Entry Level...

Entry Level Poster in need of a descent entry level DSLR.

My wife loves to shoot photos...She knows she is limited with our basic compact Sony DC. We are in the market for a entry level DSLR...My research keeps coming up with the same camera...Nikon D40. I did not see a review of this camera in the review section, so I thought it would be best to start a new thread.

1. Is this a descent camer?. She is interested in shooting action (Baseball/Surfing), along with some indoor/outdoor portraits.

2. Electronics can overwhelm her, so she will not probably use all the "bells and whistles", but does expect a descent quality photo...

3. I found this site, with these packages. To good to be true????
http://www.digicombos.com/product_p/...k1855gb2nf.htm

3. Are there better options for what we are looking for. BTW...Large prints are something for down the road.


Thanks in advance,

TBF

I have no idea what a D40X is worth, but the perceived value on all these freebies is definitely blown out of proportion. Before buying online, be sure to check out the rep of the company. Sadly, there are more crooked ones than decent ones out there. B & H Photo and Adorama are 2 of the higher respected ones out there. As always, it's buyer beware. I just noticed that Amazon.com is selling the Canon XTi with kit lens for just $709 with free shipping. This camera has a built in sensor cleaner.

I just checked out B & H's website and see they have the Canon XT with 18-55mm kit lens for just $536.95 or the camera alone for $445.95. I understand this would be Canon's entry level dslr.

Thanks for the reply...

I have been doing some research on the company...Thus far the ratings are pretty good (7.5/10)...

The package deals w/three lenses is pretty tempting...I will continue to shop and and keep in mind that you get what you pay for.

The outfit has mixed reviews here http://www.resellerratings.com/store/DigiCombos

I can tell you that $229 is about 200 dollars too much for some off brand sd card and as is true with most 'package' deals the rest of the stuff is probably junk too.
Read the dealer feedback forum for places to avoid and always check reseller.com for store reviews before ordering. Its the only honest review place I've seen on the web.
If you shop ebay make sure you find nikon authorized dealers or you won't get a nikon warranty. I see some d40x there with 18-55 or 18-135 for around 700 to 800.

Also, bear in mind, it appears that many of these online stores have their employees or others make up positive reviews. I bought a lens from a company that had around an 8/10 rating, and darned near got screwed royally. It took 2 months and a very real threat from me, to finally get what I ordered. Before buying from anyone, check out the "buyer dealer feedback", board on this forum or post an inquiry. Someone here may be able to give you a thumbs up or thumbs down.

Good luck.

you mentioned that you are planning on using your camera for in-door sports. The lens with the kit that you mentioned is really not fast enough. You can get some photos but you will have to post process them. Most likely they will be underexposed.
I bought a Canon kit about a year ago. I still use the camera and the 4 gig memory card. I have already replaced the bag, tri-pod, both lenses and the filter kit would not even fit the lenses that came with the kit.
This is a photo I took about a year ago.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t...g?t=1192123305
Camera setting, Canon EOS 20D, (Shutter Speed 1/60Sec.
Av(Aperture Value) F4.5 ISO Speed 400
Lens 70-300mm, Focal Length 161.0 mm. As you can tell not the best setting, about the only thing I could have changed was the ISO
This picture taken Just a few days ago with the same camera but using a Canon 85mm f/1.8 lens
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t...g?t=1192123666