Sarap Magl
Is there a digital single lens reflex ( DSLR ) camera selling for $ 500 or less ?
If yes, please tell me the brand and model of the camera.
Thank you.
Answer
The Nikon D40 is a great little camera, very easy to use and quite reasonably priced. It's now under $500 with a lens. It has a few "consumer friendly" totally automatic modes that make it very easy to use, but still offers total photographic control when you are ready to take charge. It will get you in the Nikon family which is a great place to be. If you buy accessories and lenses, you will be able to use everything on any Nikon that you might upgrade to later on. The user manual is among the easiest to use, also, including three pages of "frequently asked questions" that could put Yahoo! Answers out of business.
Check out Nikon's "Picturetown" promotion, where they handed out 200 D40's in Georgetown, SC. http://www.stunningnikon.com/picturetown/
Here are a few reviews, in case you have not read them yet. Be sure to note that they are several pages long and some of the reviews also have some sample images that you can look at.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40/
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/nikon_d40.html
http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3756/camera-test-nikon-d40.html
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40/d40-recommendations.htm
I hate to see people slam the camera because it can't autofocus with older Nikon lenses. It is true that there is a "slight problem" with older Nikon lenses not autofocusing on the D40, but if you do not own a bag full of older lenses, it is not going to be a problem. It is barely a problem anyhow. If you check www.nikonusa.com for "AF-S" lenses, which are ALL 100% compatible with the D40, you will find 28 lenses, including 13 "VR" (vibration Reduction) lenses and one true macro lens with "VR". There are another 25-plus lenses in the current catalog that provide all functions except autofocus as well as many (possibly dozens) "out of print" lenses that will work just as well. In addition, although these lens will not autofocus, most of them will still give focus confirmation. From the D40 manual: "If the lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 of faster, the viewfinder focus indicator can be used to confirm whether the portion of the subject in the selected focus area is in focus. After positioning the subject in the active focus area, press the shutter release button halfway and rotate the lens focusing ring until the in-focus indicator is displayed." (See http://www.members.aol.com/swf08302/nikonafs.txt for a list of AF-S lenses or see http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=read_count&om=16715&forum=DCForumID201 for even more...)
The D40 only has 3 autofocus zones arranged horizontally at the center, 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. This might be considered a limitation, but realistically, most people will find this perfectly adequate, especially if you are moving up from a point and shoot with only a center zone.
There is no "Status LCD" on top of the camera, but Nikon chose to use the rear LCD for this information. This is actually a nice move, as the display is bigger than the top display and you aren't using the read LCD for anything BEFORE you take the picture anyway. This is not a step backwards and it actually makes sense to me.
You can get the D40 with the 18-55 kit lens at B&H Photo available through Yahoo! Shopping or at 1-800-622-4987) for $480 (April 2008). Add a Lexar Platinum (60X speed) card for $25 or 2 GB for $35. Or - get the D40 with 18-135 lens and 1 GB Lexar card for around $700. This is a decent lens and it is very versatile. You will find it suitable for pretty much anything you want to do, other than really long telephoto shots. It will let you explore the range of focal lengths to decide where to start filling in your lens collection. If you don't want to buy any more lenses, this one will carry you through pretty much everything. B&H also have used D40's with the lens from $419.
The Nikon D40 is a great little camera, very easy to use and quite reasonably priced. It's now under $500 with a lens. It has a few "consumer friendly" totally automatic modes that make it very easy to use, but still offers total photographic control when you are ready to take charge. It will get you in the Nikon family which is a great place to be. If you buy accessories and lenses, you will be able to use everything on any Nikon that you might upgrade to later on. The user manual is among the easiest to use, also, including three pages of "frequently asked questions" that could put Yahoo! Answers out of business.
