Nikon D90
Normally I don’t get too excited about hardware. But the Nikon D90 is different. The advantages of this camera put it high above others in its class. Sure, there will be something better and cheaper in a few years… but then Nikon will have to drop the price of the D90 or update the camera with more features. It’s the perfect camera for someone who wants more than a consumer D-SLR offers, but doesn’t want to pay the high price tag for (and lug around) a heavy professional camera body.
The Nikon D90 - fantastic performance for the price! Shown with SB-600 flash, 18-55mm VR lens, and 70-300mm VR lens.
Advantages that sold me:
– The menus and features are very user friendly compared to other cameras I tried
– It’s a D-SLR that shoots video! Lacking on-the-fly focus, but at least it’s video
– You can shoot 4.5 photos per second, great for sports and events
– There is a wireless remote for about $18… no more “race-the-timer” for group photos
– CMOS sensor is excellent for low-light shots and long exposures at night
As for accessories:
– I would ONLY buy VR (Vibration Reduction) lenses from Nikon. With VR you can shoot at a slower shutter speed without “camera shake” blurring your photos. If you have the cash, I’ve heard fantastic reviews of the 18-200mm VR zoom lens from Nikon. I went with a dual solution: 18-55mm VR (very small and light) and 70-300mm VR (too heavy for everyday use, but great for sports and scenery use as an amateur).
– Nikon flashes are nice and feature-rich, but pricey. I have an SB-600 but will get a Vivitar 383 as a second flash, because the price is a wee bit over half that of the Nikon.
– Wireless remote: it’s not even a question. If you ever take pictures where you are not behind the camera, you have to get the cheap and simple Nikon remote ML-L3 for $18.
Link to buy the D90 on Amazon (help a freelance writer make a few bucks):
Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
Tags: Nikon D90
I’ve been looking at some DSLRs at the moment, but I think I will go for a Cannon. They seem to be much lighter.
I’ve seen an offer at Saturn for (I think) the Canon EOS 1000D with 2 lenses for €549.
Paul
Paul, check out http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebyside.asp for comparisons of features.
The Nikon D60 is about the same weight as the EOS1000D. I was debating between those two when I went to Saturn. Then I picked up the D90 which fit my hands better, and the menus were fantastic. I was hooked to spend the extra 50% and I’m glad I did.
Canon vs. Nikon is just a personal preference… I liked Nikon’s menus better. Used to have a Canon film camera but the Nikon Dxx series switched me.