Son's 30th - and who better to ask

[Barra1]

My son's 30th birthday is approaching and the Cranky One and I have decided a camera would be a suitable gift:cool:

I have no idea where to start.

My initial opinion was to walk in to the local camera shop and - "I want a Nikon and I have $750 to $900"

I know this opens a can of worms - a bit like the old-age question: What tyres will I fit.

Can you set me on the straight and narrow - I would like to buy a bit of good gear so I suppose the first question is: Am I throwing enough dollars at it?

Oh yeah - he doesn't know much about cameras, it will be family snaps (hey, I'm going to be a Poppa for the first time within the next month!) so IT WILL BE FAMILY SNAPS - his partner, Jenny, has an interest in photography but they don't have a good camera - just phones (I'm old enough that I still find that unbelievable!) and a $100 camera that reminds me of a credit card.

Thanks in advance.;)

[slug_burner]

I like to be able to change lens to allow me to buy the best I can for the job at hand. I have a DSLR but know little about Nikon. Just to get the ball rolling I have found the following


D3100 kit (http://www.digidirect.com.au/slr_cameras/nikon/nikon_d3100_including_nikon_af-s_18-55_vr_+_55-200_vr_twin_lens_kit)

http://www.digidirect.com.au/plugins/Cart/ProductImages/med_4256_nikon_d3100_18_55.jpg

That is $989

If it is anything like the Canon for a similar price the lenses are not going to be too exciting but probably ok for a bigginer.

The Nikon gurus can give us their opinion.

If the lens changing issue is not one that is going to drive thisa selection I'd say you could get something for less in a lens and camera in a single unit like on of the Coolpix cameras

[Chucaro]

I am a Nikon user but Canon have the excellent G series cameras that will be good as a second camera if he get the photography bug later on and go for a DSLR.

I have a friend who use a Canon G10 as a second camera(I think that the later model is the G12) and his images are excellent.

If you go for Nikon I would go for the 5000 or the 7000 models.
Remember that the lens are the important component in the DSLR cameras and Nikon are not cheap, however for family shot the awesome 50mm f/1.8 is very cheap and together with the 70-300 VR would be a great kit.
You will get both of them in the grey import market will be under $1000.00
Cheers

[dmdigital]

The D3100 would be the pick of that end of DSLR's. Nikon kit lenses are better than Canon equivalent but are still basic lenses.

The G12 or P7000 are both good P&S cameras but will prove limited a lot quicker if the interest in photography takes hold. Price wise they are no cheaper (probably dearer) than the D3100 kit.

You can get the D3100 kit with 2 lenses for around $900-990 with full Australian warranty.

[Narangga]

Bought a Panasonic FZ-35 at the end of 2009 after deciding not to go back to an SLR as I did not want to bother with extra lenses etc.

Choose the Panasonic for the reviews of its HD video recording and have not been disappointed. If you are taking a still, just hit the button and HD video starts recording.

Ruled out the Canon G series due to no HD video capacity and no super zoom.

Superceeded now by the Panasonic FZ-40 which has a hot shoe, large picture size and a longer zoom - all for under $600

[Barra1]

The D3100 would be the pick of that end of DSLR's. Nikon kit lenses are better than Canon equivalent but are still basic lenses.

The G12 or P7000 are both good P&S cameras but will prove limited a lot quicker if the interest in photography takes hold. Price wise they are no cheaper (probably dearer) than the D3100 kit.

You can get the D3100 kit with 2 lenses for around $900-990 with full Australian warranty.

Thanks Derek - I checked out the D3100 kit today and I guess I will have too look further than the local camera shop - how does $1,200 plus sound:eek:

But the camera does look the "goods" so off to the wonderful world of electronic-cyberspace shopping - or even better a weekend in Melbourne:D:D

[Chucaro]

This Nikon D5000 kit with Nikon 18-200mm VR II (http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/product.asp?idProduct=2373)
for $ 1172.00 looks the goods for me and the site have excellent reputation.;)

[Narangga]

Bought my Panasonic from this mob and everything was as their website said it would be.

Nikon D3100 18-55 55-200mm Twin lens kit Discounted Now at Camerastore.com.au (http://www.camerastore.com.au/Nikon+D3100+18+55+55+200mm+Twin+lens+kit_6425_deta ils.htm)


Nikon D5000 18-55mm VR KIt Discounted Now at Camerastore.com.au (http://www.camerastore.com.au/Nikon+D5000+18+55mm+VR+KIt_4621_details.htm)

HTH.

