Howdy! Entry Level DSLR advice please :)

[Tim]

Hi All,

Ive been lurking for a little while now, reading various reviews and tutorials (thanks to the author/s btw.. helped heaps)

Im very brand new to all this. Never really been into photography before, but always toyed with the idea, and have decided I wanna get started. Will probably look @ a purchase within a month or 2... just scraping some money together at the moment.

Im looking at an entry level DSLR, wanting to spend no more than $1200 (give or take) on body and kit lense/s. Ive been into a local camera store and had a play with a Nikon D40 and a Pentax K100D. At this stage Ive really got my heart set on a Nikon, and to be honest, I really disliked the feel of the Pentax. Entry level Canons are out of my price range, and afaik, everything else is garbage.

I understand the whole AF-S lens restriction with the D40. This really isnt going to be much of an issue as I really cant see myself spending uber ongoing cash on various lenses etc, and as I am brand new to this, I have no existing lenses to use either.

Ive been looking specifically @ twin lens kits so I dont have to spend much ongoing money, and I'll then have the option of a short lens and also something with a bit of length. I also am prepared to spend a little bit of extra cash and buy local, as I have terrible luck with hardware.. No overseas or online shops... needs to be a camera store in Adelaide

Ted's seems to be reasonably priced and I have a couple of options to go with:

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Nikon D40:

Obviously simple choice here... 1 lens or 2

1. Nikon D40/18-55mm ED Kit - $999.95
2. Nikon D40/18-55/55-200mm ED Twin Kit - $1299.95

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Nikon D50:

This is where its confusing..

1. Nikon D50/18-55/Nikon 70-300mmG Kit - $1099.95
2. Nikon D50/18-55/70-300 G Kit Blk - $1199.95

I think this may be a typo on the product link on the website, see links:

1. http://www.teds.com.au/www/6/1001102/di ... 5803_.html
Says that this is a Tamron lens rather than the Nikon..
"Tamron AF 70-300mm LD f/4-5.6 Zoom Lens"

2. http://www.teds.com.au/www/6/1001102/di ... 5803_.html
Has the Nikkor lens:
"AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G"

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Questions

Would I be better off going with the newer and more compact (a plus for me) D40 or the flexibility of the older D50?
Assuming D50 option 1 is actually a Tamron lens, is there much difference between the Tamron and the Nikkor?
Will the longer kit lenses be sufficient enough for decent long shots for a beginner such as myself?

Any other information or anything else Im missing will also be very handy

Thanks
Tim

[Glen]

Welcome Tim,
I have always liked the name Happy Valley since I drove past it a child. I am sure someone who is familiar with those two cameras will be along soon. I don't think there will be a big difference between the Tamron and Nikon 70-300 unless one has macro. Neither are top of the line lenses, but can get good results in good weather with careful use.

[bwhinnen]

Just to get you started between the two bodies;

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare ... 0&show=all

Just remember the D50 is a little older now and if you believe the rumours (I stress rumours) there _might_ be a D50s announced at the PMA '07 in the states in March. I really wouldn't expect much change from the D50 other than a potential increase to the LCD size.

Cheers
Brett

[Tim]

Glen, thanks for the welcome Moving out of Happy Valley shortly into our almost complete house in Seaford Rise FYI: Building is a pain... dont do it!

Brett, yup Ive read plenty about both cameras on dpreview and kenrockwell.
They seem to be very similar in most aspects with only a few minor differences. Just need to make a decision on lense/s.

Cheers for the info on the possible D50s... I wont be ready to buy until March - April anyways, so it will be interesting if that does come by then

[gstark]

Glen, thanks for the welcome Moving out of Happy Valley shortly into our almost complete house in Seaford Rise

I think I'd be very wary of global warming ...

And, Tim, Welcome.

[Oz_Beachside]

Would I be better off going with the newer and more compact (a plus for me) D40 or the flexibility of the older D50?

Tell us your needs. I think functionallly both are similar, however I like the larger screen to chimp (2.5" D40).

Will the longer kit lenses be sufficient enough for decent long shots for a beginner such as myself?

Yes, when starting out, these lenses will give you great results. I would go for the ED lens (200mm), over the G lens (300mm), its better built, and glass.

An alternative might be to get the proven 18-70, in a kit, and opt for a used tele-zoom later. The 18-70 is much nicer than the 18-55 (look, feel, glass, metal versus plastic mounts etc).

