Dslr Recommendations

[lawling]

I'm going to Hong Kong next month and am thinking of investing in a DSLR. I'm told that prices are a bit lower there than in the UK.

The possibilities I have in mind are the Nikon D40X and the Nikon D80. I realise here's quite a difference in price (judging by UK prices) and my thinking is that if I were to go for the cheaper D40X, I might spend more on a good lens. Would anyone regard that as sensible or would it be better to go for the more expensive body at the outset and then think about upgrading the lens later?

The Canon EOS 400D/ Rebel XTC is another possibilty. Anyone care to offer thoughts on how it would compare to the Nikons?

[Jimmyd]

The first choice you must consider is Nikon vs. Canon.

Once you choose, you're locked in to a certain extent because as you said the glass is the really expensive part and it's not exchangeable.

I chose Canon because at the time it seemed better. It might be different now (I'll be interested to see the discussion here).

Next you have to consider if you want a light, cheaper camera with less features or a better featured, heavier camera. I chose the Canon 350D at the time I bought. The features that the lighter 350D lacks from the next step up at the time, the 30D, are are spot metering, a faster shutter, and durability (I believe).

[hughden]

Nikon owners will tell you Nikon is best, Canon owners will tell you Canon is best! They both make good cameras and you won't go wrong with a product from either vendor.

Keep some money for a decent lens; often the lens offered with the camera is not that great and it may be better to just buy the body and invest in a decent lens to go with it. Over the years you may find yourself investing in better bodies; but if you get a good lens it will last you a long time.

Read all the specifications and go to a shop and try them in your hand, see which feels most comfortable to hold and operate.

The latest 40D from Canon is a great machine, but at the higher end of your budget.

Whatever you buy, read the manual many times and practice using all the features. Have fun!

[lawling]

Many thanks to both of you for the advice. I do appreciate it.

I have read up quite a lot on the various alternatives but there are so many factors involved it is hard to decide. Some modern cameras seem to be coming down with alls sorts of sophisticated features but I feel I don't want to be paying for things like cropping, red-eye adjustment, etc that I can easily manage with Photoshop.

However, the one thing that everyone, including yourselves, seems to agree upon is the importance of investing in the best affordable lens and, other things being equal, I think I will try to do that.

The Canon 40D sounds great but I don't know if I can afford it.

I suppose a lot will depend on the prices once I get to Kong Kong and the rate of exchange at the time. Maybe if the costs aren't attractive enough to compensate for the risks of buying abroad, I will end up buying nothing!

[Lormaak]

Personally, I'd go for the D40X. The 18-55 kit lens is actually very good. Do you think your photography would benefit from a more expensive lens? For most people, it probably wouldn't. Also consider that in a couple of years, both the D40X and D80 wil be obsolete and bettered. When you know what extra features you need, you will be in a better position to pick a more expensive camera.

In my opinion, extra money would be better spent on other things, such as an accessory flash, an extra large computer monitor, a trip somewhere nice etc...

There's tons of info/argument about this sort of thing all over the internet. FWIW, it took me too long to realise the best way to take better pix is to get out there and practise. When I first started taking pictures more seriously, I got bitten by the equipment bug, went out and spent over £1000 on gear, and continued to take rubbish pictures. Worse still, I could no longer blame bad shots on my equipment.

[Mozikillah]

D40X FTW!

[canuckamuck]

I'm a former Nikon guy who switched to Canon,Canon makes a lot of sense for the high end stuff, you'll see journalists prefer the Canons for the most part. In the mid to high consumer range I don't think there is much difference in the final result. Don't be fooled about what they say about lenses, you do get what you pay for, I have regretted every cheaper lens I have bought, and loved every pro version. Nothing worse than realizing your lens is just a bit soft. If you can afford it get the 40D. Then get at least a 15mm - something lens. More need for wide than tele for most stuff.

[lawling]

Personally, I'd go for the D40X. The 18-55 kit lens is actually very good. Do you think your photography would benefit from a more expensive lens? For most people, it probably wouldn't. Also consider that in a couple of years, both the D40X and D80 wil be obsolete and bettered. When you know what extra features you need, you will be in a better position to pick a more expensive camera.

In my opinion, extra money would be better spent on other things, such as an accessory flash, an extra large computer monitor, a trip somewhere nice etc...

