Opinions on a new Cam

[hybridkyle]

So, I am going from a $120 point and shoot, looking at getting the SONY A300K. I just wanted to know opinions and if this would be a good camera to start with? I cannot anything more than this. Thanks!!

Quoted:
Sony combines superb 10.2 MP quality, a high quality DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens, and Live Preview in a large tilting 2.7" LCD monitor for point-and-shoot simplicity. You'll have super-quick AF response, continuous shooting speed up to 3 fps with viewfinder and up to 2 fps in live view mode, plus high sensitivity (ISO 3200) for great low-light shots. What's more, you get simple controls, Creative Style settings and in-camera Super SteadyShot® image stabilization that work with every Sony, Carl Zeiss® and legacy Minolta a-mount lens. Stamina® power for up to 730 shots, Auto Pop-up Flash and many more features make DSLR model an excellent choice for your favorite new hobby.

[Defcon86NWH]

The only complaint I have heard about Sony is their grey market is not a s big as Canon and Nikon. So things will be more expensive.

Are you getting a deal on it? Or are you just set on it?

[hybridkyle]

No deal, I am buing new...and no not set on it. It just seemed to be the best for the money. I am open to other options, I just liked the features it has.

[Defcon86NWH]

If the Live feature is what you like well I was like that but you get used to not looking at the LCD. And like I said you should look into Nikon and Canon. But again I am not a sony expert nor a expert on nikon and canon.


You can join me and leeroynwh and a few others on the dark side of Nikon ;)

[hybridkyle]

I'd actually like to get around some of you guys from the site and see what everyone is using and the features they like. OR if anyone has pros and cons on the camera they are using.... none of the D300 guys though...I WISH!!

[Defcon86NWH]

The only Sony guy here is Amir(AutoluxuryGTR)

Nikon guys-
myself (Nikon D40)
leeroynwh (Nikon D40)
JohnC ( Nikon D80 for now until the D700 comes out)
idrmjdm (Nikon D300)
ek 99 sir (?)
spastic dwarf (Nikon F80D)
Pattywak (nikon d40)
coreylolz (nikon d40)
and a few others I can't think of

Canon guys-
Zac Carter (Rebel Xt)
Devin (Some highend bull crap lol)
Ventolin (40D)
Jose-Aka-Pedro (Rebel xti)
mario jackson (rebel xt)
and a few others

[pattywak]

I actually have a Nikon D40 also, I'm not very good with it I got it to start learning and getting into photography stuff more...but it's a great camera for sure.

[coreylolz]

I rock a Nikon D40 also, though I haven't had a ton of time to use it.

So far I love it. Going from a point and Shooter to a DSLR is very different, and it took me a long time to get used to how things worked.

Still, I love my Nikon.

[hybridkyle]

Think I found a really good deal on a D100 w/ 2 lenses. BUT I also have found a couple Rebel XT's ?? Still looking I guess. Thanks guys, keep info comming, I'm new to this stuff. It will be this weekend when I am ready to buy, so I want to have some info by then to make the right decision...for me!

[pattywak]

I rock a Nikon D40 also, though I haven't had a ton of time to use it.

So far I love it. Going from a point and Shooter to a DSLR is very different, and it took me a long time to get used to how things worked.

Still, I love my Nikon.

So true on the P&S to DSLR comment - I'ts a lot different, but I love having so much more control and the overall better quality. Now if only I knew how to really make my pictures awesome like some ppl on here...

[Defcon86NWH]

What is your budget?

Zac does amazing work with his xt. The D100 is kinda old. I d look into a D40,D80,D50,D70S,D200 if you can get it cheap for nikon. And Canon guys will have to chime in on their line. But I d say 20D,30D,40D,xt,xti.

[hybridkyle]

Around $600 tops... I just found a D40 Nikon with allot of extra stuff to play with, filters, telephoto, macro, hard case, and backpack, two tripods... some other stuff, for about $550

[hybridkyle]

I rock a Nikon D40 also, though I haven't had a ton of time to use it.

So far I love it. Going from a point and Shooter to a DSLR is very different, and it took me a long time to get used to how things worked.

Still, I love my Nikon.

So true on the P&S to DSLR comment - I'ts a lot different, but I love having so much more control and the overall better quality. Now if only I knew how to really make my pictures awesome like some ppl on here...

I'm sure I'll be in the same boat for a while...but I just plan to mess around with it and I have three kids that love the camera :thumbup:

[Defcon86NWH]

The only problems I have with the D40 is it will not autofocus with all lens. If it is not AF-S or AF-D lens you have to manual focus it. I haven't had any prob. with this though. You mine listing your lens you are getting with the camera?

[Ventolin]

A few camera buying tips:

1.) Be very careful who you buy a camera from, most online places are scams. B&H and Adorama are one of the few places I buy cameras.

2.) You'll see alot of deals on Ebay where a camera comes with a bunch of cheap lens to make you think its worth the extra $150. They are probably Quantaray lenses, and worth less than the markup on the camera, and take absolute shit pictures. Do your research on the lenses.

3.) Before you buy any new camera, go to the store and pick up and hold one. Hold a D40, play with it. Hold an XTI, a Pentax, or a sony piece of shit if you really want to. Let the feel of the camera influence your decision, because its going to be in your hands alot and you're going to want to be shooting with something you're comfortable with which is more important than any features, etc.

4.) Don't let features and megapixels sway your decisions unless you really think its something that would help you out. Read reviews from real people. The 40D has a ton of features but none of the fancy features, megapixel ratings, or any of that are what sold me on the camera, or what really matter in day to day shooting.

[Ventolin]

Alot of people like the D40.. if you really like the way it feels, look for a D50/D70 if you want to pursue the hobby further in the future. If you don't think more lenses are in your future, then grab it and use the kit, its very sharp and will last a lifetime for a here and there amateur photographer. Well, until you drop it and the AF motor goes out...

