Nikon D3000 has CCD sensor: Can someone please comment which entry level dSLR I should go for?
219020
True, I believe that a CMOS sensor is better than a CCD sensor, however, in practice, I doubt it'll make that much of a difference when you consider the lenses that you're using, the subject matter, person shooting the picture, etc. I'm sure you'll be more than pleased with the shots you'll get with the D3000, and probably won't say "this picture would have been way better with a CMOS sensor."
2133519
As a previous owner of the Canon Rebel, and since you are a first time user, I feel strongly that you will do better with the Nikon D3100. I say this with experience and here's why; the Canon Rebel is a great camera with many features. It's speed, focus and user friendly operations allows for great performance, however, with a price to come with it. I'm not going to tell you the price, only that it is a bit higher than the Nikon. With the Nikon, you get most of the same great features, "easy-to-use" with a guide for "easy shoot", CD/paper instruction manual, plus if you get the D3100 18-55 VR Kit, it comes with a f/3.5-5.6 VR Lens. Both the lens and camera are covered by extensive warranties which come included. (simply register online). I like the 5 year warranty on the lens alone. But price is the most important function, and if you're concerned with reliability, Nikon is just as a trusted name as Canon, so it will last you a while! I hope this shed some light on your decision. One more note, as with a previous answer to your question, about a "booklet" that comes with the camera, the CD version of the "booklet" will allow better visibility and clearer understanding of the example frames shown in the "booklet". The CD opens up the "booklet" to the size of your monitor on your laptop or computer which makes it easier to read. Thanks.
1198691
As someone who spent months in research (and finally decided on the NIKON) allow me to offer my advice: The NIKON P80 has a new sensor with 10.1MP (size 1/2.33" and a pixel density of 36MP/cm2). On its plus side, the small size (although it turns long when zoomed all in), the comprehensive menu and the overall built. On the minus side, the NIKON, although perfectly capable, will not take the best photo if left on Auto. The PANASONIC FZ18 has an older 8.1MP sensor (size 1/2.5" and a pixel density of 32MP/cm2). On its plus size, the impeccable LEICA lens system (and quite short even at maximum zoom), the handy joystick, the great image quality and the mechanical stabilization (the only one of these three that comes with it). On the minus side, the FZ18 is a bit larger that the P80 - and is bound to be replaced by Christmas. The FUJI S8100FD was never a contender for me. With a 10MP sensor (size 1/2.3" and a pixel density of 35MP/cm2) it is not too shabby. Yet, its overall design was not to my liking at all (of course that is a personal preference). The best advice a professional photographer gave me was this: choose the best lens and then the best sensor. Then make sure it is a camera for your level. The PANASONIC has the best lens whereas the NIKON has the best sensor (these cameras are still Point&Shoot, nowhere near the sensor sizes of a DSLR). Bottom line: if new to digital photography or do not care to be concerned with all the tweaking, go with the PANASONIC - it has a much better intelligent Auto (iA) function. If more experienced or would like to be more involved in taking a photo, go with the NIKON. Happy shooting!
1946228
Check out the D300s - if it's beyond your budget, get the D90, not the D300- It's outdated. The D90 is an awesome camera. I have it.With the extra cash left, you can buy a lens ;)
722135
The DCR SR300 has a CMOS sensor, the DCR SR100 has the CCD. That could account for the difference. I doubt that quality is as bad as Frank seems to find it. I am waiting on a camcorderinfo.com review before I buy but with the Lux rating being better for the DCR SR300 there is no reason why it should be so disappointing.
2175502
yes indeed, the lens has a full frame compatible image circle. also, the d300 has an onboard AF motor
1105598
Yes, but for the D3000 the 18-300 VR would be better unless you plan to transition to a full-frame Nikon camera.
287141
I don't think the T300 is in the same class as the G10 and LX3, in terms of features and image quality. I'm a Canon guy and I really wanted to get the G10. But it was a marginal improvement over the G9. And the low light performance is still lacking. I tend to shoot a lot of indoor and night time pics, so the LX3 was a better choice for me. But if you're more of an outdoor daylight shooter, the G10 blows the LX3 away. And I have to say that Canon has a better menu system and user interface. The Panasonic UI takes some getting used to. I would highly recommend browsing through Flickr to get an idea of the image quality that comes from each of the cameras. It should help you decide on the best camera for your needs. And Amazon uses automated scripts to adjust pricing. If a Marketplace reseller offers it for a lower/higher price, the Amazon price will drop/increase by X dollars. So if you're looking for the best price from Amazon, it helps to be a little obsessive and check every half hour or so. :-)
122905
I just bought a 40D and I think it is a great camera. As posted, there is not best choice but I am sure if the extra (few) bucks is not an issue, we should go for the 40D. It is also the latest sensor and I found it to be really good. Took some shots and it is great.
