Good starter Digital SLR?

[Megan]

I'm a new amateur looking to get my first digital slr. I've been playing with a point and shoot for a few years and am now wanting to get more serious about my photography hobby and obviously need an slr.

So I'm looking for recommendations for a good camera to get started. I will be taking both indoor and outdoor shots, probably a fair amount of action shots as well. I don't think I'll be making many large prints so that isn't a concern.

[Marko]

Hi Megan and welcome!

Key question here - What is your budget and are you willing to buy used?

Thanks,

Marko

[tegan]

Also be aware that the kit lens that comes with a new camera might be limited in both functionality and quality to meet your purposes. This may mean adding the cost of a new lens or two to the projected total cost.

Tegan

[Megan]

Would be looking at spending between 1000-1200, used is fine.

[Marko]

I think that's a nice budget and you'll have no problem finding a very good camera. Tegan is right, normally the lens that comes with the camera is, well, crappy.

If you already have lenses for a particular camera, then you probably want to see if those lenses will work on the camera that you buy and buy that brand. If you are starting from scratch I would see if I could get a Canon 20D or Canon 30D used. I can vouch for the 30D since I own it and the 20D is very similar.

The Nikon D-40 has also gotten good reviews and would be a good camera to start with to get the feel of an SLR. What I would AVOID doing is spending too much money to get bells and whistles at this point.

Hope that helps!

Marko

[Megan]

Thanks, that does help. If I buy a Canon, what would be a good lens to start with?

[Lovin]

The Nikon D-40 has also gotten good reviews and would be a good camera to start with to get the feel of an SLR.

So Nikon D40 is still a good one?

Is it true, that Nikon cameras come with good lens comparing with Canon, that you have to buy, because what comes with the body are crappy ?
One of my friends told me that, for Nikon you don't have to buy new ones, only if you need also different lens(depends on each person what they need - but in generally Nikon lens that comes with the body are ok).
I was thinking that for me, Nikon D40 is good and I can't find it at a good price.
D80 is too science fiction for me now

[JoeMezz]

The Nikon D-40 has also gotten good reviews and would be a good camera to start with to get the feel of an SLR. What I would AVOID doing is spending too much money to get bells and whistles at this point.

Marko

Doesn't the D40 lack an internal motor for auto focus?
I think that is the case.

Wouldn't that limit lens for the D40 ??

[w3rk5]

Megan.........Lovin........did you guys buy anything yet?

[JoeMezz]

I'm a new amateur looking to get my first digital slr. I've been playing with a point and shoot for a few years and am now wanting to get more serious about my photography hobby and obviously need an slr.

So I'm looking for recommendations for a good camera to get started. I will be taking both indoor and outdoor shots, probably a fair amount of action shots as well. I don't think I'll be making many large prints so that isn't a concern.

I suggest the D80. i spoke with 3 Nikon dealers today and they said the D80 will have a substantial price cut within 10-14 days (I am buying 3 for work) .. I own a D80 and love it.

As far as the D40(x) I would avoid them (auto focus motor is NOT in the camera) so you have to get a lens with the motor in the lens. Maybe someone else can elaborate on that ... (I am no expert with the D40's)