Looking to get into Nikon

koolpc said:
Tried a D3000 but didn't like the menu system. I prefer Canon as all the changes can be made very easily without delving into the menu!!
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God, that's exactly why I prefer Nikon, I can change 90% of settings without even taking the camera away from my eye, let alone looking at the LCD. There's a button for everything on higher end Nikon bodies. Can't say I've ever touched a D3000 though...
 
bigredshark said:
God, that's exactly why I prefer Nikon, I can change 90% of settings without even taking the camera away from my eye, let alone looking at the LCD. There's a button for everything on higher end Nikon bodies. Can't say I've ever touched a D3000 though...
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Exactly, 'Higher end Nikon Bodies'. Not on the D3000 etc etc.
 
...and lower end canons (450D 500D etc) have so few buttons so as not to confuse the entry level user but you grow up real fast in tog world and 'demand' more
 
MrLOL said:
What would be the key differences between a used Nikon D90 and a used Canon 40D ?
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CompactFlash Card for me.
I almost went D90 way when I was jumping ship off Olympus.
Nikon's range of affordable primes and cheaper second hand third party lenses got the perks but SD cards?! And the lower frame per second which I require - especially when you compared the prices between a low shutter count used to a used Nikon, the 40D stood out.

I don't have any issue with Canon's menu system. I've used the 20D before and the 'Favourites' on the 40D is a big help to bringing out some of them well hidden stuff, like turning the flash off (whilst keeping my external flash focus beam on)
 
Alpherah said:
D3100 or D90.
Otherwise go Canon imo
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The D5000 is also worth a look, it's basically a D3000 with the D90's sensor. Since it's been overshadowed by the D3100 you can get a new one with the kit lens for under £500.

EDIT: I've got a D60 and love it, it's basically the D3000 with 3 point AF. Since most of the stuff I photograph stays still this isn't a problem. I don't see myself replacing it any time soon.
 
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I'd definately hold both Nikon and Canon in your hands before choosing a side. I was gonig to get a Canon 350D until i held the Nikon D80 in my hands. At the time they were near enough the same price and the Nikon felt better (I have big hands) and more robust.

You may well be able to find a D80 for a good price second hand. Its a great camera and if you don't care about live view or video then I'd really consider it. The only thing I'd like on it is one of the newer 920k dot screens but that's still no reson to discount it. Plus it has a lens motor built in so you can use some non af-s lenses in AF (like the excellent Nikon 50mm f1.8D)
 
Todge said:
I'd definately hold both Nikon and Canon in your hands before choosing a side. I was gonig to get a Canon 350D until i held the Nikon D80 in my hands. At the time they were near enough the same price and the Nikon felt better (I have big hands) and more robust.

You may well be able to find a D80 for a good price second hand. Its a great camera and if you don't care about live view or video then I'd really consider it. The only thing I'd like on it is one of the newer 920k dot screens but that's still no reson to discount it. Plus it has a lens motor built in so you can use some non af-s lenses in AF (like the excellent Nikon 50mm f1.8D)
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I maybe agree - I always used to say that but I ended up with Nikon for exactly that reason and at times I've regretted it, Canon would have suited my needs better in the last few years, slightly less nice handling aside but I never had the time to start again from scratch and replace all my fancy Nikon glass.

I guess what I'm saying is feel is important and you should handle them but don't go solely on that, think about your requirements and if you system is obviously better. And maybe think about anybody you might be shooting with frequently, I go for weekends away and we end up with piles of glass because one of is shooting Canon and one Nikon...which isn't ideal...

The D80 - well it's not bad in most respects though it's probably regarded as the weakest of Nikon's DSLRs - which says good things for what they've churned out I guess. I wouldn't buy one myself, it's close to D200 money and I'd spend the extra £50-100...
 
Am I right in saying that the D3000 needs AF-S lenses only?

How many lenses does that rule out. I'm not up to date with the Nikon lens range.

Would it be fine with something like a Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD?
 
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fozzybear said:
Am I right in saying that the D3000 needs AF-S lenses only?
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Yep, Nikon D3000, D5000, D3100, D40, D40X and D60.

With Nikon's own range you're fine for Zooms, however primes aren't so good. Often you have to go for the most expensive model in order to get one that'll AF. For instance Nikon do 3 50mm lenses, however on the only the £400 one will AF.

I haven't got Tameron's lettering system working out so I'm not sure about those.
Sigma, seem to be ok, look for the letters HSM. It also seems instead of redesigning a lens from scratch they've added a motor. So check second hand gear carefully.

EDIT: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamron#Designations

Looks like either USD or IF

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fozzybear said:
Would it be fine with something like a Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD?
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Yes, but not for £200 with a body. Unless it's nicked, or a novelty mug, and if it is a mug t's probably Canon mount.
 
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You'll struggle to get much for £200, maybe a 2nd hand D40 or D60 along with the 18-55mm kit lens?

If you've got more cash, I'd be tempted to get the new D3100. :)
 
K.C. Leblanc said:
For instance Nikon do 3 50mm lenses, however on the only the £400 one will AF.
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£400?! Where are you looking! I got mine for £270 here in the UK.

Personally, it's only the nifty f1.8 which I would have considered and maybe one of the 85mm primes.

Everything else I've got or wanted has had the built-in focus motors, be it Nikon, Sigma or Tamron.
 
bigredshark said:
The D80 - well it's not bad in most respects though it's probably regarded as the weakest of Nikon's DSLRs.
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I have to ask by whom and in comparison to what? Compared to all Nikon DSLRs ever or on a price/feature basis?

Admittedly its 4 years old now and I honestly haven't kept up with newer models apart from the D700 but the D80 got glowing reviews upon its launch. I can't believe a weak camera would be so popular which it undoubtedly was.
 
Still considering the D3000 but just have a question.

If I got the 35mm AF-S f1.8 for the D3000, is that lens compatible with the higher end models like the D300 or D300s? I'm presuming it is but really don't have any experience with Nikon lenses and their compatibility!
 
fozzybear said:
Still considering the D3000 but just have a question.

If I got the 35mm AF-S f1.8 for the D3000, is that lens compatible with the higher end models like the D300 or D300s? I'm presuming it is but really don't have any experience with Nikon lenses and their compatibility!
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if i remember the details correctly then DX means that its designed for the smaller sensors used in most nikon SLRs. if you used it on a full frame body then you would have to change the settings because it wont light up the whole sensor.

yes it will work though.
 
The 50mm f1.8 will work fine on the D300. It's only the D700 up which are full frame (and it might work fine on those too - I've no idea).

As you may already be aware though, it won't autofocus on the D3000 (or D40, D40x, D60, D3100 or D5000).
 
Bought the Nikon d3000 in the end. It looks good value and I think the decent (for the price) AF system will come in useful when I'm photographing horses. I can live without Liveview and exposure bracketing.

Would I be fine with a Class 10 SDHC card with this camera? I understand the D3000 won't take full of advantage of the card. It just seems pointless getting a slower card when they're similar prices.

I'll be looking at getting the Nikon 35mm f1.8 lens for around £170 initially.
 
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