Looking for a Nikon dSLR

[Rick Darge]

I've never owned a dSLR before, just point and shoot digital cameras and my old manual Nikon FA. I'm looking to go digital, preferably something with a similar sensor as the Red that way it could be a good director-finder, location scouter. I want to be able to use all my Nikon lenses as well as the Tokina 11-16.

Anyone have any good suggestions? I don't want to spend a fortune, I just want something that looks nice and inexpensive. D40?

Thanks

[kapsel]

Go for their D40x. More megapixels, and better built (as far as I rembember, the lens mount is plastic on the D40 where its metal on the D40x). That's what I used to have, and I was very happy with it as a starter camera. I later upgraded to a D300.

Please be aware that the D40 series does not have an focus motor, which makes it hard to use with lenses that does not have a focus motor built-into the lens.

If you want a focus motor, go for a D80 instead - or D90 if you want to be able to record video.

Also, get a nice lens - I personally love my 18-200mm Nikon lens. If you don't want/need the focus motor, go for the D40x and 18-200 - perfect combination, great for a starter. You can always sell the body later, and upgrade to D80/90/300/400

[Eren Ozkural]

To match the RED ONE and the higher end DSMC cameras you would need a full frame sensor camera such as the D3, which do cost alot more.

I bought the D90 last month and I have been very happy with it. It's not full frame, but when it comes to bang per buck/quality vs. cost it's fantastic.

It also has a 720p video feature, which although not favourable for broadcast it works for music videos for the web/short films. If you fiddle with the image a bit in post and use the REDROCK MICRO DSLR rig (another purchase im happy with) you can get more out of it even though the manual controls are crippled by the firmware.

Im not sure about Lens compatability, my film cameras have always tended to be Canon or a variety of russian and lomo cameras. I know that Nikon has better backwards compatability with lenses than Canon, im not sure how many years it stretches back.

Quick link to a pop photo article HERE

and the best forum on the D90's video capabilities/limitations/workarounds HERE (DVX User)

Im sorry if I haven't gone into too many technical details, I'm just relating my recent experience with the camera. It's a fantastic mid range DSLR.

[kidrobot]

Please be aware that the D40 series does not have an focus motor, which makes it hard to use with lenses that does not have a focus motor built-into the lens.

It doesn't make it hard, it makes it manual focus. All lenses still work.

[Tom Lowe]

I've never owned a dSLR before, just point and shoot digital cameras and my old manual Nikon FA. I'm looking to go digital, preferably something with a similar sensor as the Red that way it could be a good director-finder, location scouter. I want to be able to use all my Nikon lenses as well as the Tokina 11-16.

Anyone have any good suggestions? I don't want to spend a fortune, I just want something that looks nice and inexpensive. D40?

Thanks

Sounds like the D90 would be your best bet.

[Andrew Walker]

I would love to use my Nikon glass that I have for my Red in a DSLR. But I just like my Canon 40D better than most of the Nikons out there. Some of the Nikon DSLRs look really nice and if I didn't have all this Canon mount glass I would more that likely switch over...maybe.

[Brent J. Craig]

To match the RED ONE ... you would need a full frame sensor camera such as the D3, which do cost alot more.

Wrong. In still photography full frame refers to a 35mm negative that is 24x36mm using 8 perfs of the film horizontally.

The Red One shoots a Super 35mm frame, which is 24.4mm x 13.7mm - the exact size of an APC-C sensor (or Nikon DX) in a digital still camera.

It is the lower-end Nikons that precisely match the Red One, not the more expensive FX or full-frame ones.

[Michael Schrengohst]

I have a D200 - I would get the D90.
The D200 & D90 have timelapse modes.
That would be a good feature to compliment your RED.

[Rick Darge]

Thanks guys, I'll look into that D90

[Nils J. Nesse]

If you have any manual Nikon lenses (or Zeiss ZF), the D300 is a better choice, as it can meter manual lenses. On the d90 you have to use full Manual mode. I have the D80, and this annoys me.

Other than that, D90 is very nice.