Check out Nikon's "Picturetown" promotion, where they handed out 200 D40's in Georgetown, SC. http://www.stunningnikon.com/picturetown/
Here are a few reviews, in case you have not read them yet. Be sure to note that they are several pages long and some of the reviews also have some sample images that you can look at.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40/
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/nikon_d40.html
http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3756/camera-test-nikon-d40.html
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40/d40-recommendations.htm
I hate to see people slam the camera because it can't autofocus with older Nikon lenses. It is true that there is a "slight problem" with older Nikon lenses not autofocusing on the D40, but if you do not own a bag full of older lenses, it is not going to be a problem. It is barely a problem anyhow. If you check www.nikonusa.com for "AF-S" lenses, which are ALL 100% compatible with the D40, you will find 28 lenses, including 13 "VR" (vibration Reduction) lenses and one true macro lens with "VR". There are another 25-plus lenses in the current catalog that provide all functions except autofocus as well as many (possibly dozens) "out of print" lenses that will work just as well. In addition, although these lens will not autofocus, most of them will still give focus confirmation. From the D40 manual: "If the lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 of faster, the viewfinder focus indicator can be used to confirm whether the portion of the subject in the selected focus area is in focus. After positioning the subject in the active focus area, press the shutter release button halfway and rotate the lens focusing ring until the in-focus indicator is displayed." (See http://www.members.aol.com/swf08302/nikonafs.txt for a list of AF-S lenses or see http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=read_count&om=16715&forum=DCForumID201 for even more...)
The D40 only has 3 autofocus zones arranged horizontally at the center, 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. This might be considered a limitation, but realistically, most people will find this perfectly adequate, especially if you are moving up from a point and shoot with only a center zone.
There is no "Status LCD" on top of the camera, but Nikon chose to use the rear LCD for this information. This is actually a nice move, as the display is bigger than the top display and you aren't using the read LCD for anything BEFORE you take the picture anyway. This is not a step backwards and it actually makes sense to me.
You can get the D40 with the 18-55 kit lens at B&H Photo available through Yahoo! Shopping or at 1-800-622-4987) for $480 (April 2008). Add a Lexar Platinum (60X speed) card for $25 or 2 GB for $35. Or - get the D40 with 18-135 lens and 1 GB Lexar card for around $700. This is a decent lens and it is very versatile. You will find it suitable for pretty much anything you want to do, other than really long telephoto shots. It will let you explore the range of focal lengths to decide where to start filling in your lens collection. If you don't want to buy any more lenses, this one will carry you through pretty much everything. B&H also have used D40's with the lens from $419.
Good 35mm single lens reflex camera for photography class?
Kamen Ride
I'm gonna take an introduction photography class, whose course description is;
"an introductory photography class that offers students a working knowledge of the basics of traditional black and white darkroom photography including history, theory and practice. This course will emphasize the technical aspects of black and white photography. Students will also explore the historical context of art and photography. Class critiques will be used to analyze and discuss photographic images. "
And I'm looking for a 35mm single lens reflex camera that is required for this class. I'm so new to photography that I don't even know what "single lens reflex" means. So can somebody recommend what camera to buy from what shop? I'd be happy if it's less than $300 including all accessaries.
Thanks.
It'll be great if you can suggest points to consider when deciding specific model.
Maybe less than $100 if it can be. And I don't mind buying cheap used one as long as it works.
Answer
Minolta did make some great 35mm SLRs. If you go with Minolta, I would suggest a maxxum because you can use the lens(es) that you get with it on the Sony alpha DSLRs and vice versa. The Minolta Maxxum 7000 is one of the classic Minolta Maxxum SLRs.
I have a Minolta Maxxum 7000 and I got it with the 50mm f/1.7 lens (great inexpensive lens for portraits) for $84 including shipping from ebay. I also recently purchased a Minolta Maxxum HTsi with a flash, a 50mm lens, a 35-105mm lens and a 100-200mm lens for $75 through craigslist. I then sold the camera, flash and 50mm lens for $100.
Ebay and craigslist are both great places to buy a used 35mm SLR. An SLR camera body is going to have all the features that you need. If you intend to go digital, then I would base my decision on which 35mm to get on which brand of digital SLR you would choose.
Hit dpreview.com and check out the camera reviews. Hit the forums there to ask about brands and such. Do a little research and you will be able to make the best choice.
