Good Entry Level DSLR

The D60 doesn't necessarily come with the 55-200, maybe you are looking at some sort of kit. If you do want to get the 55-200, skip the non-VR version, it's worth the extra money for the VR. I think both the D40 and the D60 are very capable cameras and great starter DSLR's. Anyone on here will tell you to stay away from the D40x, and I see that you didn't even list it as a choice, so that's great! Here are some links for reviews of the two cameras for you to read:

http://www.popphoto.com/Reviews/Cameras/Camera-Test-Nikon-D60
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikonD60/

http://www.popphoto.com/Reviews/Cameras/Camera-Test-Nikon-D40
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/NikonD40/

I will tell you this: neither camera has a built-in autofocus motor, so you will have to manual focus a lens such as the 50mm f/1.8, if you decide to get one. I personally have a D80 and love it. You could also check in to buying a D80, they are much cheaper nowadays!

Hope that helps! Good luck!

thunderweb said:

Thanks for the info! Do you think it would be less expensive to buy the D40 body and a Nikkor VR lens that fit my needs? or do they make any that are 18-200mm?

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Sure, you can buy a lens that does 18-200 or even 18-270. The thing to know about such "superzooms" is that they tend not to be very sharp. The smaller the range, the easier it is for manufacturers to optimize the focal lengths for sharpness.

Also, you should know that Nikon has just announced the D5000, which is the successor to the cameras you are considering. The D40 and D60 are still fine cameras, of course.

They do make an 18-200VR, but that will run you around $700 new. I don't know what your budget is, but there is also the 18-105VR (the D90 kit lens) and the 18-135 (not VR). I don't know what kind of shooting you will be doing and what your budget is, so I can't give one solid recommendation right now.

EDIT: Phrasikleia's post came in while I was writing mine. Take his advice over mine, he's much more experienced! The D5000 is definitely a good option also, it really just depends on your budget!

The lens depends on what type of photos you will shoot.
For a beginner, I would suggest something in the 18-55 range.

No problem! That sounds like a plan. I started off buying my D80 with the kit lens and the 50mm f/1.8, and I added the 55-200VR a few months later. You will be happy with whatever you choose!

I'd suggest a used Canon 20D with a Canon 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens.

I prefer Canon's lens lineup and glass quality, and I find Canon's menus to be much more intuitive. And because I've been shooting Canon for the past 3 years.

techie4life said:

I started off buying my D80 with the kit lens and the 500mm f/1.8,

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I'm sure you meant 50mm f/1.8 ...

just making sure the OP realizes it and isn't looking for some mythical lens that doesn't exist.

I wonder how much a 500mm f/1.8 would cost if it were practical to make?

ft

ftaok said:

I'm sure you meant 50mm f/1.8 ...

just making sure the OP realizes it and isn't looking for some mythical lens that doesn't exist.

I wonder how much a 500mm f/1.8 would cost if it were practical to make?

ft

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It would probably stop being a lens and start becoming a WMD once it hit 500mm f/1.8.

thunderweb said:

Why would you recommend the Canon over the Nikon?

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Just a heads-up.... you'll find that Nikon people are Nikon people and Canon people are Canon people (i.e. you will get somewhat biased comments). I'm a Canon person and will only recommend Canon. I've owned many Canon products and feel that their quality is superb.

Nikon is an outstanding brand, as well. What I would suggest is that you go to a photography or electronics store and grab a hold of different models of both brands of cameras. Feel their weight, the location of the buttons, go through their menus, and figure out which brand and model you like better. Voila!

Don't waste your time on Nikon entry levels. Go for Canon. The XS and if you can swing it, the XSi.

I really liked the XSi feature and functionwise, but didn't like how it felt in my hand... I liked the Nikon's feel better. I would take the D40 over the D60, but if you can spend some more, I would spring for the D80 or even the D90. Getting a camera is very personal, I've found. See which model feels better.

thunderweb said:

Do you guys know if Nikon makes like a 18-80mm VR lens? I think that's the size that would be perfect for me. If I could get that lens fairly inexpensive I would probably buy a D60 body if it was a good price or just go with the D40.

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Nikon makes an AF-S 18-105 VR. Sounds like that would fit the bill.

thunderweb said:

Do you guys know if Nikon makes like a 18-80mm VR lens? I think that's the size that would be perfect for me. If I could get that lens fairly inexpensive I would probably buy a D60 body if it was a good price or just go with the D40.

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They do a 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 VR but it's GBP 450.00 here, so maybe $550 US?
Otherwise it's the 18-55 or 18-105 at a reasonable price bracket.

EDIT: looks more like $630 for the 16-85mm.

thunderweb said:

Got ya, that's pretty pricy for me right now. Ok so tell me what you think of this package. I'm seriously considering this one. http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D60-Dig...=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1242254354&sr=1-6

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Looks a nice kit. Can't comment on the deal as I'm not too up on US pricing (as you'll see from my previous post...).

But as this is your first DSLR I'd strongly recommend going into a B&M camera shop as opposed to just online and trying out various combinations of cameras and lenses (Nikon, Canon, whatever) and seeing what's right for you. The way the camera feels and handles, the weight, balance, position of the controls can make a huge difference to how happy you are with it, how often you use it and therefore how many good photos you'll take.

Razeus said:

Don't waste your time on Nikon entry levels. Go for Canon. The XS and if you can swing it, the XSi.

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Don't waste your time with the XS/XSi... Get a used 20D/30D.

Don't waste your time with the XS/XSi... Get a used 20D/30D.

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Why is that? the XS and XSi is a great camera, it just have a small grip and without top LCD. Check out the reviews for XSi, almost everyone is happy with it and what it offers.

wheelhot said:

Why is that? the XS and XSi is a great camera, it just have a small grip and without top LCD. Check out the reviews for XSi, almost everyone is happy with it and what it offers.

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I had an XTi and to be honest, they're like glorified point and shoots. The big screen always being on is a battery killer, they have no ISO 3200 capability, no spot metering, and the TINY grip and small plastic body make the camera feel like the toy that it really is.