what would be a good starter digital slr camera for me?

Question

i only know a little and i want to expand my knowledge in cameras. what would be a good starting digital slr camera for me? what do you guys think of the nikon d-40? i want something easy and simple yet giving me full controls.

also how do you determine how much zoom the lense can do?

Answer 1

nikon D40x

All of the major brands are good. Choose a brand that appeals to you. Then you have to think about getting a spare battery, what size memory card, if you want an extended warranty, how much you can afford, what size zoom, if you want manual controls, the size of the camera, finding a reliable place to purchase it, and the list goes on and on and on.......

The first thing to realize is that almost any digital camera will take good pictures. If more people would read the manual more than once, they would be able to take better pictures. Usually, the person assumes it is the camera when it could be them not knowing exactly what to do. Just give yourself more photographic knowledge by doing more reading on the internet.

I really believe buying a camera is an individual choice.
The person needs to read alot of reviews on cameras so they can decide on the features that they really want and need.
Go to the store and hold them so you can see if they feel comfortable in your hands. If possible, take some pictures in the store to check the quality of the pictures.
I can only give a suggestion of what to look for in a new digital camera.
Good Luck

my suggestion
go to yahoo shopping
digital cameras
digital camera GUIDE
be sure to check titles on the left side
the guide should answer your questions

Answer 2

Cameras for beginner


The price of a digital SLR camera is around $700 and less, you can find a number of cameras, usually include a kit lens, which is typically a zoom lens of normal to telephoto length. These SLR cameras are usually in the 6- 8 megapixel range and have some automatic settings designed to create high quality image without touching the manual options and controls. Although these cameras can capture excellent images, they also limit certain creative control options. Common to all digital SLR cameras in this range are image settings for different modes, like Sports, Portrait, Landscape, and Automatic.

These cameras are designed to be user friendly, which makes them a good transition stage from a point-and-shoot. Basically, you can use shooting modes of your digital SLR camera as a point-and-shoot, without knowing anything about photography, by leaving the camera on its Program or Auto mode for automatic shutter-speed and aperture settings. They're commonly lightweight and fairly small especially compared to other digital SLR cameras which are used by professional photographer. As soon as you get familiar with your camera and its shooting modes, you can try other mode settings common to these cameras typically Sports, Landscape, Portrait, and Macro will help you learn more about exposure while still getting the best possible results.

Also common to cameras in this category is built-in flash for shooting in low light. The integrated flash pops up from the camera body when needed, either automatically, based on shutter speed, or manually when you want to add a bit of fill light to an image.

See the link in source reference for a whole article about purchasing a digital SLR camera

Answer 3

I like the D40. It's only shortcoming is that you have to manually focus on lenses that don't have internal focusing motors. For that reason, I chose recently to get a used D50 instead.

The D40 is a great camera. Look at what some ordinary people did when handed a D40 in this small town.
http://www.stunningnikon.com/picturetown/

And great reviews.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40.htm

The resolution (6mp) is excellent and the Nikon lens compatibility a big plus.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/compatibility.htm

One more bit of info you need to read from J.D. Power:
http://www.jdpower.com/electronics/ratings/digital_camera/dslr

I hope you find this helpful

p.s. The shots on the link below were taken with a D50 (same specs as the D40) at ISO's from 400-1600, resized and reduced before uploading. They were taken from the 56th row across the stadium with an "outdated" Nikon 75-300mm.

Answer 4

The best way to expand your knowledge is by taking a photography class at your local community college or high school BEFORE you rush out to buy a DSLR.

Once you've taken the class you'll know about f-stops, shutter speeds, ISO settings and the relationship between them and light.

You'll have a better knowledge of how to "read" light and how to use it.

You'll know the "Rules of Composition* " and how to use them.

You'll also have a better idea of what your photographic interests are - sports, macro (extreme closeups), landscapes, portraits, etc.

Then, and only then, will you be able to make an intelligent, informed decision about whether or not to buy a DSLR.

Buying a DSLR is unlikely to improve the limited skills you say you have. A photography class will, at less expense.

* I really dislike the term "Rules of Composition". I consider them as Guidelines which you should know and understand and use as you first start out. They will give you good results so learn them and their application. You can then bend or break them to suit your own personal vision.

Answer 5

Nikon D50 or Canon Rebel XT. Both around $600-$700