My first DSLR - I'm so excited! - your advise needed

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My first DSLR - I'm so excited! - your advise needed

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hazi

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Hi Guys,

I recently came back from a holiday in Istanbul. I was soooo disappointed with the quality of the photos I took from my "latest top of the range Sony digital camera"! After speaking to friends, and doing some online research I found this Nikon forum.

I have decided that I want to purchase either a D90 or a D7000. My needs are the following... please advise which one you think I should buy (money not a problem, as I have enough saved up):

1. I am a beginner / amateur; I want to start making photography my hobby.
2. I want something not too complicated, something simple to use, easy to carry around, and not too heavy / bulky. If it is too complicated it will put me off using it!
3. I want to take excellent photos (not necessarily for printing - more for Facebook / small prints in the home!)
4. I want to be able to take short videos as well, maximum 5 minutes at a time.
5. I want to buy a camera, that already has a lens on it, i.e.I don't want to change lenses each time.....
6. I want a camera that will still be respected by peers in a few years
7. Most importantly I want a camera that I can master myself, and become an expert in photography - and a camera I will really enjoy as a beginner, and that will get me more interested in photography.

Your help will be really appreciated - shall I go for D90 or 7000, and shall i stick to original lens, or another.

Posted 1 year ago #
SquamishPhoto

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Do a search

Posted 1 year ago #
Pierre

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"I want to buy a camera, that already has a lens on it, i.e.I don't want to change lenses each time" and "I want something not too complicated, something simple to use, easy to carry around, and not too heavy / bulky"

Looks like a Coolpix is what you are looking for, perhaps an L120, P500 or P700. DSLR is definitely not for you.

"I want a camera that will still be respected by peers in a few years", depending on what you think your peers are, you may be talking about a D700, D3s or D3x but forget your 'not bulky' requirement.

You said: "If it is too complicated it will put me off using it!" and "become an expert in photography" is contraditory. You cannot become an expert on anything without the effort and willingness to embrace complexity.

Posted 1 year ago #
golf007sd

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Welcome hazi, your new hobby will be quite rewarding....if done properly. Give your needs list, my recommendation would be to go with the D7000. It will meet all your need and allow for future personal growth needs and your photography passion and skills advance. With that said, I would recommend getting the body only of this camera and get the two following lens to start. For indoor shooting of family and such, the 35mm 1.8 prime lens is a must have. For all your other shooting have look at the 18-200mm VR II or the 28-300mm VR II. As for using your D7000 for video, I highly recommend getting a tripod, it will make your movies that much better.

Happy shopping and good luck :D

Posted 1 year ago #
Rx4Photo

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Hi Hazi,
Welcome to the board. I'll be brief. You could probably buy a different camera for each of your needs. But if I were to mix them all in the same bowl I would say either get the Coolpix P7100 as stated above or the D7000. The D7000 is well respected and will give you a challenge for months if not years. Whether you become an expert... eh, that involves many, many factors, much dedicated time, and practice, practice, practice. I'm an amateur with strong passion for the art of photography. Learning bits every day.

If you go with the D7000 and only want one lens you still have choices: 18-200mm, 24-120mm f/4, 28-300mm (FX but will work with DX). But, if you only want to use one lens, you'll be limited by the capabilities of that lens. Thus, missing out on many of the capabilities of other more specialized lenses. But don't worry 'bout that. Once you get in, you'll find yourself wanting a little more and different.

Posted 1 year ago #
sevencrossing

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Welcome hazi

forget the D90 it was a very good camera in its day

but is now dated and not good for vidio

Go for the D7000 or if on a budget D5100

start with a kit lens and find out what other lenes you need for yourself

Posted 1 year ago #
casperwb

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hazi said:
Hi Guys,

I have decided that I want to purchase either a D90 or a D7000. My needs are the following... please advise which one you think I should buy (money not a problem, as I have enough saved up):

1. I am a beginner / amateur; I want to start making photography my hobby.
2. I want something not too complicated, something simple to use, easy to carry around, and not too heavy / bulky. If it is too complicated it will put me off using it!

D7000 is bulky and can be heavy, most likely it will be for you with one lens that you want to do everything. It is a complicated camera, you will have to learn about aperture, shutter speed and ISO and how they come together to give you exposure. the camera has a lot of menus and buttons to press.

3. I want to take excellent photos (not necessarily for printing - more for Facebook / small prints in the home!)

good, you know what you want to do, therefore, go to Nikon USA, alos do a search on this forum for the Nikon 1 series. small, light and will give you fantastic pictures for face book and the prints you want to make on your home printer, and more.

4. I want to be able to take short videos as well, maximum 5 minutes at a time.

they will do that and more

5. I want to buy a camera, that already has a lens on it, i.e.I don't want to change lenses each time.....

I series will do that and more if you want to move on later.

6. I want a camera that will still be respected by peers in a few years

they will be blown away by it now, latest technology.

7. Most importantly I want a camera that I can master myself, and become an expert in photography - and a camera I will really enjoy as a beginner, and that will get me more interested in photography.

you will enjoy these cameras and they will allow you to learn, get you interested in photography, and later on, if you want to do so, move up to a DSLR.

