Stumped about DSLR choice
 

Hey guys

Ive been looking for months now for a new camera and I have only been a P&S boy. I have decided to take the plunge and go into the DSLR game after looking at all the stunning shots from you guys.

I was set on going out and buying a Pentax K200D during the week from JB's (as I have a $553 gift card) but then I was advised by a work mate that I should be looking at a Nikon so we can share lenses.

He has a D80 and I noticed that around the price range of under $1000 the Nikons, both D40 and D60, dont have the AF motor built into the camera so I wouldnt be able to share the lens I would need for my camera with my mates.

The D80 is still around $1,200 with only a single lens kit plus the D80 is old now and has been replaced by the D90 which I think is way over priced ($1799 for a single lens kit).

After reading a bit here on the forums and also a lot of other reviews the better option would be to go for a 450D if I was spending the "over $1200" mark.

I just checked out a link that someone provided for Camera's Direct when looking for a 450D and they have the Canon 40D for $1,125 (Body Only) and the Canon 40D w/ 18-55mm kit for $1,347. [url]https://www.camerasdirect.com.au/index.php/cameras/dslr-cameras/canon/eos-40d.html[/url]

Also, if I went body only is there a particular zoom which is a "legendary" zoom which will last me for years and years and still under $500?

How much better is the 40D over the other camera's I mentioned and is that a good option to go with or should I just stick to the original plan for K200D since I am only learning and save my pennies for later down the track?

Thanks for your help.

jase

Have you looked at buying the body only D90 camera and then getting a secondhand lens later on. If your friend was nice enough he could let you borrow one of his lenses until you have enough money to buy one of your own?

Get a canon. They are great, plus more people have Canons therefore more chances of sharing lenses.

I assume since you have the gift card you will by the body from JB, however start watching [url]www.qcsa.com.au[/url] for lenses.

450d twin lens kit go for it. good value.

i was stumped for choice too, bought it, happy as. good value. try and find a good deal, and then get myers or david jones to price match, then get someones discount card if u can.


my twin lens kit 450d cost me 1150! awesome as

There is a guy on Antilag selling a lightly used 40D with 17-85 lens for $1300 ono

sleepy here is selling his 400d with lens and some other parts for 650. Good starting point imo

have a look at this guys opinions:

[url]http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm[/url]

he basically says buy a cheap nikon d40 and a sweet lens and you will be happier than if you got the d80 for the same money with a shit one. and that the d40 will do everything you need and be lighter and easier to carry around.

probably good advice to be honest. once you've gotten your practice with a cheap d40 you might be in a position to know what you really want.

at the end of the day your committing to a group of lenses.

this is why i bought the pentax k20d, because it has in body stabilisation and that saves me a lot of $. (that and i like the weather seals)

don't think megapixies mate...investing in awesome glass is more important!!!

did you guys know you can use nikon glass on canon cameras?

[url]http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0001PNLBO/kenrockwellcom[/url]

but not the other way round.

I've been through a couple of Dslr's.

I started off with an Olympus E-300, then a Canon 40d and now a Nikon D60.

The Nikon, to me at least, is the best one I've owned so far.

Fastest cold start speed, fast auto focus, 4 fps shooting, uses sd or sdhd cards (cheaper than compact flash), has in lens image stabilization. can be used P & S style as you learn how to use it or fully manual.

I bought the twin IS lens kit with mine and love the kit glass. they're pretty fast on focus, so is the 40d but I found the 40d would 'hunt' for the correct focus from time to time adding lag to shots of moving objects (like cars @ Barbs).