DSLR camera?

Caitlin

I'm looking for a digital SLR camera. Preferably not too expensive. Does anyone have suggestions?

Answer
Two cameras come to mind when you ask for a DSLR that's not too expensive. Here you go:

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Nikon D40

The Nikon D40 is a great little camera, very easy to use and quite reasonably priced. It has a few "consumer friendly" totally automatic modes that make it very easy to use, but still offers total photographic control when you are ready to take charge. It will get you in the Nikon family which is a great place to be. If you buy accessories and lenses, you will be able to use everything on any Nikon that you might upgrade to later on.

Check out Nikon's "Picturetown" promotion, where they handed out 200 D40's in Georgetown, SC. http://www.stunningnikon.com/picturetown/

Here are a few reviews, in case you have not read them yet. Be sure to note that they are several pages long and some of the reviews also have some sample images that you can look at.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40/
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/nikon_d40.html
http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3756/camera-test-nikon-d40.html
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40/d40-recommendations.htm

I hate to see people slam the camera because it can't autofocus with older Nikon lenses. It is true that there is a "slight problem" with older Nikon lenses not autofocusing on the D40, but if you do not own a bag full of older lenses, it is not going to be a problem. It is barely a problem anyhow. If you check www.nikonusa.com for "AF-S" lenses, which are ALL 100% compatible with the D40, you will find 23 lenses, including 7 "VR" (vibration Reduction) lenses and one true macro lens with "VR". There are another 25-plus lenses in the current catalog that provide all functions except autofocus as well as many (possibly dozens) "out of print" lenses that will work just as well. In addition, although these lens will not autofocus, most of them will still give focus confirmation. From the D40 manual: "If the lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 of faster, the viewfinder focus indicator can be used to confirm whether the portion of the subject in the selected focus area is in focus. After positioning the subject in the active focus area, press the shutter release button halfway and rotate the lens focusing ring until the in-focus indicator is displayed."

The D40 only has 3 autofocus zones arranged horizontally at the center, 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. This might be considered a limitation, but realistically, most people will find this perfectly adequate, especially if you are moving up from a point and shoot with only a center zone.

You can get the D40 with the 18-55 kit lens at B&H Photo available through Yahoo! Shopping or at 1-800-622-4987) for $550 (May 2007) and this is with TWO Lexar 1 GB cards. You can get the same kit with one Lexar Platinum (higher speed) card for $560. Or - get the D40 with 18-135 lens and 1 GB Lexar card for $760.

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Pentax K100D - Cheapest Decent SLR

The cheapest DSLR that is worth owning is probably the Pentax K100D, and this is coming from a Nikon fan. This is a decent camera.

You can click on individual user comments on this page:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/read_opinions.asp?prodkey=pentax_k100d

You can read the dpreview.com "Highly Recommended" review here:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxk100d/

You can also read this review of the K100D here:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/k100d.html

I used to recommend the Pentax K110D as the best entry level dSLR, but I do not see it for sale at B&H Photo or Adorama. The entry level seems to now be the K100D. The only difference between these two cameras is that the K100D includes "shake reduction," which adds some expense to the camera.

Adorama has the K100D with the 18-55 lens for $489.95, after a $50 rebate. The rebate ends on July 31, 2007. You will still need a memory card and I would suggest at least the 1 GB Sandisk Ultra II SD card, which costs about $30. You can get the 2 GB for $35, so it would be silly not to go for the 2 GB card.

As of this writing (5-9-07), B&H is NOT showing the $50 rebate on the K100D with the 18-55 lens, but they ARE showing it for the body alone. Since this is a Pentax manufacturer's rebate, I would speculate that this is an error on the web site. If you prefer buying from B&H, you can call them at 1-800-622-4987 to inquire about this matter.

If you want "higher" quality and want to spend double the money, get back to me............and I'll tell you about the Nikon D80.

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Where can I find a very good SLR digital camera with at least 10mp or more would be better for sale?

RICHARD S

I NEED TO GET A BETTER CAMERA - I'M WANTING TO START PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS. ALL CAMERA'S ARE VERY EXPENSIVE EVEN ONLINE AUCTIONS! DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE OR WHO MIGHT HAVE ONE FOR SALE? THANKS, YOUR HELP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

Answer
If you do not already have a camera system, I would recommend Nikon. I've been a Nikon user for years and I've used Canon as well. Both are excellent systems but my main reason for prefering Nikon over Canon is how easy they are to use. Settings that I change constantly from picture to picture are right there at my finger tips. I'm sure once you're used to a Canon it's just as easy, but it just seems that Nikon are more no-nonsense than Canon. Just my opinion, and an opinion that was formed after using both.

I have a photography business and I would not recommend buying anything you're planning to try and make a profit on from eBay. Any "retailers" you find online that have a deal that is just "too good to be true", is probably because it is. I bought my first DSLR on eBay and fortunately didn't get burned. But almost everyone else I know that tried to buy there has.

