digital SLR camera prices

[doduo]

im looking for a digital SLR camera

i don't much about photography, so this camera is to play around with and learn

so far, the Nikon D40x looks like something that would do the job

would this camera be suited for what i want to do?

which other cameras should I consider?

where should I buy it from, and what price would be considered a good deal?

any input would be appreciated

[Guest DUM]

I asked our own resident photomotherfucker, Sidney. And he suggested a D40 body for cheap, and then dropping the actual money on a good lense.

[dongle]

I recently ordered a D40x based on sufu recommendations and ordered from B&H. Price was about the lowest and it's nice knowing that the camera will be new, under warranty, and will actually arrive (so many NY scam sites out there).

[the_state]

how does the Nikon D40 compare to the Nikon D40x? also, how do either compare to Canon Rebel XT series/Canon EOS 20D? these all seem like solid starter cameras.

[ayn]

I'll go for the D80.

[case87]

I actually just ordered a D40, should get here any day now. From what I understand (so don't take this for fact...) the D40x's higher megapixel count doesn't really mean that much. More megapixels just mean you can enlarge the image more, and the 6.1 on the D40 are fine for most normal sizes.

The sensor on the D40 is supposedly just as good as the D40x, so colors, sharpness, all that stuff are as good, just not the actual size. Again, someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm under the impression that megapixels really don't mean that much in terms of image quality, just size. So, for me at least, the extra megapixels on the D40x aren't worth the extra price. This may have been some of the reasoning behind Sidney's recommendation to get a D40 with a nice lense... but I don't know.

[Vitamian]

I asked our own resident photomotherfucker, Sidney. And he suggested a D40 body for cheap, and then dropping the actual money on a good lense.

What counts as a good lens these days?

[totally epic]

Canon L series are nice.

For value lenses, Canon has an edge over Nikon in the ultra-wide zooms for DSLR with the EF-S 10-22mm ($675), but Nikon has a really good value 18-200mm IS lens ($750 with a 1-2 month waitlist or $1000-1200 now on eBay).

I went with a Rebel XTi though.

[apocalypse later]

You're better off getting a point-and-shoot with image stabilization if you know little about photography.

[soundbomber]

That's what I was thinking. If you have never experienced with photography then I would suggest a high-end point-and-shoot over a $500+ DSLR. But I guess there's nothing wrong with starting early.

[DEPHT]

You can grab a used 30D for around 850 bucks....grab that and a 50mm f1.8 and you'll have a good setup to learn with.

[derdankhund]

yeah if you're totally new, investing in a $50-150 go go gadget tripod thingy would probably be a good idea too (i'm talking one of those go any where, stabilize anywhere many knobbed little guys)...that or you better have some mad steady hands...

[Guest scruf]

so the nikon d40 is a $650 at bestbuy.

then get the 55-200mm lense?

tripod for $80

thats basically it or is there more?

[brianliu]

if you wanna go really cheap. fredmiranda.com or nikonians.org has some used equipment by professionals.

if you go nikon, get an 18-70mm ($200)and 50mm/1.4 ($80) OR 18-200mm ($750) for lenses.

[qtpi]

There was a great deal at Sears for an 8.2MP XT for $400

They might still be available: http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=0&t=571415&highlight=slr

[dongle]

Note that the D40/x has no AF motor so if you get that 50mm/1.4 prime you're going to have to manually focus it.

[alleyooptroop]

there's a few canon d20's and d30's on ebay. some claim to be factory refurbished. i called canon to see if they do this and the csr said that they don't. anyone here had luck with either off of ebay?

[Remy]

I used to belong to a photography forum and the general consensus was that for a begginer wanting to learn but is also serious, was to get the Nikon D50 just that little bit easier to use and alot more durable/will last you longer.

It was also the first camera that my father used when he switched from film to digital. In my mind Nikon is alot better and easier to use than cannon is.

[will_i_am]

how does the Nikon D40 compare to the Nikon D40x? also, how do either compare to Canon Rebel XT series/Canon EOS 20D? these all seem like solid starter cameras.

ugh.

a week ago i was set on the rebel xt, now i'm looking more towards nikon.

it's a noob question, but can anyone explain to me the huge jumps in price from site to site.

i've been researching the d50 and have been seeing $200 price gaps.

none refurbished. body only. no kit.

are the cheaper ones too good to be true?

[Felix]

i think getting a canon or nikon is kinda like a stomach thing, take what you feel better with...prob with canon is that the accessories are so damn expensive

[totally epic]

brianliu: A 50/1.4 for $80? You mean 50/1.8?

will: Some sites are scam. They lure you in with cheap prices and won't sell you the item until you buy like $2000 worth of accessories.