I had a 35mm Canon Rebel and when I decided to go digital, I also switched brands. Once I decided on Sony, that is when I started to watch for Minolta Maxxum equipment.
So I now have a 35mm Minolta SR-7 (older MD mount). I have the Minolta Maxxum 7000, and I have the Sony a700. I only have two Sony lenses as of yet. The other three lenses are Minolta. And I got them for a steal.
Just keep your eyes open on ebay and craigslist. Check them everyday or you might miss a nice deal.
As to lenses, it depends on what you want to shoot. Most photographers do at least some portraiture. So a prime lens around 35mm up to about 50mm (85mm at the most) with a 1.4 up to 1.8 maximum aperture is essential for most of us. Other than that, it really does depend on what you want to shoot.
For landscapes and cityscapes you need something wide. 28mm to 35mm is wide on a 35mm camera, but not very wide on a digital. And for sports and wildlife you want a long telephoto. Often starting out you have to settle for a zoom supertelephoto, such as a 70-300, as the primes are quite expensive. Also these lenses are more convenient when they have wide maximum apertures like 2.8 so that you can get the shots even in low light.
Usually a 35mm camera will come with a lens that goes from a wide angle to a telephoto range. Such as 28-80mm. Pair this with a 75-300mm lens and an inexpensive portrait lens (such as a 50mm f/1.8) and you have a great starter set-up. If you buy a system with a current mount, you can even use the lenses on a digital camera.
Good luck finding a great deal. They are out there, you just have to look for them.
Minolta did make some great 35mm SLRs. If you go with Minolta, I would suggest a maxxum because you can use the lens(es) that you get with it on the Sony alpha DSLRs and vice versa. The Minolta Maxxum 7000 is one of the classic Minolta Maxxum SLRs.
I have a Minolta Maxxum 7000 and I got it with the 50mm f/1.7 lens (great inexpensive lens for portraits) for $84 including shipping from ebay. I also recently purchased a Minolta Maxxum HTsi with a flash, a 50mm lens, a 35-105mm lens and a 100-200mm lens for $75 through craigslist. I then sold the camera, flash and 50mm lens for $100.
Ebay and craigslist are both great places to buy a used 35mm SLR. An SLR camera body is going to have all the features that you need. If you intend to go digital, then I would base my decision on which 35mm to get on which brand of digital SLR you would choose.
Hit dpreview.com and check out the camera reviews. Hit the forums there to ask about brands and such. Do a little research and you will be able to make the best choice.
I had a 35mm Canon Rebel and when I decided to go digital, I also switched brands. Once I decided on Sony, that is when I started to watch for Minolta Maxxum equipment.
So I now have a 35mm Minolta SR-7 (older MD mount). I have the Minolta Maxxum 7000, and I have the Sony a700. I only have two Sony lenses as of yet. The other three lenses are Minolta. And I got them for a steal.
Just keep your eyes open on ebay and craigslist. Check them everyday or you might miss a nice deal.
As to lenses, it depends on what you want to shoot. Most photographers do at least some portraiture. So a prime lens around 35mm up to about 50mm (85mm at the most) with a 1.4 up to 1.8 maximum aperture is essential for most of us. Other than that, it really does depend on what you want to shoot.
For landscapes and cityscapes you need something wide. 28mm to 35mm is wide on a 35mm camera, but not very wide on a digital. And for sports and wildlife you want a long telephoto. Often starting out you have to settle for a zoom supertelephoto, such as a 70-300, as the primes are quite expensive. Also these lenses are more convenient when they have wide maximum apertures like 2.8 so that you can get the shots even in low light.
Usually a 35mm camera will come with a lens that goes from a wide angle to a telephoto range. Such as 28-80mm. Pair this with a 75-300mm lens and an inexpensive portrait lens (such as a 50mm f/1.8) and you have a great starter set-up. If you buy a system with a current mount, you can even use the lenses on a digital camera.
Good luck finding a great deal. They are out there, you just have to look for them.
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