[Tim]

Thanks guys

I havent actually held a D50 yet, so Im not 100% on size, but I love how the D40 is soo light and compact. LCD size doesnt worry too much... so really either one will probably suit what Im after.

I suppose the point of my post was more of querying which glass to choose, as Im still hazy as to what all the numbers and letters mean.. Its very daunting having no experience, going in and making a rather large purchase, then coming out not satisfied

[Marvin]

Hi Tim,
Fozzie, who is an Adelaide member of the forum has heaps of lenses and is a very generous guy. If you wanted to make the time (and were able to), he and BigV often get together. I'm sure he would probably be happy to let you have a look and even try out a couple of his lenses at one of the mini meets to see what you think would suit you.
Otherwise, I have a tamron 28-300 that I got when I first got my D70. At the time I was very happy with it, but now that I know a little bit more I find it a bit soft and slow. I have had it almost 3 years now though and got many happy shots from it. I do prefer my 18-70 "kit" lens now though as it is much sharper and I am happier with the results from it.
Cheers,
Lee

[Tim]

hmmm... I might see if I can get either a D40 or D50 body put together with the 18-70.. sounds like a solid combo.
Then later on down the track look at something with a bit of length.



Cheers
Tim

[fozzie]

Tim - welcome to the forum.

Actually Big V and I went to the Adelaide Zoo today for awhile Marvin knows us too well

Only too happy to meet up with you, sometime down the track. If you want to, try my copy of the AF-S 18-70DX away from the salesperson pressure. Feel free to drop a PM anytime.


fozzie

[Yi-P]

If the screen size does not really matter you, go on with the D50. I might be biased by the amount of primes in my bag, but the D50 feels nicer than the D40 when held on hands, and even with the 18-70 kit lens, it overwhelms the D40 in size.

[Pa]

hi tim and welcome. for what it's worth i have had my d50 for approximately 17 months and at this stage no problems. touch wood. almost 12000 shots. the plus is you can use most of the older lens with it.
ozimax has a tamron 70-300mm that he's been taking some great surfing shots with.
cheers pa

[Tim]

Hi Guys, thankyou for your kind welcomes

I dropped into Teds after work this evening. They havent stocked the D50 in about a month or 2
I then asked how much the D40 body + 18-70 lens would be. Without any further haggling, he quoted me $900 just for the body and $600 for the lens... eeek!

Anyone know of any retailers stocking the D50 in Adelaide at all?
I may have to look at 2nd hand options, or settle for the D40/18-55 kit and buy another lens later down the track.

[Glen]

Tim,

Look at this website and get someone who will price match. I don't know the retailers in Adelaide sorry. 18-70 are usually $300 second hand.

http://www.cameras.net.au/

[Oz_Beachside]

Thanks guys
I suppose the point of my post was more of querying which glass to choose, as Im still hazy as to what all the numbers and letters mean.. Its very daunting having no experience, going in and making a rather large purchase, then coming out not satisfied

If you dont know what all the numbers mean, then perhaps start with glass that comes for free, until you know what the numbers mean.

I say that because if you dont know what f1.4 means compared to f4.0 then learn that first.

My advise, the D40 at Ted's is $999 retail, comes with a free lens. Start there. That way, you can be sure you have not made a mistake buying glass that does not suit you, and that can be expensive... (speaking from my own experience).

[Glen]

Tim, that is great advice by OZ

[Tim]

Tim, that is great advice by OZ

Yep, I agree.. thanks Oz. Will probably head that way.

Thanks to everyone that helped out.

[fozzie]

Tim - I originally purchased my D70 Kit (Body + AF-S 18-70DX lens) from Ted's at Marion. It came with a 12 month Lemon Guarantee - should you get a dud camera, and I think 12 months of free printing 12 or 20 shots per month.

Tim, that is great advice by OZ

Yep, I agree.. thanks Oz. Will probably head that way.

Thanks to everyone that helped out.

fozzie

[Tim]

Tim - I originally purchased my D70 Kit (Body + AF-S 18-70DX lens) from Ted's at Marion. It came with a 12 month Lemon Guarantee - should you get a dud camera, and I think 12 months of free printing 12 or 20 shots per month.

ahhh... good to know. cheers

Now to scrape some money together...