[Barra1]

Chucaro - thanks for posting that site. It has opened a whole new world for me. :D

Isn't it always the way - I start out looking for something around $700 and now I'm into the $1000 plus mark:eek:

As a Land Rover owner I should be used to that:eek::eek:

[Chucaro]

Chucaro - thanks for posting that site. It has opened a whole new world for me. :D

Isn't it always the way - I start out looking for something around $700 and now I'm into the $1000 plus mark:eek:

As a Land Rover owner I should be used to that:eek::eek:

I am looking for a site like that for LR Defender expedition gear but no to much luck :D

[big guy]

I am a Nikon user but Canon have the excellent G series cameras that will be good as a second camera if he get the photography bug later on and go for a DSLR.

I have a friend who use a Canon G10 as a second camera(I think that the later model is the G12) and his images are excellent.

If you go for Nikon I would go for the 5000 or the 7000 models.
Remember that the lens are the important component in the DSLR cameras and Nikon are not cheap, however for family shot the awesome 50mm f/1.8 is very cheap and together with the 70-300 VR would be a great kit.
You will get both of them in the grey import market will be under $1000.00
Cheers

Could this be the 1st time I agree with Chucaro?

I also have a Canon G12, its a great piece of gear and will fit your budget.
Get a good fast card with it and by jolly does it take good pictures.

Even records in HD(720) video.

Great point and shoot yet with all the options to go fully manual or partly etc.

I went to DWI and had it here in my hands 48 hrs later $575 with a 8G/20mb/s Extreme card.

Good luck and check out the reviews.;)

[Barra1]

Bought my Panasonic from this mob and everything was as their website said it would be.

Nikon D3100 18-55 55-200mm Twin lens kit Discounted Now at Camerastore.com.au (http://www.camerastore.com.au/Nikon+D3100+18+55+55+200mm+Twin+lens+kit_6425_deta ils.htm)


Nikon D5000 18-55mm VR KIt Discounted Now at Camerastore.com.au (http://www.camerastore.com.au/Nikon+D5000+18+55mm+VR+KIt_4621_details.htm)

HTH.

Thanks Dale - both those kits look good.;)

[Chucaro]

Could this be the 1st time I agree with Chucaro?

:D :D that is what make forums interesting, we analize and learn by the experience of others.
Cheers mate
Arthur

[dmdigital]

D5000 is nowhere near as good as D3100. Most places won't budge on low end kit prices. But $1200 is expensive.

[Chucaro]

D5000 is nowhere near as good as D3100. Most places won't budge on low end kit prices. But $1200 is expensive.

I think that in DWI the D3100 cost the same as the D5000.

The D5000 is among the best cameras for remote action because do not produce much noise. In this point is far superior to the 3100 if will be used for wild life remote photography using Nikon Camera Control or other system.

[dmdigital]

I think you are possibly thinking of the D3000 Arthur. The D5000 isn't as good with NEF as the D5000 and also looses out on the hi ISO performance. That said the D5000 is very good and I do wonder if it will be upgraded or not.

[Narangga]

Thanks Dale - both those kits look good.;)

I have also used this mob and was happy with the service.

Digital SLR Cameras - Nikon (http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/category148_1.htm?utm_source=categoryheader&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=NikonDSLR)

[Barra1]

Thanks fellas - I now have an idea what to consider and just as importantly - where to start.;)

I knew that if I simply walked into the camera store I was going to be "sold" something so your help has been a great help.

He doesn't turn 30 until April 2 so I have the advantage of not being rushed and have time to shop around. Once again - thanks.;)

[Barra1]

Well, after all the assistance my fellow-forum members gave me, guess what?:(

I travelled to Bacchus Marsh last weekend to see my son and my first-born grandson, William John, and yes - they had a new camera which was purchased for the arrival of the Little Fella:o:o

It was a Canon Something - cost him $600 - so, once again - thanks - and I'm back to the drawing board for his 30th.:eek:

[Narangga]

Well, after all the assistance my fellow-forum members gave me, guess what?:(

I travelled to Bacchus Marsh last weekend to see my son and my first-born grandson, William John, and yes - they had a new camera which was purchased for the arrival of the Little Fella:o:o

It was a Canon Something - cost him $600 - so, once again - thanks - and I'm back to the drawing board for his 30th.:eek:

Kids. :rolleyes: :whistling: