Toronto Photography Meetup Group

My son is considering a Nikon D3000. I told him if he goes down that path he will not be able to borrow any of Dad's L glass

That said, do any of you have any comments on this camera? There is a kit non-VR and one with VR for 50 more.

Non VR ($400) http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/ ... rawitha-en

VR ($450)

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/ ... 253483en02

I told him to go with the D3 on me.......But then Law school is out!

Thoughts? Suggestions (in the 400-450) price range?

Hi James
I looked through the viewfinder of the D3000 and was disappointed big time..... it was dam dark
that's the reason i never touched the camera again.....
I would suggest atleast buying a D5000 or D90..I know ur budget is less...but ...its just my 2 cents...
cheers

Yeshwanth - thanks for the input. Anything more than 450+tax is not in the budget at the moment.

Agreed that the D3000 is lacking. I have an acquaintance with one that is now desperate to upgrade to a D90

For a new DSLR in that price range (XS, D3000, A230), the viewfinders are pretty much the same, they are all pentamirror with similar spec. As a matter of fact, even A550, T2i, K-x and D5000 use pentamirror of similar spec. One need to look at D90, K-7, 50D, A850 and up to have a prism in the viewfinder.

For D3000, the sensor is based on what Nikon been using on D60, D40x, D80 and D200, and the performance characteristics should be quite similar.

Do they want to sell it? I'm half kidding but you never know...

Thanks for the input everyone thus far, I would not expect all that much for a sub $500 dSLR, regardless of brand. This one happened to come in at 400 or 450 depending on model so it does seem like a good price for a new camera.

Get a used D70 !!

Used 30D or 40D if you can manage. I was actually able to grab a lightly used 40D for $500 off Craigslist. =)

I would have but you sold yours!

I second 40D, looking for a bargain myself

I agree with the 30/40D option but it exceeds budget by quite a bit. My son is sixteen with a limited budget.

A used 40D with a kit lens will cost somewhere in the 600 range. A used D70 is in 400ish range.

Most of the people on this board have far higher expectations of their gear than my son would at this point in the game.

The D90 is a better camera. I have owned both.

Ofcourse its better lol.. But on his budget its the most plasusable

Well... if he is going D70 --- then at least get a D70s - I had both of them - and the D70s is much better that the D70 for image quality.

Look at a used or old stock D40X or D60, they're essentially the same camera as the D3000, just in a slightly smaller body.

It's a decent little camera overall.

If you're going used, hit craigslist for a Pentax K-x instead, I'm seeing them hit for around $500 with the kit lens and they simply destroy anything else available at that price point with regards to performance per dollar. LV, HD video, ISO12,800 with best-in-class noise performance (they arguably outperform the 7D at high ISO), 4.7fps, in-body IS.

I'd avoid the D70, it commands far too much money for its actual performance these days. While it's a good camera overall, the later D50 and D40 have superior IQ and don't give up all that much in features (dual control wheels and commander flash are lost, the D40 also loses AF with screwdrive lenses but gets ISO 3200 and a better viewfinder in return).

If you want my XSI, I'd be happy to part with it as soon as I get 40D
it's within the budget

Body only, correct?

Yep, sorry kit lens long gone, you can find a cheap one

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/pho/1858236175.html

D70 on sale
cheers

Hi Jamesy,

From my point of view, actually D3000 is quite worth it for a very first DSLR camera, especially if the person is a first time/new DSLR and photography learner. I was considering D90 as my first DSLR camera, but I didn't even know if I'd be using all the quite high end features during my first phase of learning photography :p. I personally like to learn step by step, although it may end up a little bit more pricey than go straight to higher level cameras. . My goal is to be able to create great pictures regardless the camera I'm using. (I'm not saying my pictures are great tho, because they're still not very good heheheheheh ).

But if your son is already familiar with photography, then other members suggestion is more valid I guess

Good luck

ndutzie,
Thanks for your thoughts, from a pure technical perspctive, I agree that the D3000 would likely suffice for him and if he outgrows it he can always upgrade. We are looking at a few options for him as there is never a right answer in these circumstances.

thanks agian to everyone for your input on this.

I think the point you made in the first post about borrowing your lenses would be a major factor for me.

I ended up keeping Canon running in the family - I bought him a T1i off of one of our members. It has a 18-55 IS, CPL filter, bag, memory card and it still has some warranty left.

thank again for everyone who chimed in with advice

Good stuff and congrats to him!

Congrats!! Hope he enjoys the new toy (I'm sure he will ).

good deal, hope he likes your L's

LOL - I would almost rather lend him the car