Decided to buy the D60, but how do I learn to use it? I decided I will get more of what I want with this over a point and shoot as the latter has always been convenient but lacking in picture quality. But as my honeymoon approaches, I start to fear I may mess up a setting and not be able to take a good pic anyway. Does anyone know a really good book or sort of photo class for novices? Decided to buy the D60, but how do I learn to use it? I decided I will get more of what I want with this over a point and shoot as the latter has always been convenient but lacking in picture... » Read More Decided to buy the D60, but how do I learn to use it? I decided I will get more of what I want with this over a point and shoot as the latter has always been convenient but lacking in picture quality. But as my honeymoon approaches, I start to fear I may mess up a setting and not be able to take a good pic anyway. Does anyone know a really good book or sort of photo class for novices? « Show Less
1515519
I found "D40 for Dummies" a lot easier to understand than the technical manual that came with the camera. The D60 has identical features of the D40 (but just has a few additional features). I read the book within a few nights and was able to take awesome photos of our recent vacation in Alaska!! The book had photo examples of the different settings and had great explanations without being over-technical. You picked a great and easy to use camera!!
1515520
Following are the two good books available on amazon. I got the first one and going through it. Can't really comment as it does not teaches directly what settings to use for what kind of pictures. It teaches about the settings and leaves it to you to decide what to use. I believe the other one is a field book.David Busch's Nikon D60 GuideNikon D60 Digital Field Guide I will suggest buying the Nikon Lens pen for cleaning lens for best shots and the ML-L3 Wireless Remote to take pictures with both of you in the shot. Enjoy your honeymoon..!!!
1324959
I would have considered it a starter camera possibly 2-3 years ago..but now since the firmware is at it's highest revision the camera is limited to older SD cards up to 4GB, no further. Those are becoming harder to find. I have gone from a D50 to D80 to a D7000 currently. The D80 or D90 would be good choices to learn on. I hope this helps!!
466905
For me it was price, the IS was a little over my reach. You know you have a great camera you can push that ISO comfortable past 1600 . I recently did a wedding with only a spot light and no flash at 1600 at 5.6 or 2.8 between 15th 125 sec hand held it came out fantastic. Hand held is a trick to learn. I would think you will need to be above 125 second and higher with a depth of field f8 f16 and you said no tripod and I assuming no flash hand held. I think the IS would be worth the stretch if you can. For me it is beach pic on a tripod with weddings and party's One other thing I dont know what speed your camera sync for flash my Canon 60D sync at 250 or less but you can hyper sync flash above 250 but then you pick up a hard grain. If you intend to use flash the flash freeze the movement above 250 in hyper for no flash diffidently if you have the bucks I will assume the IS is as good or better in ether case you will have a top of the line lens good luck
991873
Prash:I've read all your posts and viewed all the photos and your videos.I just purchased a D90 kit and would like to learn more about how to do some of the special things you did with your videos. I would like to find a program that could take several short videos and seamlessy put them together.....I would really like to hear bacl from you....Kindest Regards, Stevebuzzbuzzard@comcast.net
456321
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
1077185
I recently was faced with the same decision. What I basically found through lots of research is that they are both very good cameras. Each has some features that are slightly better or worse, but they basically balance out. Based on the specifications, I had made up my mind to go with the Canon. However, once I got to the store, I found it did not 'feel' right in my hand when I tried to hold it. The Nikon, on the other hand, felt perfect. I ended up going with it and love it. I had a little trouble learning some functions, but was able to read the manual and get it figured out. It also came with a learning DVD. I know several other people who got the Canon and love it. Both have simplified the learning process as much as possible, but you have to be willing to do a little bit of reading or working with someone who owns one. So, you will be fine with either. My suggestion is to just try before you buy, to see which appeals to you more. I think you will LOVE either one. I have been amazed at how much better my photographs look now than ones I took with my older point and shoot.
2254947
Thanks for the good info. I had a Canon Rebel that I returned because of picture quality with the standard kit lens. I have been trying to decide between the Nikon D90 & the Pentax K20D. I am going to go with the K20D and start with the 18-250 and see how far I go. So I am off to shop now. Again... Thanks a lot.
356710
I would suggest getting the D610 instead at this point. All those folks that claimed that there Was no serious problem with the sensor on the D600 now have to explain why Nikon has a new model out in just one year. And it only has one area of improvement- the shutter. The shutter was the suspected culprit. Hmmm...
1008023
In my humble opinion, I think Canon is still the Queen of point and shoot while Nikon is the King of SLR. There are some cheapish Nikons good for entry level, but the D90 is worth the extra money and is cutting edge for what it offers (HD video, etc.) but you may want to look at spending even a little more for a better lens instead of the one that comes with the kit. Yes, indeed, if you are a beginner it can be intimidating, but they all have full auto functions. And just a bit of reading and experimenting can teach you the basics of f-stop (aperture), ASA, shutter speed, and you can go on from there. In my humble opinion, I think Canon is still the Queen of point and shoot while Nikon is the King of SLR. There are some cheapish Nikons good for entry level, but the D90 is worth the extra money and is cutting edge for what it offers (HD video, etc.) but you may want to look at spending even a little more for a better lens instead of the one that comes with the kit. Yes, indeed, if you are a beginner it can be intimidating, but they all have full auto functions. And just a bit of reading and experimenting can teach you the basics of f-stop (aperture), ASA, shutter speed, and you can go on... » Read More In my humble opinion, I think Canon is still the Queen of point and shoot while Nikon is the King of SLR. There are some cheapish Nikons good for entry level, but the D90 is worth the extra money and is cutting edge for what it offers (HD video, etc.) but you may want to look at spending even a little more for a better lens instead of the one that comes with the kit. Yes, indeed, if you are a beginner it can be intimidating, but they all have full auto functions. And just a bit of reading and experimenting can teach you the basics of f-stop (aperture), ASA, shutter speed, and you can go on from there. « Show Less
192593
I think this would be an excellent camera to start off with. The camera is low price for what you get and the manual settings are great. This camera in my opinion can teach you a lot about photography.
