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Nikon D60 At Sam's Club


Leigh Ann

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My dh informed me today that he was going to get me a DSLR for my birthday/mother's day/anniversary (poor guy is bombarded with holiday's this time of year). He can't keep a large purchase secret from me because I monitor our money so closely, plus I think he wants me to help pick it out. Crazy me, I'm talking him out of it because we are working hard at getting out of debt and I know this would push our out of debt date back further. But I also know he's pretty hard headed and he'll make me get it one way or another.

 

So anyway, I've never used anything but a point and shoot. This deal looks good to me, but I'd like some or your more experienced opinions. Also, what else would I need to buy in addition to what comes with it?

 

Sam's

 

Thanks so much!

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I also saw this the other day! I was wondering if this was a good deal too, I don't know that much about lenses???

 

I hope there is an answer soon! Is this a good place to start with a DSLR??

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I think the D60 is supposed to replace the D60, but I'm not sure about that.

Someone on another thread recommended a site called kenrockwell.com that I found to be fairly informative.

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I'm interested in this for a different reason. My DH has an old Nikon film SLR and has a lot of lenses to go with it. I'm drooling for a DSLR body so that I can use all the lenses! Does anyone have a recommendation on which model DSLR would be a good investment?

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Thanks Audrey, that was helpful. I had read some similar info about it being comparable to the D40, which I could probably get for $200 less. I wonder if the extra megapixels are worth it?

 

I'm leaning toward this one because of the package deal. Being new to it, I like the idea of it coming with accessories and the DVD's. I really want it, but I still might try to talk DH into waiting until Christmas when our debt is paid off or nearly paid off.

 

I've also read about the D80, they say it's really good too, but it's closer to a grand.

 

I'm going to continue keeping this alive, looks like several of us are curious. If no one comes along, I'll be sure and update you guys if I get it! DH wants to get it on Saturday, but we'll see...

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I am looking at the Nikon family of cameras as well. Here is what I learned on a recent trip to Ritz. The D40 and D60 are very similar. The D60 has more MP but according to Ken Rockwell it is slower than the D40. You are supposed to be able to use non-digital lenses with the D80, but not with the D40 and D60. As far as the MP are concerned, if you aren't going to be enlarging your pictures more than 19X31, the D40 was recommended. I hope that helps and doesn't "muddy" the waters!

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That helps a lot Jenn... I'm agonizing over the decision, but from everything I've heard, any of these choices would be good... Now I'm wondering if I should save up for the D80...

 

Or better yet, I could give my DH the info and let him make the decision for me, LOL.

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One more thing...This is just from the sales person at the camera store and I haven't done much research on it, so that is my disclaimer...With the Nikon brand, image stabilization is in the lens not the camera. Nikon markets image stabilization as VR or vibration reduction. When you are shopping for lenses, look for VR lenses if you don't have a steady hand.

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My dad is a camera buff. He knows all about them. I am going to visit him this weekend, so if you want I will ask, but it sounds like you might have already made a decision by then...

 

If I can't be of help, at least I'm bumping this for you again! :)

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We have the D70- (the D80 has similar features but higher mp) We wanted the depth of field preview. The last lens I got for it was the 70-300VR,which cost a lot more than the one without it, but wow, it takes great photos. I'd save up for the D80 if it were me. :)

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My dh is pushing for the D80. I, however, am reluctant to make such a large purchase, and I honestly think I'll be thrilled with whatever I end up with. So, I'm done shopping - I had to stop before my brain exploded.

 

I'll update when the deal is done, whenever that is.

 

Thanks everyone!

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Hi,

 

Just my two pennorth!

 

I have always used Nikon gear (use a D200 at the mo). The D60 is a very good camera for someone, like yourself, who is crossing from a compact point and shoot type to DSLR.

 

However, I feel that you may outgrow the D60 fairly quickly. The D60 is limited to the G series lenses that Nikon produce, whereas the D80, mentioned by April, can use the full range of Nikon Lenses.

 

I think this has something to do with the autofocus systems being in the lens and not the body on the D60 and G lenses.

 

The D80 is more expensive and I am aware of the reasons you outlined above, but I feel that this would be a better choice in the long run, due to it having more creative features that you can use as you gain experience.

 

Just a little thought from me, but at the end of the day, I don't think you will be disappointed with he results from either camera. Just get a decent lens to go with it!

 

HTH

 

Regards

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Before I bought my digital camera I did a lot of research for what I wanted. I would encourage you to think about your priorities and read reviews of cameras first before buying. One of my priorities was a fast shutterspeed with little lag between shots. This is critical for sports photography (my son is in Little League) and it is also critical for any action shots involving children. I also wanted a great zoom.

