Looking for new camera...

[MINIz guy]

Hello, I'm looking to replace my current Nikon CoolPix 5600 with something better, much better.

Is there a DSLR camera within a $600 price range that can last me 4-5 years with decent quality?

I have no clue about cameras and would like some insight on what are some good models to choose from. I will be mainly photographing my computers indoors and cars outdoors.

[Nate P.]

I'd say either a Canon Digital Rebel XT or a Nikon D40. Both are older models, but will last you quite a few years. And if you ever decide to get serious about photography, you have the option to get more lenses.

[YugenM]

I found my D70s w/kit lens for $450 CAD, and Canon 20D's for around the same price on Craigslist.

[Nate P.]

I highly recommend the 20D. I own one myself, and it's the best camera I have ever owned.

[smee]

I bought my Canon 30D on Cragslist for $470 and got the 28-135mm Canon lens for $280 from the same guy.

Best purchase I've ever made! :up:

[MINIz guy]

Ok, so Nikon D40's, Canon 20D/30D/XT should be the ones I'm looking for. Thank you so much for the quick replies!

[YugenM]

Ok, so Nikon D40's, Canon 20D/30D/XT should be the ones I'm looking for. Thank you so much for the quick replies!

Go into a store like Future Shop and try holding them first.

[stalin12]

sony cybershot ranging from $400 it is pretty good with high resolution

[Soulburner]

Ok, so Nikon D40's, Canon 20D/30D/XT should be the ones I'm looking for. Thank you so much for the quick replies!
That's a pretty diverse list you have there...you know the Nikon D40 has nothing on the Canon 30D? And the Rebel XT is smaller, un-ergonomic entry level camera. None of these are even comparable.

If you want to get into the game for $600, your best bet is to get a Nikon D80 with the 18-55 VR lens, IMO. You can't get something comparable from Canon for that price.

The D60 would be good as well as a used D40 if you could find one. They sacrifice on features a bit but would save some money.

[pcsky3]

Ok, so Nikon D40's, Canon 20D/30D/XT should be the ones I'm looking for. Thank you so much for the quick replies!

Those should be first choices.:)

[MaxxxRacer]

Dont get a rebel unless you have very small hands. They are quite uncomfortable. If you want a Canon go with the 20D or 30D. If you want a Nikon go with the D80 as souldburner suggested. Not the most sophisticated camera out there from Nikon, but its a good body and gives better feel and usability compared to the D40 and D60.

[p47]

consider about Nikon D40x or perhaps D60..

[Janno]

i own the XSI and love it
yes, it's handle is a bit smallish, but having large hands myself, i don't find it uncomfortable at all
it all depends of the way you're used to hold the camera
although being an entry-level DSLR, it has great features and top notch IQ

i say, go to your local photo equipment store and try out all the cameras in your price range
the staff might get tired of you after ten minutes, but having a camera that fits in your hand perfectly is more important than anything :up:

[majestik]

I would recommend spending more money on lenses than bodies, especially if you want to make your investment last longer. In addition to craigslist, you can try kijiji (http://kijiji.com) for local deals - in Canada, at least, it seems to be used more.

[MINIz guy]

Well, I went and held a Nikon D40/D60 and a D80 along with a Canon 40D. The feel of the D40/D60 was already on the small side for my hands, and ther D80 was a little big but I'll grow into it. The 40D was perfect for my hands, but is the 40D the same size as a 20D or 30D?

Right now, I am leaning towards a D80 as there is one on the market in my price range and I do like the feel.

[Soulburner]

Yes Canon 20/30/40/50 use similar bodies, evolutionary changes of course.

They are larger than the Nikon D70/80/90 though (and higher priced).

[MINIz guy]

Hrm, the Canons are larger? May just be the way they are designed, as the Canons fit my hands perfectly when the Nikon D80 felt bigger.

[Soulburner]

From the limited time I spent with a 30D and 40D, yes they are a bit bigger than the Nikon D70/80/90.

Can anyone else answer this?

[Dave_Sz]

get a pentax k10d used for about $500 and have your pick with lenses...

[Soulburner]

get a pentax k10d used for about $500 and have your pick with lenses...
With Nikon D80 prices where they are now, I'm not so sure I'd go for that.

My .02

[Nate P.]

Yes, the Canon 20/30/40D's are bigger than the D80 (I've held and shot with both). I prefer the Canon, but really it's personal preference.

[Dave_Sz]

With Nikon D80 prices where they are now, I'm not so sure I'd go for that.

My .02


If the k10d is to d80 what the k100d is to d60, then I wouldn't even take a second to think it over.

My .02....

[danielstallon]

I don't know from where you can exchange you camera, but if you want to buy new camera just get reviews for digital camera, i found lots of source for digital camera but http://alatest.com/reviews/digital-compact-camera-reviews/c3-147/ is good site from this source you can find reviews from experts as well as users.