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Just as a side-note, kudos to the community.. Youre all very helpful.
Im glad I stumbled across this site on another forum

[Oz_Beachside]

Tim - I originally purchased my D70 Kit (Body + AF-S 18-70DX lens) from Ted's at Marion. It came with a 12 month Lemon Guarantee - should you get a dud camera, and I think 12 months of free printing 12 or 20 shots per month.

ahhh... good to know. cheers

Now to scrape some money together...

----

Just as a side-note, kudos to the community.. Youre all very helpful.
Im glad I stumbled across this site on another forum

Let me give you some advise that can save you lots of dough...

Ted's, due to their sufficient profit margins, offer a 45 day no questions asked exchange policy on new gear.

So, you could get the D70s twin lens kit, try it out for a month, decide if you like it, if not, take it back...

and get the D40 kit, try it for a month, decide if you like it, if not, take it back...

and get the D80 kit, try it for a month, decide if you like it, if not, take it back...

and get the D200 with the 18-200VR, try it for a month, decide if you like it, if not, take it back...

and get the D2xs with the 300mm 2.8, try it for a month, decide if you like it, if not, take it back...

and get the D40 with the 18-55mm kit lens.

(the above trickery, assumes you can lay down the cash, or interest on your credit card for the 6 months free testing...)

[admajic]

Heres a thought. Why dont you look at getting a D50 or D70s second hand off Ebay? With low actuations? Grab a 18-70mm lense and you will be sweet for a few months until lense lust takes its toll!!

[Tim]

heh, sneaky oz

Id prefer not to buy off ebay as I do have terrible luck with hardware..

[Pa]

hi tim in the bargain section you can pick up a d80 for $1191.00 and an 18-70mm lens for $361.00 = $1552.00.......somewhere about the same as a d40 kit from teds.

50 posts makes you a member......i see you have 8..... and access to the bargains section.

something else to think about.

cheers pa

[gstark]

Tim,

Pa has made some interesting suggestions. Please acquaint yourself with the FAQ, and then read the blurb on the front page about the bargains section that we have.

Some eBay traders are better than others; we dealdirectly with HK supplies, and cannot recommend them highly enough. And forum prices, for goods purchased from HKS, are often significantly cheaper than buying directly from HKS through eBay.

[Tim]

Thanks guys
Im still a little while off from a purchase so I'll post a bit around the forums to get member status and have a squizz there.

I was actually browsing around ebay last night and did notice a lot of cheap buys out of HK and was wondering if it was worth the risk of buying from there...
$1500 is a little out of my price range but definitely worth a look. Ive decided I want to get as close to the $1000 - $1200 mark as possible. This kinda limits me to a D40 or D50, but who knows...

[gstark]

I think the D50 is discontinued, but the D70s kit is under Au$1200, delivered to your door.

Depending upon from whom you purchase, the risk factor will vary from insignificant through to "oh shit!".

Always remember to factor the possible impost of GST into your purchase if you're buying from overseas. I've rarely seen it applied, but only a fool would ignore the possibility of it being charged.

[Tim]

I think the D50 is discontinued, but the D70s kit is under Au$1200, delivered to your door.

Depending upon from whom you purchase, the risk factor will vary from insignificant through to "oh shit!".

Always remember to factor the possible impost of GST into your purchase if you're buying from overseas. I've rarely seen it applied, but only a fool would ignore the possibility of it being charged.

heheh.. yea Im worried about the "oh shit!"

Thanks Gary

[admajic]

I think the D50 is discontinued, but the D70s kit is under Au$1200, delivered to your door....

I 2nd what Gary has recommended.

Not only is he smart but good looking too

[Pa]

gary said

the D70s kit is under Au$1200, delivered to your door.

is that with the kit lens....if so that's a great deal.

cheers pa

[Tim]

For sure... if I can pickup a D70s + kit lens for ~$1200, I'll be a happy chappy

[gstark]

gary said

the D70s kit is under Au$1200, delivered to your door.

is that with the kit lens....if so that's a great deal.

cheers pa

Alan,

Yes. that's the kit. Body only is a nudge below Au$850 delivered.

Adam, where shall I send the $10?

[Tim]

hmmm, just found what looks to be a bargain on Ebay, HERE
$679 + $25 courier for D40 Body Only, then I can pick up a D70 kit lens from somewhere.

Feedback on the seller is pretty much all positive, and is based in Sydney

Should I jump on it?

[Oz_Beachside]

thats a pretty nice starting price. You may even be able to buy a used 18-200VR with your cash...

