looking to uprade my camera

[disruptfam]

Currently using a canon s3 nice cam but looking for something abit better. my budget is $800aud.

Would the nikon d40x be a decent upgrade from a s3? a Nikon D40X / 18-55mm Kit goes for around $680 aud


any other suggestions in that price range?

cheers guys :up:

[Nate P.]

That would be a great upgrade. I know Max used to use one.

[disruptfam]

is it worth paying the extra $100 dollars for the d40x and 18-55 (VR) lens kit

[Nate P.]

Yes, the VR is GREATLY improved over the non-VR one.

[disruptfam]

NICE!

so d40x it is then?

[Nate P.]

Well, you can save some cash if you don't need all the MP's... with the D40.

[evil-98]

how much is the d40x? i was originally going with the d40x but went with the d60, which is taking the d40x's place. theres a package deal with a lens on amazon for 640

[MaxxxRacer]

A good kit, but I'd still prefer a used D80 with the 18-55VR over the D40 or D60.

[disruptfam]

used d80 hey...

i will look into it.Wonder how much one goes for ???? hmmm

cheers

[[XC] 2long4u]

I saw D80's on ebay body only buy it now for about $630-$650+shipping

[disruptfam]

any kits with 18-55 vr lense's

[[XC] 2long4u]

Right now I only found the kit with the 18-55 vr and the 55-200 vr.
The VR isn't as important for the shorter lenses. Where you really need it is when you are zoomed out.
I have a 18-55 and a 55-200 VR. I would sell the 18-55 and get the 18-70 any day. The auto focus is sooo fast on the 18-70. Plus the 18-70 has a manual/auto focus which means you don't have to flip a switch to make a minor adjustment. The 18-70 is also built much better then the 18-55. The first link is for the D80 with 18-70 and a 70-300 both non VR. The 70-300VR is a much better purchase then the non VR but the VR is also $400 more.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D80-SLR-Digital-Camera-18-70-70-300mm-4GB-KIT_W0QQitemZ300231041807QQihZ020QQcategoryZ147174 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D80-NEW-Digital-SLR-Camera-18-55-VR-55-200-VR_W0QQitemZ160242664640QQihZ006QQcategoryZ147174Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[disruptfam]

thanks mate

[MaxxxRacer]

there wont be any D80 + 18-55 kits I dont think. I dont think they ever had that as a kit. Personally I would go with the 18-70 as mentioned above. Its a bit faster lens and has much better build quality. Personally I am going to get the 17-55 F2.8, but that is only because I need the speed and shallow DOF for isolating subjects. Dont really want to spend the dough on it.

[disruptfam]

what do guys think of the nikon d60?

[Soulburner]

I think the D60 is too close in price to the D80 to be worth it.

And Maxx, there is a D80 + 18-55 VR kit. I'd also suggest not buying the 17-55 f/2.8. It is a great lens but not even close to being worth $1200. Get yourself the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 for $410 and you won't be disappointed.

[Soulburner]

2long4u;3060982']Right now I only found the kit with the 18-55 vr and the 55-200 vr.
The VR isn't as important for the shorter lenses. Where you really need it is when you are zoomed out.
I have a 18-55 and a 55-200 VR. I would sell the 18-55 and get the 18-70 any day. The auto focus is sooo fast on the 18-70. Plus the 18-70 has a manual/auto focus which means you don't have to flip a switch to make a minor adjustment. The 18-70 is also built much better then the 18-55. The first link is for the D80 with 18-70 and a 70-300 both non VR. The 70-300VR is a much better purchase then the non VR but the VR is also $400 more.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D80-SLR-Digital-Camera-18-70-70-300mm-4GB-KIT_W0QQitemZ300231041807QQihZ020QQcategoryZ147174 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D80-NEW-Digital-SLR-Camera-18-55-VR-55-200-VR_W0QQitemZ160242664640QQihZ006QQcategoryZ147174Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
The 70-300 VR is $479, so that makes the non-VR $79? That's a steal :confused:

Either way, don't bother with those kits, most of the stuff is cheap and you will either never use it or upgrade soon anyway. Just buy the parts seperate.

[disruptfam]

I think the D60 is too close in price to the D80 to be worth it.

