Author Topic: New Camera Discussion... (Read 7438 times)

Hornseeker · « **on:** December 20, 2007, 07:55:36 AM »

I've done this on MM already and have received some great info.

Here's my situation...

I really have limited funds...but LOVE a good picture and take several thousand a year...anything from ultra macro to zoom zoom.. But..I only us a PAS little Olympus with a 10X zoom and 4 mp. I am pretty happy with the outdoor work it does, but its about 3 or 4 years old now and is beaten and tattered..

For a PAS...I am pretty much only looking at the FZ18...unless Canon puts an 18X on their S5 IS.

DSLR?? The D40 sounds good. I have NO lenses now, so I am free to go either way with Nikon or Canon. Frankly...I dont want to spend anymore money than the D40 costs new. I can get a good package with the standard lens, a good card and case for about $500... Then, I can get a zoom lens, SLOW albeit, 70-300 for about $400.

What other options do I have? Shawn mentioned a used 20d? Whats the cost on those Shawn? Whats the cons of buying used?

Well...thanks in advance for any opinions!

Ernie

popeshawnpaul · « **Reply #1 on:** December 20, 2007, 08:53:38 AM »

Do you have friends that have Nikon or Canon lenses that you can borrow? Have you tried both brands to see which Brand you like better? If I had about $500...I would buy a used 10d/20d on craigslist and see if you can't find one with a cheap kit lens. Buying used isn't that bad these days because you can look to see how many actuations or pictures the camera has taken. They are rated at 100,000 actuations, so if you can find one with 10k, you know it's only used 10% of its life. Just test every function to make sure everything works and take some sample photos. I don't see any for a good price in Montana but there are a few over here I might be able to pick up for you or there is always ebay. The going price seems to be around $500 for a decent deal. Now, you have a decent camera body and you didn't have to go with el cheapo rebel...

Next you can get a cheap kit lens, or it may have come with the camera. $50-100 is not out of the ballpark for this.

Now you need a big lens to take those deer and sheep photos...plus moose photos when your scouting for out of state Washington moose hunters... I have an older Tokina ATX 400mm lens that doesn't have fast focus, but will get a great picture and you can find them used for $100-150. Sigma also makes a similar model you can find for the same price. With the 1.6x crop factor of that camera, the 35mm equivalent would be about 640mm... Plenty of magnification. If you're lucky, you might even swindle me out of mine... Then when you invite me over to take pictures of rams and bucks we can borrow and swap lenses.

Now, you may have spent a hundred or so more than you wanted, but your going to get much better pictures with the 20d and a Tokina 400mm lens than any P&S. In 4 years when your P&S dies again, and you need to spend another $500 on a camera again, you will see the payoff in the 20d. Then you might be able to buy some great new lens...

My general rule is that if you shoot thousands of photos every year and really enjoy it, start up a dslr system. You will be much happier in the end, even if you go Nikon!

Ironhead · « **Reply #2 on:** December 20, 2007, 08:58:10 AM »

I have trhe fz 20 and have always wanted the D40, I guess it's the grass is always greener cliche. I don't feel like my Panasonic is in the same league as the Nikons and Cannons, JMO.

boneaddict · « **Reply #3 on:** December 20, 2007, 09:00:39 AM »

In the nikon system, do you know anything about or can you compare the d40 versus the d80 Shawn for him. I don't expect you to search for reviews, but thought you might know some hearsay about the 80. He has researched the 40 pretty thouroughly.

boneaddict · « **Reply #4 on:** December 20, 2007, 09:02:32 AM »

I love Canon and have always picked canon over Nikon or any others. HOWEVER, though neck and neck, they are catching my interest, especially witht he shots that Tony and the boys keep posting up. Granted, alot of that is the man behind the viewfinder. My only GRIPE with canon is the prices on their lenses. It seems I always went with Tamron or Sigma because its what I could afford.

Hornseeker · « **Reply #5 on:** December 20, 2007, 09:15:58 AM »

Hmmm. OK...we'll explore that route too. One thing I liked about the D40 was the compact size..

I'll research the 20D some..

Yes...Rod and Tony are taking shots that aren't going to be any better with a Canon...but dude...they are pros...flat out.

And yes..I too would have to settle for Tokina/Tamron/Sigma lenses. I do have a sigma 28-70 or something like that on my Canon EOS Elan II. I just bought that camera when Digital JUST started to come on. The camera was going to be one to build on for sure. Then...BOOM... now its worth about $50!

E

boneaddict · « **Reply #6 on:** December 20, 2007, 09:22:11 AM »

Tell me about it...I'm sitting on this A2E with a couple of lenses, but we have entered the digital world. Not alot of film shooters out there anymore.

huntnphool · « **Reply #7 on:** December 20, 2007, 11:35:58 AM »

I purchased a 20D 3 years ago. Pretty good camera and at the time was a great camera. I have 2 bodies and several lenses and do not have a problem recommending buying a used one. I would check ebay to be honest. You can pick them up pretty reasonably now and it will do anything 99% of people will need it for. Just make sure you check the sellers feedback. Honestly its been a awsome camera, you would be very happy once you learned how to use it.

jackelope · « **Reply #8 on:** December 20, 2007, 11:43:27 AM »

here's a question regarding the d40 i was wondering about...are the normal nikon/nikor lenses usable on the d40 body or do they have their own special lenses??

hows about a d50?
here's one for sale i saw used on one of my other haunts...
http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/board/showthread.php?t=44885
not sure if it's a good deal or not.

huntnphool · « **Reply #9 on:** December 20, 2007, 12:00:44 PM »

Hey Jackelope, seriously, if you want to see if its a good deal or not, check out ebay and see what they are going for.

