I’m currently drooling over the new NIKON DSLR — The D5000. I was walking around downtown when a friend text me that the rumored entry level SLR had already been released, I was ecstatic and wanted to go home as soon as possible so that I can read more about its specs. When I finally got to see a first glance of the new unit, I was way past the edge of my seat and my fingers were tingling, wanting to be able to hold it in my hands.
The D60 was a bit disappointing since it didn’t introduce a remarkable difference from the D40 but this camera not only has a big leap over the D40 but also differentiates itself from other DSLRs in the market right now. It is probably at a level between the D60 and the D90. Here’s some of the features that really got me excited (listed according to level of excitability), being a D40 user and thinking about upgrading my camera in the short term.
- Vari-angle 2.7″ LCD Monitor (perfect for artsy angles and self-portraits)
- HD Video
- Same sensor as the D90 and D300
- Built-in Dust Control System
- 12.9 Total MegaPixels
- ISO 100-6400 equivalent
- Face detection technology
The hype eventually died down and I got to think about the most important question when buying new equipment – Will this improve my pictures? It’s easy to be caught up in the gadgetry of photography with new stuff being released continually so being a smart consumer is very important since these things doesn’t come cheap. While the new features are uber cool, it will not significantly widen my creative potential. I’ll probably be better off buying more lenses, filters, and a flash.
I’m still eyeing on the Nikkon 35mm F1.8 AF-S DX Prime Lens, a high quality polarizing filter (67mm), any quality neutral density filter (67mm), a decent flash. Have to find where to get the moolah to buy these first.
In the Philippine Ilonggo dialect, ambot ah literally means "I don't know." After graduating in college, I decided to hold off pursuing my profession and embarked on a free spirited journey of adventure and self-discovery. My travels have led me to many places across the Philippine Islands and South East Asia. I don't know where this path will take me but I'm certain I'll get a lifetime of stories out of it.
I cannot relate much as I am not into that kind of very high photo quality. Indeed stuff come not so cheap so you have to think over when planning to have new gadget…. now you awaken my cusriosity about photography… but I wonder if this is something that be learned in reading (at least for the basics ad theories).
Invest in the lenses, not in the body. I learned that from Mayad Studios.
@Webbielady: Most of what I’ve learned about photography comes from blog posts about tips and techniques. I highly recommend you try reading http://digital-photography-school.com/ to learn about the basics.
@Rex: That’s the general rule but you also have to consider the body.
That’s what I was thinking … the vari-angle LCD really caught my attention for a moment (bal-an mo naman kung nga-a, hehe). As soon as I knew that the D5000 doesn’t have an internal motor (like the D40), I was instantly held aback.
Uh, so having no internal motor is a disadvantage right? Anyway, I was just suggesting that you put your money on the lenses first before grabbing the vari-angle.. haha.. still, of course, it’s your choice to make.
Ah, hehe. Lenses should be given more priority than vari-angle gd man.
Nikon bodies like the D40, D60, and D5000 are cheaper than their Canon counterparts because they have no internal focus motor. You have to buy lenses with built-in focus motor so that you can auto focus. These lenses are few and are generally more expensive. Nikon D80 and upwards have internal focus motors so they can use the older nikon lenses, which are cheaper, without any problems.
hi! am interested to know more about photography. been wanting to get a D90. is that a good camera? does it have the internal focus motor that you mentioned above? coz i don’t think i can afford really expensive lenses. and by the way, are tamron lenses good enough if i have a D90? what about the EOS 500D plus tamron lenses? EOS 500D is much cheaper than the D90, i noticed.