And Maxx, there is a D80 + 18-55 VR kit. I'd also suggest not buying the 17-55 f/2.8. It is a great lens but not even close to being worth $1200. Get yourself the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 for $410 and you won't be disappointed.

In Aus the d60 is up to $400 cheaper the d80.

[eva2000]

In Aus the d60 is up to $400 cheaper the d80.
Also double check whether or not they're grey imports or aussie local stock as that could account for the difference ?

[disruptfam]

im not 100% what you mean by "grey" imports?

[eva2000]

In reference to us Aussies - grey imports = products imported into Australia via un-official manufacturer authorised channels versus local products brought in via authorised manufacturer channels. In terms of warranty, Australian manufacturer or authorised distributors won't warranty or repair grey imports as they're products they didn't bring in as opposed to local.

Usually grey imports have a much lower price..

example

www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au - all products via Australian stock from authorised channel
www.camerasdirect.com.au - all grey imports

i.e. crkennedy authorised distributor for pentax, sigma etc http://www.crkennedy.com.au/v1/index.cfm?pageID=465


C.R.Kennedy & Company Pty Ltd are the sole authorised Australian distributors for Pentax, Sigma, Hasselblad and iriver.

Parallel and Grey Imports are described as product imported directly into a country by a company or persons other than the manufacturer's authorised distributor in that country.
Please Note

1) CR Kennedy & Company Pty Ltd does not provide any warranty or guarantee for parallel /grey imports. We will not honour any warranty /guarantee supplied by www.camerasdirect.com.au, www.d-d.photographics.com.au, www.DealsDirect.com.au and www.globalmediapro.com.

2) Please note products sourced from America and Japan requiring battery chargers etc will not meet Australian electrical standards. Plugs will require an adaptor. Adaptors supplied by parallel /grey importers are often not electrically approved.

3) In many instances products supplied for Australia have special modifications for the Australian market. iriver MP3 players for example have a different operating system to the unit supplied in the USA. If you purchase parallel /grey imported product you risk purchasing product that may not easily work under Australian conditions.

4) We have had a recent case where product supplied by an e-bay vendor was found to be stolen goods. This instance is now a police matter.

5) CR Kennedy & Company Pty Ltd. operate in a global market place. The lines we represent in Australia are globally competitive in price. The savings by purchasing from parallel/grey importers are small. The risks are great.


SIGMA AUSTRALIAN WARRANTY ON GREY IMPORTS

C.R. Kennedy & Co P/L will only undertake warranty repairs on products sourced through us. All products imported directly from overseas and resold are not covered by our warranty. This includes purchases through ebay and through grey importers such as www.camerasdirect.com.au,
www.d-d-photographics.com.au, www.DealsDirect.com.au, www.globalmediapro.com and www.photobuff.com.au.

Mark Harrison from www.camerasdirect.com.au has been directly advised by Sigma Japan that C.R. Kennedy, the only authorised Sigma agent in Australia, will not cover warranty on Sigma products bought through www.camerasdirect.com.au

We will match, through our authorised Sigma dealer network, any legitimate advertised internetﾠ price on Sigma lenses by these grey importers.

These prices do not include traditional pre-sales and after sales service normally given by your local retail store. We suggest that you research the product thoroughly before making any purchase.


I bought my dslr body - k200d pentax from local OZ stock for piece of mind from digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au and lens from USA - adorama with 7yr international mack warranties.

[disruptfam]

thanks for clearing that up for me mate

[eva2000]

No probs.. it's confusing grey imports in OZ can be as much as 25-30% cheaper than the Aussie local stock - a good and bad thing. Just have to be aware of your options and what warranties you are entitled to.

[tetete]

I would recommend SONY A300+ 24-50 f4 or 28-135 f4-4.5

and 70-210 f4 is a must have

[disruptfam]

No probs.. it's confusing grey imports in OZ can be as much as 25-30% cheaper than the Aussie local stock - a good and bad thing. Just have to be aware of your options and what warranties you are entitled to.

Eva

I'm looking to buy my new camera this weekend,

Could you help me choose.

camera house offer.double warranty

http://catalogues.camerahouse.com.au/portal/offerdetails/nikon_d60_with_lens_kit/1186078135215?CatalogueID=1186078083605&pageview=two&tab=list&Ns=OfferOnPage|0&N=4294965990&gotopage=1&viewCount=0&source=productlist

cheapest i could find (i think its a grey import)

http://youshop247.com.au/store/product.php?productid=26043&xid=3f20a1dc57083001ea6fab47f85516b9

cheers mate

[eva2000]

does it have to be this weekend ? looks like a Nikon price drop is coming soon from what you listed so waiting might allow other retailers to list their new prices to compare ?

but i see cheapest is probably grey imported http://www.shopbot.com.au/default.asp?orderby=p&p1=&p2=&kw=nikon+d60+twin&position=search doubt you'd get it cheaper than that listed AUD$899 for twin lens kit! Is the extra warranty worth $200 ?

it's AUD$1,042 at https://www.camerasdirect.com.au/index.php/vmchk/digital-slr-cameras/nikon/d60-new.html which are also grey imports

[disruptfam]

does it have to be this weekend ? looks like a Nikon price drop is coming soon from what you listed so waiting might allow other retailers to list their new prices to compare ?

but i see cheapest is probably grey imported http://www.shopbot.com.au/default.asp?orderby=p&p1=&p2=&kw=nikon+d60+twin&position=search doubt you'd get it cheaper than that listed AUD$899 for twin lens kit! Is the extra warranty worth $200 ?

it's AUD$1,042 at https://www.camerasdirect.com.au/index.php/vmchk/digital-slr-cameras/nikon/d60-new.html which are also grey imports

i can wait if there is going to be a price drop....

I think i should stay away from the grey imports

[disruptfam]

in terms of image quality

is the nikkor 18-70mm lens better than the 18-55vr and 55-200vr?

for my first dslr kit would the nikon d60 and 18-70mm lens be suited to me?

[Nate P.]

Why the D60? If you are going Nikon, why not the D80?

[disruptfam]

i cant remember who told me but someone said to stay away from the d80 as its getting old now,and the d60's the better bet is that true?

cheers

[Nate P.]

I don't think so, the D80 is a cut above the D40/D40x/D60... those are all beginner cameras no matter how new they are. The D80 has more advanced features, and is slated to drop in price when the D90 comes out (soon).

[disruptfam]

should i wait for the d90? whats pricing on that?

or should i just pick up a d80?

[Soulburner]

I think the D90 will come in at $999 like the D80 did.

The D80 is an excellent camera still though. I got it to learn on until I can get the D300, and its doing its job perfectly.

The D90 isn't even announced. Most people are expecting it, and are pretty sure it will be announced at Photokina which is 9/28/2008.

http://www.photokina.ru/english

[Shadowmage]

I think that an entry-level body (eg. the D40) plus a bunch of great lenses (I recommend the 18-200mm VR) would be way more cost effective than something like the D80/D90 with the kit lens. From my research when purchasing a DSLR, pretty much all the forums and reviews think that the D40x is not worth the money over the D40. The extra MP is mostly just for marketing.

[Soulburner]

I appreciate the MP on my D80 when cropping, but could live with less since usually frame my shots pretty well and don't need much cropping.

The entry level cameras are very good. However, if its all you expect to want out of a camera, don't hold a D70/D80/D90, and don't go near a D200/D300...I warned you ;)

[Nate P.]

IMO, the only reason to get the D80 over the D40 is the size/feel and the fact that you can use AF-S lenses.

[disruptfam]

so i should get a d40 body.... and spend the extra cash on a better lens?

any recommendations on lens?

[Soulburner]

IMO, the only reason to get the D80 over the D40 is the size/feel and the fact that you can use AF-S lenses.
Disagree...how about the top LCD? Exposure Bracketing? Use of the D80 as wireless commander without having a flash on it? There's more too...

And I think you meant the use of any lens that isn't AF-S.

[Nate P.]

Disagree...how about the top LCD? Exposure Bracketing? Use of the D80 as wireless commander without having a flash on it? There's more too...

And I think you meant the use of any lens that isn't AF-S.
QFT, thanks!

[disruptfam]

so get the d80????????!?!?!?!?

[disruptfam]

this looks like a preety good deal??

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-Nikon-D80-Digital-SLR-Camera-2xNIKON-LENS-PRO-PACK_W0QQitemZ310068150715QQihZ021QQcategoryZ15067 7QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Soulburner]

A lot of that stuff is really cheap. When I mean cheap, I mean those are $10-20 tripods.

Get a D80 new with warranty and buy the accessories you need, because I guarantee you won't use all of that stuff.

Plus, you'll probably want to find those lenses with VR. Those are the non-VR versions and cost quite a bit less.

[Nate P.]

As Soulburner said, most of those tripods and stuff are super cheap. I also recommend getting the D80 alone and getting the lenses and accessories you know you will use.

[disruptfam]

ok just buy the d80 body... and go from there???

cheers fellaz....

also are the 18-55vr and 55-200vr good lens's for everyday use? Good image quality?

Would i be better off buying a used cam?

[Nate P.]

ok just buy the d80 body... and go from there???
Yep, if it were me, I'd get a D80 new (for the warranty) and the 18-55mm VR. See what it does for you. Start accessing what you photograph most and get the appropriate lenses.

[disruptfam]

Yep, if it were me, I'd get a D80 new (for the warranty) and the 18-55mm VR. See what it does for you. Start accessing what you photograph most and get the appropriate lenses.

cheeers mate helps alot!!!

[Soulburner]

Agree with Nate P. You can get the two as a kit, called the "D80 Outfit" with that lens included. You can later sell the lens for hardly much loss when you do decide what route you want to take with future lenses. I personally use the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 (constant aperture) and the Nikon 70-300 VR mostly, with the 35mm f/2 in my bag for special purposes.

Oh and I'd highly recommend you grab youself an SB-600 flash as well, when you're ready.

[Jor3lBR]

quite frankly you will never be able to tell your pics apart D60 or D80. especially if the majority of pics are taken from 100-300 iso.

they will look almost the same unless you area a really experienced photographer.

the d80 is a solid machine but it comes from a project that has at least 5 years old (bulkier).

for new users the Active D-Lighting (similar to D3 and D300) available only on the D60 will be handy.

if you don't plan on using non AF lenses I would stay with the new D60. but if you're are thinking in becoming a professional photographer, use all the customs options available in the camera, and use older lenses (non AF VR's) I would suggest the D80.

[Nate P.]

As outlined before, there are a number of features that are more handy than active D-Lighting (IMO) available on the D80 and not the D60, such as the top LCD, exposure bracketing, and the use of the D80 as wireless commander without having a flash on it (as previously mentioned by Soulburner). While picture quality may be similar, features and handling are even more important (again, IMO).

[disruptfam]

sorry if i didn't mention this earlier but i'am by no means a pro...it will be my 1st dslr.

I Don't plan to become a pro as such more of a hobby atm but i may go in that direction.

Now if i did get a d60 could the lenses i bought for the d60 work with the d80?

[Jor3lBR]

sorry if i didn't mention this earlier but i'am by no means a pro...it will be my 1st dslr.

I Don't plan to become a pro as such more of a hobby atm but i may go in that direction.

Now if i did get a d60 could the lenses i bought for the d60 work with the d80?

Sure, they will work but the other way around may not always be true. Some older lenses wont suit the D60.

[disruptfam]

Sure, they will work but the other way around may not always be true. Some older lenses wont suit the D60.

im looking @ the 18-55mm vr for starters.

Say a year or so down the track i upgraded to a d300 for example.Could i use that lens on that body?

[Jor3lBR]

im looking @ the 15-55mm vr for starters.

Say a year or so down the track i upgraded to a d300 for example.Could i use that lens on that body?

Yeap same Nikon F type mount.

[disruptfam]

Yeap same Nikon F type mount.

thanks mate

[Shadowmage]

I think you guys are forgetting several things (please correct me if I'm wrong):

1. This will be his first DSLR.
2. He has a strict 800AUD budget for camera + accessories + lens.
3. He just wants to go into DSLRs as a hobby (not pro).

You are recommending high end cameras such as the D80, which have nice features but aren't meant for the entry level hobbyist. I don't think that anyone can challenge the argument that at the strict budget of 800AUD, getting a cheap body + good lens is worth it over getting a super expensive body + kit lens (no money left over for a good lens). The IQ benefits of the lens completely trump the small benefits you get from a better body.

Of course better body + better lens is better, but I'm assuming that he wants to keep to his budget ;)

[Jor3lBR]

I think you guys are forgetting several things (please correct me if I'm wrong):

1. This will be his first DSLR.
2. He has a strict 800AUD budget for camera + accessories + lens.
3. He just wants to go into DSLRs as a hobby (not pro).

