New Camera Choice

[Heggs]

Sorry to do this I expect it could get much debate, I am looking at a new camera DSLR, I have been to a few courses now looking at portrait and landsape photograph and have outgrown my existing camera which is a compact Sony Cybershot I do like the way the Sony operates/menus etc.

The cameras I am looking at are

Canon EOS 1000D
Canon EOS 450D
Nikon D60
Olympus E-520
Sony A200

There dosnt seam to be too much difference between these cameras that i can find in their specifications and the review I have read seam to be roughly the same.

Has anybody had any personal experience with these pro's/con's?

Or is this just gettin down to a holden/ford...landrover/toyota debate?

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Hi. Have a look at dpreview (http://dpreview.com/). I'll suggest that there won't be great differences between all of them.

When making your choice try to consider your next move as you may want to carry flashes or lenses over to the next upgrade.

[dmdigital]

Sony A200 - see the thread Dullbird started.
EOS 1000D - waste of money, much better off with the EOS 450D
EOS 450D - Think of it as the Toyota of the entry level DSLR, every man and his dog seems to own one, but they are average.
D60 - Think of it as the D3 of the entry level DSLR. Everyone with a Canon will bag it because its a Nikon.
E-520 - I don't really know what the latest crop of Oly DSLR's are like. I do believe they are starting to get back some of their SLR heritage though.

I'm biased so for me it would be Nikon D60. If you can stretch the budget the D90 is definitely worth it.

[Armadillo]

Although I'm a sony/Minolta, I would have reservations about the Olympus because of the 4/3 sensor format. at least with the other cameras, the sensor is bigger, which will (usually) mean less highlight clipping and better noise performance. Also, consider the price and availability of lenses.
My preference is;

Sony/Nikon (who incidently share the same sensors)
Nikon have been getting rave reviews for thier latest releases, and you have a huge range of lenses to choose from, from the early MF lenses through to the latest offerings. sony has inbuilt sensor stabilisation and you get use the superb Minolta lenses

Pentax K20 which is excellent value, great features (inc weather sealing and image stabilisation) and and a decent performer that is often overlooked.

Canon (a bit overrated :p) and the 450D over the 1000D. I personally feel they are trading on their name a bit. There have been some recalls on some of their cameras (admittedly the higher end stuff), and have heard stories of QA issues regarding their lenses.

Most importantly, do your research, and spend decent time in the camera shop trying them out for how they feel in the hand, brightness of viewfinder, responsiveness etc. The thing is once you go with a system, in the long run the real value and investment is not with the camera, but with the lenses.

Check out Digital Camera Reviews and News: Digital Photography Review: Forums, Glossary, FAQ (http://www.dpreview.com).

Also there are links to other camera review sites under "About" on the LH menu on the website.

[dmdigital]

The D60 won't take any MF lenses and will only take the later G series lenses which have a built in motor.

Whilst Nikon does use a Sony sensor, the firmware and image processing is very much Nikon.

I'd forgotten about the Pentax K20, get's very good reviews too.

As for the 4:3 sensors, they are here to stay and in fact may end up dominating part of the market.

[Armadillo]

The D60 won't take any MF lenses and will only take the later G series lenses which have a built in motor.

Oops, forgot that one - would have to go next model (D90)


Whilst Nikon does use a Sony sensor, the firmware and image processing is very much Nikon.
So it comes down to personal preference about the image. Nikon holds more detail, Sony has greater Dynamic range. Earlier sony firmware wasn't the best but improved significantly of late (obviously didn't listen to the ex-Minolta engineers :p)


I'd forgotten about the Pentax K20, get's very good reviews too.
Got one for my partner, and she can also use early Pentax MF lenses as well. ;)



As for the 4:3 sensors, they are here to stay and in fact may end up dominating part of the market.

Yep agree, but based on current technology, the compomises of such a high pixel count on a smaller sensor and lack of upgrade path (ie: full sensor) due to the contraints of the lenses really keeps it at the consumer end of the market and limits upgrade path should the photo bug bite...:wasntme:

[dmdigital]

Dynamic range on the new Nikons is brilliant! I think I'll be getting the replacement to the D700 or a D400 when ever they come out after seeing shots off D3, D300 and D90.

[Chucaro]

I would go Nikon D60 and further more I would look for a used D200 with a very little use. There are bargains out there. ;)

[flagg]

The good news is they are all great cameras, capable of fantastic shots.. the important thing is.. which one you like! As you say, its pretty much holden vs ford. Once you have been shooting for a while, and really know the specifics of what you like it gets easier to choose (like the older canons had no spot meter.. I use it all the time so a canon would have been no good)

Most reviews / commentary from the camera fanatics around the internet are hilariously bad - all photos of brick walls and colours charts, arguments of the minutest detail of an image at 100% resolution.. useless.

