Deciding on first SLR camera

[Deborah Wagner]

Hello,
I have been reading all the photography threads here (thanks for all the great information!) and have visited many of the camera review sites and I think I've decided to go with the Nikon D7000. My only concern - Will I feel as if I am in over my head as it is not sold as an entry-level camera? I do plan to take some classes, but up until now I have ALWAYS been on automatic. Thanks for any advice you can give me! If you have suggestions for another camera, that's great too!
With care,
Deborah

[RandyP]

Originally Posted by Deborah Wagner

Hello,
I have been reading all the photography threads here (thanks for all the great information!) and have visited many of the camera review sites and I think I've decided to go with the Nikon D7000. My only concern - Will I feel as if I am in over my head as it is not sold as an entry-level camera? I do plan to take some classes, but up until now I have ALWAYS been on automatic. Thanks for any advice you can give me! If you have suggestions for another camera, that's great too!
With care,
Deborah

The D7000 is a great camera. This replaces the D90 which was the top selling DSLR. You can start with the basic settings and build upon that as you learn and the camera will handle it for you. And please post any questions that you have and we will be glad to help.

[vfleslie]

I've been saving, but may even have to go more basic...........looking at the Canon T3i. (just released, an upside to my saving so long) My next big photo event is prom and graduation in 6 weeks so I have to decide to buy now or wait. I can shoot prom pics outside. My last child is playing grade school basketball next year and that's the end of my trying to shoot fast indoor sports shots. From here on out it is mostly college graduations (I hope!!!) and still photography. The baby/ indoor sports years are mostly over. $$$ is definitely a factor. I might be able to swing the T3i with kit zoom and a faster portrait lens. If I don't spring for one now, what's the point? I have a decent point and shoot.

Leslie

[Deborah Wagner]

Originally Posted by RandyP

The D7000 is a great camera. This replaces the D90 which was the top selling DSLR. You can start with the basic settings and build upon that as you learn and the camera will handle it for you. And please post any questions that you have and we will be glad to help.

Thanks Randy - My husband gave me the D7000 for our anniversary! I was so obsessed with it that I didn't want to leave the house for our dinner date(:

I am planning to take the classes offered by the store where we purchased the camera, but if you have know of any other resources for a budding photographer, I would love it.

Thanks again for the advice - I can already tell that I am going to love it!

[hendon]

There is a great tutorial in the store by Katrina called 'Get Me Off Auto'. You can't go wrong with that as a starting place.

Get Me Off of Auto Photography eBook - Digital Scrapbooking eBooks

[Avas Mom]

I shoot with canon ...so i cant comment on the Nikon you're thinking about getting.. but I will tell you I purchased the most basic entry level Canon dslr to start off, and found myself wanting to upgrade within one year.
Katrina class "get me off auto" is absolutely wonderful and easy to follow --- and i would recommend taking it even if you purchase an "entry level" DSLR.

Bottomline.. my vote would be to purchase a camera you can afford, but not the cheapest.

Good luck

Carie

[vfleslie]

why did you want to upgrade quickly?

Leslie