Dealing With HD Video On My Computer « Videomaker Community Forums

The first question is budget - if money is no object get a Nikon D3X
(get the D3 if you shoot sports) and the 3 or 4 f2.8 zoom lenses.
Probably the second is portability. The best camera is the one you have
with you (I-Phone anyone?). For most purposes a digital SLR with an
APS-C sized sensor makes the most sense, if you want to "get into"
photography.

Over time your major investment will be in lenses - not the camera
body. If you have a choice between camera A and one lens, and camera B
(cheaper) but a better lens or two lenses - choose B. The two leading
manufacturers of DSLR's are Nikon and Canon. They have the most
complete systems including bodies, lenses, speedlights, and
accessories. Both have a huge array of lenses of their own, and a wide
array of third party lenses and accessories from Sigma, Tamron and
Tokina, as well as special purpose, spectacular lenses by Zeiss,
Schneider and Voigltander. When you get your DSLR you are buying into
the whole family, especially the lenses. Once you have a few Nikkor
lenses, it will be tough for you to switch to Canon, or vice-versa.

I chose Nikon because of the vast array of lenses (new and used)
available. If you ever have to sell your equipment there are well
established markets for used Nikon and Canon gear in good condition.

Ok, suggestions. If I could afford it my choice of Nikon camera today
would be the D-90. Best combination of features and value. If it is
more than you can spend look for a D60 or D40 ($400 body only). Lens
choices would be first get the AF-S 18-55mm DX f3.5-5.6 VR "kit lens"
($175). Second would be its complement, the AF-S 55-200mm DX f4--5.6
VRII lens ($225). This covers the full range from 27mm equivalent wide
angle to 300mm equivalent - long telephoto. You may be able to save on
a "kit" with one or two of these lenses and the body.
The third lens would depend upon your needs and be either:
- AF-S 35mm DX f1.8 G - if you need a fast prime (equivalent to a 52.5mm) "normal" lens ($200)
- Sigma 10-20mm (preferably the f3.5, but the f4-5.6 is cheaper and a good lens) if you need super wide angle ($450-600)
- AF-S 70-300mm f4-5.6 VR G, Instead of the 55-200mm, if you need longer telephoto (450mm equivalent) ($550)
- Nikon 60mm f/2.8G AF-S Micro Nikkor AF ED Lens ($500) - indoor macro
or Sigma 180mm f/3.5 EX DG APO Macro (1:1) IF HSM ($700) for outdoor
macro
- Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED-IF Lens ($2000) if you need fast telephoto for sports in poor light.