Starting out with a DSLR
Connie October 12th, 2007
I took the plunge into the DSLR world & bought a Nikon D80 with a
Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
Last fall I opted to pass on this camera because of the size & I was intimidated by the learning curve. But of all the DSLR’s the saleperson at Ritz had me try, this one felt the best for me. The options in cameras these days are staggering, but the experts say that they’re making DSLR’s much more user friendly.
Then I needed to decide on a lens. The feedback from our digiscrapping ladies is that the stock lens with the Canon Rebel isn’t flexible enough & I had read similarly about the Nikon’s package lens, so I decided to step it up. On the recommendation of a friend, I went with what he had purchased, but it caused me fear for 2 reasons: 1) size & 2) price. The camera body is larger & heavier than the Canon Rebel the way it is. And so I put it together with trepidation.
I’ve worked with 2 SLR’s - an Olympus OM-10 & a Minolta that’s in the closet with 2 lenses. But I really didn’t go beyond auto.
I took this rig outside yesterday to give it a try. The lens has vibration reduction (VR) which I thought was important because I have a bit of a tremble (the camera salesman noticed it). He suggested that using the viewfinder was to my advantage because I would cradle the camera & compensate for that. He was right! I never turned the VR on for any of these shots.
I have to say on first impression that the lens is TOTALLY worth it! The range is incredible - from macro at 2 feet to a zoom (which can be pulled in closer because of the 10.2 pixels). The DSLR is SO amazing because you do the rough focusing & the camera does the fine on the lens. It’s incredible! And after a dozen shots, I wanted to adjust the depth of field to my choice & control the focusing, so I switched the camera to manual! Then I went back & forth between manual & auto trying the same shots. Another thing that struck me was response time.
The one thing that intrigued me was the focusing that seemed to be moving around inside the viewfinder. I want to know how to choose from them. (So the camera has already challenged me to learn more). The clarity & rich color is amazing. I love it!
Here are my favorite first shots (clicking a photo shows more detail):
Awesome macro from 18″!
Furthest range of lens…
Zooming in…
In-between!
Sushi’s eyes are so blue!
manual allowed me to focus on the flowers
used Shadows & Highlights tool in Pro 2 to adjust this!
I have tried to do this with my point & shoot, but.. couldn’t.
My first experience was very enjoyable. The camera didn’t seem too heavy at all. I didn’t mind using the viewfinder. Next week I’m travelling to the ACD offices in Victoria, BC so you may be seeing more photos from this new camera!
So what do you think? I’m open to suggestions & criticism. I’m just beginning on this adventure!
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Thanks for showing off, taunting ;), the functionality of your new camera. The color and clarity of these pictures is really amazing. It looks like you made the right decision with the lens. I look forward to hearing more about this camera.
You’ll have a great time in Victoria. My wife and I went there for a couple of days a year ago August and I was able to get some great photos with my point and shoot Nikon Coolpix, I will be excited to see what you can do with your camera.
Love the shots. I’d try to go out and take the grass-ifront-of-water-tower shot and seeing how it would be focusing on the tower - just as a test. (And because I’m curious if it would turn out decently, hah)
Enjoy the camera, and keep us updated
I’ve often played with the thought of buying my own DSLR, however, I like to have my camera always with my. My Canon S3 IS just about allows me to do that, although it is already quite big. Anything bigger, and I would not be able to always carry it in my bag. And yes, I like things like a great zoom lens that come with the S3, that is why I don’t go with any of these “pocket cameras” of which there are a multitude.
Connie,
Congratulations on your new Nikon with VR lens! Great choice!
I’ve used a D70 with 18-120 VR lens for 4 years now, and find it hard to take a BAD image with this combination.
If you haven’t already, turn VR on, go to full zoom, and watch the lens work. The stabilizing effect is amazing.
I hope you have great fun with your new tool…
Connie,
All I can say is,you picked a good camera to take the plunge into the wonderful world of DSLR.
I use Nikon and Pentax, but Nikon is my camera of choice.