Members seem to like asking which dSLR they should buy quite often in both the official DSLR thread and here in the camera and mp3 section. It would be nice if we can put together a official thread so we can summarize and hopefully guide them in which camera to get. Primarily for just the body/kits so lens selection and style can be discussed elsewhere.

I am tempted to write a little about Canon but I think others would be able to do a better job about the "best" for each price range and experience.

Assuming they have done some basic research, gotten a feel of different cameras and their interfaces hopefully they will have a general idea.

So brands Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Sony... some people have brand preferences if they do then this will help narrow the search.
Budget and willingness to go used, refurbished etc.
How the camera will be used.

this doesn't seem like the start of a very good official thread.

Budget (Camera body only or including kit lens):
Frequency of Usage:
Purpose (What, where, when?):
Size/Weight:
Desired Functions:
Preferred Brand:
Preferred lens (Fixed Focal, Wide Angle, Macro, Telephoto, Prime, or specific mm/f-stop etc):

Budget (Camera body only or including kit lens): less thn rm 3000 (USD 830)
Frequency of Usage:
Purpose (What, where, when?): take scenery, potraits
Size/Weight:
Desired Functions:
Preferred Brand: canon 500d or nikon d5000
Preferred lens (Fixed Focal, Wide Angle, Macro, Telephoto, Prime, or specific mm/f-stop etc):

Is the Nikon D60 DSLR a good choice? Or would a D80, D90 be better?
Also, which would be cheaper?

EDIT: Does a Nikon D80 or D90 have a live preview?

I think the Nikon D60 is a pretty good choice. I know a lot of people who own them and they are happy with it. But if you want it to auto-focus then you're kind of limited to lenses. My friend has a D80, and it's pretty good. There is no live view on it.
On the other hand the D90 has live view and recording I believe. Though the D90 is more costly because it has replaced the D80 in the market.
either that or you can go for the D5000 That has live view and recoding as well. But I think with lenses it's the same thing as the D60 it doesn't have a AF motor, so it won't auto focus on some lenses. But you can always learn through focusing manually ;]
I'm a canon user though, so you probably should ask more from Nikon users. I have the 450D and I know I barely use the live view feature, so you may want to think about if you would use or need live view or video recording. Because in all honesty the function of a dslr is not geared towards taking videos.

What's the reason you want the DSLR? You weren't very specific with your response and you can take scenery and portraits with a normal point and shoot.

Have you checked out any of the brands you're interested in, in the store?

The Nikon D90 has live view, while the D60 and D80 does not.

D60 with 18-55mm VR + 55-200mm VR Kit: ~$900 CAD
D60 with AF-S DX 18-55mm VR: $550 CAD
D60 with AF-S DX 18-55mm Non-VR: $520 CAD
D60 (body only): ~$450 CAD

D90 (body only): ~$1100 CAD
D90 with 18-105 VR: ~$1400 CAD


Judging from your previous post, the D60 would be sufficient.

And please! Before buying a $600 piece of equipment, research about the camera pros/cons and the functions. You should have known that the D60 did not have live view when you bought it. A quick google does wonders~

Good luck!

i posted this elsewhere before knowing that there was an "official" thread :]

Budget (Camera body only or including kit lens): below $1000 kit (will purchase other lenses later)
Frequency of Usage: I will take it basically everywhere I go :]
Purpose (What, where, when?): Currently photography is a hobby, but I'm hoping to connect it to my future career. Mainly, I like to focus on close up and macro photography. But I like doing landscape, portrait and commercial style photography as well. I am an outdoorsy person because I really like natural light. But once I create a small studio in my house and get some lighting I'll also start working indoors with portraits and such.
Size/Weight: Something that feels sturdy, but not heavy. Something that feels like it's well made.
Desired Functions: I don't want anything over-complicated. Live view, decent battery life and manual modes are all I basically need. Although I do like the whole HD movie features cameras nowadays have.
Preferred Brand: Maybe nikon d5000 or the canon eos 500d (rebel t1i). Both of these cameras seem really nice. I have researched them both countless times. I've heard that nikon cameras have better color and better body structures but canons have a better variety of lenses and the cost of lenses are cheaper. I'm stuck! I want to get some input on which one may be the better option :] please help ^^
Preferred lens (Fixed Focal, Wide Angle, Macro, Telephoto, Prime, or specific mm/f-stop etc): I'm looking to invest in wide angle, macro and telephoto lenses after my purchase.