I always buy new from Adorama.com. They are a really reputable vendor who if you get a product from them and within their return policy decide that you don't like something, you can send it back, no questions asked.

As far as Nikon goes, I would recommend getting a D200 (10mp), or the new D300 (12mp i think). The D80 and the D40(x) are nice cameras, but they're not professional grade. They're not built to professional durability standards, and they don't use CF memory cards which are the professional standard. I personally have 2x D200's and LOVE them. I have them both with the optional vertical grip (which allows use of 2 batteries at a time in them instead of 1 without the attachment). This attachment makes taking vertical full body shots so easy!!

If you're going to be shooting mostly people... get a Fuji. They use Nikon lenses and have the absolute best color for people pictures of any DSLR available. Only bad thing, their operation is soooooo stinking SLOW!! The menus are confusing and every function on the camera goes at a snails pace. But the picture quality is amazing.

If you're on a budget, I would recommend buying really nice lenses (because lenses will stay current a lot longer than your digital body will) and buying a Nikon D70s. It's only 6mp, but megapixels don't make better images, they make bigger images. The more megapixels there are in your image, the bigger print you'll be able to make. (I shoot sports all the time with a Nikon D2h with it set on 2mp, and I print 5x7's and 8x10's all day with no distortion or pixelation to the images.) But yes, spend your money on the lenses and look into buying a used or refurbished D70s from Adorama (www.adorama.com). The D70s uses CF memory cards so whenever you have made some money and are ready to step up to a professional grade camera (or pro-sumer as the D200/300 would be) you won't have to reinvest in a whole new format of memory cards.

Not exactly sure what you're planning on shooting, but I shoot a lot of weddings, portraits, and sports... here are the Nikon lenses I use for all of my jobs:

Nikon 10.5mm fisheye
Nikon 12-24mm f/4
Nikon 17-55mm DX f/2.8
Nikon 70-200mm DX VR f/2.8
Nikon 80-400mm VR (use this for sports)

Which ever system you decide to go with, plan to stick with it for a long time. You'll be investing a lot of money into lenses and bodies and it'll be money wasted if a year from now you switch over to the other and then have to rebuy all your lenses for the other system.

Another thing... whatever you do... do not let some camera store jockey sell you on 3rd party lenses. Camera stores make more money selling you Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, etc. lenses than they do selling Canon or Nikon. Whatever system you have, buy those lenses. Canon and Nikon know how to make lenses for their cameras, and they know how to do it better than anyone else. Also, their glass is higher quality. You'll get what you pay for in buying the brand that goes with your camera.

Hope I was of some sort of help.... Just speaking from my own experience in getting situated with my own business and gear.

Don't forget when you buy, you'll need memory cards, I recommend SanDisk and Lexar, as I'm sure any other pro would do the same. Don't mess with off brands. Those are more prone to data loss than anything else. Also, you'll probably need a flash.... most cameras have them built in, but they generally don't sit high enough and can cast a shadow in the bottom of your pictures where the flash isn't reaching over the end of your lens. Also... buy spare batteries. When I bought my D200's I bought 3 batteries for each to make a total of 4 for each since I was planning on using the vertical grip attachment that allowed for the use of 2 batteries at a time.

Good luck!!

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which cannon or nikon or sony DSLR camera is best for beginners?

love_god_1

im a photographer wannbe. im new to it. which cameras do you recommend? which brand is better for beginners? what points do i have to consider? additional infos might be helpful too. thanks so much in advance and goodluck.

Answer
Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony all make quality cameras....

Which one is best for you...? Really, only you can decide that...you are the one that is going to be using it.

I wouldn't recommend ever buying any camera without 'handling' it first...some cameras don't 'feel' that great when you hold them...and some are more awkward than others to 'navigate' their 'Menu' system and you might not be comfortable with the layout of the basic controls.

If you can't be bothered to read up on the different cameras and specifications on them, then visit a local camera store and talk it over with a sales assistant. You will be in a much better place after having a few cameras demonstrated and 'handling' them.

How good are the Sony brand DSLR cameras?

Photo Nut

I am looking for my first DSLR camera. Someone recommended Sony, because of the price. I am having trouble convincing my husband to shell out the money for the Canon EOS 50D I am wanting. I know it is a little advance for a first timer, but I am up for the challenge. Anyway I was wondering if someone could tell me a little more about the Sony cameras. thanks

Answer
The Sony DSLRs, like all DSLRs, are good cameras that give excellent results. Many argue one brand over others, but the reality is that the DSLRs are flagship products and must be high quality to support future sales for these companies. Specifically, Sony bought the camera business from Konica Minolta to offer these high end cameras and improve the overall quality of all the cameras they sell. Konica Minolta had a long history of producing great quality film cameras and some excellent digital ones. The Sony Alpha series becomes a continuation of that Konica Minolta line.

