Nikon SLR Cameras

Help choosing a camera?

Guest
10.03.2015
Guest

What's the best camera to get for a girl who has an eye for photography but doesn't know her way around a DSLR super well? I know the basics, but nothing too advanced.

My previous camera was a Nikon D60, but it's outdated kind of falling apart. So I'm looking for something that's going to give me good, high quality pictures while still being affordable. (Preferably a Nikon, under $600-$700)

Added (1). Additional info

Not looking for an entry level camera, I spent 5 years with that Nikon D60. Something a level or two up from that would be great.

Frank
10.03.2015
Frank

The Nikon D60 first hit the market in 2008. Since then, Nikon along with the entire DSLR market has made significant improvements in sensor technology, the speed/power of the image processors in the cameras, a few things like focus peeking, video and touch screens that weren't even thought of in 2008. Net result is that you can get a camera with higher resolution, higher ISOs with much lower or no visible noise.

Here's a side-by-side comparison of your D60 with the Nikon D5xxx and D7xxx series of cameras: http://www.dpreview.com/...=ascending

All of these cameras are upgrade from the D60. Since you've been using your D60 for so long, you should already know what you like/dislike about it, making the decision between the various models fairly easy.

Keep in mind that all of these camera have 2.4x more resolution than your D60. You will find it more difficult to shoot hand-held. If you could get away with 1/30th with an 18mm lens, you may find that with the higher resolution camera that you now have to be at 1/60th ~ 1/90th to prevent camera shake.

With your 10MP D60, all of your lenses were out resolving the sensor. The sensor just could not record the level of detail that your lenses were putting out. The higher resolution 24MP sensors will show you all of the imperfections of your current glass. In fact, you could find it necessary to have to upgrade your lenses too.

Since your current D60 is so old, even upgrading to a less-old used body could be a wise investment. This way you get a better camera than your D60, but still get a great value by not buying new. Here's what KEH.com has used in Nikon DSLRs within your budget- https://www.keh.com/search/list?n=128&sort_by=priceMax-desc&category%5B%5D=Bodies&mfg%5B%5D=Nikon&price_min=400&price_max=800

Vinegar Taster
10.03.2015
Vinegar Taster

Look at a D3100.
I have a n2000, and F3-HP from the 80's that are still almost like new. That D60 should have lasted a long time.

Guest
10.03.2015
Guest

You have enough for an entry level DSLR.

You can use any DSLR on full auto until you learn how to use the other shooting modes.

CompTia A
10.03.2015
CompTia A

D5200 or the D7000. D7000 at 700$ on ebay (with lens). D7000 is a mid range DSLR. Not entry level.

If you already have the lens, Just get the D7100 body only.

D7100 > D7000 > D5200

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