D300 question

[midges]

Hi

I'm a total newbie, and wanted some advice from you all please.

I've been thinking about making my first serious purchase for a while now, and have very little knowledge. Been lurking around the forums and trying to pick up various tips etc and see the new Nikon D300 getting rave reviews

My dilemma is this....i'm going on holiday to London next tuesday and I thought it would be a perfect time to push the button and buy a decent dslr....doesn't leave me much time though....

1) for a newbie like me do you think it's worth buying such an expensive camera? (or is it better to buy a cheaper one first?)
2) what lens do you think I should be looking at?
3) what other accessories would be essential on my trip

I do intend to take a course in photography when I'm back, so I am serious about getting into the subject as a hobby, but what I don't want to do is to "waste" money if you all think that a cheaper camera would be the same for a newbie like me....

Thanks for reading,
M

[TMC]

replied in your other post. try not to double post.

[Rashkae]

I think a D300 might be "too much camera" for you right now if you're still a newbie and getting started. I'd actually suggest an entry-level DSLR first. Nikon, Canon, Sony all make great ones. And remember, you're not just buying a DSLR body, you're buying a lens system. 4 years from now the D300 might be obsolete, but the lenses will still work on the newer bodies.

[Henessy]

If you are very sure that you will get very involved with photography, and you think that only the specs of D300 will satisfied you( like the focusing and good high ISO performance), then go ahead with the D300. But pls make sure you have enough money for a couple of gd lens. No point having a gd body but mediocre lens.

Just my 2 cents

[allstar]

yup totally agree with you guys. Unless you are totally serious. But since you are just starting out why not get a cheaper alternative first like perhaps D200. but of course be prepared to pay for quality lenses as well. =D

[SabaDen]

IF you have the moola now for it and more moola in the near future for better quality lens, why not? Good choice, IMHO. For sure no regrets ... D300 will satisfy most if not all and will be with you for a looooong time. If $$ no issue, go for a good body + good lens now rather than buy a cheaper set and finding out that you want something better. Again, IMHO nia hor.

[zoossh]

Originally Posted by midges 1) for a newbie like me do you think it's worth buying such an expensive camera? (or is it better to buy a cheaper one first?)

as you can afford. but if you ain't sure of what you need, the entry levels over the past few years should satisfy the basic needs while you learn what you need.

Originally Posted by midges 2) what lens do you think I should be looking at?

start from with a kit lens. an additional fun lens can be added to get you interested in exploring and learning how things change drastically, be it ultrawide, fast prime or even lensbabies.

Originally Posted by midges 3) what other accessories would be essential on my trip

camera bag and maybe a weather shield, batteries, memory cards and storage medium, lenspen and an UV filter to protect lens, backup filters and lens cap.