First time buyer of DSLR

[flyfisherman]

I have owned a Nikon N65 for a number of years. Still works well. However, I am now interested in buying a DSLR camera. I understand that the lenses from the Nikon N65 are compatible with the DSLR (I owned two lenses). What DSLR cameras should I look at? What features? I am mostly interested in shooting outdoor photography with the ability to zoom to about 100 yards type shots. Any recommendations on how to go about getting smart on DSLRs? Any books or magazines worth getting?

Thanks,

[jthomas]

I have owned a Nikon N65 for a number of years. Still works well. However, I am now interested in buying a DSLR camera. I understand that the lenses from the Nikon N65 are compatible with the DSLR (I owned two lenses). What DSLR cameras should I look at? What features? I am mostly interested in shooting outdoor photography with the ability to zoom to about 100 yards type shots. Any recommendations on how to go about getting smart on DSLRs? Any books or magazines worth getting?

Thanks, Since you already own two Nikon lenses, I would suggest you consider the Nikon D50 or D70. They are both excellent. The D50 is the newer model, is slightly smaller, and has the same resolution as the D70.

A good place to look for reviews and comparisons is here (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/) or here (http://www.imaging-resource.com/DIGCAM01.HTM).

I bought a D70 in April and I'm very pleased with it.

Most folks on this forum are prejudiced toward Canon cameras, which are also a good choice.

If you want to talk fly fishing, send me a PM.

[gus]

Firstly welcome to D/grin flyfisherman. Mostly canon & nikon in here with a few pentax in for good measure in the DSLR cat.

All i can advise is to go & hold all the cameras & get the sales assistant to show you how to navigate through the cameras functions (i know thats easier said than done)

Also i would recommend going here (http://www.smugmug.com/) & here (http://www.pbase.com/) using the search tool to see samples of the camera you want to view with a particular lens or just that lens itself.

Good luck
Gus

[gus]

Now thats just plain scary.....:huh

Both at identicle times....




A good place to look for reviews and comparisons is here (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/) or here (http://www.imaging-resource.com/DIGCAM01.HTM).

Also i would recommend going here (http://www.smugmug.com/) & here (http://www.pbase.com/)

[jthomas]

Now thats just plain scary.....:huh

Both at identicle times....
Yes, except they are links to different sites.

[flyfisherman]

After reading your inputs and looking at the referenced sites, I have decided to go for the Nikon D50. What is a good price? Should I get a maintenance contract (are these digital cameras very delicate. I will be using mine a lot in possibly tough weather)? What lenses should I get (I owned a ~ 20-80 and ~ 70-300 mm)? I am most interested in outdoor photography (long shots, fishing, action shots like during crew regattas, wildlife, etc.). Any inputs are greatly appreciated.

Thanks :):

[jthomas]

After reading your inputs and looking at the referenced sites, I have decided to go for the Nikon D50. What is a good price? Should I get a maintenance contract (are these digital cameras very delicate. I will be using mine a lot in possibly tough weather)? What lenses should I get (I owned a ~ 20-80 and ~ 70-300 mm)? I am most interested in outdoor photography (long shots, fishing, action shots like during crew regattas, wildlife, etc.). Any inputs are greatly appreciated.

Thanks :): B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/) in New York is a very reputable dealer with competitive prices.

I don't think the cameras are very delicate; the choice of maintenance contract is a personal preference. I generally think of these contracts as a waste of money.

As to lenses, if you still have the 28-80 and the 70-300, you are pretty well covered. The kit lens which comes with the D70 (18-70 f/3.5-5.6) is well regarded. Keep in mind that the "crop" factor of the D50 sensor gives you a 50% increase in focal length. I have developed a spreadsheet which will calculate the angle of view for various focal lengths for the D50 (or D70) sensor. PM me if you would like me to send it.

Another very sound lens choice is the very inexpensive but excellent Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 prime.

There are many people on this forum who are much better qualified to advise you than me. You might also want to look at the Nikon Cafe (http://www.nikoncafe.com/forums/index.php) forum.

[MrBook2]

After reading your inputs and looking at the referenced sites, I have decided to go for the Nikon D50. What is a good price? Should I get a maintenance contract (are these digital cameras very delicate. I will be using mine a lot in possibly tough weather)? What lenses should I get (I owned a ~ 20-80 and ~ 70-300 mm)? I am most interested in outdoor photography (long shots, fishing, action shots like during crew regattas, wildlife, etc.). Any inputs are greatly appreciated.

Thanks :):


Before you make that decision, have you had a chance to handle them? I recently bought a D70 (with the kit lens, a 18-70mm) and I personally found the D50 to just not feel right. I can't really explain it, but the D70 just felt better. I am not saying that you won't like the D50, I am just saying that you should handle them before you choose.

Whatever you decide on, good luck, and I am sure you will love the move to digital!

--Aaron

[JimM]

I think maintenance contracts are typically a waste of money. I called my insurance company and added my 20D to my homeowners policy for $15/yr. He said not only does this include theft, but it covers accidental breakage as well!!! :clap

Call your insurance agent first!:thumb