Another thing guys, dont sweat thinking you have to buy thousands of dollars worth of lenses, you can rent them in any size you want until you find the one you want to purchase. There really is no sense spending $2000.00 on a lens your going to use once or twice a year. If you would use it more then you might consider saving for a purchase.

Dakota Dogman · « **Reply #10 on:** December 20, 2007, 01:17:48 PM »

I found this guy to be helpful when looking for my first digi...

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htm

I guess he is a pro, at least he talks a good fight.

I got a p&s Canon 800 that I really like, because I have it with me when I need it.

God Bless,

boneaddict · « **Reply #11 on:** December 20, 2007, 01:36:11 PM »

Whatever you do, don't buy it at best buy. Holy moly. I think they shop on the interenet then at their %30 mark up. $499 for the d40 with a minimal lens and 1199 for the d80. YIKES!

addicted · « **Reply #12 on:** December 20, 2007, 01:39:00 PM »

cheap asses too. they wouldnt honor the extra warranty i bought from them for my MP3 player i purchased there

huntnphool · « **Reply #13 on:** December 20, 2007, 01:43:35 PM »

Here you go. Lots of good deals, here is one of them. I would assume the same for a Nikon.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EOS-20D-8-2-Megapixel_W0QQitemZ290191704974QQihZ019QQcategoryZ107907QQtcZphotoQQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

popeshawnpaul · « **Reply #14 on:** December 20, 2007, 04:58:10 PM »

If you already have a Canon 24-70 lens that will work for now, it's a no brainer that I would go with Canon. I know Tony takes a lot of great shots with Nikon, but to be honest with you when we stand shoulder to shoulder and take the same shots... our photos come out equally impressive. On my last photo trip to Montana I shot with Tony and he used a Nikon. However, the next day I ran into a shooter for Denver Bryan and Donald Jones (both excellent photographers). They were both using Canon. Ever look on the sidelines of a sporting event? Notice how all the lenses are Canon white? Hmm, I wonder what that means...

I can't give you much feedback about Nikon because I haven't shot with Nikon since 2001. The last camera I used from them was an F5 film camera. Honestly, back then their lenses lacked fast autofocus, but that's a different story now. Price? The lenses are equally expensive from Canon or Nikon. In fact, I think Nikon may be a tad more expensive... There are some real bargains in the Canon lenses. (200mm f2.8, 300mm f4, 400mm f5.6)

You need to just get a body, then start putting your money into lenses and not a camera. A camera is just a box to capture light. The lens and photographer makes the photo. I'm a firm believer in that. My other two rules I always say: 1. if you can't afford a zoom, get a better quality prime lens anyways. 2. If you own a Canon, buy a Canon lens, if you own a Nikon, buy a Nikon lens. Stay away from Sigma or Tokina unless you have to.

Hornseeker · « **Reply #15 on:** December 20, 2007, 07:21:35 PM »

Cool info...thanks.

scoyoc5 · « **Reply #16 on:** December 20, 2007, 08:02:22 PM »

I bought a Nikon d40 this year and I'm having a blast with it

I bought a package from Cameraland 2 lens a bag a tripod cleaning kit 2 gig memory card delivered next day for under 750.00 none of these big electronic stores were even close to that deal. And now I'm taking some of the best pictures I've ever taken.

yajsab · « **Reply #17 on:** December 21, 2007, 11:56:07 AM »

I'm not an expert on photography yet. And many have suggested good advice already. FWIW, I have been using the 20D since it came out. Before that I used an A1. The camera takes great pictures. I have printed 24x36 picture without seeing any grain (pictures taken with the cheasy kit lens). So I think that 8 megapixel is fine. If you have limited budget, just get a 20D or it's little brother the Rebel 350 XT and then invest in good lens.

Hornseeker · « **Reply #18 on:** December 21, 2007, 03:20:01 PM »

I'll go back and forth on this for a while. I looked at a 20D last night..no, it was a 40D...And I just didn't like the size. I think the REbel is closer to the D40 size... Since I have that $100 lens that will go on the rebel...its almost a gimme...unless I can get a screamin Nikon package deal...

Are you sure Coyo that it was only $750? The packages I'm seeing with 2 lenses are going for 900ish...

Ernie

scoyoc5 · « **Reply #19 on:** December 21, 2007, 03:32:25 PM »

yes 750.00 Cameraland is a sponsor on " the other website" MM and he will give you a better deal than Cameralands site shows. If you want more details I'll P.M. you with them. It was a screamin deal IMO

Hornseeker · « **Reply #20 on:** December 21, 2007, 03:44:52 PM »

Hit me with the PM just so I know it...
I want to get the cam with the little lens, plus a 70-300 Nikon lens..

E

boneaddict · « **Reply #21 on:** December 22, 2007, 08:34:03 AM »

Sounds like...."Its beginning to look alot like Christmas.."

40D and D40....do you think the camera dudes could come up with something a little different.

scoyoc5 · « **Reply #22 on:** December 23, 2007, 03:03:36 PM »

Well what did you end up doing

?

huntnphool · « **Reply #23 on:** December 23, 2007, 04:32:37 PM »

Its probably got something to do with the function of the camera? Cars are the the same way a lot of times BMW 320I Mercedes E320, both 3.2litre engines. That would be my guess, but I dont know.

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Author Topic: New Camera Discussion... (Read 7438 times)

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