I see a lot of people using Nikon, Canon and Sony..

why do people stay away from brands like Olympus, Pentax and other brands? o.O is it because they don't have a range of equipment or just because the quality of the camera and pictures are bad?

and I'm looking to buy a DSLR camera myself but not sure where to start because I've been using SLR's and Lomo camera's pretty much my entire life, what do I look for and does cheapest price always mean It's a bad camera?

Replace Canon and Nikon with Mickey D's and Burger King, then replace Olympus and Pentax with a small burger chain and you've pretty much got your answer. (This doesn't include taste though, because imo Mickey D's taste and smells like garbage.)

In terms of quality, I'm pretty sure that Canon and Nikon have better ISO performance at 1600 on up (or even 800?). Although the gap is closing between Olympus and Canikon with their new chips and designs, Canon and Nikon are still better at higher ISOs. If you're looking for the best bang for your buck and something small and portable with little to no sacrifice in quality, then I suggest Olympus. (You can buy an E-420 for $200.) But if you don't mind the bulk and want a huge selection of lenses then go with Canon or Nikon. (Sorry, don't know too much about Pentax.) In the end, it all comes down to preference, and either way you can't go wrong. (Btw, I went w/ Oly.)

I added some dpreview links too if your'e interested in checking them out.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Nikon/
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Olympus/
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Pentax/

Sounds like you've done your research.

Have you considered buying used? For $1000, you can easily find a D90 with the kit lens or 40D with kit lens with money left over. Check craigslist (meet up in person) or check photography forums like photography-on-the.net/forums (Canon user forums) or FredMiranda.com for buying used. There's also adorama with refurbished, B&H with used, and KEH.com with used camera equipment as well.

When I bought my original kit, I thought it HAD to be new. A few sells, buys, and trades later, 100% of my equipment is used and that saved me close to $1K.

i just want to state that i still believe that the nikon d70s is the best beginner camera one can buy, for the following reasons: chhheeaappp, top lcd, two control wheels, focus motor. that is all.

Have to watch out for dust on the sensor though. Any particles on the sensor, no matter how small will result in dark spots on your photos visible from F7 to above.

So, do you think the D90 is a better choice? I never thought about buying used because just like you I thought it had to be new, but I'll look into that.

^
I think the d90 is definately the better choice, especially if you have a budget like yours.
The D90 is the only reason I would switch from Canon to Nikon, if I had the opportunity.
(But I love my Canon setup too much to do that )

But Miyurin is right, on a lot of used camera bodies, the sensors are dirty or something may be disfunctional with the camera. If you aren't familiar with the technicalities of a DSLR (which you shouldn't be since you've never owned one) I would stay away from craigslist and go with reputable dealers like adorama.com, KEH.com, or B&H photo.

Good luck!

I would just buy it new. I mean, a DSLR is a huge investment, and you're probably going to keep it for a really long time. Don't you want to have it right from the start so you know that nothing happened to it before? Compared to how much you're already going to invest in photography (the actual body, lenses, etc.) the price difference between new and used doesn't seem like that much.

I would get a D90 too. Just like [HyuNi], it's the only thing I would trade my Canon for.

Buying refurbished dslr bodies isn't a bad choice.
a. You save money
b. It's sent back to the original company and checked over again for any flaws.

So technically, it's a more refined camera from what it was when it first came out of the factory.

The thing is, you have to find a good refurb retailer like Adorama, etc.

