[bigshot]

Someone who is buying a low end Nikon DSLR probably isn't going to be buying a lot of lenses either. A D3000 would be best. A D50 is the perfect second body for someone with a D200 or D300 though.

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

Quote:

Thinking about buying a D40 for under $400 as my first DSLR. Could I get a better deal than KEH?
 
What's the difference between these two?
http://www.keh.com/camera/Nikon-Digital-Camera-Outfits/1/sku-DN019990903180?r=FE
http://www.keh.com/camera/Nikon-Digital-Camera-Outfits/1/sku-DN019991021880?r=FE
 
KEH would bring it to $410 after shipping. I remember it being $360 shipped a few months back, but I hesitated. Should I wait for an inevitable drop?

 
Personally, I'd go for the D40 if you want better high ISO (it has the cleanest output of any of Nikon's 6MP DSLR's), or the D3000 if you want better low ISO (the 10MP CCD gives a clean ISO100 which is very nice for landscape/architecture and anything else benefiting from more resolution).  I favor the D3000 because it has a newer image processing engine than the D40x/D60, which gives cleaner pics, and does automatic CA removal for JPEG's.
 
The 12MP D5000/D90 sensor will give you a bit better high ISO, but is more expensive, and I still prefer the look of the 10MP CCD files overall (I find the on-chip noise reduction of the 12MP CMOS chip makes the images look a touch plastic-y).
 
So anyway, if you are going to be doing mostly people/indoor photos, I'd get a D40/35 1.8.  Outdoor landscape, D3000/18-55vr.  Outdoor sports/nature D3000/55-200VR (70-300VR if you can swing it).
 
KEH is kinda on the pricey side for used bodies.  You'd have better luck on a photo message board like FredMiranda, or say B&H or Adorama used stuff.  If going for a D3000, you might be able to find some really cheap factory refurbs (I think B&H had body-only for $269 a few months ago).

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

BTW here's a shot from the other night, testing the nighttime usefulness of a new-to-me 50 1.4G.  Even shot wide open, the coma and corner softness is much better than the 50 1.8.  Coma is noticeable at 1.4 and 2.0 in the corners, but is basically gone at f/2.8.
 
The streaks on the mountain are holiday visitors on the way home down the mountain after a fireworks show, the dots communication towers and homes:
 

 
 
Here's what the same scene can look like at daytime:
 

 

[cswann1]

Just a heads up here...
 
Amazon.com has the D90 body (new, not refurbished) for $751.89
 
I hope anyone whose been waiting for price drop sees this, it may not last long.

 

[rhythmdevils]

You guys sure get a lot of stars out in Nevada Iron Dreamer!  I haven't been out into the countryside much in a while, I miss it!  As Johnny Cash said, "I hate the city!"

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

Quote:

You guys sure get a lot of stars out in Nevada Iron Dreamer!  I haven't been out into the countryside much in a while, I miss it!  As Johnny Cash said, "I hate the city!"

Hehe, well all you need to do is drive a few hours east.  Any of the major pass roads up into the Sierra Nevada are beautiful, with different features, mountains, and lakes.  It is easy to find peace, darkness, and quiet, if that is what you seek.  And take some great night shots.
 
On that note, I'll be heading off next week for the Northern Rockies with a Nikkor 14-24 in tow.  I hope I can do it justice with some great wide-open night shots.

 

[rhythmdevils]

yeah I know it is close that's what makes it so annoying.  I'm sick a lot these days and so I have to put my energy towards the necessities like work and home and food.  FOOEY!

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

Yeah, that's no fun.  Well, I hope you feel better soon, and get out to the country.  There is always Point Reyes, just on the other side of Marin, very beautiful and serene.

 

[dj_mocok]

I thinned out many of me (excellent) rarely used lens. I don't feel so good now.

 

[chews89]

^ Which ones did u get rid of? I'm trying to get an idea of good lenses to look out for on ebay.

 

[goober-george]

Just bought a Nikon D3000 kit with the 18-55mm VR lens and it's refurbished from adorama. Really excited and anxious, can't wait to try it out.

 

[moouers]

I've only ever owned Nikon cameras, for 35mm anyway. I used Canon cameras back in the 10D days in a studio and I hated the image quality.
 
Bought my Nikon N80 in 2000, my Coolpix 3200 in 2004 (I think? Yes it's old, but it still works perfectly for snapshots!) and my D50 in 2006. That's all I use for that format size and they suit my demands quite well. If I were to use my DSLR for the majority of my images, I would surely upgrade to something with higher dynamic range (D700 would be a good choice), but I do mostly film and rarely do landscapes with bright skies and dark land on my digital, so the D50 suits my needs all right for now. Lenses: Nikkor 20mm 2.8D, Nikkor 50mm 1.8D, Micro-Nikkor 60mm 2.8D, Nikkor 180mm 2.8D.
 
I just recently purchased a Mamiya RB67 and I'm in love with the 6x7 format...but this is a Nikon thread, so that's all I'll say
 

 

[nukeu666]

Managed to snag a D80+nikkor 18-200VR for about 950$ last week
Coupled with dad's old nikkor 50/1.4, doubt ill need to upgrade anytime soon

 

[encg]

edit

 

[ccbass]

Taken on Cape Cod.
 
D90 + Sigma 18-50 2.8
 
Stack of 58 images.