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Buying 1st D-SLR Camera! Advice needed for Body+Lens

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weecheng

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Dear All ....

I have budget of about US$2K.

Need some advice what kind of combinations is best. (I'm new to D-SLR, though I have been using the film SLR since 14yrsold).

This is what I'm planning to have..
(a) Nikon D70s + Pro Lens
(b) Nikon D80 + Pro Lens
(c) Nikon D200 + Cheaper Lens
(d) Canon30D + Cheaper Lens

Which Option is better ? (Keeping budget to USD2K). Appreciate if you can suggest what Lens should I get? Many Thanks!

My Optional Wish List ...
  • Wide Angle Lens at least 18mm
  • Zoom Lens at least 200mm
 
D80+Pro...

You'll get the latest and probably greatest with pro lenses.

The only problem you'll have to wait :-)
 
weecheng said:
Dear All ....

I have budget of about US$2K.

Need some advice what kind of combinations is best. (I'm new to
D-SLR, though I have been using the film SLR since 14yrsold).

This is what I'm planning to have..
(a) Nikon D70s + Pro Lens
(b) Nikon D80 + Pro Lens
(c) Nikon D200 + Cheaper Lens
(d) Canon30D + Cheaper Lens

Which Option is better ? (Keeping budget to USD2K). Appreciate if
you can suggest what Lens should I get? Many Thanks!

My Optional Wish List ...
  • Wide Angle Lens at least 18mm
  • Zoom Lens at least 200mm
Click to expand...
On your point a) I would suggest the D50 instead of the D70, since the D70 is probably on is way out.

The differences between a+b and c+d is if you want 5 fps or if 3 fps is enough. c+d are also better built, with c having the best build and features while d have a little less noise at ISO 1600. The best image quality for the buck is probably b, but wait for reviews.

--

http://www.pbase.com/interactive
http://tri-xstories.blogspot.com
 
People that recommend D50 are funny... they always have to stick that D50 thing everywhere. Also don't listen to people that say D70 is on the way out... on the way out where??? It's not like it will stop working only because D80 will be released.
Soon enough they will recommend that thing (d50) to people with D2x... ;)

I'd say if are willing to wait go with D80 + pro lens. If you don't want to wait go with D70s + pro lens. Whatever you choose go with pro lens.

D80 has quite few improvements over D70 that I'd love to have. MP aside (don't actualy care for that one) better autofocus system, bigger viewfinder, bigger LCD. Those are most important changes. The only thing I'm not too thrilled about is SD slot but i guess we will be seeing more of that in the future. In case you'd like to change camera to different, let's say D200 you will need to buy new memory cards.
 
A D80 (or D50) + good lens.

A good lens will last you a long time

Camera bodies are updated regularly and whatever you buy now could end up being your back up one day
--
The owner of a *ist DS
 
If you have experience with software, any camera you mentioned would be ok. If not, I think you might want to start with the D50 with 18-70mm and 50mm 1.8 This will leave you with almost $1000. for more glass and, if you decide to get anothar camera at some point, you will still have the D50.
 
saga said:
People that recommend D50 are funny... they always have to stick
that D50 thing everywhere.
Click to expand...
People like you are funnier. That is such an elitist attitude. Do you somehow feel threatened by people with "lesser" cams?
saga said:
Also don't listen to people that say D70
is on the way out... on the way out where??? It's not like it will
stop working only because D80 will be released.
Click to expand...
Agree. Has Nikon even said anything about discontinuing the D70s (or the D50)?
saga said:
Soon enough they will recommend that thing (d50) to people with
D2x... ;)
Click to expand...
IMO there are many who would probably be better off with a D50 than a D2X(s), me included (I have the D50)... And no, I am not talking about pros who NEED the ruggedness and features of the D2X(s).
saga said:
I'd say if are willing to wait go with D80 + pro lens. If you don't
want to wait go with D70s + pro lens. Whatever you choose go with
pro lens.
Click to expand...
Agreed. Lenses are more important than bodies. A good eye even more so. I am tempted by the D80 though :)

--
Cheers
Helge
 
Helge Olsen said:
saga said:
People that recommend D50 are funny... they always have to stick
that D50 thing everywhere.
Click to expand...
People like you are funnier. That is such an elitist attitude. Do
you somehow feel threatened by people with "lesser" cams?
Click to expand...
I don't care who uses what. I just don't like the way people try to push D50 model to everybody that ask question about the cam. The OP clearly state that he is accustom with SLR type of camera and all the models he is looking at are 'more advnaced' type of DSLR's. Then out of blue you got a guy or few pushing that D50 thing again.

... chiil out a bit... it's not like they have discovered something amazing. Ok it's a good cam and all that but some people my want something else becouse they need more control, better build or simple don't like D50 for whatever reason.
Simple as that.
 
saga said:
Helge Olsen said:
saga said:
People that recommend D50 are funny... they always have to stick
that D50 thing everywhere.
Click to expand...
People like you are funnier. That is such an elitist attitude. Do
you somehow feel threatened by people with "lesser" cams?
Click to expand...
I don't care who uses what. I just don't like the way people try to
push D50 model to everybody that ask question about the cam. The OP
clearly state that he is accustom with SLR type of camera and all
the models he is looking at are 'more advnaced' type of DSLR's.
Then out of blue you got a guy or few pushing that D50 thing again.
... chiil out a bit... it's not like they have discovered something
amazing. Ok it's a good cam and all that but some people my want
something else becouse they need more control, better build or
simple don't like D50 for whatever reason.
Simple as that.
Click to expand...
True, he stated that he has experience. True, he mentioned more advanced cameras. I still can't be able to see the "funny" remark as anything but elitist. If you had added the above reasons in your original post I guess I hadn't reacted enough to bother answering.