There's tons of info/argument about this sort of thing all over the internet. FWIW, it took me too long to realise the best way to take better pix is to get out there and practise. When I first started taking pictures more seriously, I got bitten by the equipment bug, went out and spent over £1000 on gear, and continued to take rubbish pictures. Worse still, I could no longer blame bad shots on my equipment.

Thanks Lormaak - I think you may be echoing some of my own thoughts here.

I'd be the first to admit that I'm not the world's best photographer and that I have plenty to learn - though I'm not completely new to photography - I had a non-digital SLR in the past but since digital, I have been using a 5.1 mp high zoom Sony. It actually performs very well and, as I have thought about changing, I have wondered how much I would actually gain from an expensive upgrade. Speed maybe but perhaps not a huge amount in quality.

And, I probably shouldn't admit it to all you camera enthusiasts, I actually enjoy using Photoshop to enhance and improve my less successful attempts.

Anyway, I'll see what prices are like in HK and take it from there.

I very much appreciate your thoughts.

And thanks too, Mozikillah - I take it that is another vote for the Nikon!

[lawling]

I'm a former Nikon guy who switched to Canon,Canon makes a lot of sense for the high end stuff, you'll see journalists prefer the Canons for the most part. In the mid to high consumer range I don't think there is much difference in the final result. Don't be fooled about what they say about lenses, you do get what you pay for, I have regretted every cheaper lens I have bought, and loved every pro version. Nothing worse than realizing your lens is just a bit soft. If you can afford it get the 40D. Then get at least a 15mm - something lens. More need for wide than tele for most stuff.

Thanks Canuckamuck. I had noticed that about journalists and Canon.

One of the few things I made my mind up about was that if I were to get either the D40X or D80 Nikon I would be looking for a decent wide lens. It's something I'm missing at present.

As I mentioned above I have a 12X Sony at present and on a trip to India this year I actually found it was useful in some situations. Everybody there wants money from tourists especially if they have cameras - so the zoom enabled me to keep my distance at times!

I think that getting a 40D and a lens or lenses that would do justice to it would unfortunately be outside my budget. I wish I could find out in advance a bit more about prices in HK but so far I haven't been able to come up with anything.

Thanks again.

[absolutelyBangkok]

if you're just entering the world of dslr, give olympus' e-system a try.

the system is digital from scratch, meaning, you dont inherit lenses that originally were designed for film cameras.

the e-510 is an excellent deal and on oct. 17 the new flagship will be announced.

even so the classic e-1 remains a winner. you may complain it has only 5mp, but i organized my photo business with this camera.

its output is excellent, AF though and high ISO are not too reliable.

if you want to go into sports and fast moving photography, i suggest you go with canon.

otherwise olympus e-system is a safe bet.

[lawling]

if you're just entering the world of dslr, give olympus' e-system a try.

the system is digital from scratch, meaning, you dont inherit lenses that originally were designed for film cameras.

the e-510 is an excellent deal and on oct. 17 the new flagship will be announced.

even so the classic e-1 remains a winner. you may complain it has only 5mp, but i organized my photo business with this camera.

its output is excellent, AF though and high ISO are not too reliable.

if you want to go into sports and fast moving photography, i suggest you go with canon.

otherwise olympus e-system is a safe bet.

Thanks for that. More useful information. I'm off to HK next week and looking forward to seeing what's on offer and at what price.

Have really appreciated all the contributions I have received.

[rooster80]

Hi there!

Here's my two cents worth.

I would recommend you to buy a Canon EOS 40D for 39,900 Baht. If you can't afford it go with the EOS 400D. Both of them are good quality cameras that will give you years of enjoyment.

Why I choose Canon over Nikon is becouse I find the Canons menus easier to use, they are also alot easier to upgrade firmware wise.

Plus, I find the variety of used glass in Bangkok, singapore, Hongkong is greater in the Canon camp than Nikon.

Some of the really expensive EF L series glasses can be found for a bargain price snooping around in asian cities!

Nikon is a great camera system! Some of my friends are sworn Nikon users, but here in asia I see more equipment for Canon than Nikon.

Hong Kong can be a great place to find a good deal on cameras! Do check though, before hand on the internet, EXACTLY what's suposed to be included for your camera. (Lot's of review websites do "unboxings" where you see what's in the box.) Some chineese shops in Hong Kong remove certain items in the box, give you a really good deal, then force you to pay extra for a charger, battery, ect. that's suposed to be included in the first place!

So be careful and enjoy your shopping trip.

