Nikon D60 - why not?
Discussion
Hi guys
The OH is getting quite interested in taking up photography as a hobby. To this end, she'd like a DSLR.
I started looking at the mid-range stuff like Nikon D90 and Canon EOS 50D but the prices made me think again. I'm thinking that I'll get her something more basic/older to start her off and then upgrade later if she really gets into it.
Any advice on whether the upgrading route (start with D60, move to D90 later) would be a mistake or should I jumo in with the D90. The idea of getting a second-hand D60 with lens for around 250 quid is quite appealing.
Thoughts/comments would be appreciated!
The OH is getting quite interested in taking up photography as a hobby. To this end, she'd like a DSLR.
I started looking at the mid-range stuff like Nikon D90 and Canon EOS 50D but the prices made me think again. I'm thinking that I'll get her something more basic/older to start her off and then upgrade later if she really gets into it.
Any advice on whether the upgrading route (start with D60, move to D90 later) would be a mistake or should I jumo in with the D90. The idea of getting a second-hand D60 with lens for around 250 quid is quite appealing.
Thoughts/comments would be appreciated!
Well, my only comment would be perhaps buy something that wouldn't need upgrading later? Might be better to 'grow' into a camera? Upgrading is usually more costly as you'll have bought two cameras.
If the OH wants a DSLR then she's going to get into it they're addictive - if still unsure buy 2nd hand?
If the OH wants a DSLR then she's going to get into it they're addictive - if still unsure buy 2nd hand?
mcbook said:
The idea of getting a second-hand D60 with lens for around 250 quid is quite appealing.
Is a D60+lens only 250 GBP ??? Or did you mean cost of D60 plus an additional 250 for lens, bringing your total spend to nearer 500 - 600 GBP ?I can't imagine a secondhand D60+lens being as cheap as 250 GBP, not looking briefly on ebay anyway.
So if I assume your total spend is going to be nearer 600 GBP then I'd be tempted to get the D90 body and a 50mm f1.8 as a starter kit. Or a D90 and 18-70mm s/h lens.
Also have a look at the Nikon D50 and D80 - neither of which should be sniffed at!
I had a D60 for about 2 years before I recently graduated to a D300. It was a great camera, especially for those just starting out. There's a handy 'beginners' setting for the rear display giving a graphic representation of what the aperture is doing, which can be useful when you're starting out and there's a great info button that describes what all the functions do when pressed (although other nikons have this too btw).
The main factors in my decision to upgrade were the improved ergonomics and magnesium body of the D300, plus I fancy playing around with some off camera flash and old lenses neither of which the D60 supports (you can work around the old lenses with the D60, but it's a proper faff). The extra couple of megapixels comes in handy, but I never really had any problems with the 10 of the D60, it's more than adequate.
Here's one of my favourite shots with the D60. Taken with the 18-55mm VR kit lens, straight out of camera with no post processing, only a polarising filter on the lens.
The main factors in my decision to upgrade were the improved ergonomics and magnesium body of the D300, plus I fancy playing around with some off camera flash and old lenses neither of which the D60 supports (you can work around the old lenses with the D60, but it's a proper faff). The extra couple of megapixels comes in handy, but I never really had any problems with the 10 of the D60, it's more than adequate.
Here's one of my favourite shots with the D60. Taken with the 18-55mm VR kit lens, straight out of camera with no post processing, only a polarising filter on the lens.
Edited by pphillpot on Wednesday 18th August 11:01
Muska said:
Personally I'd skip the D60, if buying second hand is no problem then look to the D50 or D80.
The D60 does not have an internal focus motor drive, which means a nice cheap lens like the Nikon 50mm f1.8 will not autofocus with that body. The D40/D40X are the same.
That is a good point actually, although I never really found it to be an issue. You'll need an AF-S spec lens to get autofocus. Nikon have this nice little 35mm (works out at around 50mm on the cropped sensor) now which does autofocus on the lower end bodies and is pretty reasonably priced:The D60 does not have an internal focus motor drive, which means a nice cheap lens like the Nikon 50mm f1.8 will not autofocus with that body. The D40/D40X are the same.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-AF-S-DX-35mm-f1-8G/d...
I've been thinking about getting one of these myself...
Anyway back on topic, I got £250 for my D60 with the 18-55mm VR when I sold it, so your estimate is about right.
NewNameNeeded said:
mcbook said:
The idea of getting a second-hand D60 with lens for around 250 quid is quite appealing.
Is a D60+lens only 250 GBP ??? Or did you mean cost of D60 plus an additional 250 for lens, bringing your total spend to nearer 500 - 600 GBP ?I can't imagine a secondhand D60+lens being as cheap as 250 GBP, not looking briefly on ebay anyway.
So if I assume your total spend is going to be nearer 600 GBP then I'd be tempted to get the D90 body and a 50mm f1.8 as a starter kit. Or a D90 and 18-70mm s/h lens.
Also have a look at the Nikon D50 and D80 - neither of which should be sniffed at!
I've had a look at the D80 but for a beginner (until she decides whether she want to get serious) I'm not sure it's worth the extra cash.
nogsk said:
Well, my only comment would be perhaps buy something that wouldn't need upgrading later? Might be better to 'grow' into a camera? Upgrading is usually more costly as you'll have bought two cameras.
If the OH wants a DSLR then she's going to get into it they're addictive - if still unsure buy 2nd hand?
I see your point but I'm thinking that I'll be able to punt the D60 for not much less than I pay for it and therefore the upgrade path will not necessarily be more expensive. Might be wrong though.If the OH wants a DSLR then she's going to get into it they're addictive - if still unsure buy 2nd hand?
pphillpot said:
Muska said:
Personally I'd skip the D60, if buying second hand is no problem then look to the D50 or D80.
The D60 does not have an internal focus motor drive, which means a nice cheap lens like the Nikon 50mm f1.8 will not autofocus with that body. The D40/D40X are the same.
That is a good point actually, although I never really found it to be an issue. You'll need an AF-S spec lens to get autofocus. Nikon have this nice little 35mm (works out at around 50mm on the cropped sensor) now which does autofocus on the lower end bodies and is pretty reasonably priced:The D60 does not have an internal focus motor drive, which means a nice cheap lens like the Nikon 50mm f1.8 will not autofocus with that body. The D40/D40X are the same.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-AF-S-DX-35mm-f1-8G/d...
I've been thinking about getting one of these myself...
Anyway back on topic, I got £250 for my D60 with the 18-55mm VR when I sold it, so your estimate is about right.
mcbook said:
Muska said:
The 35mm f1.8 is a complete bargain and good lens, way above it's price point, but if you look to the new 50mm f1.4 af-s then you're looking at £350ish.
Edited by Muska on Wednesday 18th August 11:42
That is rather expensive (for a DSLR newbie anyway).
Prepare for a world of pain then as £350 is still a relatively cheap lens!Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff