Another which DSLR thread?

[FenianEel]

Ok, so I'm moving into the world of DSLRs.

Had a trawl of several sites, and through here, checked out a few reviews, spoke to people etc.
I'm looking at DSLR for better quality photos, mainly pics for travel/trip reports, and some low end stuff that is going to be published with stories, travel write ups etc.

At this stage was only looking to spend about $1k, so nothing to set the world on fire.
Basic body with lens kit, and later upgrade to decent lenses.

I intend to start basic and sensible, trying to initially avoid the addiction of getting 30 different lenses, and upgrading the body every time I go out. :D

I think the D90 with a lens kit 18-55 and 55-200 looks good.
But a D3000 or D5000 (or lens kit) would do the job too wouldn't it?
What's the main advantage of D90 over D5000?
Is just a better, stronger body?

Any other tips/suggestions for what I'm looking at, or other makes/models to consider?

Thanks

[dmdigital]

Look at the new D3100 Nikon in that price range. A replacement of the D90 should be announced soon there's some bargains to be had. I would go for either D3100 or D90 over the D5000. Get the two kit lenses, get familiar with the camera, then look at better glass to put on it.

[big guy]

At that price range, may I suggest Canon, their entry range is fantastic value.

I find their colour to be better and although at entry price point their bodies are lightweight, its value for money.

Go and have a fiddle to see if all the buttons fall to hand as you like and maybe put a Nikon next to it.

See which user manuals you prefer because Nikon can be a bit confusing.

[FenianEel]

Thanks for the replies so far.
Another question...where do you folks buy your cameras and equipment from?
There seem to be some decent online places, Aus based and OS.
Anyone buy from retail / stores also, and if so, any recommendations?
Cheers

[Chucaro]

I agree with dmdigital regarding the bodies but I would not touch kit lens.
If money is the issue I would only get used kit lens.
Regarding Canon they used to have a good camera body until the 40D after that they are going down the hill and new bodies do not support old lens like the Nikon brand.
Reading on the top photography forums you will see that the Canon 60D is a dissapointed upgrade and the should be good 7D have some serious problems to be resolved,
Look in the pro forums and from them you will have a good idea regarding cameras.
Of the cameras mentioned in your post I would select a D90 grey import body for less than $800 and then take your time to select the lens for your type of photography.
Cheers

[dmdigital]

Whilst I agree Arthur that kit lenses aren't as good, they basically come with the low end bodies. I'm not even sure on the Dxx00 and Canon xx0D bodies that you have an option. Hence why I mentioned not worrying about the lenses initially.

[C0L0N3L]

The D3100 will be in stores mid september, would be worth waiting for, otherwise I would look at the D90. I don't know much about Canon, however if you can find a 50D thats what I'd go for.

D3100 is a better camera than the D90 on paper but lacks features that you wish you had once you start getting really into it.

AF motor in the body (more lens options)
2 seperate wheels for apature and shutter (not having this sucks when shooting manual.. trust me.)

To summarise..

D3100 if you want a great camera
D90 if you want to get into photography

18-55 kit lens will be fine to start with unless you know exactly what you will be shooting most of the time.

Places to get..
Camera House.. not always the cheapest but are very helpful

digital cameras, digital slr cameras, video cameras - DWI australia online store. (http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au)
^have heard good things from them I havent bought anything from there myself though.

[mowog]

Buying...

I see your in Brisbane. Why not support a local store?

I have used Photo Continental in the past. I have always had good service.

I have also shopped at Teds and the shop a few doors up from Teds in the city.

[FenianEel]

Buying...

I see your in Brisbane. Why not support a local store?

I have used Photo Continental in the past. I have always had good service.

I have also shopped at Teds and the shop a few doors up from Teds in the city.

I would support local, but not when their prices are $600 above what is available elsewhere.
I can get a D90 body for $800 with warranty online (I'm aware of grey imports and local service, mack warranty etc.)
Teds is $1400
Photo Continental $1419

[mowog]

You are aware of grey imports aren't you? And the issues around them.

The questions to ask if its real cheap...

Who provides the warranty?

Cheap does not always equal less costly.

[FenianEel]

(I'm aware of grey imports and local service, mack warranty etc.)


You are aware of grey imports aren't you? And the issues around them.

Looks like it ;)

[mowog]

Ok then it's a simple case of buyer beware then.

[Chucaro]

I have form a grey import my D200, the Manfrotto and the Tokina for 3 years now and I am happy with them.

The Law in Australia give you the same protection if you get your gear from a manufacturer representative or other importers.
What you have to look is if the company which import the gear have good reputation and is established for long time in Oz.
I have dealing with THIS (www.d-d-photographics.com.au) people without problems.

In any case it is good to find out what it is in offer so if you like to can use their prices to get a good deal form the official importers ;)

[incisor]

The Law in Australia give you the same protection if you get your gear from a manufacturer representative or other importers.;)
wrong

manufacturers warranty is exactly that, from the manufacturer and you are covered no matter what business you brought it from as long as the manufacturer still has a contact in AU.

a grey market warranty is a business level warranty and the manufacturer is under no obligation to help you if the business you bought it through goes broke or if the third party warranty insurer they normally use doesn't honour the warranty, as many of them do when it isn't viable.

that said, there are some excellent direct importers around....

[big guy]

We are talking about a $1000 camera, which in 2 years be worth Zipp.

I still suggest going to a store and betting some hands on experience.
I am a huge Nikon fan, at the entry range I believe you get more dollar value with Canon.

And as far as Pro forums go, they highlight problems which is good and most pro's use Nikon which is also good but they will be biased. Bit like land Rover forums I guess.
Pro's use mainly Nikon, Canon is more amateur stuff sure but for what he is wanting, I do believe its worth a look.;)

[Chucaro]

wrong

manufacturers warranty is exactly that, from the manufacturer and you are covered no matter what business you brought it from as long as the manufacturer still has a contact in AU.

a grey market warranty is a business level warranty and the manufacturer is under no obligation to help you if the business you bought it through goes broke or if the third party warranty insurer they normally use doesn't honour the warranty, as many of them do when it isn't viable.

that said, there are some excellent direct importers around....

Wrong or you do not understand what I have said.
The importesr have the same obligation to honor the warranty as the manufacturer.
In the case of Nikon they do not take responsability of gery imports but in any case that are using 3rd party repair business to repair faulty cameras.
The grey importer form where I got my firs camera is using the same repair that Nikon.
In the case of Canon, is better because Canon repair cameras imported by grey importers.
I think that I have said before: look into the reputation of the importes and would be OK.

[Chucaro]

We are talking about a $1000 camera, which in 2 years be worth Zipp.

I still suggest going to a store and betting some hands on experience.
I am a huge Nikon fan, at the entry range I believe you get more dollar value with Canon.

And as far as Pro forums go, they highlight problems which is good and most pro's use Nikon which is also good but they will be biased. Bit like land Rover forums I guess.
Pro's use mainly Nikon, Canon is more amateur stuff sure but for what he is wanting, I do believe its worth a look.;)

Regarding the pro forums and Nikon/Canon I have to say that in the avian forums the use of Canons is 2 to 1 to Nikon because the cost of the lens.
However because a lot of problems with Canon in the last 3 years or so a lot of Canon users are going to Nikon now.
I am not biased, the Canon lens are excellent and a package of Canon 40D with a 300mm F/4 IS lens it is awesome and the best value for dollar and quality.
I selected the D200 instead of the Canon 40D because the sealed body and a lot of problems with the software when the 40D was launched.