On a given (low) budget though, I would still recommend a D50 with sharp fast glass than a D80 (or D200 or 20D or 30D) with consumer grade slower glass. The eye is most important, lenses second, camera third.

And fyi I am completely calm. I just react to some people's attitudes (real or perceived).

--
Cheers
Helge
 
weecheng said:
Dear All ....

I have budget of about US$2K.

Need some advice what kind of combinations is best. (I'm new to
D-SLR, though I have been using the film SLR since 14yrsold).

This is what I'm planning to have..
(a) Nikon D70s + Pro Lens
(b) Nikon D80 + Pro Lens
(c) Nikon D200 + Cheaper Lens
(d) Canon30D + Cheaper Lens

Which Option is better ? (Keeping budget to USD2K). Appreciate if
you can suggest what Lens should I get? Many Thanks!

My Optional Wish List ...
  • Wide Angle Lens at least 18mm
  • Zoom Lens at least 200mm
Click to expand...
If you can tell us what type of photography you do, then we could make better suggestions on the camera & particular lens.

First, since you are familiar with SLR, I would go to the store and actually hold a D50 and a D70 (or D200), and look through the viewfinders. This will be the biggest difference you will see right up front. The smaller bodies on the D50/80 may be lesser suited for holding the pro glass you are after. You didn't mention if you do flash photography, but if you do, there are differences between all these bodies with how they handle flash.

D50 --> Smaller body, good iso 1600 performance, only one command wheel that operates both aperture and shutter speed, small viewfinder, cannot control a single SB600 or SB800 flash wirelessly, 1/500 x-sync on flash.

D70(s) --> Larger body, fair iso 1600 performance if not underexposed, two command wheels, small viewfinder, can control a single SB600/800 wirelessly, 1/500 x-sync on flash.

D80 --> Smaller body, looks to have very good iso 1600 performance (but waiting on more tests), two command wheels, large viewfinder, can control two groups of SB600/800 flashes wirelessly, 1/200 x-sync on flash.

D200 --> Larger body, iso 1600 performance closer to D70 than D50 or D80, two command wheels, large viewfinder, wireless control on SB600/800, 1/250 x-sync on flash, plus of course lots of pro quality features - better build, etc.

As far as glass, you could get an 80-200 f/2.8 which is pro quality (no VR) and a 18-70 f/3.5+ for about $1200. The 18-70 is a fine lens for the price and could easily hold you over until you can get pro quality on the wider end. Of course it depends on whether you would rather have pro quality wide or telephoto to begin with. This combo would leave you with enough left over to get a D70 + flash or a D80, but not the D200. Plus, many of these bodies can be purchased with the 18-70 as a kit which will drop the price down a bit further.

--Will
------

 
Helge Olsen said:
Agree. Has Nikon even said anything about discontinuing the D70s
(or the D50)?
Click to expand...
It is widely rumoured that the D70 will be discontinued at the end of this year. That means nothing as far as its ability to take great pictures, of course.

--Will
------

 
I would just like to throw in that there is more equipment that goes with a dSLR than just a body and a lens. A camera bag, tripod, external flash, extra battery and remote control are all very nice to have as well. I would definately make sure to buy a camera bag right away so you can keep your gear safe.
 
Will64 said:
Will64 said:
Agree. Has Nikon even said anything about discontinuing the D70s
(or the D50)?
Click to expand...
It is widely rumoured that the D70 will be discontinued at the end
of this year. That means nothing as far as its ability to take
great pictures, of course.
Click to expand...
Fair enough. I try to ignore rumour threads. And I agree with the part about the ability to take great pictures. All it takes is "decent" gear and a good photographer (which I am not) :)

--
Cheers
Helge
 
weecheng,
You've gotten a lot of good advice here. Mine might be the best. Try this:

Sticking to the choices that you provided, you could save money with the D70s and invest in some good glass. I have a high end Nikon and it's great but the lens is what will be giving you the great quality picture in the end.

I'm going to recommend the D50 and I'll tell you why. If you are new to the digital world (i actually read your posting so I know that you've been using SLR's for a long time.), you will not know what you really want till you know all your likes and dislikes. I only knew those things after owning my first digital. I was still taking great shots with my old camera but there were still some things that bugged me which were corrected with my second camera purchase about a year later.

Samples:
http://picasaweb.google.com/happinesss

I don't own the 18 - 200, I was testing it. But look at the 5400 picture. It takes good glass and skill (as well as good in camera processing). The body of the camera has to be good but it's not everything. In time, after you know what you really want, invest in something that you know fits you better.

Know one on this forum knows what's best for you and that includes me.

I hope this helps.

--
Rich P
I'm not going to brag about my equipment but I'll show you my pictures!
 
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