FYI, If you're stoping by Kuala Lumpur, the prices are even better there... If I need new gear I still save money despite flying in from Thailand, buying in KL.

[lawling]

Hi there!

Here's my two cents worth.

I would recommend you to buy a Canon EOS 40D for 39,900 Baht. If you can't afford it go with the EOS 400D. Both of them are good quality cameras that will give you years of enjoyment.

Why I choose Canon over Nikon is becouse I find the Canons menus easier to use, they are also alot easier to upgrade firmware wise.

Plus, I find the variety of used glass in Bangkok, singapore, Hongkong is greater in the Canon camp than Nikon.

Some of the really expensive EF L series glasses can be found for a bargain price snooping around in asian cities!

Nikon is a great camera system! Some of my friends are sworn Nikon users, but here in asia I see more equipment for Canon than Nikon.

Hong Kong can be a great place to find a good deal on cameras! Do check though, before hand on the internet, EXACTLY what's suposed to be included for your camera. (Lot's of review websites do "unboxings" where you see what's in the box.) Some chineese shops in Hong Kong remove certain items in the box, give you a really good deal, then force you to pay extra for a charger, battery, ect. that's suposed to be included in the first place!

So be careful and enjoy your shopping trip.

FYI, If you're stoping by Kuala Lumpur, the prices are even better there... If I need new gear I still save money despite flying in from Thailand, buying in KL.

Thanks for that Rooster. Very much appreciated. Unfortunately I won't be be going via KL, but I'm looking forward to seeing what's on offer in HK.

[rayw]

One important thing to remember is that mostly when you buy in Asia you do not get an International Guarantee but the prices are generally lower than Falangland, more so with lenses I have noticed than with camera bodies. As I am retired and living in Thailand the warranty is okay for me.

I got my EOS40D here in Thailand two weeks ago on the day it was released here and I thought it was a good price at 44,900 Baht with a free Canon Selphy ES1 photo printer (sells normally at 9000 Baht) This price is similar to most other Asian s countries for the 40D body without the printer so was a good deal but where is this 39,900 Baht someone mentioned as that is unbelievably cheap. You can get the EOS40D with the 28-135 lens as a kit for a good price too. I have some examples of shots taken with my new EOS40D with various lenses on my PBase gallery so feel free to take a browse at http://www.pbase.com/rayw/new_canon_eos_40d more photos added frequently

Lenses are extremely important and more so than the camera. If you can afford it though the EOS40D is marvellous I give it top marks and a bargain at the price too. Lok here for a very objective and thorough updated review http://rolandlim.wordpress.com/2007/09/02/...eos-40d-review/ Get a very good price Canon EF 28-135mm IS lens with it as that is very cheap indeed though not the top quality you get with the better Canon lenses.

You do not say how much you want to spend but I would buy even a warranted second hand EOS350D from somewhere like FotoFile a big high end camera retailer at the MBK centre Bangkok as they are very cheap now and get a good lens to go with it like that very cheap EF 28-135 IS lens which has Image Stabiliser (IS) fitted too and they are gyro driven and bloody marvellous. I do not own a 28-135 as they are a little soft on focus for my requirements but for the price it is almost unbeatable and certainly great if on tight budget. FotoFile do sell many second hand warranted cameras and lenses, they are very good indeed there, in fact they have many second hand Canon EOS30D and ESO20D cameras there now as many folk have already ungraded to the new much awaited EOS40D. so well worth a trip to MBK centre next to the National Stadium Skytrain station and have a good brows at what Foftofile have to offer.

Nikon or Canon are both excellent Digital SLR cameras and both make top quality lenses, so very much a personal choice as even the prices are similar like for like. I love my Canon and now have 4 top end Canon lenses so now locked in with them though no complaints at all.

[lawling]

One important thing to remember is that mostly when you buy in Asia you do not get an International Guarantee but the prices are generally lower than Falangland, more so with lenses I have noticed than with camera bodies. As I am retired and living in Thailand the warranty is okay for me.

I got my EOS40D here in Thailand two weeks ago on the day it was released here and I thought it was a good price at 44,900 Baht with a free Canon Selphy ES1 photo printer (sells normally at 9000 Baht) This price is similar to most other Asian s countries for the 40D body without the printer so was a good deal but where is this 39,900 Baht someone mentioned as that is unbelievably cheap. You can get the EOS40D with the 28-135 lens as a kit for a good price too. I have some examples of shots taken with my new EOS40D with various lenses on my PBase gallery so feel free to take a browse at http://www.pbase.com/rayw/new_canon_eos_40d more photos added frequently

Lenses are extremely important and more so than the camera. If you can afford it though the EOS40D is marvellous I give it top marks and a bargain at the price too. Lok here for a very objective and thorough updated review http://rolandlim.wordpress.com/2007/09/02/...eos-40d-review/ Get a very good price Canon EF 28-135mm IS lens with it as that is very cheap indeed though not the top quality you get with the better Canon lenses.

