total camera noob

[Ace]

Hi guys, just been flicking through some of these threads and there are some amazing pics, pics that i could only dream of taking.

At the moment we only have a basic digital camera, the point and shoot variety, but have been wanting to get a decent camera and start taking some better shots, photography has always interested me but there have always been bigger priorities which have meant i have been unable to get decent equipment and have a real go at it.

I have read Fenian Eel's Digital SLR thread and some interesting information, alot of the lingo etc is like russian to me but I'll get there.

im a bit of a way off getting something just yet but have been looking around and as people have been saying the nikon's appear to be the weapon of choice for most people.

Just wondering what people reckon a good starter kit is for someone who has as much talent in terms of photography as turning a camera on, making sure it is on auto and pointing and shooting.

Matt

[bblaze]

Even the top of the range Nikon have an auto mode, turn on, point and shoot. You can progress from there. Something like the nikon 5000 gets some good reviews. Do a google on that one. There is some good links out there for training purposes or maybe better is join a camera club thats members have mostly the breed of camera you have.
cheers
blaze

[Ace]

thanks blaze, yeah i figured they would all have a point and shoot mode. Just wondering is any one brand is more user friendly with fiddling with setting to get the most out of photos or if its just a much of a muchness in that respect.

[Cap]

What I think you need is a D3 or D700 with a 500mm f/4 nikkor lens, a 12-24mm wide angle lens, an SB800 with gitzo tripod and wimberly head - add some filters and your away... should set you back only a mere 25k or so, small change

[Ace]

What I think you need is a D3 or D700 with a 500mm f/4 nikkor lens, a 12-24mm wide angle lens, an SB800 with gitzo tripod and wimberly head - add some filters and your away... should set you back only a mere 25k or so, small change

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?

[Chucaro]

The Nikon 3100 will be a nice and simple camera to start shooting without big layout of money.

The D90 is going very cheap and is excellent as well.

I would get the body only and select good lens.

Nikon USA have now in especial very good refurbished lens with warranty.

I suggest the 70-300VR for U$A 400.00 as a very good bargain

The 50mm F/1.8 is excellent for U$A 100.00

You also can get the Nikon 5000 camera refurbished for U$A 504.00 which with the above lens will be an awesome to start

[Ace]

thanks Chucaroo, gives me something to aim for.

Been looking on here at some of the new Nikon models,

Browse Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

looking at the D90 and the D5000

then i need to look at some quality lenses, the ones you have listed above sound good.

[Chucaro]

Ace, I am very impressed with the Nikon 70-300VR, I use it a lot for my birds photography and for close-up shots.
The images have a very good reviews in the nature photography forum and compete with images taken with very expensive equipment.

The performance of this lebs @ 200mm is as good as the very expensive Nikon 70-200mmVR at the same focal lens.
You will be not disappointing with it.


For landscaping I am using the Tokina 12-24 f/4

If you need any help just send me a PM

[ozscott]

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?

Mate - often is stuff that even top amateur guys wont get use from - higher photos (ie higher battery life); slightly more frames per second max shooting; portrait grip as part of the camera; full frame - perhaps the biggest thing is better low light performance at very low light - ...and really not a LOT more that I can see. The D5000 kicks butt for value and sheer photo quality (including in low light).

[Chucaro]

IMO the importance for achieve a good image is like this:

1) A good tripod for a sharp image.

2) The best lens that you can afford

3) with the money left over get a good body.

I have found big difference in performance and quality in the images between my D200 and my D300s.
Also in my case. I am selling enlarged photos so the D300s allows me to have a larger prints.