[MINIz guy]

I'm still looking around for good deals and came up with these deals at Photozone.

They have a Nikon D40 with a 2 lens kit, 18-55mm and 55-200mm lens. $599.95

Also a Nikon D60 with only one 18-55mm lens. $599.95

Which would be a better deal?

[MaxxxRacer]

I'm still looking around for good deals and came up with these deals at Photozone.

They have a Nikon D40 with a 2 lens kit, 18-55mm and 55-200mm lens. $599.95

Also a Nikon D60 with only one 18-55mm lens. $599.95

Which would be a better deal?

Personally, I wasnt too impressed with the 55-200 so I would go with the D60 so I could get that amazing LCD, ADR and a few other freatures. The megapixels are nice too.

[MINIz guy]

Alright, but is that an amazing deal for a D60 or could I find much better deals if I keep looking?

[Soulburner]

That's as good as you're gonna get I think. Compared to body-only, you're paying $30 for the lens which is a steal. I still wouldn't pay the price for the D60 over the D40 though, they are too similar and an entry-level camera shouldn't demand that much money, IMO. Best bet would be to find a used D40, body only (since you can't buy them new without a lens, they are not made anymore anyway) and a better lens. It would blow away the D60 + 18-55 VR.

If I were buying an entry level DSLR I would do a used D40 + Tamron 17-50 2.8. Cost would work out to $700-800 but you would be much better off. If you're paying that much for an entry camera you may as well look at a D80 for the same price. I have always felt that the D60 has been priced too high and I haven't seen it come down enough.

[MINIz guy]

Thanks for the reply :) I'll still be shopping around slowly. Just have to look for that perfect deal, as I'm not in any rush.

[MINIz guy]

Well, I was looking around today and found my dad's old Nikon N70 with a Nikon AF NIKKOR 35-80mm 1:4-5.6D lense. Is it possible to take this lense off and put it on a new Nikon D series model?

[MaxxxRacer]

Well, I was looking around today and found my dad's old Nikon N70 with a Nikon AF NIKKOR 35-80mm 1:4-5.6D lense. Is it possible to take this lense off and put it on a new Nikon D series model?

Virtually Any Nikon lens will work with the N70.

As far as an upgrade to the 35-80, the only options are the 24-85 F2.8-4D and the 24-70 F2.8G. The 24-85 is 460 dollars and the 24-70 is a retarded 1700 dollars.

Thinking of that, IF I ever wanted to get the D3 it would cost me WAY more than the cost of the camera. I'd want the 14-24, 24-70 and 70-200... Sheesh, thats way too much money.

[MINIz guy]

I think you misunderstood what I was asking, or I'm misunderstanding what you're saying.

I was wondering if the 35-80 lense will fit on a Nikon D series camera, say a D80.

I see that I can put any new Nikon lense on the older camera, but will an older lense fit on a newer camera?

[Nate P.]

I think you misunderstood what I was asking, or I'm misunderstanding what you're saying.

I was wondering if the 35-80 lense will fit on a Nikon D series camera, say a D80.

I see that I can put any new Nikon lense on the older camera, but will an older lense fit on a newer camera?
Yes, that lens will work on any Nikon body, with the D80 and up. It's an AF lens (NOT an AF-S) so it will not autofocus on the D40 or D60.

[MaxxxRacer]

Yes, that lens will work on any Nikon body, with the D80 and up. It's an AF lens (NOT an AF-S) so it will not autofocus on the D40 or D60.

Indeed, but it should be pointed out that the 35-80 focal lenght on a DX sensor is kinda wierd.

[MINIz guy]

That's great! Weird or not, it should get me through until I have enough cash to buy a better lense later!

[MINIz guy]

And yet another bump....

Is the Canon Zoom Super Wide Angle EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Autofocus Lens any good? I have found a new Canon 30D for $600 and that does seem like a decent deal to me.

[YugenM]

18-55 kit lens is about as crappy as it gets.

[Metric]

18-55 kit lens is about as crappy as it gets.
+1

It's mostly an all around soft lens. After using my 100mm F/2.8 USM I can't really stand using the 18-55mm due to it's lack of edge contrast - even stopping it down to F/22 doesn't really help.

[MINIz guy]

Ok! Guess I'll be shopping around for body only deals, then buying a lens later.

[MaxxxRacer]

+1

It's mostly an all around soft lens. After using my 100mm F/2.8 USM I can't really stand using the 18-55mm due to it's lack of edge contrast - even stopping it down to F/22 doesn't really help.

Obviously F22 doesnt help. Anything past F10 will get softer. And seriously, why do you care about corner sharpenss? Your subject should be closer to the center of the frame.

[Metric]

Obviously F22 doesnt help. Anything past F10 will get softer.
Yeah, realized that just now (edit: confused greater DoF = sharper :doh:)

And seriously, why do you care about corner sharpenss? Your subject should be closer to the center of the frame.
By edge contrast I mean overall sharpness and contrast of the edges between objects, not the sharpness near the edges of the image if that helps.