You are recommending high end cameras such as the D80, which have nice features but aren't meant for the entry level hobbyist. I don't think that anyone can challenge the argument that at the strict budget of 800AUD, getting a cheap body + good lens is worth it over getting a super expensive body + kit lens (no money left over for a good lens). The IQ benefits of the lens completely trump the small benefits you get from a better body.

Of course better body + better lens is better, but I'm assuming that he wants to keep to his budget ;)

Thats why I pointed this out on my first post. People where recommending him the camera they own or the camera they wanna buy (D80/D300 etc), losing focus of his actual needs.

His jump from a S3 will be HUGE so why not get a cheaper cam for learning purposes and then when he fells he is really outgrowing the cam (that will be very hard to achieve if not professional) I would get a big bucks like D300/D3 Series.

A D60 with the 18-55VR lens costs about $620 with an extra $150 you can get the other cheap 55-200VR and voila you can take every pic you want with that lens combo without breaking your bank!

Also always recommend this book for dSLR beginners: http://www.amazon.com/David-Buschs-Nikon-Digital-Photography/dp/1598635778/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1216737251&sr=1-1

[disruptfam]

OK...

i understand what you fellaz are getting at.

I can get a d60 18-55vr,55-200vr kit new for around $900ish aud.

If i was too start with a body only ... the difference between the d60 body and d80 body is $200ish...

Knowing that what would be the best way to go???

I want the camera for atleast 2-3years before i would upgrade anyways and thats only if i really needed to...

[[XC] 2long4u]

im looking @ the 18-55mm vr for starters.

Say a year or so down the track i upgraded to a d300 for example.Could i use that lens on that body?

I have the D40, 18-55, 55-200vr, 50mm f/1.8, and sb-600. The 18-55 is a crap lens. If I had to go back and do it over I would get the 18-70. Any of the lenses will work on any of the body's. The thing that separates them is if it is a AF lens or a AF-s lens. The AF lens will not auto focus on the D40, D40x, and I think the D60 is the same way.



His jump from a S3 will be HUGE so why not get a cheaper cam for learning purposes and then when he feels he is really outgrowing the cam (that will be very hard to achieve if not professional) I would get a big bucks like D300/D3 Series.

A D60 with the 18-55VR lens costs about $620 with an extra $150 you can get the other cheap 55-200VR and voila you can take every pic you want with that lens combo without breaking your bank!



I got the D40 because it was cheaper at first. But as far as outgrowing the camera, that is very easy. I was considering upgrading to the D80 but then I said what the hell I'll just get the D200 when the time is right. The D40 doesn't have the focus motor which is a BIG MINUS as one of the best lenses nikkor makes is the 50mm 1.8, and it is a cheap lens to boot. The 50mm is an AF lens and will not auto focus on the D40.

The other thing is the 18-55 is based on an older film lens which was an AF lens. They kept the lens the same and added a motor to the existing AF in the lens.

The 55-200vr is not $150 it is $220. This is an alright lens. The VR makes up for it's cheap build quality. The 55-200 is built almost exactly like the 18-55.

I would say get the D40 for now as a temporary body and that way you can spend the extra on the 18-70. Then down the road you can upgrade the body to a D80, D90 if it is out by then, or the D200 which is a magnesium body. :D

[disruptfam]

thanks for clearing that up mate!!

i was searching online and found some pretty good deals on a d80 and 18-70mm lens.Could i just start from there?

[Soulburner]

The last time I checked, the difference between D60 and D80 was only around $150...not sure about now, or in Aus. To me that is reason alone not to get the D60...not saying it isn't a good camera, it just wasn't priced far enough away from the better body.

[[XC] 2long4u]

A d80 and a 18-70 would be a great combo.

[disruptfam]

thanks for all the help fellaz!!!!

I'm going with the d80 and 18-70mm lens combo!!!

also i see that there's two 18-70mm lens ed 1 and ed 2 whats the difference?

[[XC] 2long4u]

ED 1 means that there is 1 ED glass element
ED 2 means there is 2 ED glass elements.
2 would be better.

[disruptfam]

2long4u;3159690']ED 1 means that there is 1 ED glass element
ED 2 means there is 2 ED glass elements.
2 would be better.

cheers