[incisor]

Wrong or you do not understand what I have said..
i understand exactly what you said and it is wrong :P

[Chucaro]

i understand exactly what you said and it is wrong :P

Inc if you like to disagree it is your privilege.
I just going for what the Dept of Fair Trade informed to me and as a result enforced the importer of a product to honor the warranty.
I am confident that the DFT and the Commercial Lawers that worked on the act know the law and it have served me well :)

[big guy]

Regarding the pro forums and Nikon/Canon I have to say that in the avian forums the use of Canons is 2 to 1 to Nikon because the cost of the lens.
However because a lot of problems with Canon in the last 3 years or so a lot of Canon users are going to Nikon now.
I am not biased, the Canon lens are excellent and a package of Canon 40D with a 300mm F/4 IS lens it is awesome and the best value for dollar and quality.
I selected the D200 instead of the Canon 40D because the sealed body and a lot of problems with the software when the 40D was launched.

Fair enough, I am not up to the most recent reliability issues.;)

The 40D would be a lot more than he is will ing to spend incl of lens though.
I am talking more entry range with a basic zoom etc.
Not a 300 f 2.8 or anything. Be nice though.:cool:

[incisor]

Inc if you like to disagree it is your privilege.
I just going for what the Dept of Fair Trade informed to me and as a result enforced the importer of a product to honor the warranty.
but you miss the point that it is only enforceable if the importer is still in business.

in your case they were still in business, that is not always the case

with "manufacturer warranty" you can take it to any agent of the manufacturer and are not just depending on the importer that may or may not be still in business when it comes time to make a claim.

[Cap]

Check out the DWI site for camera and lenses ;)

[300+]

I bought my camera from PC in Brisbane after they price matched a discount genuine Australian import. Whilst I didn't get grey import prices, it was quite close. Teds and Camera Warehouse didn't want to know even though I was standing there in the shop ready to buy then. They were both quite rude about it as well. So I went outside and phoned PC and did the deal on the phone.

Cheers, Steve

[drifter]

<snip>
In the case of Canon, is better because Canon repair cameras imported by grey importers.
I think that I have said before: look into the reputation of the importes and would be OK.

I use the same importer that you identified. The owner is a good guy (and prefers Nikon for himself). He has been around a long time and has never caused me any problems with warranty issues. I happen to know my 1DMK3 was sourced from Egypt - but he has not only stood by me, he has pointed me to Canon for service and, I believe, has picked up the tab for the grey import repair.


Regarding the pro forums and Nikon/Canon I have to say that in the avian forums the use of Canons is 2 to 1 to Nikon because the cost of the lens.
However because a lot of problems with Canon in the last 3 years or so a lot of Canon users are going to Nikon now.
I am not biased, the Canon lens are excellent and a package of Canon 40D with a 300mm F/4 IS lens it is awesome and the best value for dollar and quality.
I selected the D200 instead of the Canon 40D because the sealed body and a lot of problems with the software when the 40D was launched.

I own 3 Canons - the 40D, the 5D and the 1DMK3. The 40D was such a lump of crap I gave it away. I bought it from Teds and, on a tripod, it couldn't take two in-focus shots on a fixed object in a row. Canon serviced it and it was slightly better, but not good enough. They advised me that it was 'within manufacturers tolerances'. That camera is a local purchases, local warranty $1800 door stop. The other two are running as expected.

As to the OP - you choose what feels best for you. Go to a store and feel them in your hands. See if the buttons feel intuitive to you. (Most people prefer the shape and layouts of Nikons).

Once you have decided on the camera you would like, go shopping. Look online. Look at some of the others like Photo Continental. Some of them will do deals if you ask. If you choose a grey-market importer, talk with them. Look at how long they have been around. Look at the 'quality' of their operation. Ask people about them.

If you have doubts - ask. There are many people around who have 'been there, done that'.

In whatever you choose to do - good luck and let us know how it goes.

[Chucaro]

Perhaps you got a lemon with your 40D :(
I know few avian photographers that have excellent result with it specially the ones that coem on the 2nd year.
Having say that I like and use Nikons

[big guy]

Perhaps you got a lemon with your 40D :(
I know few avian photographers that have excellent result with it specially the ones that coem on the 2nd year.
Having say that I like and use Nikons

I must admit that I do not know any avian(bird) photographers and do not know their preferences but I do know they are like Land Rover owners.
That is one eyed and know their gear.