597146
The D300 was my first SLR Camera. Before that I was using point and shoots. I would say it is appropriate for a beginner who is learning actively. When I bought this cam I had started taking courses and I evolved rapidly to a serious hobbyist. I would say you shouldn't buy it if you're not planning to learn how to be a better photographer, otherwise, the Canon 40D which is also a medium sized SLR would be much more suited. It has many kinds of automatic modes that you would select. The D300 has only four modes: Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Program mode.Personally I'm glad I ended up choosing the Nikon D300, it's such an amazing camera...I hope this was helpful The D300 was my first SLR Camera. Before that I was using point and shoots. I would say it is appropriate for a beginner who is learning actively. When I bought this cam I had started taking courses and I evolved rapidly to a serious hobbyist. I would say you shouldn't buy it if you're not planning to learn how to be a better photographer, otherwise, the Canon 40D which is also a medium sized SLR would be much more suited. It has many kinds of automatic modes that you would select. The D300 has only four modes: Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Program mode.Personally... » Read More The D300 was my first SLR Camera. Before that I was using point and shoots. I would say it is appropriate for a beginner who is learning actively. When I bought this cam I had started taking courses and I evolved rapidly to a serious hobbyist. I would say you shouldn't buy it if you're not planning to learn how to be a better photographer, otherwise, the Canon 40D which is also a medium sized SLR would be much more suited. It has many kinds of automatic modes that you would select. The D300 has only four modes: Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Program mode.Personally I'm glad I ended up choosing the Nikon D300, it's such an amazing camera...I hope this was helpful « Show Less
2227616
No, the D3000 does not have Live View, the ability to use the LCD as a viewfinder. Live View isn't as useful on a dSLR as you might think, though -- it doesn't work as smoothly as with a point and shoot camera and it uses an inferior slower auto-focus method. In nearly all cases, you would want to use the optical viewfinder on a dSLR for the highest possible auto-focus performance anyway otherwise you lose one of the advantages of having a dSLR.
774987
Hi Mr. Hewitt (I wonder if we have any relation?) Anyway, for a true beginner (as in you've never used anything but a point-and-shoot) I'd recommend you get a Nikon D40 and an 18-200 VR. Keep the 18-55 kit lens, you'll find it lighter when your just taking snapshots of the family or whatever. The D40 is an excellent starter camera, it has almost all the tweaks of this much more expensive camera without the weight and cost. The D300 has many advantages over it, but I really feel you'll learn a lot faster with a simpler camera, and step up to this when your ready. I actually started out with a D40 a bit over a year ago, it made starting out quite fun. The 18-200VR will follow you as a great lens on the D300 too, and you can use any newer AF-S lenses on it. If you have older AF-D Nikon lenses lying around that you want to use, a D80 is also a good place to start. It's easier to make the custom tweaks you'll learn about in your photography classes on the D80, but it still has Auto modes as well to get you started. Checkout www.kenrockwell.com, especially his recommended camera page. He's a bit more eloquent than I am. And I wouldn't be so fast to recommend the D60 to anyone, it's just the D40x's guts (plus active D-Lighting, but without the other enhancements of the D300/D3) with a different name stamped on it. I wouldn't recommend the D40x or D60 to anyone, they exist to fill a price point to compete with Canon. If your eyeballing either, jump to the D80 and don't look back.
293566
with DSLRs, it's always camera + lens (+ memory card). the K30 has excellent features and performance (for all uses) for its price, compared with other cameras. for sports, i'll add that it shoots 45 frames @ 6 fps (jpeg, no distortion correction), which is as fast as or faster than more expensive canons and nikons. if you are shooting continuous, make sure you buy a memory card that can handle it.
858726
If you want a DSLR that you can initially use as if it were a point and shoot digicam, the A300 probably wins. It has the best live view implementation for that purpose. The built-in image stabilization is also a big plus. I'm not sure I'd say "Sony's lenses are cheaper" as a blanket statement, but you can definitely spend less and still benefit from the in-camera image stabilization rather than having to buy more expensive lenses with optical IS to get it. The D60 also lacks a focus drive motor, so you must either buy lenses with their own motors (AF-S, AF-I) or manual focus. As such, if it were me, I'd be somewhat inclined to skip the D60 and look at other Nikon models (including the D80 you mentioned) to compare to the Sony. I'd also take a look at Canon as well if you haven't already, at least for comparison, perhaps including some low-light shots with each. The A300 would make a very good first DSLR for a lot of folks, and it can also hold its own quite well against the competetion for more advanced users too, but much of the decision depends on personal preference, so it's never a bad idea to wander over to a local shop and get a feel for a few different models to see what you prefer.
1946227
The D90 has essentially all the capabilities of the D300s and, even if money is no object, it is smaller and what - 300 grams (2/3 lb) LIGHTER! Foul weather proofing is a consideration but if your lenses have seals then less so. All pro Nikons have seals. Even after the current price drop of the D300s, the ~$700 saved will go a long way to buying the 70-200 mm f/2.8 VRII lens, too, which is awesome btw.
398737
I'm also thinking about those cameras and I don't know which one to get. I was leaning towards the Nikon d90 because of the HD video but I don't know.
963498
Excellent. Even though the d3100 is considered an entry-level DSLR, it is well suited to take excellent bird photographs. Using even a 55 - 200mm zoom lens will yield very good results for backyard or zoo setting photo opportunities.