Girlfriend wants in on DSLR

[rokkstar]

The good woman has finally had enough of her point and shoot canon and wants to take the next step into DSLR.

So as its her birthday coming up I thought I'd buy her one.
But not sure what to do.
She is keen and loves it, but not technical whatsoever, will never read the manual, and will constantly be asking me help. I dont mind at all, but I would like to get her a cam that is relatively simple to use.

I'm also thinking Nikon, because then we could share lenses (although I can see that leading to arguments - not today love, the 50mm is MINE).
So should I wait for the D50 to come out? What is the expected price for this and the kit lens?

Or should I get the D70s for her if there isnt that much difference in price.

I spoke to a guy the other day and he even suggested the Pentax *ist. I was thinking about the 300d as its coming nicely down in price.

Any suggestions?

<Matt

[kipper]

Don't buy the Pentax *ist. Heard quite a few bad reviews about them.
Like you said, best to go Nikon DSLR. That way you can share lenses.
Talk to NikonBoy (Norm), he and his wife (Sharon?, god I feel awful now not remembering names) both have Nikon DSLR and I think they share lenses.

[rokkstar]

Yeah, I raised an eyebrow when he said the Pentax.

So is it worth do you think waiting for the D50 to arrive in June?

[the foto fanatic]

You could always upgrade to better camera (D70s? D2X??) and pass on your just run-in, perfect condition, lovingly cared for D70 to the gf.

That way whatever questions she asks, you'll know the answers to - and you get a new Nikon to play with.

And you could share lenses.

[nigels]

Now Cricketfan has the right idea, why didn't I think of that.

Share lenses, happy GF, rokkstar has a new Nikon, what more could you wish for


nige

[boxerboy]

I can feel a D2X coming on.

[darb]

get yourself anew one and give her yours?

either way, go for it ... my girlfriend knows how to pick my d70 up and shoot some shots ... and damn does it look good, a hot chick with a big piece of nikon gear hanging around her neck ... my two favourites, nikky and her

[fozzie]

I would hand down the D70 (much loved) to your girlfriend, and purchase a D70s body for yourself.

Forget the Pentax *ist and Canon 300D .

[Greg B]

There are so many potential benefits in having the same (or similar) camera, think of those little bits and pieces - spare batteries, CF cards, and the big things, lenses, flashes.

A D70S seems like the way to go. And you can buy her a lens for birthday/xmas

[MATT]

Just remember, if things turn sour She will get HALF.

Do you want her taking half your stuff ,By By 50mm.
On the other hand you get half of her stuff hello 70-200 VR.



BUt make sure you buy the pretty one

Go the D50


MATT

[stubbsy]

Matt

The price of the D50 (body only) with GST at Vanbar is $1320 and D70s (body only) is $1499 so theres only $180 difference. The best bet would be to get a D70s for you, give the gf the D70 and share everything (hell you do now don't you)

This makes things muuuuch simpler. If you'd rather give her something new then keep your D70 and give her the D70s. Bottom line is if you both have the same cameras you will use the same cards, lenses, batteries etc and on the PC side share the same software. Much simpler. And of course you know the D70 inside out so helping her should be easy.

PLUS you can get it duty free when you go back to the UK and save a little more (although birddog's HK prices may be a better deal)

[birddog114]

Get a fresh D2x and give her your D70
Pretending your D2x is an old D1h and she will be happy

[johndec]

Considering your current investment in Nikon Lenses, you would be mad to buy any other brand Imagine buying the Canon for her and she really gets into it, all of a sudden you are buying duplicate lenses of another brand.

If she arcs up about getting your hand me downs (ie the D70), you have 3 affordable choices:

1. D50. Not much point considering the minimal price difference.
2. D70. Should be able to pick up a run out stock one at a reasonable price.
3. D70s. Get that and borrow it off her

One other possibility. Pick up a second hand D2H. It then gives you another option if you want to do some high speed shooting.....

[birddog114]

The D70 run out stock is more dearer than the new D70s

[Nikon boy]

As Kipper say's my wife (Sharon) and I both have Nikon digital slr's,
and prior to going digital we both had Nikon film slr's,and have ben taking pic's together for quite some time, AND we share lenses, some days when we are out shooting there is a lot of ''give and take'' but we have a lot of fun comparing images,in my humble opinion you should get the D70s, you won't regret it, it will give her the best chance of capturing great images from the get go, and hey it gives you an extra camera body to use when shooting solo, not to mention if she gets ''hooked'' there will be no arguments about how much a new piece of equipment costs ,rather ''how do we get it'' (hey Birdy how much is a D2X??????) seriously it is very rewarding sharing this great hobby with ones partner, don't hold back, remember ''spend and the lord will send"

[EnzyG]

Don't buy the Pentax *ist. Heard quite a few bad reviews about them.
Like you said, best to go Nikon DSLR. That way you can share lenses.
Talk to NikonBoy (Norm), he and his wife (Sharon?, god I feel awful now not remembering names) both have Nikon DSLR and I think they share lenses.

Sorry to do this on a D70 forum, but have you tried the *istD or *istDS? As an owner -its a great tool. Ive havent heard "bad" reviews at all...the worst was Phil, who really only had a go at the jpg quality -which in the real world seems fine BTW- and in RAW is was a pretty close match to any of the other comparison cams...not that anybody focuses on the good stuff on the web...oh yeah it has the same Sony CCD as your D70 and costs ~$500 less

Not looking fro a flame war people, just dont like hear-say

But you would be MAD not to go the Nikon path, given you already have the gear...

Dave