Is this a good deal?

[minpark]

I'm just getting into the SLR catagory. I have been using a Canon A610 which has been fine, but I'm looking at getting a SLR to take pictures of my new baby boy. Is this a good deal...

Nikon D3000
18-55mm VR lens
55-200mm VR lens
Carry bag

$650 + tax

Or $650 with no tax but without bag.

Thanks for any input.

[rfortson]

The D5000 seems to be the entry Nikon to buy, at least from the reviews I've read. Seems like the D3000 has a few to many compromises. Even Pop Photo panned it (and they like everything, usually).

[jtriron]

Look for a used D300, it will meet your needs and last longer.
AND buy GOOD glass, period.

Good Luck
J

[DougC]

Originally Posted by jtriron

Look for a used D300, it will meet your needs and last longer.
AND buy GOOD glass, period.

Good Luck
J

I agree in principle with the above statement. However, you asked about a specific kit. IMHO this is a very good price with some conditions. First, is it a reputable seller? B&H is selling this same kit for $779.00 so I am suspicious of the price. Second, is this US or gray market? Third, if your budget is $650.00, then you would be hard pressed to find a good used D300 for that kind of money and you'd have nothing left to buy lenses with.

As for the included lenses, they aren't that bad for the money. Yes, there are MUCH better to be had and NO, I don't use any kit lenses myself (although my wife does for family photos) but as long as you don't expect National Geographic quality from them, they will get you going. Use this equipment to get started and step up to better glass as your budget allows.

Also, the D5000 is capable of making remarkably good images.

[DougC]

Taken with a D5000 and the 18-55 AF-S kit lens.

[Carl Stone]

There are many "shady" photo gear dealers out there. Avoid them like the plague! Stay with reputable dealers, so that you don't get fleeced. Do your homework, and know what you want before you go shopping. If you go in blind it's very likely that a slick salesman will sell you items that make money for the seller, as opposed to what might work best for you. DO NOT shop by price alone! That is the path to getting hosed.

[minpark]

The deal is from Ritz Camera. If I get the deal in store, I pay tax and get the bag, but if I buy it online, I don't pay tax but don't get the bag.

I have looked at the other cameras such as the D300 and D90 but those seem a bit more advanced than what I need for now.

My wife wants pretty much an advanced point and shoot with great image quality and I want to start learning about how to take great pictures.

[Carl Stone]

Ritz is a safe place to buy. Take your wife into the store and let her hold the camera in her hands. That's the only way that you'll ever know if she will be comfortable with any particular model. Recommendations are not worth much if the camera isn't comfortable to the user. Remarks such as "Oh, I didn't realize how large this camera was going to be", or "I don't really like the layout of the controls on this camera as much as that one", are very common, and pretty much unpredictable. THEN decide to buy from the brick and mortar store, or online, as you see fit.

Good luck.