What Camera?

[The_Browns]

I want to get a nice camera to take amazing shots of my tank. I was thinking of the D40 which is in my budget. What other than the D40 (lenses, etc) should I get to take pics?

Thanks in advance,
mike

 

[Misled]

The lenses will be as expensive, (or more), as the camera. If your strapped after the camera, get it with the 18-55 kit lens. You can use it to get to know the camera then step up to a 105 macro.

This is the last pic I've posted that was takin with the 18-55.

 

[sphelps]

It should be noted that to take amazing tank pictures the most important thing to have is an amazing tank

If considering a DSLR I would suggest a little higher than the D40. The body is a one time expense and since the lenses cost the same you're better off with something like the D60 or D80.

 

[Misled]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12993512#post12993512 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sphelps
If considering a DSLR I would suggest a little higher than the D40. The body is a one time expense and since the lenses cost the same you're better off with something like the D60 or D80.

I accually thought the opposite on this. The bodies will come and go for me, but when I buy lenses, I intend to keep them.

 

[TheFallofSidney]

Buy the best lenses you can. Bodies come and go but good glass stays.

 

[drparker]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12993794#post12993794 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TheFallofSidney
Buy the best lenses you can. Bodies come and go but good glass stays.

I agree completely. I'm on my 3rd body and still love my original 24-70 f/2.8L. Unless you need a specific feature, like really fast burst mode for sports etc.. the better body won't take a better picture. (Unless its the 5D :bounce2: ) OP ignore my Canon vs. Nikon dig

However a better lens will give you the ability to take better photos.

 

[The_Browns]

I am really new to cameras so I appreciate the suggestions. I really want the camera to take excellent shots of the tank. I dont understand when you are refereing to bodies???? I was also looking at the D40x. Do you still think to go with the D60 or D80?

 

[rams]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12994989#post12994989 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The_Browns
I dont understand when you are refereing to bodies????

You can purchase DSLR camera bodies without the lens... The part that takes the picture :thumbsup:

What a lot of individuals that are nuts about photography will tell you, "pick a good lens then a camera body". When you purchase a DSLR from one of the big box stores they usually sell you a cheap lens aka the "kit lens". This is a complete package to get you out the door and going. Some view this as a waste of money as I agree. Because I find myself wanting a better every day use lens.

HTH

 

[Misled]

While I do agree with Dennis to a certain extent, the 18 to 55 with the d40 or d40x can be added for next to nothing. It gives you something to start out with to get a grasp on the camera before you start looking for primes and macros that are gonna cost as much as the kit!!!

 

[rams]

I do get great shots with my 18-55mm on my D50... Just at the point to where I want more. Wish I would have went with the 18 -70mm with the better glass at the time of purchase. But now I'm kind of liking the 16-85mm ED with VR. One thing I don't like about the kit lens is not having the internal focus. Sucks when getting up close to the glass.

 

[The_Browns]

So lens can be used with multiple bodies (D40, D40x, D60, D80, etx)?


I was looking at the 55m-200 and the 70-200mm lens. What does everyone think?

 

[H@rry]

Mike;

I'm in the same boat as you. I've been using a Coolpix 880 and have become frustrated with the limitations. I will be following this thread and hopefully extract some good advice from it.

I went to Sam's, WalMart, and Target yesterday looking at cameras. I saw the D40, D60, and Rebel XT with the 18-55 kit lens.

Not to try to hijack your thread, but is 55-200 a macro or tele lens (or a combination)? I want to take "regular" full shots and also macro shots. Should I be looking at buying the camera body and then another lens to cover the whole range? What to the number mean? Which end is the macro capacity?

As you can see I'm a little confused. Thanx for allowing me to comment and ask questions. I'll be watching and maybe we both can learn how to buy the right stuff the first time!

 

[The_Browns]

Be my guest Harry. The more questions the better for me. I will only learn more.

 

[The_Browns]

Becuase we only want the Camera for the tank and as a normal camera we will probably go with the cheaper body the D40 or D40x. Which one do you guys recommend and what Lenses do you recommend for it.

A) for the tank
B) For pictures like when you go on vacation (point and click)

 

[rams]

First things first pick a camera model that you are looking to stick with... Canon or Nikon are two of the biggest. Once you figure out what brand due to personal preference then start looking at lenses. You will have to stick with the lenses that work with that camera body you choose. I went Nikon because I really liked the D50 and the price at the time. So I only know about Nikon which it seems you are already heading that direction... Remember Lenses are an investment once you go one way it cost to go the other and catch up with what you got.

Just like tanks come with better viewing glass "starphire". You would want the same out of your lens. Look for ED - "Extra-low Dispersion element(s)" on the Nikon lenses. Also look for VR or VRII - "Vibration Reduction" lenses. This will help with free hand shots. One thing I hate about my kits lens is it doesn't have IF - Internal Focusing rather than moving or turning outer elements the focusing is accomplished within the lens.

 

[The_Browns]

Nice advise rantheory. Thanks

 

[H@rry]

What does DSLR mean?

 

[rams]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_single_lens_reflex_cameras

 

[H@rry]

Ah, thanx

 

[The_Browns]

D40 or D40x ?