Best Digital SLR for Novice

[jonandangel]

I searched the threads because I was sure someone would have asked this question before but I didn't find anything. I've been digital scrapbooking for a couple of years. I'm pretty handy with Photoshop Elements and I'm working on the quality of my photography (funny how scrapping makes you want to learn to take better pictures). I've almost maxed out what I can do with my P&S and I'm looking for a digital SLR that can save in Raw format.

I'm not looking to spend more than $1,000... any thoughts on a camera that is relatively easy to learn but can do more than P&S? I have been looking at the Nikon D60 but not sure if it saves in Raw format?

[katrinak]

Hi there!

DPReview provides a great comparison of cameras and all of their features. I'm not familiar with the Nikon line as I shoot with Canon. My guess is yes to RAW.

I think there are a few people here who shoot with the D60.

If you are looking to save $$ you might also consider buying a used body from someone who has upgraded.

[sweetpeony]

The D60 saves in NEF, which is Nikon's RAW. You'll have to convert to another file format (JPEG or TIF) to work with the photo in PSE. My beloved Canon ZoomBrowser will not open NEF files (rats!). View NX is ok, but ZB is easier to use, probably because I'm used to it.

[jonandangel]

thanks so much!

[audrey77]

This is what I would do.

Definitely do not spend $1,000 on your first DSLR. Spend maybe $500 (or less) to $700-$800 max on a body with a kit lens. Get familiar with that camera, and use the money you saved to buy another lens or two;maybe an external flash, etc. Learn all you can about photography and learn to shoot manual.

Then, when it's time to upgrade or replace, you have 2-3 compatible lenses to carry over to the new DSLR.

[audrey77]

BTW- the Nikons also save RAW+ JPG... It's a setting that will produce both a JPG and RAW file. You can also go all JPG and all RAW.

[neonglow]

I shoot with a D60, and it is an awesome camera but honestly, I'd go with the D90. The D60 isn't compatible with a lot of the D lenses in regards to autofocus, so you can still use the lenses, you just have to manual focus. Not great if you're trying to shoot kids or animals, or an event like sports.

If the D90 is out of your price range, the D40X is also a nice alternative, because it doesn't have that little autofocus problem either. I don't know why they decided to do that with the D60, it makes no sense.

[Avas Mom]

Originally Posted by katrinak

Hi there!

DPReview provides a great comparison of cameras and all of their features. I'm not familiar with the Nikon line as I shoot with Canon. My guess is yes to RAW.

I think there are a few people here who shoot with the D60.

If you are looking to save $$ you might also consider buying a used body from someone who has upgraded.

silly question -- but any reliable places to purchase used cameras? i was thinking of upgrading to the canon d50
Carie

[hendon]

Originally Posted by neonglow

I shoot with a D60, and it is an awesome camera but honestly, I'd go with the D90. The D60 isn't compatible with a lot of the D lenses in regards to autofocus, so you can still use the lenses, you just have to manual focus. Not great if you're trying to shoot kids or animals, or an event like sports.

If the D90 is out of your price range, the D40X is also a nice alternative, because it doesn't have that little autofocus problem either. I don't know why they decided to do that with the D60, it makes no sense.

The D40X does actually have that little autofocus problem too - that's why I upgraded to the D80