(Bought; No Longer looking): used DSLR for a beginner...pref. Nikon D40x...

[Washburn]

Or a higher Nikon model...

I have finally gathered enough courage to get a DSLR but as i am a novice, BUT I don't want to spend that much $$ on a brand new one...Just can't justify it, as i am an enthusiastic amateur...so these days i only have a really old non DSLR with some advanced functions (but 3.2 MP) and a point and shoot Nikon L22 ... wife mostly uses it. - tiny pocket camera...

So if any of you guys are upgrading from your old low-end Nikon DSLR or have one that you don't use much, let me know, I won't be able to spend a LOT on it, and to be honest IDK what I should spend, either...

Thanks. Just post here or PM me with details.

[Washburn]

oh come on... someone should have one here, eh? :)

[Smilez]

i have a D60, but it's not for sale lol. check Craigslist thats were i picked mine up. And i don't regret it.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Casey might know where to find one, too. I'll shoot him a note and see if he'll visit this thread.

[Washburn]

Hey thanks Marcus - that would be appreciated. :)

[danewilson77]

Would something like this be a good price?

Nikon D40x Kit with AF-S DX 18-55mm and 55-200mm (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574947307&toolid=10001&campid=5336776893&customid=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2FeBayISAPI.dl l%3FViewItem%26item%3D180613914013)

[C Withers Media]

My biggest recommendation is to make sure you have held several cameras before making your purchase decision. Canon and Nikon both have their own advantages and disadvantages but ultimately I chose Nikon over Canon simply because I have big hands and Nikon felt better and sturdier when I gripped it, and the controls on the back made more sense to me when I didn't know what I was doing.

My suggestions.

Go to a camera store...Hold several cameras, fidget with them, look at menu's, push buttons. One will feel better than the other and make more sense to you.

After determining a brand, set a budget, look around on adorama.com, craigslist, and POTN which is a canon based website with a huge for sale section and Nikonians.com which also has a large for sale section.

D40/40x are great starter cameras and what I started with, but there is a hidden cost to these camera if you intend to upgrade lenses in the future. I would say on the Nikon side look for a D80/D90 which are middle tier and will give you more flexibility later on if you catch the photography bug. 50d seems to be a popular choice for beginners on the Canon side.


Cameras are like cars, you can get a Civic or you can get a Porsche. There is a price difference and a performance difference, but the ultimate most important factor in output is the driver.

Anyone else feel free to add input. This is just my humble opinion.

[billschusteriv]

oh come on... someone should have one here, eh? :)

Sorry... no Nikon here. :dunno

[Mtnman]

For the record, i have a nikon d60 that is 10.2 megapixel and absolutely love it. The image it produces can be blown up to poster size and still retain its clarity. Bang forthe buck, it was well worth it. Think u can still get one almost new for 500 or so....which is aout what they were new 3 years ago (gp figure). Edit for clarity: the d40x and the d60 are basically the same camera. I think the x was the higher megapixel offering on the d40, then they just made a new model number for it.... My bro in law has the d40x and i have the d60 hence the indepth knowledge from a rookie "photographer"....
David

[Marcus-SanDiego]

So those Nikons seem to hold their value pretty well, eh?

[Mtnman]

better than my stock portfolio, by far...

[pleasecorrupt]

I have a D40 I was looking to sell and upgrade to a D90 soon, I personally bought it off craigslist myself and the body has roughly only 5000 actuations / shutter count. Comes with a 18-55mm Nikkor lense. Throw something out there not including shipping :)

[Washburn]

Thanks for the reply pleasecorrupt.
Is this a D40 or a D40x? (Either is OK)
. I really don't have any experience with DSLRs, and their used prices. It would be great if you could PM me with a suitable price for the item and then I will let you know if that's in the range I am looking at. I think you'll be able to suggest a price better than me as you already know DSLRs and their prices...
Thanks - I'll wait for the PM.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

And don't forget that Casey is selling his Nikon.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?799-For-Sale-Nikon-Equipment

[Washburn]

Yeah i saw that - way over my budget, although I am sure that's a great price for someone who can afford it. Thanks Marcus.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Wasn't sure, Wash. Just wanted to make sure you saw it if you were interested. Good luck on the search.

[Washburn]

Thanks to all the help and feedback.

I found a D40 with the kit lens (Nikkor 18-55) locally for $300 and bought it yesterday...near mint condition..
Still playing with it....have to get used to not having live view, but it's all for the good, I am sure...

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Congrats, Wash. Looking forward to seeing your work in the future.