Would this be a good camera to start out with as a new comer? I was thinking about getting the Canon XSI, but it's not advanced as the D300 is. If there's any one on here who owns a D300 on here, could you fill me in and are they easy to use?

 

The D300 is very advanced. I would start with the Nikon D40 or Canon Rebel Xti.

 

if you have money, its up to you!~

 

I'd start with D40 or Xti.

 

I also would reccomend the D40, extremely user friendly. But the D300 is a very nice camera, but you don't want to buy the D40 and wish you had gotten the D300. If you got the money get the D300 and maybe take some photo classes at a local JC.

 

pu$$y get a D3

P.S: More expensive camera=awesome pics

 

I know that the Canon Rebels and D40s would be great to start out with, but I think I might just go straight foward to the D300 since it can take pictures awhole lot better. It shouldn't be to hard to learn how to use it, if any thing I could just reset the camera back to it's default settings if I mess up right? +1 NIZMO, the D3 would be nice but damn-

 

I have the D300. Great camera. Still learning every time I use it. I started with a D70 then D200 now D300.

 

This thread has officially blown my mind. LOL.

NIZMO was being sarcastic. Cameras are tools much like a paint brush. In the right hands, the paint brush can create great paintings. In the hands of a beginner, the results would not compare to an experienced artist. There are expensive paint brushes out there, but it would not matter if the paint brush was expensive or cheap, the results would be the same in the hands of a beginner.

The entry level DSLRs have become so good, that the only things that differentiate them are things for extreme situations... pretty much the only thing the D3 or D300 (or mid-level to Pro bodies) has over the XSi (entry level bodies) is Super High ISO performance (ISO 3200+), shots per second (3.5 per second compared to 6-8 per second), and body construction (compact plastic compared to full sized polycarbonate).

Think to yourself though, do you really need to machine gun shots that fast? Do you need to freeze action in low light situations to warrant using high ISO?

 

my first dslr was the digital rebel when it came out. i picked up the 40d last year. many of us had picked up the entry level dslr and then upgraded when we felt necessary. if you want to go all out, no one is stopping you, but you may overwhelm yourself if you don't understand the basics of photography. expensive lenses and camera bodies will not take good/great pictures for you.

 

I would go with the Canon 5D. It has a full size chip & is a camera that you will never need to upgrade. Or go with the 1D mark III . Either way I would get a SLR that has the full size chip, you won't be disappointed. Your lenses will be what they actually are....No conversions.

 

Like said above, a camera dosent take good pictures, the user that knows the correct settings, angles of light, and all the hundreds of factors that come into play to capture the moment is what makes good pictures. Even the A settings on DSLR's arent that great. I found myself having to adjust alot more when using that setting. Now, M is the only setting I use.

In the end, it is your decison. But, a d300 is alot of money(not including lens) to take a chance on and not like. If I were you. I would buy a entry level dslr (which is going to take awesome pics anyway) and learn the basics with fewer distractions of settings. Plus, resale on dslr cameras are usually very good.

 

I guess i'll just go in the right direction and go with an entry level and then move up in the future. Does the Canon Rebel XSI sound good, or should I go with the Nikon D40?

 

Go to a store and handle both of them. Realistically anything in those two camera's price range would suit you fine. But you have to be comfortable holding it.

This is a pretty good article about the D40:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

 

If this helps you, the nikon bodies are usually a little bigger. Im 6"4 and my hands arent exactly small. So the canon felt too small for my hands to grasp. Either one will be a great camera. Remember, the lens is where the money comes into play. When you upgrade, if you go with the same brand, your lens should fit and all you will have to sell is the body.

 

I saw a D40 at a Walmart today and I liked it, but I figured buying a DSLR at Walmart wasn't the best idea. Now I know what a good deal it was ...

 

I would go with the D80. It is between the D300 and D40x. It is a full size frame, you can use any Nikon lens and it has more features than the D40X but not as complicated as the D300. It also a camera that you will not really out grow as soon as with the D40X as you look for more stuff in a camera.

Or if you want a Canon, get a 40D.

 

instead of buying this, y dont u buy some damn tires for ur wheels!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

get a d60 if you dont wanna be too overwhelmed

or get a d80 which is a little more advanced

 

plz dont give out false info.....the D80 and D300 are not full frame.....the only current digital nikon that is full frame is the d3