Which cam?


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wdEvA

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Sep 1, 2006
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Newbie here, and would like to pick a dslr to start learning some photography, but not sure on what camera to choose from..

If i'm not wrong, the cheapest is the Nikon D40 & Canon EOS 300D/350D right?

1) Both this cameras i can just purchase and use right? or do i still need to purchase a lens or something?
2) Between these two models which is better?
3) Any other models to recommend in that price range?
4) I saw some dslr on sale in the marketplace, and saw that there's one part where they mention the shutter count, what does that mean?
5) What are the things to take note to take care of the camera?

Thanks!
 

1) Both this cameras i can just purchase and use right? or do i still need to purchase a lens or something?
both can be used. need a lens. u can get the kit lens that comes with it. should be the 18-55

2) Between these two models which is better?
None. just use what is comfortable for u.

3) Any other models to recommend in that price range?
D50, D70/D70s, D80 from nikon
300D, 350D from canon

4) I saw some dslr on sale in the marketplace, and saw that there's one part where they mention the shutter count, what does that mean?
how many shots the camera has fired.

5) What are the things to take note to take care of the camera?
keep it in a dry area to prevent fungus growth
 

Between the Canons and Nikons in that price range, I'd recommend the Nikons. I have an EOS300D and D50 at the moment, and the D50 feels so much better in terms of build.
 

Thanks for the answers..
any idea how much is the D40/D50/D70's street price?

Thanks
 

Thanks for the answers..
any idea how much is the D40/D50/D70's street price?

Thanks
You might find it hard to get D50/70 new, I think. Not so sure, haven't tried. But they have been discontinued from production for a while already.
 

Thanks for the answers..
any idea how much is the D40/D50/D70's street price?

Thanks
if you shoot jpg, it will be d40/d50, next will be decide on the lens so it leave you with d50. :bsmilie:

but if you shoot raw, d50/d70 would be better. afterall all 3 of them gives the "same" output when in RAW.
 

Please note: The D40 is already discontinued, and replaced by the D40X. Also, with the nikon D40 series, if you want to buy more lenses, they have to be the more expensive AF-S or AF-I lenses.

May I suggest you try reading the reviews for the cameras online, such as on dpreview? Quite frequently they compare the cameras against each other.
 

Please note: The D40 is already discontinued, and replaced by the D40X. Also, with the nikon D40 series, if you want to buy more lenses, they have to be the more expensive AF-S or AF-I lenses.

May I suggest you try reading the reviews for the cameras online, such as on dpreview? Quite frequently they compare the cameras against each other.


has the D40 been discontinued? I thought D40x is just another model....???
 

Well depends on what your budget is like. If you are looking at $6xx to $7xx then go for the nikons because the 300d has a lot of features locked out.

If you're looking at $9xx to $10xx then get the 350d. Even if the D40x comes out i'd still say get the 350d. In terms of noise and image quality I'd call it a tie. In terms of features, certain advantages for either brand. eg 350d has no auto iso, d40 (d40x not sure) has no mirror lockup.

Do note that d40 and d40x can only autofocus with AF-S which would greatly limit the lenses u can use. Imho, no point saving the extra 100+ bucks over the 350d as you might end up spending more on AF-S lenses. eg there are no cheap 70-300mm with AF-S. You need to get the 70-300mm VR if you want to autofocus with this range. Can't use sigma and tamron 70-300mm either as neither has an inbuilt motor in the lense.
 

I would suggest u look at the site below and look at their reviews of the cameras.. their reviews are very in depth and cover almost all aspects of the camera.

http://www.dpreview.com

take note of the capabilities and limitations of each camera, and decide what seems more appealing to you. If u don't understand any of the terms used, feel free to ask...

another point to note, handling is another impt thing to look out for. Most likely once u choose a brand u'll be stuck with it forever unless u have alot of money.. Do not factor in price because if u choose a brand you don't like coz it's cheaper, most likely u'd dread using it and waste more money switching...
Canon and Nikon cameras handle very differently, so u have to try them out first. Buy what u like to use, and is easy for u to use..In fact u might even find that it's easier to use a olympus, for eg, instead of ur initial choices, so do expand your choices and try them all out...

between the canon's and nikon's i personally prefer canon's handling, but only from the 30D onwards.. the 350D/400D is a little small, if u have small hands that's fine, if not u might have some trouble holding it properly, and prob have to get the battery grip... I have only tried Nikons a few times, but i have to say they are solidly built, with a sizeable handgrip... pity i don't really like their handling..

Nikon also has a better flash system, but canon has better noise control.. so nothing is really the best, just choose based on what u are comfortable with. If u have friends with both cameras, borrow and try them out, if not go to the shops and try..
 

I am also a newbie and I could have bought any of the two brands, Canon or Nikon. But in the end, I settled for Canon because it was the most appropriate one to buy when I was shopping around eBay just recently.
 

Well, personally I feel that there is no point asking for opinions since different people have different preferences. Take me for example, I was rather used to changing aperture using my index finger. If you give me a nikon D70, for example, I feel rather clumsy. Since you are new to DSLR, you should really give yourself a chance to handle both cameras and decide which are you more comfortable with.
 

and why limit yourself there? Try using sony, pentax, olympus. At least the sony and pentax have anti-shake buit into the body.
 

and why limit yourself there? Try using sony, pentax, olympus. At least the sony and pentax have anti-shake buit into the body.
olympus newer bodies have anti-shake as well... :bsmilie:
 

olympus newer bodies have anti-shake as well... :bsmilie:

Are they available here already? If yes, add to the list. If no, I stick to my statement.
 

thanks for all the information..
hmm seems like the D50/D70 are no longer available..
and base on the retailling price, the Canon 350D and Nikon D40 fits into my budget..

but i heard that the D40 has the autofocus mechanism on the lens right?
what about the 350D?

as a newbie, is it alot more difficult to manual focus?
 

thanks for all the information..
hmm seems like the D50/D70 are no longer available..
and base on the retailling price, the Canon 350D and Nikon D40 fits into my budget..

but i heard that the D40 has the autofocus mechanism on the lens right?
what about the 350D?
The "autofocus mechanism on lens" thing is probably a disadvantage. I don't understand why some people without the know (not referring to you) think it's some COOL FACTOR. It's so sad it's not even funny. The other day I was telling one of the people I know that D40 is not -that- advisable because of that very factor, since he may very well move up higher the ladder quite quickly (has $ to burn) and he told me that D40 is good what, the lens got AF mechanism, most don't have. And I almost went to bang my head on the wall.

Read review sites, go to shops and try. In the end you make the decision. Both cameras and brands have their supporters so you can post here till the cows come home and no one's going to be able to help you unless YOU know. =)
 

The "autofocus mechanism on lens" thing is probably a disadvantage. I don't understand why some people without the know (not referring to you) think it's some COOL FACTOR. It's so sad it's not even funny. The other day I was telling one of the people I know that D40 is not -that- advisable because of that very factor, since he may very well move up higher the ladder quite quickly (has $ to burn) and he told me that D40 is good what, the lens got AF mechanism, most don't have. And I almost went to bang my head on the wall.

Read review sites, go to shops and try. In the end you make the decision. Both cameras and brands have their supporters so you can post here till the cows come home and no one's going to be able to help you unless YOU know. =)

But but but... D40s are not lenses.... so how can they have in-lens AF mechanism? :angel:
 

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