Best SLR camera?
Nov 23rd, 2007, 08:01 AM
#21
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I have read that the D40 does not accept the full complement of Nikon lenses that the upper models do.
Does anyone have real life experience with same? I was interested but hesitant after reading that.
Does anyone have real life experience with same? I was interested but hesitant after reading that.
Nov 23rd, 2007, 08:32 AM
#22
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The D40 and D40x don't have a focusing motor in the body, so you can only get auto-focusing with newer Nikkor AF-S and AF-I lenses that have internal motors.
For other lenses, you can still use them on the D40 and D40x. You just have to focus manually.
Unless you already have a lot of older non-AF-I/S lenses that you're planning to use, it's really a non-issue.
For other lenses, you can still use them on the D40 and D40x. You just have to focus manually.
Unless you already have a lot of older non-AF-I/S lenses that you're planning to use, it's really a non-issue.
Nov 23rd, 2007, 07:14 PM
#23
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Yeah, I was a little concerned when I was first learning about SLR's and wanted the D40 but the focus thing....as the post before me says, it's a non issue if you don't already own any lenses. What you want with the Nikon D40 is a silent wave lens and they make six or seven of them, I think. So, don't let the manual focus jabber worry you. If you think you are really going to bloom into something huge, you could be on the hunt for the D50....now out of production, compatible with any of the lenses. More expensive, and I don't think it's needed for a first SLR.
Nov 30th, 2007, 04:30 AM
#25
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Actually, I see B&H selling the D40x with the 18-55 and 50-200 VR for $749 + shipping. [Or under $620 with just the 18-55, but $140 for a VR telezoom is an incredible deal.]
That's one of the best deals for dSLR right now. The others are the Olympus E-410 or E-510 with the 14-42 and 40-150 packages.
That's one of the best deals for dSLR right now. The others are the Olympus E-410 or E-510 with the 14-42 and 40-150 packages.
Nov 30th, 2007, 08:14 AM
#26
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Can someone explain price differential. This site (http://tinyurl.com/2fc3un) offers a Canon Rebel XTi body for $249. All the others offer the same thing for at least $200 more. What gives?
Nov 30th, 2007, 08:59 AM
#27
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Michael - Do a google search for bestpricecamera.com's user ratings, and you'll see reviews like this one:
www.resellerratings.com/store/Infiniti_Photo_3
Lifetime rating of 0.18 out of 10.
When something sounds too good to be true... then it probably is.
www.resellerratings.com/store/Infiniti_Photo_3
Lifetime rating of 0.18 out of 10.
When something sounds too good to be true... then it probably is.
Nov 30th, 2007, 09:21 AM
#29
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Currently the best value for a DSLR is the Olympus E510 two lens kit. Canon and Nikon dominate sales-wise and there are few camera sales people who know much about this gem but, that's what I'm here for.
What can this camera do?
Here's a link to an image right from the e510 with no post processing at all.
http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/85494020
Unless you're a pro, this is plenty of camera.
What can this camera do?
Here's a link to an image right from the e510 with no post processing at all.
http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/85494020
Unless you're a pro, this is plenty of camera.
Nov 30th, 2007, 09:24 AM
#30
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Can I put in a word for the Pentax K10 D - it has 10MP, built in shake reduction, self cleaning sensor, is weather proof and is backwardly compatible with every Pentax K fit lens. It is a truly amazing piece of kit.
Nov 30th, 2007, 09:24 AM
#31
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What about this site (http://tinyurl.com/2h4p32) which seems to list positive reviews?
rkkwan: If looking for body only, I can find some, presumably brand-new, for less than $500.
rkkwan: If looking for body only, I can find some, presumably brand-new, for less than $500.
Nov 30th, 2007, 09:27 AM
#33
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Michael - They are probably the same people. I'll just say that you've been warned. If you do get a brand new camera with USA warranty from them for $249, good for you. But just don't complain when you don't.
That's all I have say about that.
That's all I have say about that.
Nov 30th, 2007, 09:31 AM
#34
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BTW, these guys fly between Vancouver and Macau (near Hong Kong) for under US$200 roundtrip. Even better deal than the XTi.
www.metismacau.com
www.metismacau.com
Nov 30th, 2007, 09:46 AM
#35
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Michael - don't look for the "cheapest" price on the camera. You will get what you pay for.
