First DSLR camera Nikon D40X?

[StrategicReef]

I have been frustrated using a sony P&S camera do not have enough white balance adjustment to capture the correct color of corals, and I also wanted 16:9 ratio.

I decided to get a "real" camera, I don't know too much about them beside checking their prices. Yesterday I bought the kit at costco warehouse, detailed as follows. ($850) I was wondering what you think, I asked on another board how it compares to Rebel XTI and what I was told is really a matter of brand preference. I havn't opened it yet so I can easily change my mind.

The longer lens have VR in it..

http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cach...S+costco.com+D40X+VR&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us

Can you give me your opinions, would I be able to take fantastic pictures of corals, cars, girls, pets with it note that I am looking for entry level and not to start another hobby.. (photography). I heard this one is easy to use so I won't be overwhelmed.

 

[gregr]

Yes- it's a very good entry level camera, as is the Digital Rebel. Either would be great for you. The pickier you want to be about image quality/control the more you'll have to learn but in auto mode either camera will take good pictures. As far as getting accurate colors of your corals- be prepared to do some extra work on the computer side if you want perfect colors. Even professional level cameras have a hard time with aquarium lighting and most [if not all] people that want perfect colors end up shooting their corals in RAW/NEF mode and tweaking the colors on the computer.
As for 16x9-- most dslr's put out an image that is 3x2 so you'll need to crop a bit to get that aspect ratio. With the large sized files you get out of todays dslrs that should be no problem.

 

[Phyl]

That's a great entry level camera.

I have found though that your first goal: "would I be able to take fantastic pictures"

is at conflict with your second goal: "note that I am looking for entry level and not to start another hobby"



Faster glass (2.8 or better), ED glass, and VR will each add something to the photos that you take to make them fantastic. Unfortunately, those types of lenses are usually in the 1K++ range!