[MaxxxRacer]

By edge contrast I mean overall sharpness and contrast of the edges between objects, not the sharpness near the edges of the image if that helps.

Oh ok. Well that is just a soft lens then.

[MINIz guy]

Well, I finally bought a camera.

Canon 40D 18-55mm kit! Cost $1000. Came with a 40D, 18-55 lens, Flash, case.

[YugenM]

Nice! Enjoy your new camera :)

You'll get bitten by the lens bug soon enough.

[Nate P.]

Well, I finally bought a camera.

Canon 40D 18-55mm kit! Cost $1000. Came with a 40D, 18-55 lens, Flash, case.
Damn, enjoy!:up: What flash?

[MINIz guy]

Flash is the Speedlight 430 EX. Came with 2 extra batteries, and since it is from Costco, easy exchanges if anything is broken!

[MaxxxRacer]

Good choice. Buying from Costco is always a good idea.

[Macadamia]

Well, I finally bought a camera.

Canon 40D 18-55mm kit! Cost $1000. Came with a 40D, 18-55 lens, Flash, case.

I love your camera choice (one of the best in class), but try to get a new lens if you can (later on).

Sigma's 18-50mm EX or 24-70mm f/2.8 EX are decent upgrades that won't hurt your wallet. You could also get the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II.

[MINIz guy]

:rolleyes: You may look at me funny from this but I'm actually thinking of returning the 40D...

It was a display item and was missing a few parts. Namely the CF card and a few cables. Now seeing the 30% cashback from eBay, this deal is starting to seem not as attractive. Thank god for Costco's 90-day refund policy!

I'm still looking at the Nikon D80, and the body only can be had for $400 and a kit -Oh lookie! Click me! (http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D80-Digital-Camera-28-80-Lens-1GB-Kit-NEW_W0QQitemZ220321586978QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDigita l_Cameras?hash=item220321586978&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1199%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318) can be had for $430.

Another 40D is also an option.

Any thoughts on this or am I out of my mind?

[Soulburner]

The Canon 40D is superior to the D80. Just want you to know that. They are not in the same tier of cameras.

Canon has a better selection of lenses - namely f/4 zooms. This is a void Nikon has not yet filled and hasn't shown the intention to do so. Otherwise lens selection is great for both systems and Nikkor lenses are known as being some of the best in business so while they may be missing a few opportunities to compete with Canon, the quality is top notch.

Other than that though, the Nikon bodies themselves are generally considered top notch for ergonomics and control. I'd pick a 40D over a D80 for performance, but the D80 for cost. For what you get with a D80 it is a steal in the DSLR world and most people really won't need more unless you have to have more than 3fps burst and better high ISO quality.

This is a Nikon D300 user being non-biased :)

[MINIz guy]

Well, I'm thinking about getting the D80 since it is enough for me, even the D40 would be enough for my uses.

I've played around with the 40D for a few hours, and it had so many features to get used to. I like the fact that it has so many features, for future expansion in my skills. This is the only thing holding me back from getting a D80, the fact that I've played around with a higher end camera. I really like the 40D, and it will last me for a longer time than a D80 with me being satisfied. I don't like it because it is very complicated, expensive and not as entry-level DSLR user friendly.

I think I'll still spring for the D80. Yes, it isn't as nice but it is easier on the wallet for other things I would like to buy. Plus, I guess I'll be more acustomed to a Nikon camera, being that all our previous ones have been Nikon's too.

Now I'm thinking about piecing together my camera kit. That D80 kit I linked to is said to have a horrible Tamron lens, and I'm not so fond of all the included accesories either. I can have a body for $400, one with a 18-55 lens for $450 and one with a 18-135 lens for $550. I'm leaning towards the body only or the 18-135 lens kit, as I've read that the 18-55 lens is poorly made and still not that great.

What do you guys think?

And thanks for answering my stupid and persistent questions, guys! I'd be lost without you guys!

[Soulburner]

Feature wise there isn't a huge difference. The Nikon would give you acces to Nikon's CLS (Creative Lighting System) and wireless flash units. The 40D would give you better high ISO quality and a higher burst frame rate. Bang for the buck the D80 is almost impossible to beat by anything on the market.

Which version of the 18-55 is it? If it is the VR version, it's actually a really sharp lens. Yeah its cheaply built but you have to understand why it exists in the lineup. People don't give its optics enough credit and they discount it because of the low price. Yeah it won't AF as fast as the pro stuff, and it isn't very fast aperture wise either but those things you really do have to pay for.

[MINIz guy]

Sorry to bump such an old thread, but I'd figure it's better than to make a new one.

I now have a chance to purchase a used Canon XTi 18-55mm kit with a battery grip for $525. The owner said it has around 1500 actuations, since it was his secondary camera. What do you guys think about that deal?