Budget (Camera body only or including kit lens): Body only, Below $1000
Frequency of Usage: I will take it to wherever I go
Purpose (What, where, when?): It's for my ECA in school And it's a hobby to take pictures hehe. My parents won't buy one for me:(. Until now I still use my parent's dig cam and I want to buy my own cam with my own money.
Size/Weight: If possible, a not-so heavy one Cz i wanna take it wherever I go <3
Desired Functions:
Preferred Brand:[/b Canon/Nikon
[b]Preferred lens (Fixed Focal, Wide Angle, Macro, Telephoto, Prime, or specific mm/f-stop etc):

Sowry, I'm not filling some cuz I don't quite understand these things :x
Which DSLR should I buy? I'm a beginner..
Thank you in advance!

^
Sounds like you would be happy with the consumer grade cameras like the Canon XSi or the newer T1i or the Nikon D5000 because they are well below your budget and it seems like the small size is important to you. The Nikon DSLRs are generally a bit smaller than Canon brands, from what I noticed. If you don't mind buying used or refurbished, the D90 could potentially be a great camera and just around your budget. Check adorama.com or KEH.com as they are reputable camera dealers that sell good quality used & refurbed items.
I recommend this to everyone who isn't sure what DSLR to get, but ALWAYS go to your local camera shop or electronics store and hold each model/brand that you're interested in your hand. There will definately be a camera that you feel more comfortable with whether it be weight, ergonomics, position of buttons, or menu style.
Between Canon/Nikon, the image quality is very similar if not the same.

Budget (Camera body only or including kit lens): body + kit lens / up to 600€ (~$900)
Frequency of Usage: basically, i'll take it everywhere I go
Purpose (What, where, when?): Portrait, landscape, candids (lol, selca)
Size/Weight: i think it has to "feel" right, not too heavy since my hands are pretty small
Desired Functions: i'm a total n00b...
Preferred Brand: Canon?
Preferred lens (Fixed Focal, Wide Angle, Macro, Telephoto, Prime, or specific mm/f-stop etc): n00b....

So, i went to a store today and asked for the Canon EOS 450D because it was recommended in the official DSLR thread.
I was told the 500D is better because it's an updated version.
In another store, they recommended the 1000D because of the bigger lens(?) and because the price matched the quality of the cam...? what do you think about it?
edit:
This will be my first dslr and i want to learn more about photography because i got really interested. i guess it will take time, though, to learn about the different camera settings w/e..but right now a dslr is #1 on my to buy list
it's actually quite embarassing to go into a store and just ask about the cams...lol, cause the only thing i could do was nod like i actually knew what the salesman was talking about xD

the 1000d was recommended to me because of the zoom lense (i think it said sigma)...the zoom was "better" than the one on the 500d (they didn't have a 450d there, but i think 450d and 500d aren't that different in regards of size and weight?). can't i just buy the 450d with the sigma lens... ?
i somehow side with the 450d...
still don't get the differenece between 450d and 1000d, though

The lenses itself are all the same for the XS (1000D), XSi (450D), and T1i (500d) unless its some odd combo. The kit comes with the 18-55mm IS lens and is a great starter lens.

The only real benefit of the 500D is it offers HD video recording. A lot of people say that's a novelty feature that isn't really used so its a waste of money, its like how often do we use the video mode of our point and shoot right? I think it also has a expanded ISO range but is otherwise like the 450d. I think the XS has fewer focus points and is slightly slower when you're bursting.

Thanks for the reply!
Seems like there are only the XS and XSi left...i don't really need the video recording lol




EDIT: had to write that in a hurry but now:

This will be my first dslr and i want to learn more about photography because i got really interested. i guess it will take time, though, to learn about the different camera settings w/e..but right now a dslr is #1 on my to buy list
it's actually quite embarassing to go into a store and just ask about the cams...lol, cause the only thing i could do was nod like i actually knew what the salesman was talking about xD

the 1000d was recommended to me because of the zoom lense (i think it said sigma)...the zoom was "better" than the one on the 500d (they didn't have a 450d there, but i think 450d and 500d aren't that different in regards of size and weight?). can't i just buy the 450d with the sigma lens... ?
i somehow side with the 450d...
still don't get the differenece between 450d and 1000d, though

Hey there! I have been thinking of purchasing a DSLR as a gift for my bf for his birthday/graduation. He is currently studying visual communication in UNI and is currently doing a photo course as an elective. He had borrowed one at Uni DSLR's because he had to do assignments and such and really enjoys using it. He has mentioned he would like to purchase the SONY Alpha DSLR A230 in the near future because it is a cheaper range for beginners use. Though, i thought i might surprise him with one, i was leaning towards Nikon or Canon from all the reviews i have read. I guess it would be easier if he goes and chooses it himself, but it wouldn't be surprise! LOL. And if he knew i was considering it, he would forbid me to get one because of the price.