 

Nikon and Canon are two very popular (and heavily marketed) companies so most people buy from those two companies. Based on reviews of photographers I chose the Panasonic FZ7. Here's what I LOVE about this camera.

 

1. It takes great shots for the point and shoot types but also includes SLR features.

2. It meets and exceeds my priorities listed above.

3. Easy to learn.

4. does not use disposable batteries and is easy to charge.

5. Everything I needed came with the camera although I bought an extra battery to charge one while I use the other.

6. Long battery life

7. 2.5 screen size

8. Takes awesome photos in various "modes"

 

I LOVE everything about this camera and highly recommend it to others. Panasonic doesn't spend their money on marketing as much as Canon and Nikon but I couldn't be happier with this camera and I've had it for 2 years.

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I think the D60 is supposed to replace the D60, but I'm not sure about that.

Someone on another thread recommended a site called kenrockwell.com that I found to be fairly informative.

 

 

That is a very interesting web site. He has me wanting to do a little more research! I think I just might be satisified with a D40 and save my money for lenses and a flash. For what I do it would probably be my best investment. I'm not a pro, just someone who likes to take photos!

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I will second what KenRockwell.com says about the D40. It is a fantastic camera for the money. It is still fairly compact and lightweight. If you are moving up from a point and shoot to a DSLR, I don't think you will be disappointed.

 

If you have hopes of moving into more professional photography, then I would maybe take Daves comments into account. For a normal hobbyist the D40 will be a great camera for many years and if/when you want to spend more money, use it for lenses.

 

I have the D50 (not made any more, replaced by the d40) and am completely happy with it!!

 

Here is one quote from the kenRockwell site:

 

"The D60 is less sensitive to light then the D40 (its default ISO is only ISO 100 compared to the D40's default ISO of 200). Its less sensitive to light because the pixels have to be made smaller to cram more of them into the same-sized sensor. Smaller pixels collect fewer photons than larger pixels. Since the D60 is half as light sensitive, the D60 has to use twice as long a shutter speed or a larger aperture, which makes it more likely to make a blurry picture than the D40. OOPS!"

 

Hope that helps!!

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I'm pretty torn. I agree with much of what Ken Rockwell has to say about the D40, but that D80 is just callin' to me with the higher MP. I'm sure anything would be better than my 5 year old point and shoot, but I'm trying to drop hints for Mother's Day to my hubby, and it is always better to be exact in what I am asking for! :disappearing-smilie: Thanks for all your input!

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I have the D50 (not made any more, replaced by the d40) and am completely happy with it!!

 

I have the D50 also and have been very happy with it! Here's another site to help you decide - you get very good detailed descriptions and pictures. I always go here when I want to know about a certain camera:

 

Steve's Digicams

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I'm a bit bummed... I'm confessing it here, but I really shouldn't feel this way. DH told me a couple days ago about his plan to get me a DSLR for my birthday which is this coming Monday. Today we went shopping, and I figured he would want to go look at cameras and pick one out, but never said much about it and now he's at work. Tomorrow we'll be too busy and he works a double on Monday, so I don't see any other time to shop. I have no idea what he's planning, maybe he's thought more about what I said about not spending so much until we get our debt paid down.

 

Problem is, since he said what he said, I've gotten camera fever! I was all fine until then, but all the researching and talking about it has made me want one sooner than later. I hate when I get like this!!! Of course, I won't ask him, because the sensible part of me says we should wait and not get off track with our financial plan.

 

He's been known to make me squirm when it comes to things like this and surprise me at the last minute, but then he's also been known to take me very literally when I say things, like "we should wait"...

 

Laughing at myself here...

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I have the D80. I recently got it as a replacement for my Canon Rebel, which started to give me trouble . I can use the Canon, but needed something more reliable. So far, I'm likely it a lot. But I am not liking the fact that the D80 won't use my Canon lenses. They are made to screw on backwards. LOL

 

I got two lenses for it. A regular-type and a zoom.

 

I went about nuts trying to figure out what to do, I'll tell you. There are TOO many options out there.

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Update -

 

To make a long story short, I ended up getting the D80 with the 18 - 135 lens and I have a speedlight on order. I've been playing with it, it's a lot to learn but I love it! Today my daughter is going on a field trip to a local amusement park, so I should be able to get some good pictures with it. I'll post more later on, but I wanted to check in and thank everyone for your help.

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