Instead, look for a reputable dealer with a good price. bhphotovideo.com is a great place. They aren't the cheapest, but you know you will get quality products at a decent price. You also won't get bait & switch tactics like some of these other sites.
Most of the sites that offer a body only for an outrageously cheap price never sell a body only. They use that to lure you into making the purchase. Once the purchase is made, they contact you to explain that it is not in stock, but they can switch it for the body with "these quality accessories" for an additional $300-400. Unfortunately, "these quality accessories" aren't worth $5 and you've been had. You will also have to fight tooth and nail to get your refund.
Instead, look for a reputable dealer with a good price. bhphotovideo.com is a great place. They aren't the cheapest, but you know you will get quality products at a decent price. You also won't get bait & switch tactics like some of these other sites.
Most of the sites that offer a body only for an outrageously cheap price never sell a body only. They use that to lure you into making the purchase. Once the purchase is made, they contact you to explain that it is not in stock, but they can switch it for the body with "these quality accessories" for an additional $300-400. Unfortunately, "these quality accessories" aren't worth $5 and you've been had. You will also have to fight tooth and nail to get your refund.
Nov 30th, 2007, 09:58 AM
#36
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"I should add that I am looking for a Canon because I currently have a Canon film camera and plan to use some of my existing lenses with the new one."
Be aware that only Canon full frame DSLRs will work with your old lenses. APS-C sensor size Canons like the Rebel are not backward compatible.
This is also true for Pentax and Nikon APS-C cameras as well.
In general, you'll have to abandon your film SLR lenses when you move to DSLR unlees you're willing to spring for top-of-the-line full frame Canons or Nikons.
Before you make this leap, go here:
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/
and ask questions for real users rather than what you'll be told by the children at the retail outlets trying to sell cameras they don't understand.
Be aware that only Canon full frame DSLRs will work with your old lenses. APS-C sensor size Canons like the Rebel are not backward compatible.
This is also true for Pentax and Nikon APS-C cameras as well.
In general, you'll have to abandon your film SLR lenses when you move to DSLR unlees you're willing to spring for top-of-the-line full frame Canons or Nikons.
Before you make this leap, go here:
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/
and ask questions for real users rather than what you'll be told by the children at the retail outlets trying to sell cameras they don't understand.
Nov 30th, 2007, 10:04 AM
#37
If one camera was head and shoulders better than the rest, the rest would all go out of business.
I have always been a Canon person so I tend to stick with them.
When I decided to replace my Canon SLR film camera I went to a local camera store to play with the various models from a few manufacturers.
The first thing I noticed was that the Canon offering was layed out very much the same as my old camera (except of course for the display screen and several added features).
That was a big positive for me.
The necxt thing was that my beloved walk-around lens fit the camera.
This should be explained somewhat. Due to the size of the sensor vs the size of 35mm film, the lens acted like a 45-150 lens instead of the 28-105 lens it is.
This may not appear to make a big difference but it does.
Most people don't realize that when you travel, what you really want is wider and not longer. That is, you want a wider angle lens and not a more telephoto lens.
I used my older lens for a while and then found that on my first significant trip a large proportion of my photos were taken at the widest angle.
I promptly replaced the lens.
While megapixels are important, the quality of the sensor is at least if not more important. The Canon sensor alows me to shoot in the evening at ISO800 or ISO1600. That's great.
I found that the biggest advantage to going digital was being able to change ISO on-the-fly.
I can set it to 200 for normal daytime shots and temporarily up it to ISO800 when I go inside (remember to switch back).
And lastly. I'm sure this whole thread is above the heads of many fodorite travellers.
Some will say "I'm not a pro so I don't need an expensive SLR camera".
I wouldn't look at it that way. Your trip memories are as important as mine or somebody else's.
One last thing. Since much of the picture taking on a P&S (point & shoot) cqmera is automatic, it gives you very little in the way of "say" how the picture is taken.
Consequently, since the camera is already doing a lot of guessing, it also giesses for PP (post-processing). It jacks up the sharpness, brightness, contrast and anything else it can.
On an SLR you can tell the camera what to do and leave the rest for you to do in software such as Photoshop or any program that comes with the camera.
And of course, one more last thing. Since you're not buying film, be prepared to have to review many more photos than you took with your film camera.
