Ive been lurking around here for quite a while now and have read tons of information that you guys have posted. The lens review helped me kind of get an idea of what does what but there is just so much tech stuff to learn. I feel that I have a knack for this kind of thing, just lack the right equipment.

After breaking my camera yesterday (it fell in the ocean....dont ask), I feel that its time to make the leap and buy something nice. I have been looking into the Nikon D5000. Other than the recall about it not turning on in some cases, is there anyone that has any experience with this camera and/or advice about it or suggestions for something better? Id like to stay in that price range if possible, and Im aware that all the extra pieces are seperate costs. I also looked at the D90 but didnt see a significant difference between the two other than the price.

Also, I cheecked into some classes at my local community college and thought about signing up. However, do you guys think that trial and error is the best way to learn, or sitting in a classroom? They offer a class that is part classroom and part field learning that I thought about doing; it sounded kind of fun!

This will be my first SLR so I just wanted to get some advice from the pros around here. My ultimate goal is to be doing weddings and maternity photos (Im a labor and delivery nurse, big bellys are beautiful!).

Anyway, thanks for any advice guys, and keep spoiling us with the beautiful work around here

-Chrissy

 

I would definitely say that photography is something you can teach yourself. There are so many great sites out there such as flickr, where people post their setup/settings, and you can see how other people shoot and go from there. I didnt have any formal training in photography and this is how I learned.

As for the D5000, its a great starter SLR and fine way to start learning, but if you plan on buying more lenses down the road, be careful because Nikon's entry level cameras tend to be missing alot of key features that you wish you had once you start progressing. I would check to see if anyone is getting rid of their D80's first. It's a great camera and everyone is dumping them because of the D90, so you can get a decent deal. I picked mine up for 600 bucks.

 

d80 or d90 FTW. got mine brand new with 2 lens for $650 about 6 months ago

 

D80 is gen 1 processing. That would be the only downside. It is a great camera. I still shoot with mine. Depending on the price diff between a used D80 and a D40. This would be a good option.

Other than that I would recommend either a D40 or a D90. Reasons are

D40 is CHEAP and it works GREAT. Bodies aren't that important. Its more the lens. And I promise in one year Nikon will have a new body that is "better" than the D90 etc. So if you just getting started. Save money on the body and get a good lens. Downsides of D40. Gen I processing not compatible with some lens but most of the good ones. Doesn't have buttons on the body for all the features so you have to navigate menus.

D90 is good cause its Gen II processing so you will get better dynamic range and saturation. It is more of a pro camera so a lot of the settings can be changed using the buttons on the body, this speeds up use. More megapixels...

D5000... ehh save your money. Megapixels mean nothing. video is crap... buy a good lens instead.

As far as learning... save your money on classes. There are sooo many resources online. Including a lot of talented people on this forum. So get out there and SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT!

Good Luck! Post them up

 

Are you willing to buy a used body?
If so, the money saved will be better put towards a good lens (or lenses).

Any reason for the preference for Nikon over Canon or Sony?

 

Cause Nikon is the best of course

 

Spoken like a true fan boy.

 

sony sucks. only sony lenses work with sony cameras. totally gay. nikon and canon are both great brands, although i prefer nikon because they seem to have lower noise at higher ISOs. not really an issue unless you shoot at clubs or concerts, or anything other extremely dim setting with no flash.

 

I tried. I even put on my Nikon baseball cap and had a smug look on my face while typing it

 

AMEN