what to move into the slr`s but wondering if it would get its use as the costs of the camera`s are not cheap, i`ve been looking at the nikon d40x or the d80, are there lots of differences in these 2 camera`s? all i have now is a sony cybershot dsc-p10 many thanks peps...

i think it's a potentially dangerous strategy to think that spending at least 500 quid on a nice DSLR and a lens or 2 will be springboard to developing a solid interest in taking pictures.

You know that the world of compact, pro sumer (SLR but fixed lens) and SLR (interchangeable lenses) the SLR will give you the best image quality.

Bottom line is, what's your budget? and what will you shoot?

Only you can answer the question as to whether its worth spending the money on a DSLR.

If you plan to use the camera as a better version of the Sony, and just continue to use it as a 'point and shoot' camera, then its probably a waste of money.

Most photographers get a DSLR because they've outgrown the digi compact, and either want more control, access to lenses and equipment that isn't available for digi compacts or looking to take a more serious approach to their photography.

Its a fair investment, as you will find that choosing the camera body is the easy bit, its the lenses, flashguns, camera bags, cards, readers etc. Very few just buy a DSLR and one lens - its the top of a slippery slope :D

Yes, the quality will be a great improvement over the Sony, regardless of which camera you buy. If you decide to get one I'd suggest the D40x would be a great choice assuming its the best price wise.

Gareth

garethe thanx for your advise, i was looking at the d40x, i like ease of point and shot, but last summer i went to a few car shows, and the pics i got athough some where gud the action shots from the arena`s etc where naff, so i was hoping the dslr giving a faster shoot rate would take better pics? i could be wrong....

If thats the case, then its the lenses that will make the difference, which unfortunately means more cost. The standard lens that come with the kit options on the camera are often in the range of 28-100mm, you will probably need something in the 100-300mm zoom range.

Yes, the faster shutter speeds and contol will allow you to take better shots, but its the lenses that allow you to get close to the action

gareth

so i guess this lense would not be gud enough
Nikon D80 + 18-135mm Lens - Jessops (http://www.jessops.com/Store/s35925/0/Digital-SLRs/Nikon/D80-%2b-18-135mm-Lens/details.aspx?&comp=y)
thanks mate

It would be perfect as a general use camera/lens combination, but 135mm isn't really long enough for most types of motorsport, or as a lens for magnifying distant objects - infact (I dont know the specs of the Sony) I suspect the lens on the Sony will be about, or possibly even slightly longer, in equivalent focal length.

For use everyday its a good choice - the 18-135 will cover things like scenes, groups and portraits. Interchangeable lenses are arguably the SLRs biggest strength, but in your case weakness, as you need to know what each lens will do, and buy lenses to do that job. That equals expense.

The other option would be to look for a zoom in the range of 18-200mm to go with the body. That would give you a bit more flexability from one lens.

Gareth

I bought a Nikon D80 with twin lens kit 55-200mm and the standard one. really pleased with the D80, the quality of the pictures, with accurate, fast focusing and bright colours in good light. It also feels nice in the hand, not too small.

So the D80 gets my vote if your are a keen amateur photographer

Search for cheap deals at the moment

thanks for yr comments mark.

A replacement for the D80 is expected to be announced this month.

Here (http://yourphotoarchive.com/laugh.htm) is a review of the new D90

:D :D

LOL :D

I would go for the D80 over the D40X. It will give you more chance to grow as a photographer, and also it can use non-AFS lenses because it has a focus motor in the body. The D80 is cheap now, and if a replacement is about to be announced (which seems unlikely, Nikon tend not to replace models that quickly) then the price will drop even further.

If you could stretch to about £700 for a body, D200s are a real bargain.

Geezer

get a d80 and an 18-200VR - covers everything for the first year at least.

spare battery, 4gb CF and a bag and you're all set.

err, how much is all that?

chefdude thanx again for yr help, i should be ready for d80 in a month, little more saving lol thanks....

You might want to check the price here (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Nikon-D80-18-135mm-Lens-Kit-4GB-Fast-SD-6-Gifts-ABCH_W0QQitemZ120208696670QQihZ002QQcategoryZ31388 QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem)

chefdude, i have been looking at the above camera and lense just another question to bug you, will this be gud for up close pics to like portrait as well as action shots on the strip etc found the package for just over £900 which is ok lol, but i really want to put it good use, many thanks steve

Postie

In short, yes, the 18-200 will cover all the photo ground from landscapes through family/portrait/candids to motorsport at 200mm

It's a cracking lens for the range it covers and D80 will be a great compliment to it.