Thread: total camera noob

Originally Posted by Ace

LOL, no worries Stooge, put me down for 2 of everything

Been looking at the nikons.

What is it that makes the cameras more expensive. For example what does a $5000 model do that the $1000 model doesnt do. Is it just better image quality, more functions?

Probably the biggest single difference apart for wizzbang techo stuff as you mentioned, is the construction.

the D300s, D700 and the D3 series have a magnesium frame as opposed to a plastic frame and are much better sealed for dust water humidity etc, making them much more robust and able to be used in conditions that would otherwise bugger an amature camera.

Also the "Proffesionial" models can take many more photos before they run out of steam err photos.

Unless you are going to be taking photos regularly in hostile conditions, are going to blow the photo up to an A3 size or above, take photos in low light with no flash, or just be rough with it, then a D3000, D5000, D3100 D90 etc will perform outstandingly for you. also if you wanted the award winning 18 - 200mm VR zoom it doesn't work on the D700 or the D3. I personally am chosing the D300s as I will be doing some of the above even though it will be my first digital camera.

The Cannon range is also very good as are many of the others, I am going Nikon as I already have several bloody expensive lenses for a nikon and my personal preference is Nikon so that takes the chosing brands out of the equasion for me.

Hi blitz, thanks for the help mate.

Im thinking of getting the D7000 when its available, sorry, when I have the cash and then looking at the types of lenses I will need.

Matt

Hey dont be sorry - the whole thing about asking here is to get advise, hell I have pestered everyone before making my desision and yes the D7000 will be a top piece of kit. A friend of mine has the D3000 and it takes photos as good as she can point it and I dont think she has taken it off of auto, I am only going for the higher level one because I am such a rough bugger (according to my missus)

I also went into camera shops and asked to have a feel of all of the models I was looking at to make sure it was a comfortable fit in my hand - you get a strange look if you ask to feel a camera

The D300s is a bit heavier than the D5000 / D90 and I presume heavier than the D7000 so that is a concern if you are doing a lot of walking and lugging it over hill and dale, even if I could justify the D3 it is just to heavy for my situation.

Ummm... 18-200 works on a D3s

DX lenses work fine on FX Bodies, just have to watch the settings for DX cropping of the sensor or if the lens wants to vignet on FX.

Hi,
An interesting read, and thanks for the links.
I'm researching the DSLR market after working as a photographer for 30 odd years and then doing I.T. for the last 10 years.
So I have not used a DSLR professionally.
Now retired, YEA! and looking at all the new stuff is amazing.
Guess I will start with a couple of my favourite lenses, add a flash, tripod, eye level viewfinder and see what we have left over for a body.
I am so sick of the limitations of my little Coolpix 5700 when it won't do what I tell it.
cheers

Originally Posted by dmdigital

Ummm... 18-200 works on a D3s

DX lenses work fine on FX Bodies, just have to watch the settings for DX cropping of the sensor or if the lens wants to vignet on FX.

yes it does but not all of the features on it will work apparently? unfortunately after looking at about a zillion site about them all I'm not sure who / where it was that said that?

D3s

Compatible Lenses
Type G or D AF NIKKOR: All functions supported
DX AF NIKKOR: All functions supported except FX-format (36x24)/5:4 (30x24) image size
AF NIKKOR other than type G or D*2: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering II
AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II
Non-CPU AI NIKKOR: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic rangefinder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster; Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data

Originally Posted by blitz

yes it does but not all of the features on it will work apparently? unfortunately after looking at about a zillion site about them all I'm not sure who / where it was that said that?

I have both and have used them together. What else can I say.