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Hey guys just wondering if anyone know any place where I can rent a D200 and a Canon 30D in Sydney.

Its just that I manage to play around with a 30D and a D80 in the store but the problem was there was no battery. I had the feel for the cameras but no idea how they perform and how user friendly they are. I asked if they can power them up but the staff member said they don't power up their display models.

Also another stretch if there are any members here who runs their own photo studio would be willing to allow me to drop by and play with a D200/D80 if they use them. At least that way I save rent money and no pressure sales pitch.

Anyone?

devilla101 wrote:I manage to play around with a 30D and a D80 in the store but the problem was there was no battery. I had the feel for the cameras but no idea how they perform and how user friendly they are. I asked if they can power them up but the staff member said they don't power up their display models.

That's not very customer-friendly of them!

Any good pro store should let you play with the cameras with charged battery, although I can't name stores in your city.

devilla101 wrote:Hey guys just wondering if anyone know any place where I can rent a D200 and a Canon 30D in Sydney.

L&P in Artarmon have a D200 in their rental fleet, but no 30D.

Its just that I manage to play around with a 30D and a D80 in the store but the problem was there was no battery. I had the feel for the cameras but no idea how they perform and how user friendly they are. I asked if they can power them up but the staff member said they don't power up their display models.

On that, I'd probably suggest shopping elsewhere. Stores like this aren't interested in Photography, but consumer electronics sales. A good camera store (hell, even Teds) will let you power up and take a few shots on their demo models, no questions asked. Most are even ok with you bringing your own Compact Flash card and rattling off a few shots for you to review later. If you go in the quieter times, often the sales assistants will go with you outdoors where the building/store design allows.

Also another stretch if there are any members here who runs their own photo studio would be willing to allow me to drop by and play with a D200/D80 if they use them. At least that way I save rent money and no pressure sales pitch.

If you really want to see how one of these models works or what the different lens options are, the most effective way would be to join one of the activites / outings right here through DSLRusers. Collectively, we have a massive range and depth of equipment, and knowledge to boot. Go along and I'm sure people will happily share their experiences, and hands on with the gear, and you'll have a opportunity to discuss what you have in mind and what might suit best (with likely possibility to test and try it right there!)

Oh really so usually these cameras are powered up for demo models. I thought the reason why they won't power them up is because of wearing down the shutters. I might actually go to the city and drop by Teds.

As for joining one of the meets, thats a brilliant idea. Might look that one up.

Thanks folks, still deciding whether to go with 30d or d200. Reason for my research

If you would like I'm part of another international site that is having a Sydney get together on Feb 22nd.
some of us will be starting down the rocks for a sunrise shoot then at 9am we all meet up at Darling harbour for the rest of the day
I'm sure you would be able to try a few different cameras as the canon shooter will try to get you into their camp while the Nikon shooters will push their agenda and you would be the winner of their battle

Sydney GTG thread

I would second the meet idea. Unfortunately I have neither of those cameras.

daniel_r wrote:If you really want to see how one of these models works or what the different lens options are, the most effective way would be to join one of the activites / outings right here through DSLRusers. Collectively, we have a massive range and depth of equipment, and knowledge to boot. Go along and I'm sure people will happily share their experiences, and hands on with the gear, and you'll have a opportunity to discuss what you have in mind and what might suit best (with likely possibility to test and try it right there!)

I'll second that. Anything I know about DSLRs, I have learnt through the forums I am on, and most of all when out on meets.

Unlike camera stores, forum members are more than happy for you to try out their gear, and you can speak to people who actually OWN the equipment and have used it for a long time.