D SLR owners...chime in as I am not longer going to use point and shoot cameras

**alroumi** · 06-12-2008

Hello SLKworld,

I just ordered my self a new Nikon D60 that is very reasonably priced for it being a 10 mega pixel camera and comes with a lens as a bundle as I hope to practice on in Spain, Barcelona in which I'll be heading in a months time for my annual summer vacation.

My aim is to finally be able to get to take pictures that are spectacular and show the cars true colours, a sort of picture you see posted on flickr.com and those likes.

I'll be visiting spectacular destinations and as you know Spain has a rich history filled with amazing sights to see, so I wish you guys can enlighten me on the features or helpful sites to read about the camera and taking pictures.

Specs:

Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

# Extraordinary 10.2-megapixel DX-format Nikon picture quality
# Includes AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G Vibration Reduction lens
# 2.5-inch LCD screen; horizontal and vertical orientation are detected automatically
# Continuous shooting at 3 fps; Active Dust Reduction System with Airflow Control

18-55mm AFS DX Nikkor / Fast Start-up / Active Dust Reduction / 2.5" LCD / Up to 3 Frames per second / SD and SDHC Memory Slot Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available / Date imprint - Date, Date and Time, Date Counter, or None (selectable) Eye-level penta-Dach mirror single-lens reflex viewfinder File system - DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif 2.21 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras), PictBridge Focusing screen - Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark V Compatible lenses - AF-S and AF-I NIKKOR - All functions supported; Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor - All functions supported except autofocus; Non-Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor - All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II and autofocus; IX-NIKKOR and AF-NIKKOR for F3AF - Not supported; Type D PC NIKKOR - All functions supported except some shooting modes; AI-P NIKKOR - All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II; Non-CPU - Autofocus not supported. Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function; Lens with maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster - Electronic rangefinder can be used Frame advance up to 3 fps Self-timer - Can be selected from 2, 5, 10 and 20 second duration Metering method - Matrix - 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); Center-weighted - Weight of 75 percent given to 8mm circle in center of frame; Spot - Meters 3.5mm circle (about 2.5 percent of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used) Range (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20 degrees C/68 degrees

; Matrix, Center-weighted, and Spot metering Dimensions (W x H x D) - 126 x 94 x 64mm (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 inch)/ 1.1 lb

Tummy · 06-12-2008

I think the camera has less to do with taking great pictures than the skill of the photographer. It's like saying, "that was a great meal, you must have nice pots and pans".

I take lots of pictures, usually a couple hundred / day when on vacation and found carrying a big camera to be a hassle. Now I carry only a point and shot and sometimes a digital HD camcorder.

**Cold Shot** · 06-12-2008

I have had my eye on the D80 package that has two lenses (55 and 300mm max), but the wife threatened to remove my manlihood if I buy one more toy/gadget.

**alroumi** · 06-12-2008

I see thank you guys, did some reading on the topic of auto rolling shots and definatley got an idea on some know how. I will try to take pictures of my SLK before I travel.

**-1-** · 06-12-2008

The Nikon D60 is a great outfit for the money. I'm a "point and shoot" guy, so a nice pocket camera works for me. My philosophy, any picture is better than no picture.

**alroumi** · 06-12-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by -1-

The Nikon D60 is a great outfit for the money. I'm a "point and shoot" guy, so a nice pocket camera works for me. My philosophy, any picture is better than no picture.

I am with you on this one I used to just want to take a clear picture but now I am heading for the phenomenal stuff want to really take some great pictures.

**ir-ops** · 06-12-2008

wifey is an amateur photographer. amateur in the sense she is not making any money out of her hobby, because she has studied photography and in all other terms she looks pretty professional to me. she has even turned our second bathroom into a photolab and prints her own films. she is still upset i refused to hire her as photographer in our wedding. she is currently using two cameras: a nikon f5 (35 mm film) and a nikon d200 (digital), with about 4-5 different lenses. she loves black and white portraits and landscapes. i carry the bags and the dog

.

best
ir-ops

mtiede · 06-12-2008

You might also want to consider a high-def video camera. I distinctly remember in 1981 going to Yosemite. Great place to take pictures. I took a bunch of 35mm slides. From Yosemite we went to visit my brother. I knew I had some great pictures in my camera, but my brother said, "You should see my videos." So he played some video tape of Yosemite. It CAME ALIVE. People walking around at the waterfalls, hearing the babbling brook. I got my first video camera.