986525
Hi Rick, i have a d600 and Works!, take a beautifull pictures, a Little slow to make focus, but take a beautifull pictures, great luminosity, great cristal clarity, a great one to small budgage! i love it! Juan Cisternas, sorry for my english, spanish are my native language!, Im from Chile! God bless you!
1657452
I am over 50. This is my first serious camera. I bought the book Canon EOS Rebel T3/1100D for dummies. The book only describes how to use the camera-not how to take better pictures. The book has been invaluable in helping me with the many features I have never had on a camera before. I love, love, love the camera! The more I use it and the more I learn about it, the more I love it! I am having an amazing time using the camera. You can take quick pictures out of the box if you know basics like attaching the lenses and how to use different camera settings. I did not have this basic knowledge but the dummies book was extremely helpful and got me taking pictures fairly quickly. I hope this helps you... I am over 50. This is my first serious camera. I bought the book Canon EOS Rebel T3/1100D for dummies. The book only describes how to use the camera-not how to take better pictures. The book has been invaluable in helping me with the many features I have never had on a camera before. I love, love, love the camera! The more I use it and the more I learn about it, the more I love it! I am having an amazing time using the camera. You can take quick pictures out of the box if you know basics like attaching the lenses and how to use different camera settings. I did not have this basic knowledge... » Read More I am over 50. This is my first serious camera. I bought the book Canon EOS Rebel T3/1100D for dummies. The book only describes how to use the camera-not how to take better pictures. The book has been invaluable in helping me with the many features I have never had on a camera before. I love, love, love the camera! The more I use it and the more I learn about it, the more I love it! I am having an amazing time using the camera. You can take quick pictures out of the box if you know basics like attaching the lenses and how to use different camera settings. I did not have this basic knowledge but the dummies book was extremely helpful and got me taking pictures fairly quickly. I hope this helps you... « Show Less
520389
I just upgrade from D3100 to D600 recently. Except the price and the size/weight of the camera body, D600 is way better than d3100. Specially in those low-light conditions, d600 has significantly better performance than D3100.
57480
Myrna, Have you gotten your camera, yet? If so, what do you think of it? This would be my first digital camera, and what attracts me to this is that it has manual controls. I would be learning photography on it, so I figure I should have manual and auto controls. I am looking to get a Panasonic because a sales person at Best Buy raved about them and said they have the best lenses. To be honest, I know practically nothing about photography, but have had an interest in it for many years. Do you think this camera would be a good plact to start, at least digitally? Thanks, M
1803406
I had a D40 before the D60, the D60 is MUCH better, just my personal thoughts 1-Dust, if you live in a dusty environment is a BIG ONE 2-Active D-light, Say good bye to underexposed photos, the camera produces very consistent results, not so with the D40 3-Expeed produced lower noise at higher ISO 4-THE VR Lens is SOOO much worth it, my pictures are always sharp I considered the D80, but... 1-No Active D-light "a big one" 2-more focus points yes, but you can do anything with 3 if you use them well 3-the D80 has a motor, but Nikon will be updating most of this primes to AFS this year, I tried the camera motor its slowwww 4-I was planing to get the D80+50mm 1.4 lens for low light, got the sigma 30mm 1.4 its a much better lens to keep on the camera IMHO 5-Expeed processing on the D60 seems to produce more saturated/vivid pictures vs.. D80 I shoot RAW/convert with capture NX, tried all the options, capture NX is slow and ugly, but it gives you the BEST picture period.
646120
Hello,On EXR and Auto mode I've found my images in low light to be sub par without using the flash - which then can unfortunately cause it's own set of problems. However, as I learn the camera I find adjusting the settings and really depending on the manual as a reference guide, along with youtube tutorial videos that my low and dim light photos are improving. I'm an Amateur at this stage of course but more advanced photographers would have an effortless time taking great shots in low light conditions. If you're shopping around check out the Panasonic FZ200 and the Sony DDSC-HX300 both have won tremendous accolades for low light performance. Hope this helps! Hello,On EXR and Auto mode I've found my images in low light to be sub par without using the flash - which then can unfortunately cause it's own set of problems. However, as I learn the camera I find adjusting the settings and really depending on the manual as a reference guide, along with youtube tutorial videos that my low and dim light photos are improving. I'm an Amateur at this stage of course but more advanced photographers would have an effortless time taking great shots in low light conditions. If you're shopping around check out the Panasonic FZ200 and the Sony... » Read More Hello,On EXR and Auto mode I've found my images in low light to be sub par without using the flash - which then can unfortunately cause it's own set of problems. However, as I learn the camera I find adjusting the settings and really depending on the manual as a reference guide, along with youtube tutorial videos that my low and dim light photos are improving. I'm an Amateur at this stage of course but more advanced photographers would have an effortless time taking great shots in low light conditions. If you're shopping around check out the Panasonic FZ200 and the Sony DDSC-HX300 both have won tremendous accolades for low light performance. Hope this helps! « Show Less
427331
are you upgrading the camera? D600 is great, the 85 mm lens 1.4 is beautiful for portraits and i would definitely recommend it, you can get a very shallow depth of field and very sharp images.