what to get for a budget of $1000


Status
Not open for further replies.

kanki

New Member
Oct 28, 2007
111
0
0
38
kankisu.blogspot.com
Hi there, I am a student from NTU and is considering to buy a D-SLR end of this year after I finish my final exam. The most I can allow myself to spend is $1000 only. However, that seems like a tight budget for most people here.

This will be my first DSLR or SLR range camera. I hope it will last me for at least more than 3 years before I will consider another upgrade which by then, I should have graduated and working.

From the reviews of a few entry-level DLSRs, seems like everyone favours Nikon D40 and it has become my target. The kit lens that come with it seems like not bad too. What about the expandability if I consider about a lens upgrade in future? The AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm seems like a bit impossible for me...

What else should I buy besides the DSLR package? UV Filter? Tripod? Camera bag? Where should I buy my camera at a cheap price and reliable at the same time?

Any recommendation and advice? Such like 2nd hand? I am not so familiar with 2nd hand trading though...
 

Based on your budget ..

If you like brand new, I think only D40 can make it.

For used gears, you can buy D70s or D50. You'll still have extra $$ for other accessories.

D70s is not bad, at least it can autofocus with non AF-S lenses unlike D40/x. I'm still using it after more than 2 years. You can buy the more expensive bodies later when you're already earning from work. Don't worry, it can wait :).
 

Your budget is quite low. Most brand new set of entry level DSLRs cost in the range from $1,000-$1,500, depending on whether its body alone or bundled with kit lens or other freebies like CF cards, etc. For that amount, you can prolly pick up a 2nd hand Canon 350D or Nikon D70s from CS buy and sell section for around $500-$700, plus a kit lens (sometimes bundled together with the body), and perhaps a 50mm f1.8 (~$100 2nd hand) to get you started. Don't forget accessories like spare batteries, camera bag, CF/SD memory cards which will set you back about another $200-$300.

In other words, for DSLR photography, be prepared to spend at least $2k and upwards if you want a system with lenses to cover most of your needs. Getting the body is only just the beginning. It is definitely not a cheap hobby. I would advise using at least a kit lens first and then getting the lenses that you need, once you save up for them first.
 

There are some 2nd hand DSLRs which fits your budget. You can try the Nikon D40/D80/D100, Canon 300D/350D, Sony A100, KM 5D, Olympus E500. Just to name a few. :)
 

A100 kit b-new nowadays is less than 1k already
 

Please DO NOT forget about the rest of the accessories.

Extra memory, batteries, external flash, tripod/monopod, dry cabinet, cleaning kit, etc... budget for these too
 

Can't confirm.....

But I heard that MS Colour is selling Canon EOS 400D with 18-55mm kit lense for $1099. :D
 

Hi

You can consider Pentax K100D which has a lot of award for the build and quality and price too
 

an advice, you must reserve some budget for a drp cabinet and a flash unit.
 

$1k is enough if u shop carefully and resist the BBB virus (buying for the sake of buying).

most of the 2nd hand items on sale in the forum are in very good condition (you ve to check carefully though). $1k should get u a camera, kit lens, memory card w enough left for a small digi dry cabinet (very very important).

things like external flash unit (i ve never used one) and tripod (useful for night scene) can come later.

remember, its the technique, not the equipment. there are masters who shot their entire life work using a 50mm.
 

er......maybe you can try m s colours for the sony a100 with kit 18-70 lens.
don't know what they can offer you best. but every thing must try try right?;)
 

Why not Olumpus E500+ 2 lens for $ 799 and save $200 for tripod and CF cards?

for other models, the tele lens and wide angle lens are really expansive.
 

Confirm below $1K for the A100 with kit lens.

If you don't mind 2nd hand set, recently there are a few A100 kits selling here at around $700-800. Might even have enough change to get a minolta 3600HSD flash within the $1K budget. Think the flash had been going for around $200 at the buy and sell section these days. Else can also get it new from MS color, was quoted around $890 for the body alone about a month ago and try to get the kit lens here at the Buy/Sell section. Think some of them going at around $120.
 

Why not Olumpus E500+ 2 lens for $ 799 and save $200 for tripod and CF cards?

for other models, the tele lens and wide angle lens are really expansive.

The olympus E500 is a bit heavy when i tried to hold on it (my friend's camera, with the 11-22mm lens).

I will not consider about the extra lens at this moment.

I heard that Nikon Lenses are much more expensive than other brands and the D40 model can only support autofocus with AF-S lens?

Actually I have decided to buy D40 but want to see how people think about this. Cannot always trust the online review, right?
Read from review that the 18-55mm kit lens is already good enough and it's very light. I have tried holding d40 in my hand before and the grip is not bad.

There are many attractive deals in the buy/sell section, but i am a bit worried about 2nd hand. Advice pls. ha ha.

BTW, what is a dry cabinet?
 

The olympus E500 is a bit heavy when i tried to hold on it (my friend's camera, with the 11-22mm lens).

I will not consider about the extra lens at this moment.

I heard that Nikon Lenses are much more expensive than other brands and the D40 model can only support autofocus with AF-S lens?

Actually I have decided to buy D40 but want to see how people think about this. Cannot always trust the online review, right?
Read from review that the 18-55mm kit lens is already good enough and it's very light. I have tried holding d40 in my hand before and the grip is not bad.

There are many attractive deals in the buy/sell section, but i am a bit worried about 2nd hand. Advice pls. ha ha.

BTW, what is a dry cabinet?

Actually I find the E500 too light for me. Well, anyway, seesm like you are more or less decided to get the D40. Yes, you are right that the cam can only support autofocus with AF-S lens and the AF-S lenses are more expensive than the other Nikon lenses. But Nikon lenses may not be more expensive than lenses from other brands.

For 2nd hand stuff, I would say that most bros/sis here do take care of their stuff and there shouldn't be much problem. But you are still advised to check through the cam thoroughly before buying.

A dry cabinet is a box with a electric hygrometer which will tell you the humidity of the contents in the box and you can adjust the level accordingly. You need to store your cam & lenses in the dry cabinet to prevent fungus from growing.
 

Hi there, I am a student from NTU and is considering to buy a D-SLR end of this year after I finish my final exam. The most I can allow myself to spend is $1000 only. However, that seems like a tight budget for most people here....Any recommendation and advice? Such like 2nd hand? I am not so familiar with 2nd hand trading though...

Hi,

Apologies for posting this here. I'm selling my D70 and lens at about $700-$750 that suits your budget. If you're keen, you can check out the details at ebay url below or you can pm me...thks

http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/Nikon-D70-bo...ryZ43454QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
 

The olympus E500 is a bit heavy when i tried to hold on it (my friend's camera, with the 11-22mm lens).

I will not consider about the extra lens at this moment.

I heard that Nikon Lenses are much more expensive than other brands and the D40 model can only support autofocus with AF-S lens?

Actually I have decided to buy D40 but want to see how people think about this. Cannot always trust the online review, right?
Read from review that the 18-55mm kit lens is already good enough and it's very light. I have tried holding d40 in my hand before and the grip is not bad.

There are many attractive deals in the buy/sell section, but i am a bit worried about 2nd hand. Advice pls. ha ha.

BTW, what is a dry cabinet?

D40 is good enuf for a newbie. With the kit lens, u buy the 55-200 VR and u've got a cheaper alternative to the 18-200VR, only thing u need to change lens, but u'd save $700 so might be worth it.
 

Status
Not open for further replies.