Thread: Help me decide ....please!!!

Originally Posted by Sleepy

Why did you change your recommendation slt?
18-105 AF-S DX or 24-120mm VR ?

Had my FX shoes one for a moment. The 24-120 is a FX (full frame) lens. The 18-105 is DX for the smaller sensor of the Dxx and Dxxx range (minus D700 ... my baby ). The 18-105 will cover most of what you would probably want to do initially, gives you more range than say the 18-55, and is optically better than the even longer 18-135. 18-200 gets expensive (and heavy). So that's why I'd go with the 18-105.

slt
(so little time photography)

PS. and no, I don't sell them, just use them

... and one more thing. I've only referred to he cameras you mentioned (D60, D90, D300). You may want to also look at the D5000, which was recently released to replace the D70. It's very close to the capability of the D90 (sort of in-between it and the D60/D3000, which is about to be released). It's a bit smaller too ... too small for me, I like a little bit of chunkyness in my cameras

i think the 5000 has a flip out screen thingy to but I'm guessing not a full frame sensor

Originally Posted by dullbird

i think the 5000 has a flip out screen thingy to but I'm guessing not a full frame sensor

correct, flipout screen, video, but only the smaller DX sensor

Ive just upgraded from my canon compact digital to the Nikon D90 and I couldn't be more happier with my selection. The only feature i found on the D5000 that I would of loved in the D90 was that flip out screen. Though it was brilliant to be able to turn it around and fold it back in when not in use protecting the screen. But that wasnt enough to sway me, the small price difference helped me decide to go for the D90. Its first outting was a local footy match where a few mates were playing and I was very happy with the results for a real beginer of DSLR cameras.

Nobody can advise you without knowing what you want to do with the camera. Will you be shooting sports, portraits, inside or outdoors, is weight/size a problem, what's your overall budget which needs to include accessories such as a bag, memory cards, batteries, lenses, cleaning gear. It's like having a $30k budget for a 4WD and buying one for $29k then not having any money for mods.

One general point that usually holds true and may well in your case -- spend money on the lenses not the body.

Originally Posted by rmp

Nobody can advise you without knowing what you want to do with the camera. Will you be shooting sports, portraits, inside or outdoors, is weight/size a problem, what's your overall budget which needs to include accessories such as a bag, memory cards, batteries, lenses, cleaning gear. It's like having a $30k budget for a 4WD and buying one for $29k then not having any money for mods.

One general point that usually holds true and may well in your case -- spend money on the lenses not the body.

If you re-read his original post, you'll find Paul was asking for advise between choosing a Nikon D90 or D300. So I think he already has a brand and particular price range in mind. Further down he also mentions what kind of photos he's likely to take. Given the above, my advise would still be the D90 (or D5000) and the lens I mentioned (to start with).

Also, as far as budget is concerned, the camera and lens will be 90+% of the cost. Battery comes with the camera, and a good capacity memory card plus bag can be had for less than a hundred bucks. So the $29/30k ratio would actually apply in this case. He may find he'll want other lenses in the future to expand the capability of his gear, but sticking with 4WD analogy, that's like getting a camper trailer down the line.

Originally Posted by rmp

Nobody can advise you without knowing what you want to do with the camera. Will you be shooting sports, portraits, inside or outdoors, is weight/size a problem, what's your overall budget which needs to include accessories such as a bag, memory cards, batteries, lenses, cleaning gear. It's like having a $30k budget for a 4WD and buying one for $29k then not having any money for mods.

One general point that usually holds true and may well in your case -- spend money on the lenses not the body.

I dunno, I reckon the advice given has been great. Yes I am 98% sure on the brand. Narrowed down to the D90/D300 (OK I'll have another look at the D5000) - perhaps should have renamed the thread.? As for what I will use it for - well I am an amateur so pretty much "all of the above".
Good comments by DB and SLT and yourself - buy a good lens.
I've aLso learnt that the D300 is nearing the end of it's run so maybe some price cutting ahead?

The 4wd analogy is a good one - but like all of my hobbies (fishing, 4wding, camping, music, model building. ) I understand it may (will?!?) cost a lot more

Bag and bits will be "roughly" the same for all - (That's my on road coasts )

As for my budget, I have given the "durries" away and currently generating about $60 - $70 dollars a week. (3 to 4 grand a year??) I am in no particular hurry. Buying a camera is one insentive to keep at it.

Its the interent so I appreciate any (and all) info I can get. I also have some advisors that I know - one who shoots for a motorcycle magazine - he wants me to get a D700!