[Tim]

hmmm... I'll have to speak with the financial controller


..(the wife)

[Glen]

Tim, goods supplied through the forum come through Poon who is a member here who regularly posts and has very good back up.

Ebay feedback usually indicates that the item was delivered and that it was as described ie a black camera. Ebay feedback usually doesn't indicate how a vendor will deal with a problem 6 months down the line.

A D40 for $704 or a D70 for $850. I would take the D70 and there is no duty as under $1k. No AFS issue with D70 so you can grow with it.

Good luck in your purchase and hopefully this background info is helpful.

[Tim]

hmmm... great points Glen..

Gawd, this decision is sooo hard

[Pa]

from what i've heard of discount digital photography there's not a problem with warranty issues. they generally give 12 months warranty.

having said that if i was in your shoes i think i'ld be buying the d70s.

i remember having similar idears as yours--camera a lens or 2....now i

have 4 plus a teleconverter. some of them are old that i bought on

ebay.....and a long long long wish list

cheers pa

[Tim]

Well, Ive finally made the executive decision after much more reading, playing with cameras, and looking at my upgrade path:

D40 + 18-55 kit

As there is nothing like opening the box of some brand new toys, I decided I didnt really want to buy second hand.

I am then going to learn how to use the thing, and continue to save, and hopefully temporarily borrow a lens from a mate.
Then in about 6 months time, go all out and replace the kit lens with either:

24-120VR or 18-200VR

This will really depend on how much I can save without my wife noticing..

I should have enough saved up for the D40 purchase by 23rd of March.
So the countdown begins

[Tim]

Thanks again to everyone for their help

[bumthology]

Hi
I have a D40, originally purchased it for low light no flash shots and so that my gf can carry around in her big handbag

When i bought it i didnt really know much about aperture, but as i used it with the kit lens i found that the low light wasnt as great as i wanted (after seeing all the sample shots on pbase.com)

What i wanted was no flash low light shots at 1/60 shutter speed.

Anyways i purchased a Sigma 30mm F1.4 HSM and yea i'm glad i never went the D50 route.

If i do plan on buying another lens later on i'd probably save up for a nice f2.8 zoom lens! i know its hell expensive, but its not like i'm going to buy it anytime soon.

What i think is that if you're going to be a photographer who just wants to go in his backyard/studio/do pro photoshoots then get something bigger more pro. BUT if you're going to take it out on the night in town, take it to a party, or mates place than a D40 with Sigma lens although it set me back 1600 in the longrun (after getting the lens) than a small camera like the D40 is a good choice (if i hadnt bought the sigma lens i'd go a 400D beucase its also small)

[Tim]

yup, the size and weight (or lack there of) was a plus for me.

I couldnt see myself lugging around a massive DSLR

[Tim]

Bought my kit today.

Nikon D40 + 18-55
Sandisk Ultra II SD 2Gb
Hoya UV filter
Tamrac Adventure 3 Bag

Cost - $1019 from Diamonds.
Reasonably happy with cost, considering its local.

[Pa]

congrats tim, now get out and take some photos.

cheers pa

[Tim]

congrats tim, now get out and take some photos.

Cheers

Itching to get home from work

[Dr Jan Itor]

Looks like a great deal for that combination. Well done.

Itching to get home from work

We've all been in that position!

[joey]

Welcome Tim!

A good choice if that's what you wanted. A compact DSLR under $1200 from a store based in Adelaide.

My 2 cents worth comments.

I live in Adelaide and I am yet to purchase any photographic equipment from a store based in Adelaide. You are definitely missing out on great deals when buying photography gear, computer parts or electronics. I have been purchasing all those for the last 3 years and only once I had a problem with a little known although registered dealer based in Sydney. After lodging a complaint with the Fair Office Trading in NSW I was provided with a refund.

D50 + Nikkor 18-70mm is a good entry level kit. The only thing I dislike about the camera is that there's no 2nd wheel on the body of the camera.

I bought a lens from HK Supplies on eBay either 50mm f/1.4 or 85mm f/1.8 I can't remember now. A good supplier, the lens was delivered on time. That was before I joined this forum. What I gathered from this forum, and I have been around for about 6 months here, HK Supplies is a good dealer. At least many people on this forum know them and have bought photography gear from them.

[Tim]

Cheers Joey

I will be buying my next lens (more than likely a 18-200VR) from Poon
Im more than happy with today's purchase as I always wanted to buy the body local