Your help will be really appreciated - shall I go for D90 or 7000, and shall i stick to original lens, or another.

quality is a strange word, it means different things to different people.

Posted 1 year ago #
tcole1983

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Sounds like a D5100 with Nikon 18-200 lens would fit your bill. And although a Nikon site I might suggest a Fuji FinePix HS20EXR. The point of a dSLR is to be able to switch lenses. There isn't one magical lens that will do it all and some are better in low light, some give the flexibility of being able to zoom.

For what you are asking most point and shoot cameras would fit the bill...especially the Fuji I mentioned.

Posted 1 year ago #
TaoTeJared

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hazi said:
I recently came back from a holiday in Istanbul. I was soooo disappointed with the quality of the photos I took from my "latest top of the range Sony digital camera"! After speaking to friends, and doing some online research I found this Nikon forum.

I'll be the rational one here - Sony's products are quite good. What were you using specifically? I have had many friends use Sony stuff and I could never say the quality was ever disappointing. Don't take this the wrong way, but do you know how to utilize the settings and all the functions of the camera?

Personally I love Nikon, but I have found if you don't understand any camera fully, the quality is always sub-par.

Maybe you need some classes to help your skills. Cheaper and more productive than just changing a camera without knowing how to use it.

Posted 1 year ago #
SkintBrit

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TaoTeJared said:
I'll be the rational one here - Sony's products are quite good. What were you using specifically? I have had many friends use Sony stuff and I could never say the quality was ever disappointing. Don't take this the wrong way, but do you know how to utilize the settings and all the functions of the camera?

Personally I love Nikon, but I have found if you don't understand any camera fully, the quality is always sub-par.

Maybe you need some classes to help your skills. Cheaper and more productive than just changing a camera without knowing how to use it.

I agree.

Posted 1 year ago #
golf007sd

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casperwb's and TaoTeJard recommendations a both valid and worth consideration. The only problem is that they do not, to the best of my knowledge, fall under the category of being DSLR's...which is what you were asking us to give you feedback on.

Posted 1 year ago #
casperwb

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golf007sd said:
casperwb's and TaoTeJard recommendations a both valid and worth consideration. The only problem is that they do not, to the best of my knowledge, fall under the category of being DSLR's...which is what you were asking us to give you feedback on.

very interesting point of view

I think we are just making suggetions based on his other questions

sometimes the SLR Digital may be a steep learing curve, yes it can be used as a big fancy point and shoot, however it can be intimidating to the newbie, more so if he tries to make changes to the menu.

having someone to help you, a photographer friend to go shooting with, to explain aperture, shutter, and ISO. DOF, trigger finger control, holding technique, composition, lighting, flash, oh we can go on and on.

it is a complicated curve to tackle by yourself.

therefore, TTJs recommendatons is the best to date. after classes you will have a better understanding of all the things that goes into making a photograph, allowing you to make the decision as to what "type" of camera would be better suited to your needs.

Posted 1 year ago #
donaldejose

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Between the D90 and its replacement the D7000, the D7000 is far better.

However, you need not start at that semiprofessional camera level and probably you should not start at that level because you won't know what you are doing in setting the camera options.

Go to a camera store and look at the Nikon D3100 and the D5100. Both have a sensor and lens which will be more than sufficiently capable of taking great photos which can be enlarged far beyond your size expectations. The D3100 has a Guide mode and the D5100 has a Scene mode. Ask the salesperson to demonstrate those two modes to you. Buy the camera with the mode you understand best. That is your current level of knowledge and will help you most in improving your photos. Both the D3100 and the D5100 have the same P,A,S, and M modes of operation as the D90 and D7000. Once you have learned the principles taught by the camera's hand holding guide mode you can move up to directly using the P,A,S and M modes. If you learn to do what both the D3100 and the D5100 can do your fiends will be impressed with your photos and your camera's abilities for many years. Both were also designed to do video.

Posted 1 year ago #
golf007sd

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casperwb said:

sometimes the SLR Digital may be a steep learing curve, yes it can be used as a big fancy point and shoot, however it can be intimidating to the newbie, more so if he tries to make changes to the menu.

having someone to help you, a photographer friend to go shooting with, to explain aperture, shutter, and ISO. DOF, trigger finger control, holding technique, composition, lighting, flash, oh we can go on and on.

it is a complicated curve to tackle by yourself.

I could not have said it better myself amigo. Yet, given our new members' spirt, as indicated in the title of the topic, one would hope he/she is willing to take their understanding of photography to the next level.

Posted 1 year ago #
hazi

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Hey everyone - thanks so much for your really useful advise. As a result of your responses I am doing the following:

1. I am purchasing the D5100 with 18-200mm VR lens.
2. I will be booking myself into some photography classes here in Dubai where I live.
3. I cannot wait to start my new hobby!

FYI - I did consider the non DSLR option, but if I don't buy one now... I never will!