Accessories are important too.. out of everything you can spend your money on, the only ones that I have found will make a large improvement to your photos are (in no real order):

* solid tripod (not some flimsy plastic thing, a proper manfrotto 055 or similar)
* a circular polarizer (doesn't have to be a superthin expensive one)
* a good flash
* good post process software
* knowing how to use the camera

[Heggs]

Thanks guys, I have one other question I have a Minolta m70 SLR camera that is sitting in the cupboard, this has 2 sigma lenses
1- AF-MF zoom lens 28-80mm F3.5-5.6 II Asperical
2- AF-MF zoom lens 100-300mm f4.5-6.7 DL
will these be usuable on a DSLR
I am under the impression that the minolta and the SonyA200 have the same fitting, or have i been given a bum steer

[flagg]

Thanks guys, I have one other question I have a Minolta m70 SLR camera that is sitting in the cupboard, this has 2 sigma lenses
1- AF-MF zoom lens 28-80mm F3.5-5.6 II Asperical
2- AF-MF zoom lens 100-300mm f4.5-6.7 DL
will these be usuable on a DSLR
I am under the impression that the minolta and the SonyA200 have the same fitting, or have i been given a bum steer

They they the same bayonet fitting - but you may not have full metering / AF functionality. Best bet is to take them with you to the camera store and try it. The Sony is based upon the old Minolta cameras.

[big guy]

Hey mate.
May I suggest you go in the shop and have a good feel.

Take some time and play with features. See how they fall into your finger tips.

Canon and Nikon are the pick of the bunch.

I have used both and currently feel Canon has the slight edge, great colour and super fast start up and a great 18-200mm lens to boot.
You get what you pay for and remember that technology is changing so fast, you may find that in a year you will have outgrown a entry typr model and feel the need to update. Cameras do not hold their value at all.
Do not chase pixels as its the way the info gets recorded that matters, the lens plays a mayor role and get fast glass, meaning a as low as possible f stop.
Allows for wuicker shots and in low light condition and usually means a better lens overall.
Stick with quality lenses and also a good quality memory card.

So take yourself into a shop you trust and play with the gnobs and dials, get the feel for one and not just the preferences of the salesman.
Best of luck and happy shooting.

[Armadillo]

Thanks guys, I have one other question I have a Minolta m70 SLR camera that is sitting in the cupboard, this has 2 sigma lenses
1- AF-MF zoom lens 28-80mm F3.5-5.6 II Asperical
2- AF-MF zoom lens 100-300mm f4.5-6.7 DL
will these be usuable on a DSLR
I am under the impression that the minolta and the SonyA200 have the same fitting, or have i been given a bum steer

No, you haven't been given a bum steer.

The Sony mount IS the Minolta A-mount and therefore identical.

These two lenses will work - assuming that you are refering the Minolta Maxxum 70 and not the X70 which had the MD mount, however I would be inclined to bin the Sigma 100-300mm - not a good lens at all.

There are some issues with some sigma lenses manufactured up the mid 90's (most notably the Sigma 400mm F5.6) that would not focus or meter on the digital cameras. These can be rechipped. But, given that there are a number of good lenses around at reasonable prices, it may not be economically viable.

The main difference with the latest Sony mount is an additional 2 electrical contacts (for new SSM type lenses I believe), but other than that, it will work properly with all Minolta AF lenses and most of the other A-mount lenses. It is not, however, compatible with the earlier MC and MD lenses, which is a pity, because many of the older Rokkor lenses are superb. :(

[werdan]

They they the same bayonet fitting - but you may not have full metering / AF functionality. Best bet is to take them with you to the camera store and try it. The Sony is based upon the old Minolta cameras.

Yep. I strongly agree with this one. Each lens has a ROM chip inside it which tells the camera what sort of lens it is and otehr details. The lens will definitely fit the bayonet mount but Minolta and Sigma had a bit of a barney in the early days. After Sigma started producing lenses for Minolta cameras without paying a licence, Minolta changed their cameras to be incompatible with the early Sigma ROM chips. They later sorted it out but it would still pay to test the lenses with a camera you're interested in.


Also I'd be looking at an Sony A300 over to a A200. While it's more bikkies and it's basically the same camera specs, it has a maneuverable LCD and a kick arse live-view system. The live-view is actually better than the current Canon and Nikon systems.

[Taz]

You mention portraits and landscapes, but dont include the FujiS5Pro on the list? That would be my choice around the $1000 price point category (body only).

[Heggs]

You mention portraits and landscapes, but dont include the FujiS5Pro on the list? That would be my choice around the $1000 price point category (body only).

