Nikon Digital SLR Advice
- Thread starter Mista Preston
- Start date
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Chrisc
Guru
- Location
- Huddersfield
Again, it depends on what level you want to work at, how much time you're prepared to invest in learning to use it. D5000, simpler out of the box but spec wise not much in them really. Same res, (different CMOS tho, Sony in the D90, not specified in the D5000), same focus unit, same frame rates near as dammit, D90 has a brighter viewfinder which is always a good thing. D90 is a bit sturdier which I like, weight again as Norm said. My D300 is just shy of 1kg without a lens but very stable as a result. One useful thing on the D90 the cracking 3" D300 lcd rear screen which is a bloody marvel compared to my D80. I think if you look at the back of a D5000 and then at a D90 you won't want to use that 2.5" lcd any longer. VR is OK as a two stop get out of jail free card in low light but not really necessary once you learn to use the camera. I have a stack of lenses, none are VR and I've never had any problems.
Go try them out but check prices here before you buy.
Go try them out but check prices here before you buy.
Klaus
Senior Member
- Location
- High Wycombe
Hi Clive,
ask 100 cyclists about DSLRs and you get 100 different answers.
FWIW, here is mine: get the best camera you can afford, and maybe an extra lens. In my opinion you can't go wrong with with any of the higher spec Nikons. I bought a D50 about four years ago, still use it today. I can produce poster size prints (A2) which are very good quality with a 6MP camera. By today's standards it's quite basic now but what is really important is to concentrate on your photography rather than the technology (and upgrading constantly).
When I am able to I will be upgrading to the highest spec I can afford (+some borrowed money).
Combine cycling and photography!
Cheers, Klaus
ask 100 cyclists about DSLRs and you get 100 different answers.
FWIW, here is mine: get the best camera you can afford, and maybe an extra lens. In my opinion you can't go wrong with with any of the higher spec Nikons. I bought a D50 about four years ago, still use it today. I can produce poster size prints (A2) which are very good quality with a 6MP camera. By today's standards it's quite basic now but what is really important is to concentrate on your photography rather than the technology (and upgrading constantly).
When I am able to I will be upgrading to the highest spec I can afford (+some borrowed money).
Combine cycling and photography!
Cheers, Klaus
Tollers
Guru
- Location
- San Francisco, California
I'm a D300 man too. I'll ask you some questions on sunday before offering my advice.
Chrisc
Guru
- Location
- Huddersfield
Excellent taste!Norm said:Almost, but I reckon you'd get 97 as Chrisc, Tollers and I will agree on the D300.
Chrisc
Guru
- Location
- Huddersfield
Being careful not to pick a D3S...you won't want to give it backjohnnyh said:
HJ
Cycling in Scotland
- Location
- Auld Reekie
Mista Preston said:
Yes, the lens is definitely better and worth the extra...
ttcycle
Cycling Excusiast
I'm a Canon person 400D - Clive, really it's about what you want to achieve with the photography and how large you want the photos to be displayed - if you were thinking of Pro level then you'd want the more heavily construsted and robust camera and worth spending the extra cash, plus it gives you a full and complete photo with no cropping of the size. I won't be on the Sunday ride but I'm sure Tollers will point you in the right direction.
jamesxyz
New Member
- Location
- Huddersfield, West Yorks
Downward said:
+1
I got a D50 and was sort of regretting I didn't go for a more expensive model but now I'm glad. ALthough I do enjoy using it, I'm not a massive photogrpahy fan. All digital SLRs will take far better pictures than compacts so unless you're a real keen photogrpaher a moderately priced one will be just fine.
If you're new to SLRs you can have too many functions!
Also big megapixel = huge file size (expaecially if shooting in RAW format) have you got a PC that can cope?
Crankarm
Guru
- Location
- Nr Cambridge
If you buy a D90, Nikon are currently offering a £50 or £60 cash back. PC world have got the D90 on display and maybe the D5000 as well although I didn't look for the latter when I went in today. I was looking for the D300s and the D700 which they don't stock as they are too high end for PC World.
Am I right in assuming you can only use DX lenses on DX digital cameras?
Most high SLRs are now FX full screen which allows one to use older lenses designed for 35mm which can be a real bonus if the mount is still the same although you obviously won't get autofocus as with a more modern lens. DX and FX lenses are not interchangeable AFAIK.
The quality of images taken on DX digital SLRs is now as good as full frame CMOS cameras which have a much brighter view finder and screen than DX cameras. Last week's Amateur Photographer did an article on just this issue and resolution at higher ISO for DX and FX cameras. Pro cameras such as Canon 1D Mk whatever and Nikon D3s use full frame CMOS sensors. Cheaper enthusiast digital SLRs have DX sensors which are rather smaller, but have software to compensate for lack of resolution and darker screen/viewfinder than full frame digital SLRs AFAIK.
For me I like the Nikon camera bodies such as the D300 or D700 for it's superb low light capabilities very little noise at ISO 6400 and the Canon L lenses. Unfortunately they can't be mixed.
Personally I would spend more on the lenses than the camera body although the body is still important. Don't forget to factor in the cost of additional memory cards, battery pack if required, leads that don't come with it, flash, filters and decent case to protect it.