Thanks Again,

Posted 1 year ago #
hazi

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FYI - I have been led to believe that 8-200mm VR lens is the best all round lens to go with a D5100.... and that it is also good for shooting (with flash) in low light / darkness.

Posted 1 year ago #
golf007sd

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hazi said:
FYI - I have been led to believe that 8-200mm VR lens is the best all round lens to go with a D5100.... and that it is also good for shooting (with flash) in low light / darkness.

Hazi, when it come to "low light/darkness" the 18-200 VR II (the VR is in gold vs red which is the older model) is not that good. Shooting in such condition it is best to use a fast prime lens, such as the 35mm 1.8 (if price is not an issue the 1.4 is dream lens to have), 50mm 1.8 or the 1.4G. If on the other hand you are seeking a telephoto/zoom lens, then it better have an aperture of 2.8 in order to obtain nice sharp images.

Things to keep in mind: if and when you shoot in low light/darkness with your 18-200, using a tripod and longer exposure time, will yield a better image for you. It will also help keep your ISO at a lower setting, which will result in less noise in your final shot. Lastly, consider getting a flash for your new camera...either the SB-400 or SB-700. They will really come in handy.

Congrats on the new gear. Have fun...cheers!

Posted 1 year ago #
donaldejose

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Hazi: you made a good choice BUT you will find that the 18-200 lens which covers such a wide range is not really good for low light photography. When you want to shoot in very low light pick up a 35mm or 50mm lens with a big opening such as the 35mm 1.8 DX or the 50mm 1.8G. Each cost about $200. The 35mm 1.8 DX is probably the best choice since low light usually means inside shots and the 35mm allows you to cover more inside space. You don't really need to spend the extra money the 50mm 1.4 since your camera can be set to automatically increase the ISO to compensate for the difference between f1.8 and f1.4.

Good luck.

Posted 1 year ago #
tcole1983

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I recommended the D5100 and the 18-200 based on your questions. It is a single lens that covers a large range. It doesn't do everything the best, but it does keep you from switching lenses all the time. I still use mine fairly often. It does like any kit type lens have its limitations in low light. A flash can help in some cases, but some times you need a faster lens F1.4, F1.8 or F2.8.

Posted 1 year ago #
bernard

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Personally, I would suggest the 16-85 which covers most day to day subjects and is far better, optically, than the 18-200. Then, as you progress through your hobby, you will be able to buy long zoom lenses, depending on what you intend to take pictures of.

Just my 2 cents… :)

Posted 1 year ago #
mirtos

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I dont disagree that the 16-85 is better optically, but for the "one lense" approach, I'd have to go with the 18-200. The 18-200 isnt as good as the 16-85, but its not as if its bad. I still use my 18-200 when im just walking around with one lense.

Also, Hazi, while there is a learning curve for the DSLR, I would say that it is to use the camera to its fullest potential. I think people on this forum sometimes have a tendency to forget that. While not quite point and shoot, Nikons are really good cameras, and you will be able pretty much just go out there and "point and shoot". I dont think a DSLR is hard at all to just start using. Put the lense on, put the memory card and battery in, and start shooting! (I know thats how I learned with my first SLR camera, except of course, change "memory card" for "film"). There will be a lot of features that you will want to learn, but this wont prevent you from just going out there and taking pictures day one.

Have fun!

Posted 1 year ago #
warprints

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I'll also second the 18-200 VR. Even tho I have a 70-200 VRII, I still use the 18-200 as a carry around lense. It's not as sharp as the Pro lense, but it'll do just fine for posting photos to the web and small prints, which is what Hazi wants it for.

Posted 1 year ago #
golf007sd

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@ mirtos: Any of Nikon's DSLR's, when put in the "auto" mode, will do a better job than any "point-and-shot" camera. The fun part of using a DSLR is when you start using the "manual," "aperture priority" and "shutter priority" features of DSLR's. I would like to think that this is what you were hinting at when you said: "people on this forum sometimes have a tendency to forget that."

Posted 1 year ago #
kanuck

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The D7000 would be a safe camera for you as it will be around for quite a while I think. It also is plenty of camera that will allow you to grow into the hobby and really develope your skills. Get a "super zoom" so you don't have to change lenses until you feel that you want too. You can also develope a fondness for a particular focal length this way as well. D7000+18-200mm VR II and your all set. Price might be a bit steep, but your getting quality, its going to stay relevant for some time and you will be satisified after using it even after the first time.

Posted 1 year ago #
donaldejose

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The D5100 has the same sensor and the same PSAM modes as the D7000. It too should remain relevant for some time.

Yes, a DLSR on Auto will take better photos than a point and shoot in large part because it has a much larger DX sensor even though the Point and Shoot advertises about the same number of megapixels. The even larger FX sensor found in the D3, D3s, D3x, and D700 is superior in low light ability and detail capture. But please don't shoot on Auto. Use P at first and watch what choices the camera makes for shutter speed and f-stop. Then use S or A when you want to control the shutter or the aperture as your baseline. For example, use a high shutter speed to stop motion (such as in sports photography) and use a large f-stop to blur the background (such as in portrait photography).

Posted 1 year ago #