Time for new camera?

Hey guys, so I currently have the Fujifilm S700 which is a DSLR-like cam, it sits around the $170 US mark and it works allright. Now, I have a friend who wants to buy it from me, IF I sold it, I'd get around $140-150. Now the question, should I go ahead and put the rest and get say a D40 or an XT? Would I see a big difference in quality? I really like photography and am learning so I don't know if this is the right time to do get a "pro" camera (although I know the D40 and XT range cameras are not pro seeing there's other cameras that go for $1500 an up )

Anywho, any comments? Should I go Nikon D40/Canon XT? Or just get a smaller camera?

BTW, I'll sell mine anyways, just for the heck of having to buy a new one.

Thanks!

I have the Olympus E-410, and love it.

Just remember to figure in the cost of lenses when it comes to a DSLR.

My E-410 came with two lenses, a normal/every day lens and a zoom lens.

^ How much was it?

I could also, just get the next model that comes after the cam I already have. I own the S700 and could get the S1000fd which has more zoom and more MP, and I guess it's better quality.

Bought mine for like $600, both lenses were included.

What kind of photography are you into?

Are you willing to learn to use Manual mode? or at least TV/AV? If not, DONT get a DSLR, it wont be worth it.

I would suggest somthing like one of these:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/495623-REG/Canon_2077B001_Powershot_S5_IS_Digital.html

AWSOME zoom range on this (not sure about the quality though)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/555843-REG/Nikon_26114_Coolpix_P80_Digital_Camera.html

A friend of mine has a previous model of this and absolutly loves it, gets great results as well:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554263-REG/Kodak_1324748_EasyShare_Z1012_IS_Digital.html

If you DO go with DSLR, remember, there is a lot more to it than just a point and shoot. I can right a 101 reasons why you should and why you shouldnt get a DSLR, but im not gunna go there

With a DSLR, it requires a lot more maintnace, and you will have to learn the settings, which can take some time.

Visit this site to get TONS of info and help: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php

Nikon has some very cheap lenses that are actually pretty decent. I recently purchased a 55-200mm stabilized lens for my Nikon D40 for $200 shipped. I think the identical non-stabilized lens is about $40 less, and honestly, you'd probably be fine getting it. Aperture is a bit high, but I tend to leave mine around 4.0 as a minimum. At least with my Panasonic, anything lower would tend to be overexposed.

I bought my D40 witht two lenses for 550 dollars.

This camera allows you to take better picture than your Bridge Fujifilm that's for sure. You can choose between point and shoot and totally manual photography or you can just change a few settings and leave the others to the camera, which makes it a good beginner "pro" DSLR

I'm still learning a lot from it

I was told to check, but I don't really know what to say, I don't know that much about cameras, I just use 'em

I borrowed a D40 from my Dad (work) for about a week. And it was awesome, I loved that camera, lol.

Thanks Mike and TheOtherOne for the input and options.

Punk said:

I bought my D40 witht two lenses for 550 dollars.

This camera allows you to take better picture than your Bridge Fujifilm that's for sure. You can choose between point and shoot and totally manual photography or you can just change a few settings and leave the others to the camera, which makes it a good beginner "pro" DSLR

I'm still learning a lot from it

Click to expand...

^ That's where I'm coming from!

I mean, I'm an occasional photographer that likes scenic and macro shots. Problem is I don't know much about photography yet. On my cam, I never use AUTO unless it's like a family pics or just random shots. I usually use Aperture or Shutterspeed mode and play with those settings til I get a good pic. Also macro, I use it a lot.

So basically, I'm willing to learn and was wondering if the D40 was a good choice to start or if there's something best for the buck that's not very expensive. Such as the Canon S5 IS or the Nikon that Mike recommended.

Thanks so far!

Well the Nikon D40 offers explanation of each settings while using the camera by pressing a button

That camera is a really good beginner DSLR.

Check out this website for good budget D-SLRs. There are video tours of a lot of the cameras... here's the one for the D40: http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/NikonD40/page7.shtml

MBGraphics said:

AWSOME zoom range on this (not sure about the quality though)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/555843-REG/Nikon_26114_Coolpix_P80_Digital_Camera.html

Click to expand...

Nice pick, the Nikon P80 is outstanding. Image quality is extremely good for a compact super-zoom lens.

Also if you're trying to decide between the Nikon D40 and the Canon XT try them out before you buy... I found that I absolutely HATE the feel of the XT (the grip is tiny!) and the D40 is WAY better. Really, the grip alone on the XT is enough to make me not want it. I myself am planning on getting a Nikon D60, but the only upgrades from the D40 are more megapixels (6 to 10), dust cleaning (which you may want to have if you don't want to have to manually clean the sensor very often), an LCD that is sensitive to angle, and a Stop Motion Movie Mode. I think there MAY be faster FPS too, but I don't remember at the moment. Oh, yeah, and there's also the D40x between the D40 and the D60... it's basically a 10MP D40.

Make sure you know what you want before you buy... and remember that in your deciding you are probably deciding which brand you will use for the rest of your life because you'll start collecting lenses and once you do you won't want to switch brands and start over. I personally prefer the Nikon line, but that's just a matter of preference.

ramodkk said:

Thanks Mike and TheOtherOne for the input and options.



^ That's where I'm coming from!

I mean, I'm an occasional photographer that likes scenic and macro shots. Problem is I don't know much about photography yet. On my cam, I never use AUTO unless it's like a family pics or just random shots. I usually use Aperture or Shutterspeed mode and play with those settings til I get a good pic. Also macro, I use it a lot.

So basically, I'm willing to learn and was wondering if the D40 was a good choice to start or if there's something best for the buck that's not very expensive. Such as the Canon S5 IS or the Nikon that Mike recommended.

Thanks so far!

Click to expand...

I'm not sure if I've told you this before, but go get this and read it! http://www.amazon.com/Understanding...-Digital-Updated/dp/0817463003/ref=pd_sim_b_1

Yep you've told me before, but thanks for reminding me.

I'm really interested in that book, haven't had time to look for it in our local bookstore though, may have to buy it online...

On topic:

My buyer is gone so I really can't get any SLR as of now, but thanks so far for the input everybody.