[Defcon86NWH]

A few camera buying tips:

1.) Be very careful who you buy a camera from, most online places are scams. B&H and Adorama are one of the few places I buy cameras.

2.) You'll see alot of deals on Ebay where a camera comes with a bunch of cheap lens to make you think its worth the extra $150. They are probably Quantaray lenses, and worth less than the markup on the camera, and take absolute shit pictures. Do your research on the lenses.

3.) Before you buy any new camera, go to the store and pick up and hold one. Hold a D40, play with it. Hold an XTI, a Pentax, or a sony piece of shit if you really want to. Let the feel of the camera influence your decision, because its going to be in your hands alot and you're going to want to be shooting with something you're comfortable with which is more important than any features, etc.

Nice touch James ;)

[Defcon86NWH]

Here is a list of D40 compatible lens that will autofocus.

http://www.nikonians.org/forums/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=152&topic_id=13319

[jabboss1]

I love my d-60 Nikon

[hover]

I'm a Nikon guy. I primarily use my D50, but I have a 8008S in my bag most of the time, and a few more around. It is more or less personal preference. Growing up, my step-father shot w/ a Nikon, so that is what I got used to. It's easy for me. Plus, I like their glass better. <ducks>

[d_j140]

am i the only one with an olympus ? :( haha

[hybridkyle]

A few camera buying tips:

1.) Be very careful who you buy a camera from, most online places are scams. B&H and Adorama are one of the few places I buy cameras.

2.) You'll see alot of deals on Ebay where a camera comes with a bunch of cheap lens to make you think its worth the extra $150. They are probably Quantaray lenses, and worth less than the markup on the camera, and take absolute shit pictures. Do your research on the lenses.

3.) Before you buy any new camera, go to the store and pick up and hold one. Hold a D40, play with it. Hold an XTI, a Pentax, or a sony piece of shit if you really want to. Let the feel of the camera influence your decision, because its going to be in your hands alot and you're going to want to be shooting with something you're comfortable with which is more important than any features, etc.

Nice touch James ;)

Yeah, I thought that was a nice touch also! :beer:

[Ventolin]

To be honest, regardless of the camera, a good photographer with any newer DSLR can take good pictures.

So get what you like, explore the systems and lenses as well as just the body, because you're buying into all their products and their system.

[hybridkyle]

Well, I have seen some used ones on craigslist so IDK if I want to do that and get more or just buy it new and not worry about it. Going to check the D60 I think...

[Defcon86NWH]

BTW the D60 has the same autofocus problem as the D40.

[hybridkyle]

Yeah I saw that... I found a good site for Nikon owners and it has a list of ALL compatable lenses! But yeah, the D40, D40X(?), and the D60

[pattywak]

link to site?

[Defcon86NWH]

Look in a previous post on first page Pattywak I posted the link

[pattywak]

Thanks bro I totally missed that.

[hybridkyle]

Look in a previous post on first page Pattywak I posted the link

I knew I just didn't stumble across it... Thanks defcon! It really has helped looking around on there.

[Defcon86NWH]

No problem. The D40 and D60 are good cameras you are just kinda limited with them. Hopefully I have reached my limit and am able to move to something better in the next couple months. I believe the d90 comes out sometime after Christmas so I ll just save for it.

[hybridkyle]

Went and held the D40 and The Rebel XT... both nice and the D40 feels SLIGHTLY better than the Canon in my hand, but I have found a really good deal on a Rebel. I will probably end up with that.

Oh the ISO speed is only 1600 on the rebel but 3200 on the D40...will I notice a difference with only having 1600?

[Defcon86NWH]

If you turn the ISO any higher than 400 you will regret it on the D40. The noise in your pictures will be bad. I believe the rebel xt's are better about noise control.

[hybridkyle]

Ok COOL...I know what i am getting then, and from who!!!!!

[riverdancer]

FYI sony dslr's use nikon lenses. have you looked into Fuji? their DSLR's aren't bad either. I mean don't get me wrong, i'd tell you go canon all the way but you're going to be pressed to get much for $600. several friends shoot fuji and are popping out some good stuff - they use nikon lenses too.

anyway, get on popphoto.com, they've got reveiws of pretty much any camera out there. and def get your hands on it before you buy. really thats why we went canon because (esp in my dads hands) the nikons just felt like toys, especially at the time and the budget we were looking at. the canon's just feel better, stronger, more like a tool to use than a toy to play with.

[riverdancer]

nevermind, i didn't see that there was a second page.

go canon! lol welcome to the good side of the force.

=D

[pittyinSC]

My Canon 10D is getting kind of old, but I like the feel of it still. I wish I had some more megapixels though. Still good for 6.3 megs shooting
in RAW and large jpeg. I just really need to get some new lenses, because mine are either super gross and dirty from being over 20 years old
or I just need new lenses because of their age. Camera needs to be cleaned also.

How much does that usually run? And should I go with getting new lenses/a new lenses(sigma) or clean all the
Canon lenses I have: (20-35mm, 28-105mm, 100-300mm) << all very old

[hobbitman]

for the insight guys. I was wondering the same as this guy. Want to get into photography as well, but kodak point and shoot =garbage.

[pittyinSC]

LOL my camera is cheap on Ebay and well anywhere now probably

[hybridkyle]

I have been using a Fuji for my last two point and clicks. I am just ready to start producing better pictures... I am pretty sure I will be getting the Rebel XT :)

[hybridkyle]

I got the Rebel XT today...from "YORK" (thanks again Paul) helluva deal and I am in LOVE with this camera!!! Post pics sometime in the next day or two... good or bad, I'm a nOOb