Digital cameras, need input...

[stuwee]

Thanks again guys! I went ahead and bid on a Nikon D5000, I know it's entry level but, I don't understand this digital stuff yet...how the lens length and speed differs from 35mm film cameras has me on a new learning curve.

The one I bid on has the usual 18mm -55mm zoom, what hooked me was it comes with the Nikkor 50mm 1.8, I think the single 50mm lens will have the portrait and low light quality to make the pics I love, then again I could be wrong...

It doesn't seem to come with memory cards? I looked them up and they come in approx 8G to 32G, I saw HC on some and not on others, I don't plan to shoot video work more than a few seconds of chasing my dog around the speakers...

I guess I could have spent a few hundred dollars more but, I'm just starting over again. I haven't won it yet, details later

 

[BlazeES]

A D5000 is a great choice to get going with the world of DSLRs Stuw.

 

[ksrigg]

Nikon D3100 for entry level digital. Awesome camera

 

[stuwee]

Well boys and girls, I won the auction...Nikon D5000, nary a scratch, standard Nikkor 18mm-55mm and that Nikkor 50mm 1.8 lens, battery and charger, really nice Nikon bag and various accessories, no memory cards tho. All for $260 shipped.

I'll be ordering a couple extra batteries for backup, some memory cards. Looking into options for a telephoto zoom for later, not much need for one now. I'll be using my film camera's as well. I'll never let that vintage Contax IIIa go!

My old Canon AE-1, Canon T-90 bodies (both have issues), Canon 50mm1.4 and Vivitar 80-150 zoom and a nice Konica system will go on craigslist unless someone here is interested...

The Nikon should be here by the end of next week, I'll start a new thread with I'm sure to be numerous Q's

 

[jaetee]

Congrats... your comments about the 50mm 1.8 as a portrait lens are spot on, 50mm on D5000 is like a 75mm lens in standard 35mm format.

Since you got that camera for such a great price, you may want to check out the Nikon DX 35mm f1.8 in the near future. It a very sharp, low-light lens that will give you very close to the same field of view you were used to from 50mm (52.5mm) lens on a standard 35mm film camera. Out of my small collection of prime lenses, that's the one I use the most.

 

[BlazeES]

Well boys and girls, I won the auction...Nikon D5000, nary a scratch, standard Nikkor 18mm-55mm and that Nikkor 50mm 1.8 lens, battery and charger, really nice Nikon bag and various accessories, no memory cards tho. All for $260 shipped.

Congrats Stumeister! Sounds like you did really, REALLY good on that package. You're gonna love the Nikon approach on controls and the results.

You live in a great State with some unique charm and I personally, I can't wait to see some of your shared images - once you get groovin' with the D5000.

 

[stuwee]

Congrats... your comments about the 50mm 1.8 as a portrait lens are spot on, 50mm on D5000 is like a 75mm lens in standard 35mm format.

Since you got that camera for such a great price, you may want to check out the Nikon DX 35mm f1.8 in the near future. It a very sharp, low-light lens that will give you very close to the same field of view you were used to from 50mm (52.5mm) lens on a standard 35mm film camera. Out of my small collection of prime lenses, that's the one I use the most.

Thanks John, I'll be looking for one of those, I like to be low light capable in that range. I used my Canon 50mm 1.4 more than any other lens. I hope these Nikkor lens live up to their reputations !!

 

[stuwee]

Congrats Stumeister! Sounds like you did really, REALLY good on that package. You're gonna love the Nikon approach on controls and the results.

You live in a great State with some unique charm and I personally, I can't wait to see some of your shared images - once you get groovin' with the D5000.

Thanks Tony! I can hardly wait to get my grubby paws on it, just got the 16GB card today, the Nikon should arrive Saturday or Monday. I think I got a Smokin' deal on it and with my Ebay Bucks I accrued it was free!!!

I love Arizona, it's a very magical place and can't wait to share!

Edit: BTW folks, we're in a freakish cold snap down here in southern AZ, the high was 74 and it's 46 right now, freeze warnings for higher elevations to the east and south of Tucson tonight...BRRRR! I won't bitch, I'll be beggin' for nights like this very soon!!!

 

[MarkWComer]

IF you happen to want a flash for that Nikon later on, I should give you a warning about the SB-600. I read somewhere that they put the thyristor very close to the battery compartment and sudden jolts or impacts jam the batteries into it and break it. Design flaw. Otherwise a great flash unit, but it's too damned fragile.

Never store the unit with batteries in it...

 

[Master Tasuke]

great news, Craig!! i am cerain you will be as pleased with your D5000 as i am with my own! it hasn't let me down yet.
something i strongly reccomend is getting yourself at least one spare EN-EL9a battery pack.

i always immediately recharge keep my spare charged, so i always have a fresh pack ready whenever the one in camera's ready to die.
they last a good long while, and only take about hour or so to recharge. extra packs are about $40/$50ea. at WORST BUY...