Hey all,

So I have been trying to read up on all of the great info in this subforum. Man, I wish I never clicked in here but I guess it was inevitable. At any rate, after reading most of the threads here and doing online research I have decided to buy the D90. This is going to be my first DSLR as I am sick and tired of our P&S cameras and losing so many good shots.

I am buying it off of Amazon for $1027.54. Based on what I have read, seems like a decent price i.e. I'm not getting raped- at least I don't think I am?

I know I have to buy an SDHC card. Do you guys have any links/suggestions as to which card I should get? 8GB, 16GB or more?

I also see that some of you guys are using the Crumpler 5 million. I like it because it seems a lot more compact. Are there any newer brands/models out that you enthusiasts like?

Do I need to get a separate flash e.g. Nikon SB-600 or would the stock flash be sufficient.

Sorry for all the questions. Any insight is appreciated.

 

So you're getting it with the 18-105? Good deal

Memory cards, I suggest this http://www.amazon.com/Transcend-Memo...8962940&sr=1-1 I have used their compact flash cards w/o problems. I don't suggest anything over 8gb, maybe 16gb if you think you'll being doing a lot of video. But I like to not put all of my cards in one place.

Crumplers are nice bags, but I just figured out the 5 mill bag doesn't have a shoulder pad, the bigger one's do.

Flash, I hotshoe flash will give you better results, but you won't need right a way

 

actually been looking at a D90 body on amazon as well. It was a good price. The D5000 might be something to think about too since you are just getting into DSLR photography.

As far as cards go I'd go with several 4GB/8GB (I tend to use smaller cards, usually a little cheaper and if a card goes bad your losses are somewhat lessened)

I have a Crumpler $5MM and I love it, great back and doesn't say "hey look at my camera bag"

As far as flashes go the 'stock', on camera flash is NEVER sufficient. Even using something like and SB400 will make your flash pictures leaps and bounds better.

 

Jup- yeah man, I am just getting the standard lens for now. There is just so much info in this forum and I am sure once I get the camera there will be a huge learning curve so I don't want to dump a whole lot of $$ into an upgraded lens just yet.

Thanks for the link on the SD card. I will check it out.

 

Ok, thanks. I will check out the SB400 as well.

 

I just order one of them, at $22, pretty good deal.

 

Hey GG - Not sure how many PM's you get as a Mod, so I thought I'd just give you a quick heads up that I've got a spare 8gb SanDisk Extreme III (30mb edition).

I bought a 3-pack and realized it's complete overkill for what I need.

Sent you a PM about it so I'm not violating any BM rules (I hope... lol)

 

The D90 is an awesome camera! I'd suggest that you pick up the book "David Busch's Nikon D90 Guide to Digital SLR Photography" It's very detailed and helps you learn about the camera itself and all of the functions. That with the 18-105 lense is more than enough. I have a 4GB card in mine right now since thats what came with it for free and it's fine for me since I take maybe 30-40 photos in one event and then put them in the computer (JPEG). In all honesty, stick with 8 GB so if you ever decide to shoot in RAW mode, you can take a bit of photos without running out of room.

 

If you're just starting out and want to save money I suggest one of the Sony lines of cameras. All Minolta AF lenses going back to '85 fit Sony cameras and you can get some nice lenses for great prices on ebay. With a single adapter you can use Minolta MD/MC manual lenses going back to '58. A 50mm prime MD lens will cost you about $15. Another great thing about this is the Sony bodies have image stabilization built in so you can use a lens from '58 and still have modern "steadyshot". Whereas with Nikon and Canon stabilization is a lens feature. Using manual lenses is also great for beginners because it forces you to learn about aperture and shutter speed and how they effect your shots.

Something to consider unless you just have to have a Nikon.

 

Saving money, maybe, I know many that have started with Sony only to end up selling because it became limited as the equipment they could find and 3rd party equipment.

In camera stabilization, is not the best way for it to work. Having it in the lenses and being able to place the VR/IS unit at the correct point with in the lens, for the focal length is a better system.

Some have said that you can save money that way, because you don't have to buy a lens with VR/IS in it, but Sony's prices for those size lenses are about the same as Canon or Nikon with VR/IS in them.

Plus Nikon and Canon have a bigger used market than Sony.

 

...and it's easier to find nikon lenses to rent. Obviously there is no perfect solution in the photography world. To assume there is a perfect system for all situations is naive that's why professionals have multiple camera bodies. The a550 is a great competitor to the D90 and I think you'll agree that to write it off because it's hard to find 3rd party equipment is just wrong. So like I said, just something to consider.

 

It's good to get all views out here. But I don't agree, I do write off Sony because finding non OEM lenses and such is harder than other brands. Maybe in a few years, it'll be different. And when I'm looking at buy and sell fourms, I might see a Sony listing once per week, and that's someone selling the body so they can switch to Nikon or Canon.

 

Not sure what you mean by the lack of non-oem lens availability. Sigma, Tamron, and Zeiss all make lenses compatible with Sony cameras. Could you elaborate please?

I know I can't change your mind so this is more for the benefit of myself and others plus we might be getting off topic and annoying the OP. So we should probably stop after you answer the above question for me. Thanks!

 

Sigma/Tamron seems to have started adding more lenses to the mix for Sony mount cameras. Looking at there website, most are now Sony mount as well. Much more from the last time I looked.

Looks like Tokina has yet to make them.

 

Great price on the d90 if it's not a refurb w/ a full 1 YR Nikon Warranty. The 18-105mm af-s vr dx lens is a great lens. You'll want to go with a low prime lens in the future for low light shots.

One thing I'll mention since you asked, it's not so much the size of the sd card as the speed rating you should worry about. You should buy at minimum a class 4 card. I carry 2 8gb class 6 cards and they've treated me very well.. If you plan on shooting mostly RAW at max res I'd go with at least a 16gb card for convenience.

GL on the purchase!

 

thanks guys.

EDIT:

Alright, I did it! Just bought the D90 from Amazon- new not a refurb. Also bought the Lowepro Fastpack 200 and the Nikon SB600. The Flash was from a retailer called Adorama Camera. Amazon did not have any in stock so I went with them. I checked Best Buy and B & H and both were out of stock so I said screw it and bought it from them. Hopefully, all will arrive with no problems.

I'm going to be buying an SD card shortly (from an AZ member)- SDSDX3-008G-P31 which is a Class 10 card.

Wish me luck guys.

 

Congrats on the new D90. I just bought one after years of using a D70 then a D200. Now go out and shoot like crazy- it's the best way to improve.

Also, although it may make your head spin with all the information, I would suggest joining www.dpreview.com and look through the myriad of forums if you want to get serious about digital photography. Great people there where you can learn a lot about photography. Of course, acurazine photo forum is also a great place too!

 

No need to worry ggesq.

Adorama Camera is a reliable source as I always buy from them if B&H Photo/Video is out of a certain item in stock. Bought 20+ things from them without any incident.

Also if you're ever questioning the reliability, be sure to check resellerratings.com. Better safe than sorry right?

Adorama:
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Adorama
9.46/10

Very good stats. Enjoy the new camera ggesq!