YOUR HELP IS APPRECIATED ^ ^,


Budget (Include Kit, Bag)
$1400AUD Max

Frequency of Usage
Everywhere he goes. Going out, Events, Just for Fun

Purpose (What, where, when?):
Day/ Night, Indoor and Outdoor, More of the still? pictures instead of the moving pictures.

Size/Weight
Not toy like. Nothing overly big, weight as average because taking it around everywhere.

Desired Functions
One with more manual buttons? (Not majority as auto function because that would be like a normal digital camera) Button easy access for there use, like not have all functions in the menu. {idk if I am making sense here, sorry}

Preferred Brand
Nikon or Canon

Preferred lens
I got no clue on this, all i know is my bf mentioned there is no point getting a expensive body but crappy lens.


A few options would be helpful
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE ^ ^,

i must say i'm very jealous of ur boyfriend to recieve an expensive gift like that.... i'm actually in the midst of looking for a camera in that price range.

i think the nikon d90 or the canon rebel tsi/500d are very good cameras, and including kit + bag would fall under the price u got there
on ebay they have the [Nikon D90+18-55mm VR Kit+Bat+8GB SD+6Gifts+Wty-ACYY] for $1250 AUD and is free shipping to australia... I'm not too sure about the lens that comes with it but i've heard they are alright...... u can do a quick google and they have loads of reviews and comparisons between the two... they would probably be my two choices.

That's cheap, but it's a grey import so there's little chance of getting warranty in Australia. The camera is good and the lens is fine as well, but the battery charger will probably require an adapter to use here. But then again the normal kit lens that comes with a D90 is the 18-105mm VR which is much better suited to that camera. It would be safer to buy a genuine camera from Australia. Here is the site where I got my camera (the D5000 kit fits right in you price range) and it's an authorised reseller; http://www.camerastore.com.au

LOL!! We've been together for a while now. Havn't splurged in a while. =p
I'm never to sure with online buys on ebay, very hesitant when its a large amount of money online. I would probably prefer a store, so i can get at least 3 years warranty.

THanks for the inputs 'plz_be_quiet & calv1124' !! xx

Can someone suggest me a camera for an absolute noob? I've always had an interest in DSLR photography but I don't really have anyone to teach me hands on. Thus I want something that's easy for me to figure out myself, allowing me to do simple point and shoots but also has the ability to do more difficult things as I get more advanced. I'm not looking for anything fancy, but a solid camera that's not too heavy or big. I want quality but nothing too expensive. Any suggestions? Price range is preferably under 700 or 800? As I said, I'm pretty much a noob so nothing too fancy or expensive for me now. I'm really interested in macro photography and landscape photography, not much for action photography, so a camera that can do those well would be perfect.

^ With that price range, I suggest you go with either Nikon D5000 or Canon Rebel T1i. IMHO, it's a step up from from the usual entry-level DSLRs that both Nikon and Canon has on their lineup.

As for your interest in macro photography, it's not really the camera body that decides this. Rather, this comes in when you're already choosing for lens.

I've only owned a DSLR for a month now... so I guess I know how you feel when you want to look for a camera that is easy to learn. My Nikon D5000 is still a bit of a blur for me at the moment, but everytime I shoot and experiment, I always learn something new. You shouldn't worry too much about a camera being too "complex" cause no one really starts handling a DSLR perfectly. You learn through every shot you make.

And also DSLRs have "Auto" mode so you can DO simple point and shoots.

