Digital SLR Camera Help - For Christmas Gift.

[Joe]

i dont consider any of this stuff, pro stuff. even still, they are built far better than you'd think. and because they cost so much more than a reg point and shoot, i'd imagine people would take care of them. but i would still buy used, each and every time. i wish i hadnt spent $900 on my rebel with the pile of crap kit lens.

of the D40, and D60 both are lacking the autofocus, i'd seriously skip them.

but like i said, i know several people with the D40. they all HATE trying to get through the menu. and 2 of them have lenses that will not autofocus. they had no idea they wouldnt work until AFTER they bought them.

Your point on buying pro stuff used may be true to a point.
Things still get dropped/mistreated intentionally or not. While your chances of buying defective equip from a pro may be a little less than from the recreational consumer, I know I'd rather buy new and save expensive repair bills, but that is just me.

D40/60 have autofocus, it is built in the lens rather than the body. That was intentional to keep the body smaller and help keep cost down for the consumer.
Sounds like those two people didn't do very much research before buying cameras that weren't enough for their needs

[avbcon12]

Your point on buying pro stuff used may be true to a point.
Things still get dropped/mistreated intentionally or not. While your chances of buying defective equip from a pro may be a little less than from the recreational consumer, I know I'd rather buy new and save expensive repair bills, but that is just me.

D40/60 have autofocus, it is built in the lens rather than the body. That was intentional to keep the body smaller and help keep cost down for the consumer.
Sounds like those two people didn't do very much research before buying cameras that weren't enough for their needs

agreed, both pro and consumer can be handled the same but hopefully a professional knows better.

the truth is, some PNS cameras now are the price of the entry DSLR's (~$400) so why not buy new???

canon SD990 PNS ($400): http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...S_Digital.html

Canon DSLR XTi ($450): http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Rebel_XTi.html

[wikdsvt]

I stopped by Bestbuy and talked to them a little.... (just trying to gather info, I still have 2 or 3 days).

I think this is one of those things that i have to put in her hands, and let her play with before I buy it.

[avbcon12]

I stopped by Bestbuy and talked to them a little.... (just trying to gather info, I still have 2 or 3 days).

I think this is one of those things that i have to put in her hands, and let her play with before I buy it.

i would since shes going to be the one using it. take her to best buy and tell her youre thinking of getting one (for yourself) but cant decide, see which one she likes. then...surprise!

[Joe]

i would since shes going to be the one using it. take her to best buy and tell her youre thinking of getting one (for yourself) but cant decide, see which one she likes. then...surprise!

she'll see right through that.
Check the return policy and buy one for her to unwrap. I know Costco has an incredible return policy, make sure it applies to cameras.

[wikdsvt]

I checked out Costco this weekend - Told her i wanted to look at LCD TV's and that is were I played with the D60.

Only problem is my G/F has the costco membership. LOL.



The High end point and shoot and the entry SLR's are about the same price. I want her to play with them and see what she likes better.

[avbcon12]

costcos return policy used to be the best anywhere. it was return anything, at any time for the price you paid. i returned my lcd tv after using it for over a year. they gave me cash back right there. they have changed that though, i believe its only 30 days now. youll have to look into it.

what was costcos price on the D60?

[lucky7]

D40/60 have autofocus, it is built in the lens rather than the body. That was intentional to keep the body smaller and help keep cost down for the consumer.
Sounds like those two people didn't do very much research before buying cameras that weren't enough for their needs

like most people buying entry level dslr's. they really dont know anything about them, or how they work. so they generally buy the cheapest.
to me, this is a HUGE downfall. as is the ultra slow setting changed on the D40. i wont continue to argue. i've used a d40, and i think the layout is crappy. and the menu is pure shit to try to navigate through. i wouldnt mind a D80 or even a D300. ive messed around with both a little. but for simplicity, my rebel is far superior. the major downfall i've noticed (in the lower end canons), is how they produce noise. other than that, i have no real issues with my canon.

[wayfastwhitey191]

D40 FTMFW!!! Best camera for the money. Easy to work with, great pictures. The small/light body is nice too! I'd buy one new. They're pretty cheap now.

[JustANeon]

I have a D70s, it's an older body, but if you could find one cheap and well taken care of then I would suggest that.

My Flickr

every shot on my flickr is taken with my D70s. With photography it is far more about the photographer than the camera. The best camera for a beginner is the one that feels the best in their hands and that they find the most intuitive to adjust settings. I had a Nikon P&S SLR-wannabe and so I found it very easy to move into the Nikon DSLR line.

Also, Nikon is an optics manufacturer, Canon is an electronics manufacturer and the lens matters so much more than the body.