Nikon D3000?

[jryans10]

Hi,

I currently have the following kit:

- Nikon D70s
- 18-55mm lens
- 50mm 1.8f lens

But I want to upgrade my camera body, and although I can, I don't want to spend a lot on a DSLR but would just like to upgrade my slr camera.

I found a Nikon D3000 at Argos (kit) for £299, and just wondered, would this be a good choice? I barely take photographs and I'm going on holiday soon. I know the Nikon D70s is a good camera, but I just think that newer cameras have better technology built inside.

Also what would your advice be about the lenses I have? Obviously I will get another 18-55, but I can sell that, but what about my 50mm prime, shall I sell that or settle with manual focus?

What is your advice? Stick with my D70s or upgrade to a Nikon D3000?

Thanks guys.

 

[ghoti]

The D3000 is "okay" as a first dSLR. It has a comparatively rubbish sensor in it and isn't great for low-light photos. It's more than adequate as a holiday-snaps camera, though, or a piece of kit to learn on.

As you already have the 18-55mm kit lens, you might be better going with the upgraded D3100 and buying body-only (Amazon: £292). This is a technically better camera, yet still in the beginner range in terms of simplicity. Far better sensor and can also shoot HD video.

 

[sep9001]

If the 50mm is a AF-D lens I do not think it will autofocus on the D3000 or D3100. I would suggest save up a bit more and go for a used D90. I upgraded from a D80 to a D90 and like the D90.

I should have saved up and gone for a D90, but want to get a DSLR and could not wait, had to sell the D80 with the 18-135 lens for £250, I had bought it for £400 in Nov 2010, so had to lose a bit in the short time.

 

[ghoti]

If the 50mm is a AF-D lens I do not think it will autofocus on the D3000 or D3100. I would suggest save up a bit more and go for a used D90. I upgraded from a D80 to a D90 and like the D90.

I should have saved up and gone for a D90, but want to get a DSLR and could not wait, had to sell the D80 with the 18-135 lens for £250, I had bought it for £400 in Nov 2010, so had to lose a bit in the short time.

Yeah, the 50mm AF-D won't auto-focus on any of the newer Nikons below the 7000. How much of a problem this will be is a personal decision. I've used this lens happily in manual focus on the D3000 and D5100. You get a focus indicator in the viewfinder which helps, too.

 

[littledaffodil]

I have a d3000 and am happy with it. Have just completed a GCSE in photography and wanting to buy 50mm 1.8G as think this autofocus ok??? Does anyone know if that is correct as had read about the D version not autofocusing. Thanks for your help.

 

[Bristolian]

I have a d3000 and am happy with it. Have just completed a GCSE in photography and wanting to buy 50mm 1.8G as think this autofocus ok??? Does anyone know if that is correct as had read about the D version not autofocusing. Thanks for your help.

To get auto-focus on the D3000 (with a Nikon lens) you need a lens with AF-S in the description. With third party lenses you have to check that htye have built-in focus motors - not all have.