First DSLR

<p>My only experience with digital has been a Coolpix 4500 compact. Before that I've used a Nikon N80, Pentax ME Super and Mamiya film SLRs. I'm looking to buy my first DSLR and am thoroughly confused by all of the models, reviews and such. My budget maximum is $1000 for a full kit ready to shoot. Most of my shots are landscapes, flowers, water, animals, antiques, furniture and such as opposed to people. I hate the shutter delay in my 4500 and would like to minimize that if possible. I shoot both indoors and out. By all standards I am a rank amateur but it's fun and relaxation for me. I'm looking for recommendations of what to look at and what to avoid. I have a couple of Sigma lenses from my N80 that I'd like to use, but only if they are fully compatible. Any thoughts/suggestions?<br>

Thanks,<br>

dick</p>

<p>Dick, do you mind colsoldating your questions into one thread?</p>

<p>First of all we need to know exactly which Sigma lenses you currently have. And do you mind getting a used digital SLR? I am not sure those D80 and D200 deals are still available, probably not. If you want new, you are more or less restricted to the D40, D60 or D5000.</p>

<p>Here is Dick's other post about lenses: <a href="http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00TVJY">http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00TVJY</a></p>

<p>Shun,<br />Sorry. The lenses are a 055 Sigma Zoom 28-80D and 058 Sigma Zoom 70-300 DL Macro Super. Will either of these work with the D40/60/5000?</p>

<p>Those lenses don't have built in focus motors, right? They'll work but on those three cameras (which don't have motors in the bodies) your lenses will be manual focus.</p>

<p>If you can find one at a reasonable price, a D80 might be a good fit. It has a motor and is similar to a D90 but with the previous generation sensor and electronics. You'd have enough money left in your budget to get one more lens (28 isn't wide angle on a DX camera) and a flash or midrange tripod.</p>

<p>A D90 would also work but the budget would be tighter.</p>

<p>See if you can take your lenses to a store and try them on a DSLR, to make sure they're going to work.</p>

<p>I'd recommend stretching your budget ever so slightly for the D90 and a kit lens.</p>

<p>I think the D90 might be a little out of your range so I would say the D5000. I held one today and decided I will be getting one. My wife wants a DSLR that she can use. Even at the local stores it can be bought for $849.00 with a 18-55 VR kit lens. You could probably find the D5000 kit with 18-55 VR and the 55-200 VR for around $1,000. It has a lot of good features and has the same sensor as the D90.</p>

<p>You know, if you don't mind buying "recertified" you can have a D90 with the 18-55VR for $900. I have a D90, used to have a D60 and tried a D5000 and I'd definitely take a D90 over a D5000 at that price.</p>

<p>Any dSLR is fine, I would go for any of the Nikon cheaper dSLRs they give the same results as the $$$ ones they are just not as good in speed and AF in low light handheld photography. Full frame may be better in high ISO but cost a bomb but for your stuff, I jsut get the cheaper ones. I do landscapes and always shoot in base ISO, I am still using my 2004 dSLR. </p>

<p>I may consider a D200 used or a D80 or D90. Cams like the D40, D60 and not sure on the D5000 do not support AF with lenses that does not have a motor in them.</p>

<p>Bestbuy still has D200 on sale for $650, an unbelievable price for the hardware.<br>

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7633313&st=nikon+d200&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1130987191339</p>

<p>Jeff</p>

<p>D200 would be a great camera, however it doesn't have a lot of the automatic settings that might help your transition to SLRs. The D200 is a very nice camera though. If you can get a D90 I would go that route first it is a nice balance between advanced features and ease of use.</p>

<p>go with a D90.. great camera!!</p>

<p>Thanks to everyone for their inputs and suggestions. I'm netting out on the D90. One additional question...is there anything in the Canon line that is equal/better for my situation at the same or less money. I only ask because reading the online reviews Canons seem to be rated slightly better for quality (hardware and picture). Any thoughts/experiences with Canon that I should take into account before buying the D90?</p>