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09/02/2007 01:57:55 PM · #1 |
Well, as I know for sure they will release a new camera as soon as my new one hits the door, I finally picked a camera. It basically came down a Rebel XTi or an D80. I can't deal with the D40/x due to the motor issue (I didn't want to get limited to lenses). I went and shot the two and the D80 is FAR more comfortable. The top-mount LCD information display and the wireless functionality helps. But the larger heft and feel of the D80 is enough to get me to spend an extra $100. I'm not a fan of having to buy new memory cards though, but it was still worth it.
The new kit consists of:
Nikon D80 w/2x2GB SD Cards
Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX
Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens
Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX
Nikon SB-800
The wired and wireless remotes (self and night/long shots)
Slingshot 300AW
All bought from B&H
I'm looking forward to starting to participate in the challenges. Thanks to everyone that provided answers to my questions, and to any Canon owners who feel miffed, sorry. I would have bought the canon if they had a more full-sized body for under $1000. Of course, in about 4 days they will probably come out with a Rebel 450...grrr
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09/02/2007 02:10:01 PM · #2 |
Great set up. Now comes the learning curve. It took me about a year to learn how to use my Fuji S3 by learning one feature a week, sometimes two. I still find little tricks and things that I didn't know about.
One big advantage of owning the Nikon is that it will work with all the Nikkor lenses back to about 1974 (the ai models) which makes getting very good glass comparatively inexpensive thru eBay and at pawn and thrift shops. I find that manual focusing works well for my shooting style. Happy clickin'
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09/02/2007 02:11:07 PM · #3 |
| That's one thing I'm looking forward to is collecting all the old, classic glass from back in the day when they were built like bricks... |
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09/02/2007 04:17:21 PM · #4 |
To identify the "pre ai" model lenses that will not work with your D80 from pictures of them, the back of the aperture ring is smooth. The "ai" models have notches in the aperture ring for the aperture indexing cameras. PM me if you would like a contact who converts the early ones to "ai" for a small fee.
I am not sure if your camera will support light metering thru the early lenses, which the Fuji does not.
I have good results shooting ambient light with the oldies by just experience, and knowing what the LCD is telling me after the first shot. The "Blinkies" are a lot of help too with the preview after the shot. It is sort of a personal game to guess shutter and aperture with no meter, and rewarding when you get it right the first shot.
With the Nikon SB 80 DX flash that I have, TTL metering of the flash works perfectly with the older non cpu lenses.
There are a several good sites with excellent reviews of the older Nikon glass. My fav is naturfotograph.com, Bjorn Rorslett's site. In over a dozen old lens purchases, I have found his evaluations to be very accurate.
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