Budget (Camera body only or including kit lens): I dont have a price range. But I would like it if it was under $900 CAD (with lens)

Frequency of Usage: I'd like to take it everywhere I go. Events, hanging out with friends, things like that.

Purpose (What, where, when?): My purpose of getting a DSLR is basically because I'm interested in photography as a hobby. I'd like to take pictures of friends (whether it be modeling or on a daily basis), i want to take pictures of food, Taking a picture of anything and anywhere really.

Size/Weight: I'd like it be small but not too small, durable, and somewhat lightweight. Something that will 'fit' just right.

Desired Functions: Live view, nice battery life, I'd like a vari-angle but it's not necessary. Video recording would also be nice (I don't need that HD stuff though)

Preferred Brand: Either Nikon or Canon. I do like the Canon EOS Rebel Xsi, but I am open for suggestions you guys have
The Nikon D5000 and Canon EOS Rebel T1i are catching my interest though :x

Preferred lens (Fixed Focal, Wide Angle, Macro, Telephoto, Prime, or specific mm/f-stop etc): i honestly have no idea, but fixed focal, and macro?

Any entry DSLR will satisfy your needs. In your case the Nikon D5000 may suit you, because it has presets for different types of scenarios, as well as an added scene mode (which includes, food, sunset, etc), this is useful because it saves you from having to manually adjust settings, which may feel like a tedious task for beginners or people unfamiliar to DSLRs. The T1i is also good, but I have to say that it's not as user friendly nor is the kit lens as good.

I would suggest that you get a kit (18-55mm) lens, with VR (nikon) or IS (canon). The kit lens is versatile and is well suited to general photography, the VR/IS can be very useful in reducing or eliminating blur in your shots (it's very very effective in low light). A fixed focal/prime lens is more suited to portrait photography and low light, the lack of zoom makes it limiting, but if you think you might need one, they are great extras to have. Macros are also fixed focal, but for very very small subjects, like bees, flowers, etc. you might want to experiment with a kit lens before deciding whether you want one...
If you don't want a 18-55mm lens, get a 18-105mm or 18-135mm, you'll find that they rarely leave your camera~

Budget (Camera body only or including kit lens): Including kit lens; Below $1000
Frequency of Usage: Everywhere I go, except school sometimes.
Purpose (What, where, when?): It's pretty interesting and because I kinda want to be a Pro-photographer when I grow up, haha. I like to take pictures like moving pictures, portraits, day & night, mostly at night pictures.And because I travel A LOT.
Size/Weight: Medium? Not heavy? Just something that's just not too big 0_o.
Desired Functions: Live View, Good battery life, Good Flash? (I'm just saying this because I take lots of "at night" pictures and I want to have a good flash. & simple buttons (I don't know if I'm making sense here)
but I want a camera that's pretty simple? And does not have a lot of buttons to make it look complicated.
Preferred Brand: Canon or Nikon
Preferred lens (Fixed Focal, Wide Angle, Macro, Telephoto, Prime, or specific mm/f-stop etc): I have no idea.

My sister asked me what I wanted for Christmas, and I've always want a DSLR
edit/ I'm kinda stuck on getting the Nikon D5000 ; Nikon D3000 ; Nikon D90 ; Canon Rebel T1i ; & Canon Rebel XSi
Can you guys help me?

if you plan on taking the camera everywhere, you might want to consider the new micro 4/3rds bodies like the olympus e-p1 or the panasonic gf1. or if you want a dslr get a cheap body with decent iso performance (nikon d3000) and a fast lens (sigma 30mm f/1.4) for nighttime photography.

Thanks for replying! I've been looking at reviews between the two (because they seem to be head to head) and the Canon T1i seems to shout out more to me than the D5000, especially since the Canon is compatible with a lot of Canon and EOS lenses compared to Nikon. The only thing that appeals to me of Nikon is their adjustable (I believe the term is articulating?) LCD screen. Since you have one, how helpful is it to have that kind of screen compared to a fixed screen? People have also said that that T1i is better for macro photography due to it's high resolution display (920,000 vs the D5000's 230,000). Another camera a lot of people have recommended is the 40D? Any comments/suggestions about these (anyone is welcome)?

