Buying my first dSLR camera, please help?

Question

I am going to buy my own dSLR camera but I was wondering if someone could help me choose. I wouldn't call myself experienced but I have used them and I come from a photography family, with both of my sisters being the Photographic Editor for our school magazine when they were in year 12 and my mum being a professional photographer. I am extremely interested in photography and I won 1st place and 3rd place for a school competion.

The main things I am looking for are the option for manual focus, the camera's ability to take photos in poor light and to take photos of action (I think that ones called the shutter speed)

My friend has the Nikon D90 and I have used it before and I like it alot, our school has some dSLR's and I have used the Canon EOS 400D. Those two cameras are good but they are out of my price range.

I have been looking at the Nikon D40 and the Canon EOS 350d because they are cheaper though I have heard a few negative things about the d40.

Can anyone guide me in choosing the best camera for my money.
My price range is $1000 or less.

Also, will I have to buy any extra lenses?

Thankyou.

jacob c · Accepted Answer

if this is going to be your first DSLR then i would go with a Nikon D60 its only a little more than the D40 and it has a lot more features. if you want to save money then go look around at some local camera shops and see what used cameras that they have. i got a Nikon D40X for $375. and it had most of the features the D60 had also is a 10mp camera

Kite · Answer

To be honest, both are good.

I'd really spend that extra money for the 400D. Seriously.

It's the fact that the 350D... well, there is a major difference between that and the 400D - and then the D40 doesn't have a body focusing motor, meaning that only specific lenses can be used.

But - seeing that you are on a limited budget, I daresay you'll just buy the kit lens and use that for some time. That being the case, when you do come into money, you'll probably buy some cheaper options, and that being the new AF-S models, which *are* compatible with the D40, or a third party (like Tamron and Sigma) that have a few lenses that are compatible with the D40 (make sure it can autofocus with the D40) then you'll be happy.

If you do get the D40... I'm not a Nikonian, but for your next lens after the twin lens kit, or single lens kit, when you get into money, the 35mm f/1.8 is a great option.

ĢŨЙΜΔŃ Ф · Answer

for a first DSLR camera, Nikon D60 is your best bet. It's an entry level DSLR camera and has all the features that you are looking for. you can get it bundled with 2 VR lenses or just the regular 18-55 at less than $1000. Google it to know more about it.

da-prankerz · Answer

I had a doubt about what dslr camera should i buy 5 months ago.. but then I decided..and bought the Nikon D60 :) I really love it.. it is an excellent camera and I have no problems with it, really.. I think I'm going to buy an extra lens soon.. but if u go for the D40 it's great too i think!

Anonymous · Answer

At $700, the Nikon D3100 is just the ticket. * Image files from ANY digital camera will work with CS5 * The quality of the images you produce will have all to do with your skills using it, NOT the camera brand or body model * Photographers mostly use Lightroom 3 to manage their photos and process RAW files. CS5 is a program designed for retouchers, post production professionals and prepress techs.

Pshanthz · Answer

I guess, Sony alpha DSLR-A350BDL 14 Megapixel SLR Digital Camera Bundle........ and 	Sony Alpha DSLRA300X 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 & DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 Zoom Lenses............  and  Sony Alpha DSLRA350K 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens........

Anonymous · Answer

Hey i was planning to sell a brand new DSLR Nikon D60 camera..i can sell u cheaper if u want..for further details u may feel free to email me at 

mxuan90@yahoo.com.sg or phoenix_jk_2@hotmail.com =))

David M · Answer

Buy the entry level model of the same brand your mother and sister own. This way you can use their lenses. Both Canon and Nikon make excellent cameras. Lenses are not interchangeable between brands.

Paul Hxyz · Answer

If you're budget is $1,000 you can afford the Nikon D90, then spend an extra $120 or so on the 50 mm f 1.8 lens. I'm saving my pennies for the D700, but I'm semi-pro.

Paul R - Dipping my toe back in · Answer

A used 350d is a good bet, the D40 has less resolution and a very very basic AF.

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Buying my first dSLR camera, please help?

11 Answers