Help Me Choose a New DSLR

SLR means single lens reflex. The "D" just means "digital."

Basically, it is how the camera and operator interact. Light enters the lens, hits a mirror that reflects the image into a prism that the operator can view the image on (not a digital viewfinder, like other digital cameras). When the shutter is tripped, the mirror moves out of the way of the sensor, the shutter opens, and the image is exposed, and then the mirror flips back down again.

This type of system allows cameras to have many fancy features, like through-the-lens metering, enhanced focusing capabilities, ability to compose images and focus manually, removeable lenses, etc...

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Originally Posted by CarpeyBiggs

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Originally Posted by kris247

I don't think I've been happy with any Sony electronics that I've purchased in the past 10 years. I've been through a camera, a laptop, and several other small household electronics, and every time I've felt like it's been overpriced, under engineered, and flimsy (especially the laptop). I will never buy another Sony product again - especially if it uses their horrible batteries.

Sony makes all the sensors for Nikon as well... :haha:

Not anymore....

Re: Help Me Choose a New DSLR

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Originally Posted by Alex

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Originally Posted by JP

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Originally Posted by CarpeyBiggs

User error, Alex? :haha:

Ahhh, go easy :mrgreen: Not everybody can manipulate these things :haha:

Na, Dan has all the right to give me $hit. He almost saw a dead russian that one day up in the mountains :lol8:

And ya, I really don't get the whole manual photography. I've gone out with Dan a couple of times now and he just looks at the damn mountain and knows that it's a F22, ISO200, 1/64 shutter speed with exp compensation of +3 with flash off......I look at it and see an "Auto" setting :eek2: :lol8:

So that's why I tried to find the most dumbed down dSLR I could.... d40 came pretty close. Also, the whole thing about the motor for the lenses, that's only if you use older lenses or some odd ones with no motor on them (as I was told). Most normal Nikon lenses would have a motor on it. Isn't that right Dan?

I have to say if that is all it takes to be a pro, Im there..... :cool2:

The lack of the autofocus drive can cause issues with higher end nikon lens, other than that you should be good.

Anyhow, I have experience with the XTi and D40X(had a buddy that bought the XTi and he ended up taking it back for the 40X). I really didnt care for how the XTi was set up(menu and button placement) and didnt think it fit my hands. I got to say that the D40X is simply got to be the most power little DSLR on the market at 10+MP. I was able to pick it up, go over the menu for a min and shoot in manual. Sometimes it can be testy when you want it to do something the processor deems not in your best interest, but whatever. The focal points can only be selected in PASM modes, a pain if you should in auto or programed modes. I think the shutter response and color was a bit better with the 40X as opposed to the XTi, but that may be my Nikon bias coming through.

Anyhow as the others have stated either will meet your needs and I would say dont skimp on price now to have to buy another one later. Ive been saving up for my D200(hoping to catch it on a price drop when the 300 and 3 come out) as I feel I would be selling myself short with the D40X and D80. Keep an eye out on KSL for good deals.

Lastly most shots come down to light and composition, as Im sure others will agree. Photoshop helps, but only when you know what your going to have to compensate for later when your shooting.