Advise for a newbie

[Illidan]

Hi guys. I'm currently using a point and shoot camera and a F80 nikon film camera for 4 yrs now. i have been thinking of getting a DSLR for quite sometime but i couldn't make up my mind on which camera to buy. may i know if D300 will be too complicated to use and too hard to handle for a newbie like me? i'm very used to F80 way of working. i'm keen to get D80 as well but would like somethink that i get learn more n last with it for at least some years. my budget is around 3k. i got no other accessories except for a blower and a dry box. thanks.

[asdfg]

D80 with good set of lenses. Well at least a few lenses or the 18-200mm and a flash.

[AxeLa]

D300....1 shot kill all....

[asdfg]

Well if he had more than $3500 I'd say the same but all he has is a blower and dry box so maybe he would want some more cash to get some lenses. If the D300 is the case, then a D300 and Tamron 17-50mm f2.8?

[erictan8888]

D300 might be a good buy for you since you already know the basics since you have been using the F80....

[MaZaCA]

D300.

[chanjyj]

I'd say the D80 would be a better choice.

[squall]

D80, (or its imminent replacement) so that you can afford some nice lens. If you don,t mind second hand, then a D200 right now for about 1200-1400 makes sense as well. I believe that with digital, the value is with the lens as todays body is too rapidly made obsolete. Thus, unless you are already a passionate photographer that takes a lot of pictures and blows them up beyond 8x10, invest in the lenses first. When more budget and experience in the digital realm, then get the D300 REPLACEMENT in 2-3 yrs time.

[bomby929]

Originally Posted by Illidan Hi guys. I'm currently using a point and shoot camera and a F80 nikon film camera for 4 yrs now. i have been thinking of getting a DSLR for quite sometime but i couldn't make up my mind on which camera to buy. may i know if D300 will be too complicated to use and too hard to handle for a newbie like me? i'm very used to F80 way of working. i'm keen to get D80 as well but would like somethink that i get learn more n last with it for at least some years. my budget is around 3k. i got no other accessories except for a blower and a dry box. thanks.

I have this issue b4... I was using my Sony F828 for almost 4 yrs.. and only this yr decided to move on to a DSLR.. initial got myself a D40x.. which was great.. but after using it for sometime.. felt that there is no much difference from my F828.. and therefore sold off and got a D300 which am using right now..

[Ansel]

Originally Posted by Illidan Hi guys. I'm currently using a point and shoot camera and a F80 nikon film camera for 4 yrs now. i have been thinking of getting a DSLR for quite sometime but i couldn't make up my mind on which camera to buy. may i know if D300 will be too complicated to use and too hard to handle for a newbie like me? i'm very used to F80 way of working. i'm keen to get D80 as well but would like somethink that i get learn more n last with it for at least some years. my budget is around 3k. i got no other accessories except for a blower and a dry box. thanks.

If you had been using F80 for 4 yrs, you are hardly a newbie.

$3k budget is pretty good. I say go for the D300. Not too complicated. You can always use the P mode with default settings for a start, then gradually learn to play with other settings. Yes, this is VERY big leap from F80, but it should still be manageable.

Nothing beats the D300 now for it's overall value and usefulness. I think the price of new ones are really tempting at this moment, at around $2300.

[lynxiger]

I recommend you get D300, learn the camera well, and don't have to worry about upgrading body for a long time. Then with the rest of the money get Tamron 17-50 f2.8 for general use, and other good lenses, and a flash. That means you'll be well over your budget of 3k.

If your budget is tight at exactly 3k, then I'll say buy a used D80, some still have shutter less than 8k and prob. still looks new. A used D80 is only about $850, and can still give you nice high resolution images. Then you can get awesome 2.8 lenses, and excellent primes like 50mm 1.4, etc. Buying is never-ending in photography.

[chanjyj]

Originally Posted by Ansel If you had been using F80 for 4 yrs, you are hardly a newbie. $3k budget is pretty good. I say go for the D300. Not too complicated. You can always use the P mode with default settings for a start, then gradually learn to play with other settings. Yes, this is VERY big leap from F80, but it should still be manageable. Nothing beats the D300 now for it's overall value and usefulness. I think the price of new ones are really tempting at this moment, at around $2300.

The F80 is much more similiar to the D80 than the D300.

[DeadEnd]

What lenses will you be using with the new DSLR? It will be better off getting better lenses instead of body as it retains it value better. And after all, it is the lens that make the pictures.

[MaZaCA]

[quote=DeadEnd;4079974....... It will be better off getting better lenses instead of body as it retains it value better. And after all, it is the lens that make the pictures.[/QUOTE]

both camera and lens makes a difference in picture quality, percentage may differs...

it's the man that compose and take the picture that makes the greatest difference!!

[chegr]

Originally Posted by DeadEnd What lenses will you be using with the new DSLR? It will be better off getting better lenses instead of body as it retains it value better. And after all, it is the lens that make the pictures.

This statement used to be true with film. In DSLRs, the sensor is (unfortunately) also important.

[KorgT3]

I would suggest getting a used D200 and invest in good lenses + flash

[ijnek]

d300!!!

[tanandrew]

Originally Posted by Illidan Hi guys. I'm currently using a point and shoot camera and a F80 nikon film camera for 4 yrs now. i have been thinking of getting a DSLR for quite sometime but i couldn't make up my mind on which camera to buy. may i know if D300 will be too complicated to use and too hard to handle for a newbie like me? i'm very used to F80 way of working. i'm keen to get D80 as well but would like somethink that i get learn more n last with it for at least some years. my budget is around 3k. i got no other accessories except for a blower and a dry box. thanks.

Go for D300 rock solid picture after u taken a shoot