Thread: New D-SLR Camera advice?

Quote: Originally Posted by CFB I'll be the second to dissent. Although the D90 is a perfectly capable camera (really, any DSLR is capable of producing great photos), I'd advise you to take a look at Pentax, such as the new K-7. I've shot with the D90 and I have no complaints about that camera. But Pentax makes a point to put pro-level features such as magnesium bodies and water- and dust-resistance in cameras that come in at a...

If you are looking for a low light portrait lens on your D90, you should buy the 50mm AFS 1.4 I wouldn't use a macro lens for portrait, they are too sharp for "unperfect" skin. !luc

I most commonly use 18, 50, 70 and 135. I almost never go to 200.

I guess in Japan you can shoot people on the street without getting beaten up, but here in Chicago, you're safest at 200mm. Quote: Originally Posted by Brian SD I most commonly use 18, 50, 70 and 135. I almost never go to 200.

Quote: Originally Posted by Luc-Emmanuel I still think 18 is not wide enough, and 200 is too short. But it's a very nice all around zoom. Get the new version which doesn't slide down when you carry your camera on your shoulder. In a perfect world, Nikon would make a 10-300mm f/2.8 VRII that weighs less than a pound and costs about $300. Until then, we all just have to make do with what's available.

Maybe I'm a bigot, but short of specialized applications (sports, wildlife, etc.) anything beyond 135 is overkill and you're probably not relying on god-given technique (ie moving) enough. That's being generous, I'm inclined to say 105-135 belong in certain portraiture situations and nowhere else.

Quote: Originally Posted by Alter What is the advantage point of the D50? I just went to an electronics store to get a feel for some of the cameras and the D50 felt great...a heavy and solid camera. By the way, the above poster was talking about the Canon 50D, not to be confused with the old Nikon D50. The Canon 50D is more of a pro-level camera than the D50 Nikon.

Quote: Originally Posted by Brian SD These are the important factors for me as well, which is why Nikon wins hands down. I could get used to nikon ergonomics (even though canon is better), but there is no way in hell you can say nikon menus are easier to navigate. Its like a fucking labyrinth.

I have a +1 for the D90. A great camera that is pretty consumer level, but if you know what you're doing you can very easily shoot pro level pics. A very good bridge between consumer ease, but with most of the pro-level features. Just buy quality lenses.

I would agree, either stick with Canon or Nikon for an SLR. They both provide good feature sets and you can get the best choice of lenses. As for whether or not to get a D90 or a 50D, go to a store, try them both and see what feels better in your hands. The camera has to be comfortable when shooting. I currently use a 5D so I am partial to Canons, but that is because I find them more comfortable for me. The real investment in a camera comes...