The vari-angle LCD (yes, it's the term. vari-angle. ) is actually quite helpful! I was taking photos in a matsuri (festival) here last last week, and there was a dance performance somewhere in the street. Of course, people would be all huddled up and it'd be difficult to take pictures with my DSLR (unlike those pro ahjossis who brought ladders @_@ and tripods w/ their DSLRs. I came unprepared. ) Through the vari-angle of my D5000, I was able to take shots of the performances while raising up my arms. :] Of course I was on Live View w/c seems crappy, cause.. I'd have to switch back to the viewfinder to set the shutter speed, aperture, and etc. It was like trial and error for like the first few minutes. But after I've set all the settings to perfectly fit the angle and the lighting from where I'm standing, I just practically stood there, shooting and shooting as much as I can. :] The focusing part is a little bit hard to figure out, since it's hard to see on the live view whether it's focused well or not. Either way, the vari-angle is useful for stuff like that. Concerts and stuff. Or like when you're huddled up with a bunch of people blocking your way. :]

It's also useful for selcas... although a tiny bit tricky. Hahaha

Ha as for the Canon vs Nikon question, I actually don't know. Right now I'm actually wondering whether I've bought the right one, or if I should've just went for Canon. But Nikons are actually pretty good. Their manual flash units are superb. (I'm planning to get a SB-600 soon!) I guess I went for Nikon cause I'm pro-made-in-Japan. rofl (Part Japanese).

As for the whole 230,000 thingy, hahaha I agree~! OMG sometimes when I look at the pictures directly from the camera, I go, "Eff, it sucks. " But once I load everything to my laptop (which I can assure you, has good graphics quality) I go like, "Wow." rofl So I guess, the whole LCD thingy of the D5000 is a disadvantage.

I can't really say anything about Canons, since... I haven't handled one. But I heard they're more user friendly than Nikons. I guess Nikon just appeals more to me. I forgot why. I sometimes feel like, pictures look more realistic and raw with Nikons compared to Canons... (only judging from the pictures I see on the internet, so don't throw rocks at me Canon-users!) I also heard Nikkor lenses have nice builds (nicer than Canon lenses, perhaps? I'm not sure again. so don't quote me on this. @_@)

Macro photography does not depend on the display, because you will most likely be composing your picture through the viewfinder. However, the actual resolution (megapixels) from the canon may help, but it will not be of much use with the ckit lens because it's not... of sufficient quality to allow the extra megapixels to be of any effect. If you are interested in macro photography, you would want to look at buying macro lens, which both companies have a great range of (Nikon just released a new one). And trust me, 230,000 dots on a screen isn't that bad, in fact, I don't care, it doesn't affect the final output of the picture.

The 40D is a very good camera, if you can afford it, it wouldn't be a bad choice of camera.



About your thing on having to change to viewfinder mode to change shutter spd/aperture, you can do that in live view, lol, it's indicated at the bottom of the screen.

btw the D5000 is made in Thailand. If you want made in Japan, you will want to buy a D3 or a D700, but hey, it feels pretty well built (it doesn't really matter where it's built xD).

In my opinion Canon's are easier to use throughout the entry DSLR range if you are already familiar with all the settings and want to be able to change them fast. However, for beginners, the Nikon's are definitely easier to use, it doesn't feel as overwhelming and complicated, and the graphical representations of the aperture is really sleek. I'm saying this after handling a lot of entry level DSLRs (Nikon: D40, D60, D3000, D5000) (Canon: 400D, 450D).

Although I can see why people say that Canon's have more shortcuts, etc. I find that I can navigate through my D5000's settings just as quick.

