DSLR for $1500

[nivlac]

Hiya Gurus,

I'm to purchase a DSLR for my dept (so 2nd hand equip is out).... and we got $1500 budget

Would appreciate if the gurus here can advise on a preferred setup:

1) 350D/400D (w kit lens) + recommended Flash + Tripod
2) 350D/400D (w/o kit lens) + recommended lens + recommended flash + tripod
3) 350D/400D (w kit lens) + recommended lens + recommended Flash + Tripod

Usage of the camera:
Indoor: Events, classroom training, studio shots, etc
Outdoor: Carnivals, roadshows, etc

*Am open to Nikon DSLR too...

Thank you in advance

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by nivlac Hiya Gurus, I'm to purchase a DSLR for my dept (so 2nd hand equip is out).... and we got $1500 budget Would appreciate if the gurus here can advise on a preferred setup: 1) 350D/400D (w kit lens) + recommended Flash + Tripod 2) 350D/400D (w/o kit lens) + recommended lens + recommended flash + tripod 3) 350D/400D (w kit lens) + recommended lens + recommended Flash + Tripod Usage of the camera: Indoor: Events, classroom training, studio shots, etc Outdoor: Carnivals, roadshows, etc *Am open to Nikon DSLR too... Thank you in advance

D40X kit + SB-600 + tripod.

[Rashkae]

Your budget is very tight for B-new equipment. A good flash will already cost 300+. A good tripod, another 150-250. You may need to settle for a low-end Nikon D40/D40x.

[GilbertGoh]

i would suggust a good P&S like S3IS or G7 with flash. 1.5K too low

[nivlac]

Doesnt have to be a super flash one that does the job should suffice. would tat cost that much?

I presume the breakdown:

DLSR - $1100-$1200
Flash - $100
Tripod - $100

[galacticnick]

a decent flash costs more than $100.

[galacticnick]

why don't you check out the price guide at the nikon and canon forums and then budget a more realistic amount for the equipment you need?

[Rashkae]

Originally Posted by nivlac Doesnt have to be a super flash one that does the job should suffice. would tat cost that much? I presume the breakdown: DLSR - $1100-$1200 Flash - $100 Tripod - $100

That's VERY optimistic for a flash.

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by nivlac Doesnt have to be a super flash one that does the job should suffice. would tat cost that much? I presume the breakdown: DLSR - $1100-$1200 Flash - $100 Tripod - $100

Then you might as well use the built in flash. Flashes (even 3rd party) with compatible TTL functions are not cheap.

[Rashkae]

Originally Posted by galacticnick why don't you check out the price guide at the nikon and canon forums and then budget a more realistic amount for the equipment you need?

Actually, come to think of it...

Budget in the Pentax forum. A LOT cheaper than N or C.

[Rashkae]

Try this:

Pentax K100D w/ 18-55mm $1080 w/o GST
Pentax AF-360 FGZ P-TTL Flash $310 w/o GST
Tripod - $100

[nivlac]

Okie spoke to my "tech" guy... he knows more abt cameras than me...said not to buy tripod.

Suggested to only purchase DLSR(w/ kit lens) + Tele-Lens + Flash (if got $ remaining)
worst case scenario, dun buy flash n tripod... only lens+body


Is this still out of the $1.5k budget range?

[Rashkae]

Originally Posted by nivlac Okie spoke to my "tech" guy... he knows more abt cameras than me...said not to buy tripod. Suggested to only purchase DLSR(w/ kit lens) + Tele-Lens + Flash (if got $ remaining) worst case scenario, dun buy flash n tripod... only lens+body Is this still out of the $1.5k budget range?

Tele-lens can set you back a bit as well...

Go for Pentax. If you get a Nikon D40, you need to shell out lots of $$$ for a AF-S or AF-I tele lens. With Pentax, you might be able to fit it in by skipping the flash.

[galacticnick]

pentax k100d dual kit (18-55 and 50-200) for under $1500 is possible.

[dorts]

Olympus E-500 Dual Kit (14-45mm , 40-150mm) all under $1000. I believe you can get a flash and a tripod if you want to.

[longko]

If you are considering Pentax, then this might be it;

K100D kit 18-55mm - $860 OP
DA 50-200mm - $350 OP (need to check again)
AF360FGZ flash - $330 CP

Total $1540 (But you'll save more on future lenses)

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by Rashkae Tele-lens can set you back a bit as well... Go for Pentax. If you get a Nikon D40, you need to shell out lots of $$$ for a AF-S or AF-I tele lens. With Pentax, you might be able to fit it in by skipping the flash.

Is there a need to get more lenses? If not, the 18-55 and 55-200Vr are budget lenses which gives great result.. so why not D40X?

If the flash and the tripod are nont important, then the D40X kit with an additional 55-200VR lens, should still be under $1500, can take you a long way.

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by dorts Olympus E-500 Dual Kit (14-45mm , 40-150mm) all under $1000. I believe you can get a flash and a tripod if you want to.

This would be a good deal. I didn't know the prices for Olympus has come down so much.

[Rashkae]

Originally Posted by lsisaxon Is there a need to get more lenses? If not, the 18-55 and 55-200Vr are budget lenses which gives great result.. so why not D40X? If the flash and the tripod are nont important, then the D40X kit with an additional 55-200VR lens, should still be under $1500, can take you a long way.

Because the Pentax is a better deal for that price (you get a flash too). And VR is built into the body, no need to buy VR lenses.

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by Rashkae Because the Pentax is a better deal for that price (you get a flash too). And VR is built into the body, no need to buy VR lenses.

Does it work as well? I have never been impressed with Pentax even until now. But if so, it is a good deal as well.