It's in your best interest to get out to some camera shops and handle the cameras. Ho they feel when you hold them is very important. Where I work, I was tasked with using the company Nikon D60 to take photos during the tour of a new facility. That camera did not fit my hand and my hand actually ended up cramping and hurt by the end. How that camera fit in my hand would be very important in my decision.

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For a first time dslr user, is it a bad idea to buy used off of Ebay?

dslr camera used for sale image

C.

I want to buy a dslr camera and have been looking for a good deal. I've found some pretty cheap, but nice cameras on Ebay from sellers with very good feedback. Do you think I should take a slight risk by buying used (but in nice shape) or should I just spend some more to buy a totally new one?

Answer
Hi Maggie,

I would say it depends on your experience level on using ebay and the type of account that is offering an item for sale. Some sellers are private individuals, some are Pawn Brokers or other resellers that offer items for sale on consignment (on behalf of others) and some are specialty dealers that only handle certain types of products. Another common occurrence for photographic equipment is to have retail camera dealers who accept "trade ins" for newer models and then dispose of the older cameras by selling on ebay.

The specialists often have industrial contacts for the type of equipment they sell and can offer warranties on those item and they, along with camera dealers, often have a better idea of reasonable prices and evaluations of condition.

I have purchased used or refurbished/demo equipment via ebay from two very reliable dealers Cameta Auctions and KEH. Both of these dealers offer warranties on many, but not all, of the products they sell and have established relationships with manufacturers to get parts and have repairs done by authorized service centers. KEH maintains an extensive, in house, repair facility. If you purchase from one of these companies you can be fairly confident that you will be treated fairly and get reasonable values for your money.

If you buy from retail camera stores you should expect them to have evaluated a camera's "suitability for purpose" and give you a fairly good idea of condition and working order. I would normally expect them to have a copy of the instruction manual (either a printed manual or a readable document on CD). I would not buy anything from such a store that didn't include a 7~10 day return privilege if you aren't satisfied with the purchase.


Buying from individuals can be very unpredictable but I have had very good luck with people when ever they have had high positive feedback over a period of time. If they have negative feedback I always find the negative reports and read them carefully. If bad reports appear to be cases of "buyer's remorse" or someone having unrealistic expectations I ignore them, otherwise I do not bid. My best experience was finding a set of lenses and camera that amounted to my "dream list" of most desired equipment that would have cost me about $3,800 ~ $4,200 to buy new. This was an "as is" auction from a pawn broker that I won for about $1,800, the only drawback was that one part was missing. It cost me about $100 to get that part replaced. I still use every bit of that equipment today and that was purchased about 4 years ago.

I will find links and add to source references below. I am a VERY EXPERIENCED buyer and have dozens of cameras and lenses that I have acquired over the past 45+ years so I am able to buy with great confidence but I have also coached others on how to find good values in camera equipment.

One technique I use is to go to the KEH online store and/or similar dealers to see how much I can buy any item being offered for auction for from their store. This helps me to be sure NOT to OVERBID on any items! Why risk buying an auction item from an unknown seller when I can buy it outright for less $$$ from a dealer who will guarantee what they sell?

Hope that helps. Feel free to email me if you need more help.

Im in the market for a dslr camera, should i buy it before christmas or after christmas? which sale is bigger?

thehundred

i wanted to buy a dslr camera (canon rebel xti or nikon d40x) and was wondering will i get a better discount/deal for the before christmas sale or after christmas sale. any input appreciated.

Answer
Ahem. "Gray" cameras from Nikon or Canon are not plastic versions of metal cameras sold in the USA. Rather, they are identical cameras that have NOT been brought into the country by official import channels. Since Nikon and Canon do not have any control or share of the distribution, they refuse to provide the same level of support and service. It would be like you buying something from one store, and expecting another store to help you with how to use your new item, or expecting free adjustments. Gray market cameras are physically identical (except for the occasional label), but have not earned warranty or after warranty support. Example: Nikon will never repair a gray market Nikon in the USA, even if you offer to pay in full.

My advise for buying a camera? Buy it now. Trust me, there are huge discounts now for your Canon Rebel XTi or Nikon D40x. Yes, there will be some discounts after Xmas, but there's two major concerns.
1. You may be buying a camera that someone got as a gift, and returned. The stores will "check" them, and put them back on the shelf.
2. You'll miss all the great photos for the next few weeks. Missed photos are lost photos.

In either case,since you've narrowed your choices down, I make one strong recommendation. Go into a camera store and try both camera bodies out. See which one suits your hands, your style, and feels most like an extension of you. More bells and whistles mean nothing if the camera gets in the way of your photography.

Hope this is helpful.

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