Lens wise; it is true that Nikon make better build lenses in the lower price range, but in the higher price range, both companies make lenses of unbelievable (and expensive) quality. In Canon, these are the called the L lenses (L for luxury haha) which have a red ring on them, in Nikon's they're just the expensive metal lenses. lol

Hope that clears some stuff up ^^

Budget (Camera body only or including kit lens): below 800-900 (including kit & lens)
Frequency of Usage: every day
Purpose (What, where, when?): portrait, landscape, night-life, nature, just everyday usage ^^ i'll probably use it for photoshop as well :]
Size/Weight: somewhat lightweight. (easy to carry around)
Desired Functions: autofocus! preferable night-functions (depends on the lens though right? - the autofocus?)
Preferred Brand: nikon. (but i'm open to canon)
Preferred lens : probably going to get the tamron 17-50 ^^ good walkaround lens~~ but idk for anything else~

i'm thinking about the nikon d60 or the d40 :]
OR the canon rebel xti. i've asked a lot of people and they recommended me those dslr's.
i'm not a TOTAL N00B. i've used my share of dslr's before. (esp the canon rebel series - they don't appeal to me as much as the nikon's XD)
so i'm pretty content with the d60.. its just that i'm stuck on the lenses... :3
i read it in the official dslr thread that certain nikon dslr's don't have autofocus from certain lenses... and i just want to make sure i do get a lens that has the autofocus.. does the tamron 17-50 have autofocus???

I have a 350d I don't know the resolution of the screen but its small and fairly low in resolution. There have been many times where I failed at taking a picture because it looked clear on my screen but was in reality blurry. It might not be an issue anymore, I think most screens are large enough and offer enough resolution for you to tell. I think some people use the live view for focusing and its supposedly pretty good that way but I don't have any experience with that.


If you got to compare them side by side then you should definitely go Nikon... but your budget might even allow you to get the the new D5000 although im not sure if you really need those features. Im pretty sure the no-auto focus only applies to the old and prime lenses such as the 50 1.8 that goes for about $130 which generally happens to be the cheaper ones and is unfortunate that the entry level users would loose auto focus

^oh okay thanks for your reply!
i looked at the D5000, doesn't seem bad~ ^^
but after playing around with the D40, D60 & the D3000 before, i'd say i'm more likely to get the D60 cause i think it just suits me the most.
i was more curious about which lens to get. :]

I think most people use the kit lens until they find a limitation before they upgrade.

O really hmm.. , buy a flash and you will get GREAT RESULTS...

kit lens is a beast lens




the BEST camera is the camera in your hands, now its up to you to shoot wonderful pictures..

QUOTE

About your thing on having to change to viewfinder mode to change shutter spd/aperture, you can do that in live view, lol, it's indicated at the bottom of the screen.

I was aware of that. rofl But due to the slightly crappy LCD screen, it's a bit hard to accurately adjust those settings as you can on the viewfinder mode. :]

QUOTE

btw the D5000 is made in Thailand. If you want made in Japan, you will want to buy a D3 or a D700, but hey, it feels pretty well built (it doesn't really matter where it's built xD).

I've said thAT wrongly, pardon me. Haha, instead of saying I was pro-made-in-Japan stuff. I meant, Nikon was a Japanese company. :] It's... nationalism bs. ROFL.

lolll, *playing with D5000 now
I can see the number bright and clear in LV.

But that said, I also switch to the normal mode to set aperture, but only before video, or if I want to preview the depth of field.

I found a workaround for the lack of DOF button, which is as I said, to set the aperture then enter live view, it works, but the actual function would be better....

I prefer viewfinder 1000000x more though, so yea, I agree with you when you say that you're more comfortable with the viewfinder mode.

Most camera manufacturers are Japanese or somewhere from Europe, so I hardly have problems with camera companies, I find that I can trust most of them, win-win situation when you're buying cameras, super hard decision.. they're all great!

Budget (Camera body only or including kit lens): less than 700
Frequency of Usage: Most likely daily
Purpose (What, where, when?): For portraits, artistic shots, close up shots, random outdoor photography
Size/Weight: im not sure
Desired Functions: Uh, video would be a plus, but not a must. Some sort of continuous shooting
Preferred Brand:
Preferred lens (Fixed Focal, Wide Angle, Macro, Telephoto, Prime, or specific mm/f-stop etc): not entirely sure