Listmania!
First DSLR - D40X
By an Amazon.com customer
Nikon D40x 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor LensNikon D40x 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
Buy new: $849.99 / Used from: $518.00
Selected for the 10.2 MP, price point, & strongest reviews. Final kicker was the SD format -it fit our other products.. Not disappointed at all, but the "AF-S only" limits functionality of many lenses. This is the only thing which makes me want a D80.
Nikon SB-400 AF Speedlight for Nikon Digital SLR CamerasNikon SB-400 AF Speedlight for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
Buy new: $103.00
Great starter flash, compact & works well -- SOOOOOOOOOO much better than the pop up, but as I read/learn more - should have sprung for an SB600 or 800.
Tiffen 52mm UV Protection FilterTiffen 52mm UV Protection Filter
Buy new: $6.85
Cheap insurance
Nikon ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control for Nikon D40, D40x, D60 & D80 Digital SLR CamerasNikon ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control for Nikon D40, D40x, D60 & D80 Digital SLR Cameras
Buy new: $15.16 / Used from: $7.81
For the price -- cool... no more running back to the camera
Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR CamerasNikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
Buy new: $114.95
I got it (3/17)..., even though it is not AF-S. More speed in low light will make a difference (f/1.8 is nice). After I got it - learned that you better check the di-opter on your camera -- kinda important with manual focus.
Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor LensNikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
Buy new: $670.81 / Used from: $599.99
I WANT THIS !!!! 6/11 - I GOT THIS !!!! Some will find the limitations of this lens, but I have no complaints. If I ever get the chance to use higher priced glass - maybe I will. Even then, you can't beat the flexibility
Hoya 72mm Introductory Filter Kit, UV, Circular Polarizer, 81A and Filter WalletHoya 72mm Introductory Filter Kit, UV, Circular Polarizer, 81A and Filter Wallet
Buy new: $109.95
Filter's always a good idea - go the kit so I can play with some effects
Tamrac Adventure 7 Photo Backpack (Red/Black)Tamrac Adventure 7 Photo Backpack (Red/Black)
Buy new: $74.95
I like the backpack functionality vs. the more traditional bread loaf style bags. Though, I can see me growing out of it.
Nikon D40/D40x Digital Field GuideNikon D40/D40x Digital Field Guide by David D. Busch
Buy new: $13.59 / Used from: $10.62
Better than the manual. Somewhat useful tips, but great for learning what the camera does.
The Digital Photography BookThe Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby
Buy new: $13.59 / Used from: $12.09
See below. found out these two books are a set, not an update from 1 to 2. The presentation is about 200 pages of 30 second lessons. Overall, very quick read, good suggestions and tips.
The Digital Photography Book, Volume 2The Digital Photography Book, Volume 2 by Scott Kelby
Buy new: $16.49 / Used from: $15.54
See above. I. The two volumes are different enough, but somewhat repetitive. Suggest you save time & get them both. If you have to buy only one, (especially if you're still trying to figure out what kind of photgrapher you want to be) get the first book - it has a larger scope of topics.
The Moment It Clicks: Photography secrets from one of the world's top shooters (Voices That Matter)The Moment It Clicks: Photography secrets from one of the world's top shooters (Voices That Matter) by Joe McNally
Buy new: $34.64 / Used from: $34.72
coming soon - I bought on the recommendation of Kelbly and other web reviews. 3/18/2008: Got it - good pictures, quick read - I know I won't be the next McNally (couldn't afford it), but I did get his overall message (Light, content, Light, context, Light, control, & LIGHT). I got a couple "newbie" tips I can really use & a lot of ideas to think about
Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 & Adobe Premiere Elements 4 [OLD VERSION]Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 & Adobe Premiere Elements 4 [OLD VERSION]
Buy new: $107.47 / Used from: $89.99
Very good for fixing some bad pictures. Love the organizer & the sharing features. A lot to learn, but can make some nice creations without knowing it all
Photoshop Elements 6: The Missing ManualPhotoshop Elements 6: The Missing Manual by Barbara Brundage
Buy new: $23.99 / Used from: $22.49
Lots - o - info. Still working through it all.
The Photoshop Elements 6 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter)The Photoshop Elements 6 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter) by Scott Kelby
Buy new: $29.69 / Used from: $60.85
Coming soon -- we have Elements 6 & this looks like a good fit. 6/11 -- got it. On the shelf to read...