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Some of you may remember my mate that just had twins, and already has 2 other kids under 3. Well I alway take my camera over and he and I have great fun taking shots of the kids, last weekend we even got some lighting and storm front photos. He's finally lusted long enough and wants to get a DSLR himself, but with 4 kids, he's on a tight budget.

At the moment he's considering a D50, it seems to offer best value for money while still offering all the key features the D70 has. I know a few members here have d50's so we'd be interested in your feedback so his decision isn't based purely on comparing numbers. The other two things I'm helping with is firstly the kit lens 18-55 right ? How does it compare against the 18-70 kit of the D70 ? I noticed xerubus was selling two lens http://www.dslrusers.net/viewtopic.php?t=11298 28-300 w/ 6T & cpl $200 and 18-50 w/cpl $100 and thought maybe this would be more cost effective then the D50 kit ? ( I don't have Sigma lens myself, but I think they would perform alright for what he's after).

Finally the last question is a key one, I bought my DSLR camera in Singapore, so really don't know where the best place to buy one in Australia is, can you suggest a new places, so he or I can ring and get prices for the D50. (I got burnt buying in Singapore not knowing the price of various lens etc, I'd like to shop safer and smarter this time round as my mate doesn't have money to waste).

Thanks!

Best place in Aus is from "Birddog"

Alpha_7
Advise him buying the D50 with 18-55 kit lens.
The 18-70mm is a great lens also, but will cost him more.
Apart from the camera & lens, he needs to look into SD card, card reader etc...
Have you look at the bargain section with the D50 + kit lens thread?

Hold out a little longer - once the D200 hits the market, there are sure to be those wishing to offload their D70/s's, in which case = win for your friend.

Onyx wrote:Hold out a little longer - once the D200 hits the market, there are sure to be those wishing to offload their D70/s's, in which case = win for your friend.

Definitely the best option IMO, I'm sure there will be a lot of D70(s)s going pretty cheap very soon. I'm in three minds:

(1) Buy D200, sell D70 to partially fund
(2) Buy D200, keep D70 as 2nd body
(3) Buy 2nd hand D70 cheap as 2nd body from someone doing (1)

Argh.

MCWB wrote:

Onyx wrote:Hold out a little longer - once the D200 hits the market, there are sure to be those wishing to offload their D70/s's, in which case = win for your friend.

Definitely the best option IMO, I'm sure there will be a lot of D70(s)s going pretty cheap very soon. I'm in three minds:

(1) Buy D200, sell D70 to partially fund
(2) Buy D200, keep D70 as 2nd body
(3) Buy 2nd hand D70 cheap as 2nd body from someone doing (1)

Argh.

Buying a 2nd hand D70 body is not cheap, from $800.00- $1000.00 + lens + other bits and it's not new.
A new D50 w/ kit lens is just around $1650.00 with all other requirements for the start as SD card, card reader, etc....

Birddog..I think MCWB was talking about himself

Thanks for the suggestions, I've passed on Birdies Awesome deal for consideration, he loves it just has to pass it by the wife. I think knowing his wife, a new camera will be easier to sell to her then a 2nd hand one... girls are just a bit like that And Birdies price nearly made Katie cry.. considering I dropped close to $3k on my camera+gear earlier this year..

MCWB wrote:(2) Buy D200, keep D70 as 2nd body

Best option, Trent.

Always keep at least one extra body if you plan on being a photographer.

I'd think a D50 kit would be more reliable for a new DSLR user, if only because it ain't used, it's more than suitable and apt for a new user, the noise has been improved upon over the D70, it takes a memory standard that most current PHD's take, and if and when they decide to upgrade... their next camera will have more options and features and will still support their lens range.

Spot on Vince.

Say $900 for the D70 body, $400 for the 18-70 DX (both more than what I'd pay BTW) and you're at $1350, with a better lens and better camera and still $300 to go towards CF cards, readers etc. I guess it all depends how much warranty and that 'new goods' feeling are to you. Maybe you're right Birdy, if he's on a limited budget warranty may be a concern and the new D50 might be a better option.

MCWB...buy my D70 when i get the D200 I will be off loading one when i get the D200

Trent,
Don't sell your D70, keep it for Glady and I know she wants to do her own photography with the new born babies in the near future

And don't forget the baby bonus, it'll offset all the burdens with your lust

Birddog114 wrote:Trent,
Don't sell your D70, keep it for Glady and I know she wants to do her own photography with the new born babies in the near future

And don't forget the baby bonus, it'll offset all the burdens with your lust

Sloooooow the hell down there mate hehe!!!

You're right, I think I'll end up keeping the D70 either way. I let her play with the D70 + 70-200 VR the other day whilst I was playing cricket at a party; she got some great results too, but it was a bit tough for her to hand-hold!

I'll keep your offer in mind Vince, but if the D200 turns out nicely...

just wanna let you know that i am extremely happy with my D50.

Like Nathan, I'm absolutely delighted with the D50 and the kit lens.

I will be getting a better lens at some point but my next purchase will be a good tripod.

Nnnnsic wrote:

MCWB wrote:(2) Buy D200, keep D70 as 2nd body

Best option, Trent.

Always keep at least one extra body if you plan on being a photographer.

I'd think a D50 kit would be more reliable for a new DSLR user, if only because it ain't used, it's more than suitable and apt for a new user, the noise has been improved upon over the D70, it takes a memory standard that most current PHD's take, and if and when they decide to upgrade... their next camera will have more options and features and will still support their lens range.

Good advice there Leigh.
I will be selling one of my D70 bodies in the near future and upgrading to the D200. Perhaps Craig's friend might be keen on buying a well cared for 2nd hand D70?