Nikon D60

After much waffling back and forth and doing a cost-benefit analysis, we decided to jump on a new digital camera, the Nikon D60. It's not just a regular digital camera either, it's a Single Lens Reflex (SLR). We made the leap because we had outgrown our Canon point and shoot. The Canon just couldn't keep up with Lucas anymore, as its slow shutter speed constantly resulted in missed shots. While I thoroughly used (and still use) the video mode on the Canon (something that the D60 lacks), the superior speed on the Nikon was a refreshing change in very which way. I can literally snap snap snap away without experiencing the dreaded shutter lag.

The Nikon D60 has a 10.2 megapixel sensor, with a 2.5 inch LCD screen and caputures images at a speedy 3 frames per second. The starter kit came with a Nikkor 18-55 mm Vibration Reduction lens. It is a lot more complex than the Canon in every way, and has almost infinite ways to capture a shot. I am still learning to this day on what settings to use under certain situations. The camera, out of the box, has several useful presets that work very well, and I've mostly been sticking on the P (Program) part of the presets as that Program preset automatically adjusts the settings to suit the shot. I've also used macro and landscape modes as well.

Owning a D-SLR isn't cheap however. The kit that I bought retails for $599 but I bought it on sale for $440. I also purchased a Nikkor 55-200 mm VR zoom lens for another $100. Add to that the 8GB SDHC card (which can hold 1000+ shots), and total price is around $550. But we feel that this is an investment that will last us for many years, and should grow with us as our photography needs (and Lucas) grows.