I have only every heard bad things about fuji's, and never even considered them probably should realy. I went to the camera shop yesterday and had a look at all on my list, it seams to be not a lot of real differences between any of the cameras around that price, its not untill the next step is taken does any real difference happen.

[hills boy]

I'm not sure if i'm hijacking your therd or not ill move it if you want. but i'm looking a getting a DSLR, looking at getting either Nikon D90 ($1449 to $1600 body only) or Canon ($1249 to $1499 body only) both look good, both have HDvideo 500D 720p at 30fps and D90 at 24fps (D90 dosen't shoot 1080P 500D dose)but leaning towards the 500D due to weight about 200g lighter( i know that not much but carring a years supply of gear on you back it all adds up.) i will be using it next year as im travelling all year in various places around the world. So looking at taking only one lens, i have heard alright thing about the Tamron 18-270mm lens ($900 to $1100).

Here a link to the cameras side by side if your interested
Digital Cameras Side-by-Side, 2 cameras: Digital Photography Review (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp'method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos500d%2Cnikon_d90&show=all)

[TDV6]

There is a new Nikon D5000 more goodies than the D60 and most of the D90.

I was looking at this and thinking - well - just thinking

See Nikon D5000 Hands-on Preview: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review (http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikond5000/) has a comparison between the three Nikons.

Ryall

[abaddonxi]

Hey mate.
May I suggest you go in the shop and have a good feel.

Take some time and play with features. See how they fall into your finger tips.

Canon and Nikon are the pick of the bunch.

I have used both and currently feel Canon has the slight edge, great colour and super fast start up and a great 18-200mm lens to boot.
You get what you pay for and remember that technology is changing so fast, you may find that in a year you will have outgrown a entry typr model and feel the need to update. Cameras do not hold their value at all.
Do not chase pixels as its the way the info gets recorded that matters, the lens plays a mayor role and get fast glass, meaning a as low as possible f stop.
Allows for wuicker shots and in low light condition and usually means a better lens overall.
Stick with quality lenses and also a good quality memory card.

So take yourself into a shop you trust and play with the gnobs and dials, get the feel for one and not just the preferences of the salesman.
Best of luck and happy shooting.

This can be read in so many different ways.

:p

Simon

[Heggs]

Ok I was at DSE today talking to the guys about the Sony A200 twin lens kit that they advertised for $887.00, I managed to talk him down as the display stock was his last to $599.00:D, not bad I thought as Camera house in Leederville are selling the same package for $1199.00:):).

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Ok I was at DSE today talking to the guys about the Sony A200 twin lens kit that they advertised for $887.00, I managed to talk him down as the display stock was his last to $599.00:D, not bad I thought as Camera house in Leederville are selling the same package for $1199.00:):).
WOW :)

[lro11]

I would like a canon 500d can anyone recommend this camera

[Chucaro]

I would like a canon 500d can anyone recommend this camera

There are a lot of issues with the new Canon bodies including the expensive models. Do heaps of research on the net before you go for it.
It is a shame because the Canon lens are very good :(

[300+]

Ok I was at DSE today talking to the guys about the Sony A200 twin lens kit that they advertised for $887.00, I managed to talk him down as the display stock was his last to $599.00:D, not bad I thought as Camera house in Leederville are selling the same package for $1199.00:):).

Buy it. Seriously.

Take a couple of hundred shots over the next couple of weeks, decide which features are valuable to you, etc.

Then if you think you need more ebay it, likely for more than that price based on what I can see listed today. In fact, ebay the body & wide lens and then the tele lens in a different auction. Take the larger pile of cash than you started with an buy what you need based on your experience.

Or if you decide to stay Sony and upgrade to a A330 or whatever, ebay the body, keep the lenses, etc.

Personally I've a Sony A100 and am happy with my choice. If I were doing it again I'd buy a used Nikon D200 from KEH in the US.

Cheers, Steve

[Heggs]

Buy it. Seriously.

Take a couple of hundred shots over the next couple of weeks, decide which features are valuable to you, etc.

Then if you think you need more ebay it, likely for more than that price based on what I can see listed today. In fact, ebay the body & wide lens and then the tele lens in a different auction. Take the larger pile of cash than you started with an buy what you need based on your experience.

Or if you decide to stay Sony and upgrade to a A330 or whatever, ebay the body, keep the lenses, etc.

Personally I've a Sony A100 and am happy with my choice. If I were doing it again I'd buy a used Nikon D200 from KEH in the US.

Cheers, Steve


I did buy it :D i have taken hundreds of images with it, and it does everything i need it too, the quality is very good, images are very sharp and clear. highly recomend them