Now I have a Canon HV20 and it is really nice and includes the ability to take decent stills.

(my brother is now doing shots that contain 7 or 8 digital cameras in order to do 3d stills. he is also doing 3D video with a pair of video cameras. There is just no keeping up with him

)

Also, although knowing you, you have probably already been there, but if you get a chance, try to get to the Prado in Madrid. It is an unbelievable art museum packed full of great art.

**alroumi** · 06-12-2008

mtiede thanks for including your interesting story,

I'll be in France and Spain, in spain I'll be heading to Palma De Majjorica and Barcelona and probably Ibiza.

I'll try my best to enjoy my time over there and take some great pictures.

**dsb** · 06-12-2008

I own a D80 along with a Nikon 18-70mm, 18-200mm VR, 50mm, Tokina 12-24mm, and SB600 Flash.

Let me first say that yes, a lot has to do with the photographer when it comes to composition, lighting, etc. However, for those of you that have only used a point and shoot camera, you may not understand the real benefit of a DSLR.

First, the pictures do look a lot better, even if you're in full auto mode. Clarity & color is much better than a P&S and this is mainly due to the much larger sensor in a DSLR. Another advantage is instant shutter release. I never miss a moment with the DSLR. How many P&S owners press the button to take that perfectly timed picture only to have the camera not take the pic? Ouch. Of course, you have a huge amount of flexibility with the DSLR. Modes, exchangable lens, etc. The only negative is the size. That's why we also own a P&S. My wife carries it in her purse. When we go somewhere the DSLR won't be practical, the P&S is there. Of course, I'd much rather take my DSLR and I throw it in a small backpack so it's really no bother.

**alroumi** · 06-12-2008

Thank you I'll be keeping it in the yacht, whenever I see something great or worth of photography I'll head back and go and take some pictures. I mostly want it for my car and the winter were we head out to the desert and enjoy some offroading.

**richard_leeds** · 06-12-2008

To be honest, the Canon, Sony and Nikon DSLRs and lends ranges are very similar, unless you have a verty specialist task in mind.

The photography magazines do reviews and highlight the differences, but you can only see them when the pics are masisvely magnified, or at extreme lighting conditions.

As Tummy said, it is much more about the user. SO have a play with them in a shop and find out which one feels right for you. Are the menus easy to use? Does it sit nicely in your hands? Can you see celarly through the veiewfinder?

....

Quote:

Originally Posted by ir-ops

i carry the bags and the dog

.

hmmm... you need a bigger dog, so it can walk itself ... and carry the bag!

**snowbyhui** · 06-12-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsb

The only negative is the size. That's why we also own a P&S. My wife carries it in her purse. When we go somewhere the DSLR won't be practical, the P&S is there. Of course, I'd much rather take my DSLR and I throw it in a small backpack so it's really no bother.

same here

I also have a D80, but with just the 18 to 70mm lens, plus few non auto lenes from my previous F501. My wife carries a Sony P&S for group pictures..

I brought the D80 for our trip to Maldives, it was a long way to get there but man, it is a place I think everyone should visit at least once in their life time.

The size of DSLR is the only negative, but if you ask me again, it is still a no brianer to carry it again, especially if you are planning to visit place that's good for taking pictures. You will always feel that you didn't take enough afterward.

The other big plus with most DSLR is the capability of taking RAW picture, which is like a digital negative and you can have lots of fun with it.

**dltslk** · 06-12-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by -1-

My philosophy, any picture is better than no picture.

As long as my wife is taking the picture, NOT me!

**Ynot** · 06-12-2008

yeah, I have a Rebel XT, haven't had chance to take as much pictures as I like, it's not as simple as point and shoot, it takes some skills to take good photo's. It's a learning process.

**rlbawk** · 06-12-2008

I have a Canon 30D with a 24-105 L4.0 IS lens that I use for shooting weddings and my backup is a Canon Rebel XT with Tamron 18-200 3.5-5.6 lens. I've been using Canon's for about 5 years since I made the move from Medium format film. Also have a Canon IS3 p&s but the DSLR always looks better.
Once you figure the camera out then there comes Photoshop and it is a neverending saga of new things to learn. It is a truly amazing program.

06-12-2008	#1 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,271 Country: Thanks: 288 Thanked 231 Times in 145 Posts	D SLR owners...chime in as I am not longer going to use point and shoot cameras Hello SLKworld, I just ordered my self a new Nikon D60 that is very reasonably priced for it being a 10 mega pixel camera and comes with a lens as a bundle as I hope to practice on in Spain, Barcelona in which I'll be heading in a months time for my annual summer vacation. My aim is to finally be able to get to take pictures that are spectacular and show the cars true colours, a sort of picture you see posted on flickr.com and those likes. I'll be visiting spectacular destinations and as you know Spain has a rich history filled with amazing sights to see, so I wish you guys can enlighten me on the features or helpful sites to read about the camera and taking pictures. Specs: Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens # Extraordinary 10.2-megapixel DX-format Nikon picture quality # Includes AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G Vibration Reduction lens # 2.5-inch LCD screen; horizontal and vertical orientation are detected automatically # Continuous shooting at 3 fps; Active Dust Reduction System with Airflow Control 18-55mm AFS DX Nikkor / Fast Start-up / Active Dust Reduction / 2.5" LCD / Up to 3 Frames per second / SD and SDHC Memory Slot Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available / Date imprint - Date, Date and Time, Date Counter, or None (selectable) Eye-level penta-Dach mirror single-lens reflex viewfinder File system - DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif 2.21 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras), PictBridge Focusing screen - Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark V Compatible lenses - AF-S and AF-I NIKKOR - All functions supported; Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor - All functions supported except autofocus; Non-Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor - All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II and autofocus; IX-NIKKOR and AF-NIKKOR for F3AF - Not supported; Type D PC NIKKOR - All functions supported except some shooting modes; AI-P NIKKOR - All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II; Non-CPU - Autofocus not supported. Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function; Lens with maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster - Electronic rangefinder can be used Frame advance up to 3 fps Self-timer - Can be selected from 2, 5, 10 and 20 second duration Metering method - Matrix - 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); Center-weighted - Weight of 75 percent given to 8mm circle in center of frame; Spot - Meters 3.5mm circle (about 2.5 percent of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used) Range (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20 degrees C/68 degrees ; Matrix, Center-weighted, and Spot metering Dimensions (W x H x D) - 126 x 94 x 64mm (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 inch)/ 1.1 lb __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

06-12-2008	#3 (permalink)
Cold Shot Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Vehicle: 2007 SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 ML 350 Posts: 615 Country: Thanks: 83 Thanked 67 Times in 33 Posts	I have had my eye on the D80 package that has two lenses (55 and 300mm max), but the wife threatened to remove my manlihood if I buy one more toy/gadget. __________________ "Like a Cold Shot, baby" - Stevie Ray Vaughan To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2007 Black/Black SLK55 AMG (Green Filters, SmartTop V1, Eurolight Clear Side Markers, R170 Modded Antenna) 2007 Pewter/Black ML350 19xx White/Blonde Wife (Lmtd Edition Model)

06-12-2008	#4 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,271 Country: Thanks: 288 Thanked 231 Times in 145 Posts	I see thank you guys, did some reading on the topic of auto rolling shots and definatley got an idea on some know how. I will try to take pictures of my SLK before I travel. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

06-12-2008	#5 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,224 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	The Nikon D60 is a great outfit for the money. I'm a "point and shoot" guy, so a nice pocket camera works for me. My philosophy, any picture is better than no picture. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

06-12-2008	#9 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,271 Country: Thanks: 288 Thanked 231 Times in 145 Posts	mtiede thanks for including your interesting story, I'll be in France and Spain, in spain I'll be heading to Palma De Majjorica and Barcelona and probably Ibiza. I'll try my best to enjoy my time over there and take some great pictures. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

06-12-2008	#2 (permalink)
Tummy Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: EWR / CLE Vehicle: 2005 SLK350, 2004 Infiniti FX45 Posts: 283 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 42 Times in 24 Posts	I think the camera has less to do with taking great pictures than the skill of the photographer. It's like saying, "that was a great meal, you must have nice pots and pans". I take lots of pictures, usually a couple hundred / day when on vacation and found carrying a big camera to be a hassle. Now I carry only a point and shot and sometimes a digital HD camcorder.

06-12-2008	#7 (permalink)
ir-ops Lifetime SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Athens, Greece Vehicle: happily owning a '08 black on black manual/sport r171 200k f/l since 07 jul '08 Posts: 583 Country: Thanks: 136 Thanked 70 Times in 45 Posts	wifey is an amateur photographer. amateur in the sense she is not making any money out of her hobby, because she has studied photography and in all other terms she looks pretty professional to me. she has even turned our second bathroom into a photolab and prints her own films. she is still upset i refused to hire her as photographer in our wedding. she is currently using two cameras: a nikon f5 (35 mm film) and a nikon d200 (digital), with about 4-5 different lenses. she loves black and white portraits and landscapes. i carry the bags and the dog . best ir-ops

06-12-2008	#8 (permalink)
mtiede Founding Member #7 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Western New York Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Posts: 1,642 Thanks: 100 Thanked 55 Times in 45 Posts	You might also want to consider a high-def video camera. I distinctly remember in 1981 going to Yosemite. Great place to take pictures. I took a bunch of 35mm slides. From Yosemite we went to visit my brother. I knew I had some great pictures in my camera, but my brother said, "You should see my videos." So he played some video tape of Yosemite. It CAME ALIVE. People walking around at the waterfalls, hearing the babbling brook. I got my first video camera. Now I have a Canon HV20 and it is really nice and includes the ability to take decent stills. (my brother is now doing shots that contain 7 or 8 digital cameras in order to do 3d stills. he is also doing 3D video with a pair of video cameras. There is just no keeping up with him ) Also, although knowing you, you have probably already been there, but if you get a chance, try to get to the Prado in Madrid. It is an unbelievable art museum packed full of great art.

06-12-2008	#11 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,271 Country: Thanks: 288 Thanked 231 Times in 145 Posts	Thank you I'll be keeping it in the yacht, whenever I see something great or worth of photography I'll head back and go and take some pictures. I mostly want it for my car and the winter were we head out to the desert and enjoy some offroading. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

06-12-2008	#15 (permalink)
Ynot Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Vehicle: 06' MBZ SLK Posts: 2,791 Country: Thanks: 135 Thanked 35 Times in 30 Posts	yeah, I have a Rebel XT, haven't had chance to take as much pictures as I like, it's not as simple as point and shoot, it takes some skills to take good photo's. It's a learning process. __________________ 06' SLK 350, Iridium/Ash all pkgs. 6-spd, 19" DCR. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

06-12-2008	#16 (permalink)
rlbawk Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hampton, GA Vehicle: 2008 Yukon Denali Other Toys: 2006 BMW 325 Convert Posts: 275 Country: Thanks: 16 Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts	I have a Canon 30D with a 24-105 L4.0 IS lens that I use for shooting weddings and my backup is a Canon Rebel XT with Tamron 18-200 3.5-5.6 lens. I've been using Canon's for about 5 years since I made the move from Medium format film. Also have a Canon IS3 p&s but the DSLR always looks better. Once you figure the camera out then there comes Photoshop and it is a neverending saga of new things to learn. It is a truly amazing program. __________________ Randy B To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Black - Black/Ash, PII pkg, Airscarf, Green Filters, Clear side markers, chrome turn signal bulbs, Smarttop module, 19" TSW Snetterton Wheels, Chrome fins, Custom Windrestrictor.

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