My preferred bird photography is of the non flying variety but i guess the same skill set is involved.

So, to get best equipment for above mentioned is to go to shop and have a fiddle.
See what feels right and perhaps even see what is on the 2nd hand market as at the entry price bracket its pretty basic and one will soon outgrow it.

D200's are going cheap and a good starting point I would have thought.

In all the years I have never had a single warranty issue with a SLR yet.
I had a compact Panasonic which was terrible but that is another story.:D

[abaddonxi]

I must admit that I do not know any avian(bird) photographers and do not know their preferences but I do know they are like Land Rover owners.
That is one eyed and know their gear.

My preferred bird photography is of the non flying variety but i guess the same skill set is involved.

So, to get best equipment for above mentioned is to go to shop and have a fiddle.
See what feels right and perhaps even see what is on the 2nd hand market as at the entry price bracket its pretty basic and one will soon outgrow it.

D200's are going cheap and a good starting point I would have thought.

In all the years I have never had a single warranty issue with a SLR yet.
I had a compact Panasonic which was terrible but that is another story.:D

Sorry to disagree, but I'd suggest not taking your bird photos to a camera shop and having a fiddle with the equipment.:p

[Cap]

Sorry to disagree, but I'd suggest not taking your bird photos to a camera shop and having a fiddle with the equipment.:p

Or would that be fiddling with your equipment and trying to take bird photos? Talk about zoom lenses :angel:

[ozscott]

The D5000 is an amazing bit of kit - particularly for the price. Do a LONG internet search and you will see that there is a bloke who used it professionally in Germany recently and reckons if he was starting up again rather than going the super expensive full frame Nikon he would go 2 x D5000's... There are also a host of other reviews and comparisons. Have a look at Flickr also for the Nikon D5000 user groups photos. Most reviews on dedicated photography sites put the D5000 ahead of the Canon Rebel.

The people who say Canon have better colour probably dont understand the difference in the stock settings in the 2 brands. Having used both, Canon have their saturation turned up out of the box - vibrant colour. Nikon do not - natural colour. I prefer colour in most cases - the more vibrant the better, so within a few minutes I had tuned my D5000 to higher saturation (which you can easily turn off again - its a program selection) and the colour is outstanding and better than I have seen from a Canon in the same price range.

The D5000 in low light gives the Canon Rebel a good kicking. The Canon has the edge in one area and that is video, but I am not worried about that.

The kit lenses on the D5000 are quite good especially in daylight. I just purchased a Nikor 38mm fixed and it is an amazing bit of kit.

Cheers

PS. Its a bit ford versus holden, but for me who has always had Canon, I love Nikon and their software.

[DeanoH]

..............Basic body with lens kit, and later upgrade to decent lenses.

Thanks

At the risk of paddling against the current.

Buy a decent lens that suits the type of photography you intend doing. Chucaro is right, kit lenses are generally rubbish and not good value for money at all. You will soon be disappointed with their limitations if you buy one and will ultimately leave it in the cupboard when you upgrade. Spend the bulk of your money on a decent lens and couple it with an obsolete second hand camera. You will still have a quality setup, just a bit outdated in the body. There's no point putting a crap lens on a good camera as you will not get the benefit of the good body.
If it were my $1K, I'd go for a Nikon D70 with an AF-S DX VR Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5~5.6G IF-ED lens and upgrade the body when I'd reached the limitations of the camera. If you don't need this much zoom go for a AF-S Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5~4.5G ED which is an excellent lens and far superior to the usual kit lens offerings. You could probably get this with a D80 for your $1K. The point I'm making is to spend the bulk of your money on the lens and upgrade the body later, not the other way round.
The D5000 is a real good camera and quite highly regarded. The D3100 is a brand new model to supercede the D3000 and should be a heap better as the D3000 is not Nikons finest and best left alone.
My two bobs worth.

Deano:)