[Fearsys]

As title says, my friend's father is looking to buy a better camera than his point and shoot $200 sony. He is a marathon director and would like to be able to have better quality photos. Keep in mind he is a runner and not a photographer. He was asking me what i thought he should get and i have very little feedback. He does want a dslr so i thru out the canon eos xti and nikon d40. Will any of these benefit his point and shoot style by using the automatic features?

I would like to help him out more but cameras are not my thing. What are your thoughts for someone who wants a dslr used as a point and shoot for dummies?

Thanks

[UltimateLurker]

The standard D40 + 18-135 lens will work perfectly for him.

Nikon D40 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Kit with Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom Autofocus Lens

$649

[crystal_Imprezav]

My only gripe about Nikons are anything short of a d200, you can only get 2.5-3 fps which is not acceptable for sports, good rolling shots, or getting good track day photos. If you don't plan on doing something that requires speed like that, the d40 is a great choice. Great for photoshoots, landscape, or etc. photographs.

[Parker]

Originally Posted by crystal_Imprezav

My only gripe about Nikons are anything short of a d200, you can only get 2.5-3 fps which is not acceptable for sports, good rolling shots, or getting good track day photos. If you don't plan on doing something that requires speed like that, the d40 is a great choice. Great for photoshoots, landscape, or etc. photographs.

anything short of the 20/30/40d in canon is the same...

not sure why you'd need a greater fps for rolling shots though.

OP, look at getting the nikon d80 if he's going to get into this or the Canon 40d.

[UltimateLurker]

Agreeing with Parker, the D80 + 18-200 VR is really a "wanna-be professional" heavy-ass camera, and if he's not in that category, the D40 + 18-135 will save him some money. Top it off with a decent bag, a good circular polarizer, and an inexpensive tri-pod and he's done for life.

Honestly, I've never put my hands on a better point-and-shoot than a D40 + 135 combo, it's just absolutely perfect.

[Fearsys]

Thanks for the replys. I will send him the link to Abe's so he can take a gander.
What photo forum would you recondmend to view some sample shots?
How prone are these to go down? Should he purchased the extended warranty?
What are some good sites to buy from besides Abe's that can be trusted and that has outstanding custome service?

I'll be going to barnes and nobles to pick up a few camera magazines to look at the advertisements.

Thanks Again

[UltimateLurker]

- Photo forums suck, and there's no way to tell what a sample shot is giving you.
- Don't bother with the ex warranty, it's a Nikon...
- Abes is the best I know if, you could try adorama, but you'll pay more.

[Parker]

most photo forums are going to rip you a new one if you post there

sample photos don't prove jack

BHPhoto is a very reputable place to make a purchase too.

[Fearsys]

thoughts about this package:

Nikon | D40 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm & | 9420

[UltimateLurker]

A friend of mine was considering the same package, and my thoughts on it were simple. If you want to go swapping lenses all the time, get the D80, but if you're just wanting a really good p&s, get a single lens that'll work well under any circumstance (18-135). My guess is that you'll use the 18-55 the most, and be very limited by how short it is, and if you use the 200 the most you're in the same boat. Bad idea if you ask me.

[Parker]

if you're going to go the D40 route, look for one that comes with just the 18-135 or comes with the 18-55 and 55-200 VR

[Fearsys]

I just spoke w/my friend's father and he says thanks for the info and suggestions. He is excited to be a getting a better camera and will have to learn how to use it before the end of july. We laughed and both thought of the " photography dummy" books. The link below is what he will be getting and i'll post some pics of my '07 once he orders the camera.
i also mentioned the battery grip for his large hands.

Nikon D40 SLR Digital Camera W/ Nikon 18-55mm Lens & Nikon 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX Lens with Image Stabilization- Price After Instant Savings!

-kudos-

[UltimateLurker]

What's to learn, stick it on Auto and have a blast.

[Parker]

Originally Posted by Fearsys

I just spoke w/my friend's father and he says thanks for the info and suggestions. He is excited to be a getting a better camera and will have to learn how to use it before the end of july. We laughed and both thought of the " photography dummy" books. The link below is what he will be getting and i'll post some pics of my '07 once he orders the camera.
i also mentioned the battery grip for his large hands.

Nikon D40 SLR Digital Camera W/ Nikon 18-55mm Lens & Nikon 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX Lens with Image Stabilization- Price After Instant Savings!

-kudos-

I don't think they make a grip for the d40...only d80 and up. If he has big hands, I do suggest going and shooting with one of these before buying. I don't have very large hands but the d40 is waaaaay to small for me.

[LSE]

Originally Posted by Fearsys

Thanks for the replys. I will send him the link to Abe's so he can take a gander.
What photo forum would you recondmend to view some sample shots?
How prone are these to go down? Should he purchased the extended warranty?
What are some good sites to buy from besides Abe's that can be trusted and that has outstanding custome service?

I'll be going to barnes and nobles to pick up a few camera magazines to look at the advertisements.

Thanks Again

if you want to see samples of the pictures the cammera can take go to flickr and search by cammera.

Flickr: Camera Finder: Nikon