The D90 comes with the Nikkor 18-105mm f3.5-5.6 lens whereas the D5000 with only the Nikkor 18-55mm lens. I liked the former when I twiddled with it in PCWorld at lunchtime. Though I put it down sharpish when security started to move in my direction
.
Am I right in assuming you can only use DX lenses on DX digital cameras?
Most high SLRs are now FX full screen which allows one to use older lenses designed for 35mm which can be a real bonus if the mount is still the same although you obviously won't get autofocus as with a more modern lens. DX and FX lenses are not interchangeable AFAIK.
The quality of images taken on DX digital SLRs is now as good as full frame CMOS cameras which have a much brighter view finder and screen than DX cameras. Last week's Amateur Photographer did an article on just this issue and resolution at higher ISO for DX and FX cameras. Pro cameras such as Canon 1D Mk whatever and Nikon D3s use full frame CMOS sensors. Cheaper enthusiast digital SLRs have DX sensors which are rather smaller, but have software to compensate for lack of resolution and darker screen/viewfinder than full frame digital SLRs AFAIK.
For me I like the Nikon camera bodies such as the D300 or D700 for it's superb low light capabilities very little noise at ISO 6400 and the Canon L lenses. Unfortunately they can't be mixed.
Personally I would spend more on the lenses than the camera body although the body is still important. Don't forget to factor in the cost of additional memory cards, battery pack if required, leads that don't come with it, flash, filters and decent case to protect it.
The D90 comes with the Nikkor 18-105mm f3.5-5.6 lens whereas the D5000 with only the Nikkor 18-55mm lens. I liked the former when I twiddled with it in PCWorld at lunchtime. Though I put it down sharpish when security started to move in my direction
.
Tollers
Guru
- Location
- San Francisco, California
You can use DX lenses on a Full Frame (FX) sensor, it will automatically limit the frame size to avoid vignetting.
I would overcomplicating things regarding the OP though. Technical jargon doesn't help until you get the bug and are able to play. Although I agree with your points!
Frankly all modern D-SLR's are remarkable when comapred to your compact point and shoot jobbies.
The most important advice i can offer to the OP is not about which camera you choose, but when you do make a choice, instantly start using the A (aperture priority) and S (shutter priority) modes. When you understand them, take full control and go to the manual mode. Whichever camera/lens you're using, suddenly you will be easily able to change the feel and creativity behind your photos.....
.....thats when you'll start wishing you got a better camera/lens, no matter what you actually bought. N+1 works for lenses too.......i got up to 9 before my Campagnolo fetish overtook my penchant for Nikon
M
I would overcomplicating things regarding the OP though. Technical jargon doesn't help until you get the bug and are able to play. Although I agree with your points!
Frankly all modern D-SLR's are remarkable when comapred to your compact point and shoot jobbies.
The most important advice i can offer to the OP is not about which camera you choose, but when you do make a choice, instantly start using the A (aperture priority) and S (shutter priority) modes. When you understand them, take full control and go to the manual mode. Whichever camera/lens you're using, suddenly you will be easily able to change the feel and creativity behind your photos.....
.....thats when you'll start wishing you got a better camera/lens, no matter what you actually bought. N+1 works for lenses too.......i got up to 9 before my Campagnolo fetish overtook my penchant for Nikon
M
OP
OP
Mista Preston
Veteran
Some very interesting discussion, thank you all !
I opted for the D5000 and got it early this week. I choose it as a beginner it just felt a little easier to use in the shop, Its lighter than the D90 and is a little more basic.
I took it out for a test run today on a trip to Heaver. This is where it got interesting. I instantly ignored the pre sets and used manual mode with the aperture and focus. I was thinking about shots the whole time which I have never done and my wife was getting a little p***ed with me. I had mixed results but I have to say most pictures came out far better than i anticipated and much better than a compact.
So my post purchase evaluation is the D5000 is a great little camera if you want a basic SLR that is not too bulky. The lens is a little limiting as I wanted a greater zoom a number of times however early results are good. Once I understand everything then I think i will need more lenses. In the back of my my mind I wish I had gone for the D90 however thats just my nature of wanting expensive kit i think. I have just convinced the wife regarding N+1 on the bike front which arrives next week, so I am not sure I can do it with a camera......just yet
Thanks all again for your comments
I opted for the D5000 and got it early this week. I choose it as a beginner it just felt a little easier to use in the shop, Its lighter than the D90 and is a little more basic.
I took it out for a test run today on a trip to Heaver. This is where it got interesting. I instantly ignored the pre sets and used manual mode with the aperture and focus. I was thinking about shots the whole time which I have never done and my wife was getting a little p***ed with me. I had mixed results but I have to say most pictures came out far better than i anticipated and much better than a compact.
So my post purchase evaluation is the D5000 is a great little camera if you want a basic SLR that is not too bulky. The lens is a little limiting as I wanted a greater zoom a number of times however early results are good. Once I understand everything then I think i will need more lenses. In the back of my my mind I wish I had gone for the D90 however thats just my nature of wanting expensive kit i think. I have just convinced the wife regarding N+1 on the bike front which arrives next week, so I am not sure I can do it with a camera......just yet
Thanks all again for your comments