And of course, one more last thing. Always shoot at the highest resolution. Memory is cheap and you never know what you'll want to do with some of the photos.
I have always been a Canon person so I tend to stick with them.
When I decided to replace my Canon SLR film camera I went to a local camera store to play with the various models from a few manufacturers.
The first thing I noticed was that the Canon offering was layed out very much the same as my old camera (except of course for the display screen and several added features).
That was a big positive for me.
The necxt thing was that my beloved walk-around lens fit the camera.
This should be explained somewhat. Due to the size of the sensor vs the size of 35mm film, the lens acted like a 45-150 lens instead of the 28-105 lens it is.
This may not appear to make a big difference but it does.
Most people don't realize that when you travel, what you really want is wider and not longer. That is, you want a wider angle lens and not a more telephoto lens.
I used my older lens for a while and then found that on my first significant trip a large proportion of my photos were taken at the widest angle.
I promptly replaced the lens.
While megapixels are important, the quality of the sensor is at least if not more important. The Canon sensor alows me to shoot in the evening at ISO800 or ISO1600. That's great.
I found that the biggest advantage to going digital was being able to change ISO on-the-fly.
I can set it to 200 for normal daytime shots and temporarily up it to ISO800 when I go inside (remember to switch back).
And lastly. I'm sure this whole thread is above the heads of many fodorite travellers.
Some will say "I'm not a pro so I don't need an expensive SLR camera".
I wouldn't look at it that way. Your trip memories are as important as mine or somebody else's.
One last thing. Since much of the picture taking on a P&S (point & shoot) cqmera is automatic, it gives you very little in the way of "say" how the picture is taken.
Consequently, since the camera is already doing a lot of guessing, it also giesses for PP (post-processing). It jacks up the sharpness, brightness, contrast and anything else it can.
On an SLR you can tell the camera what to do and leave the rest for you to do in software such as Photoshop or any program that comes with the camera.
And of course, one more last thing. Since you're not buying film, be prepared to have to review many more photos than you took with your film camera.
And of course, one more last thing. Always shoot at the highest resolution. Memory is cheap and you never know what you'll want to do with some of the photos.
Nov 30th, 2007, 10:07 AM
#38
Peter,
I didn't notice what you last wrote. The more recent Canon film camera lenses (EF series lenses but not FD) are compatible with the 1.6 factor sensor cameras (Rebel series of digitasl camera - 300, 350, 400). They just act somewhat longer and not as wide.
That may or may not be an issue for you.
I didn't notice what you last wrote. The more recent Canon film camera lenses (EF series lenses but not FD) are compatible with the 1.6 factor sensor cameras (Rebel series of digitasl camera - 300, 350, 400). They just act somewhat longer and not as wide.
That may or may not be an issue for you.
Nov 30th, 2007, 10:10 AM
#39
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What peterboy says about Canon incompatibility is mostly wrong.
Any Canon dSLR (including the current XT, XTi, 30D and 40D - all 1.6x crop APS-C cameras) can use any Canon EF lens ever made. The effective focal length will have a 1.6x factor, but they all can be used.
The only incompatibility is that if you purchase EF-S lenses that are designed for these 1.6x crop cameras (all Digital Rebels and 20D/30D/40D), these EF-S lens cannot be put on the full-frame dSLRs (1D, 5D), the 10D, or the EOS film cameras.
Any Canon dSLR (including the current XT, XTi, 30D and 40D - all 1.6x crop APS-C cameras) can use any Canon EF lens ever made. The effective focal length will have a 1.6x factor, but they all can be used.
The only incompatibility is that if you purchase EF-S lenses that are designed for these 1.6x crop cameras (all Digital Rebels and 20D/30D/40D), these EF-S lens cannot be put on the full-frame dSLRs (1D, 5D), the 10D, or the EOS film cameras.
Nov 30th, 2007, 10:21 AM
#40
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OK, you can stick your old lenses on there but they won't act as they did on your old film camera. I've not heard of anyone being really satisfied with this.
I take exception to the often used "and you can use all your old lenses on this new Nikon/Canon/Pentax". Sure it is true...sort of.
Do your own research folks.
Caveat emptor
I take exception to the often used "and you can use all your old lenses on this new Nikon/Canon/Pentax". Sure it is true...sort of.
Do your own research folks.
Caveat emptor
