photograph. :^)

Starting with a basic, but capable camera is important, but you have to remember not everyone cares how exposure and aperture works, so for the average person a D3000 or D5000 is more than enough.

I started with a D70S (for digital I mean), which I still use as my only DSLR. I started using it fully manually with ai lenses the first summer I had it (2006). A knowledge of exposure and focus technique is far more important than features in a camera. I'm still of the belief that anyone seriously learning photography should start with a Nikkormat and a prime.

Send me to the gallows for that comment if you like, but it's the truth :)

Based on what everyone has had to say here I think that I will recommend the D5000 to her and the DX 35mm lens. I will surprise her with the DX 18-105mm lens and recommend the SB400 flash to her. Those are not expensive and maybe her boyfriend will surprise her for "V" day next week. If so then she will be set.

Thanks to all for your suggestions. It is always good to hear other opinions from others.