Hardware

To kick things off, I thought I'd go over the things I use and/or realized I need to do things right. Where possible, I have included the current price.

Camera:
Nikon D40 ($500)

Basic Stats:
Megapixels: 6.1 (Don't get too caught up in Megapixels unless you're making posters or very large prints)
Resolution: 3008 x 2000
Included Lens: 18-55mm f/3.5-f/5.6
LCD Size: 2.5"
Memory: Internal: None, Card Formats: SD or SDHC.
For Full Stats, go here.

By all accounts this is a pretty good entry level Digital SLR camera. The price is reasonable, and it will do just about everything you need (especially if you're not looking to turn photography into a career). It has some pretty good built in modes (like Landscape, and Portrait) that will do most of the work for you. However, as I have learned, you'll want to get into the more configurable modes if you want to take consistently great photos that turn how how YOU want them too. We'll get into those modes in future posts.

Lenses:
Nikon - Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5 - f/5.6 ED II AF-S DX (included with camera)
Nikon - Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom Lens (Model:2156) ($200)
I got the 55-200mm lense as part of a package deal and paid half price for it. If money's not really a problem, spend the extra $50 for the VR model (2166) as it helps steady the image for you making for clearer pictures. I haven't had a chance to try it out, but I have had numerous pictures not turn out because I wasn't quite steady enough.

Flashes:
I'm using the stock flash which works well, but for better indoor photos, an add-on flash is key. I'm told the SB-400 is a good, cheap ($120) flash. This is a future purchase for me.

Other Accessories:
Camera Bag: Nikon - Digital SLR Accessory Bag w/ Training DVD ($60)
I really like this bag, and the DVD was nice. However, you aren't ever going to be able to carry more than 2 (maybe 3) lenses in this bag. As I go forward, I can see the need for a backpack bag instead.

Tri-Pod: Sunpak Platinum Plus 74" Heavy-Duty Tripod - Metallic Silver ($40)
Haven't had a chance to use this, it's still on it's way from Amazon. However, after taking photos at a Rotovox concert and on a recent hiking trip in the Smoky's, I realized I really need a tri-pod if I'm not using a flash. I chose this particular model for it's Heavy Duty nature (I'll be taking it hiking often) and, more importantly, it's price. I'll post more about this as I get a chance to use it.

Books/Manuals: Nikon D40/D40x Digital Field Guide ($12)
Being new to the D-SLR world, I felt the need to get a book that was a little more in depth than the manual (the manual is actually pretty good though). I picked this one based on the review compared to some other similar books. It's still on it's way from Amazon as well, and I'll post a review of it after I've had a chance to read it.

Warranty:
After dropping my camera from a couple of feet to pavement, I am a firm believer in purchasing an extended warranty for the camera and lenses. I was able to take my damaged (yet still functional) camera into HH Gregg and get a brand new Camera and Lense. It cost me ~$100 for 3 years, and saved me $700 on replacing the camera. Nuff said.

That's all for now, stay tuned as I use the equipment and (hopefully) purchase more add-ons. I'm looking at filters for the lenses and a new flash as my next buys.

Til next time,

Tony