You do not say how much you want to spend but I would buy even a warranted second hand EOS350D from somewhere like FotoFile a big high end camera retailer at the MBK centre Bangkok as they are very cheap now and get a good lens to go with it like that very cheap EF 28-135 IS lens which has Image Stabiliser (IS) fitted too and they are gyro driven and bloody marvellous. I do not own a 28-135 as they are a little soft on focus for my requirements but for the price it is almost unbeatable and certainly great if on tight budget. FotoFile do sell many second hand warranted cameras and lenses, they are very good indeed there, in fact they have many second hand Canon EOS30D and ESO20D cameras there now as many folk have already ungraded to the new much awaited EOS40D. so well worth a trip to MBK centre next to the National Stadium Skytrain station and have a good brows at what Foftofile have to offer.

Nikon or Canon are both excellent Digital SLR cameras and both make top quality lenses, so very much a personal choice as even the prices are similar like for like. I love my Canon and now have 4 top end Canon lenses so now locked in with them though no complaints at all.

Hi there!

Ray

I am indebted to you.

First, can I say that I loved the photos and am looking forward to seeing lots more.

If I thought owning an EOS 40D would bring me into contact with such charming models as Khun Su and Khun Benjaporn, I would willing break the bank! I liked the scary bird too! Excellent detail.

So far as my budget is concerned, I could probably go to around 1000 UK Pounds - about 68000 Baht or 16,000HKD.

I saw from the review that the 40D is currently selling in HK for between 8300 and 8800 HKD so that would leave about 7000 for a lens or lenses.

Can I ask you what you would recommend for that type of money? Obviously I wouldn't be in the market for the likes of your 17-55 F/2.8 but you mentioned the EF 28-135 IS. Would that a good starting point?

Forgive me for taking advantage of your kindness but any further information you might be able to offer would be very useful.

[Jimmyd]

I got my EOS40D here in Thailand two weeks ago on the day it was released here and I thought it was a good price at 44,900 Baht with a free Canon Selphy ES1 photo printer (sells normally at 9000 Baht) This price is similar to most other Asian s countries for the 40D body without the printer so was a good deal but where is this 39,900 Baht someone mentioned as that is unbelievably cheap.

May I ask where and how you got your deal?

Edit: Never mind, found it online.

Edited October 7, 2007 by Jimmyd

[rayw]

Hi JimmyD Well just for the record I use FotoFile at the MBK centre in Bangkok, they are on the ground floor of the MBK centre near to the National Stadium Skytrain station and they have a good website which is thankfully also in English as well as Thai unlike most of their competitors.

I have answered Larry privately as to cameras and lenses and suggested he visits the Fred Miranda review site at http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/ where users post their personal reviews and score ratings out of 10 which the site then averages to give an overall result for each lens or camera. A good read if you are looking to buy a new lens or camera. The EF-S 17-85 kit lens offered at the moment by FotoFile for 59,900 Baht is a good deal. This is not a bad lens at all though not a top of range one either, though a great start up lens if you have not got any good lenses already. I normally would not advise buying a camera with kit lens but this is a reasonably good lens to offer unlike the poor EF-S 17-55mm supplied with the EOS350D/400D kits. I feel the 17-85mm gives a more useful general purpose range for a single lens start up kit with the next purchase a telephoto 70-200mm or 70-300mm zoom lens and then maybe a wide angle zoom 10-22mm lens to complete the whole normal range you would need. Just make sure you warn your bank manager first <gg>

I got my EOS40D here in Thailand two weeks ago on the day it was released here and I thought it was a good price at 44,900 Baht with a free Canon Selphy ES1 photo printer (sells normally at 9000 Baht) This price is similar to most other Asian s countries for the 40D body without the printer so was a good deal but where is this 39,900 Baht someone mentioned as that is unbelievably cheap.

May I ask where and how you got your deal?

Edit: Never mind, found it online.

Edited October 8, 2007 by rayw

[PadThaiGuy]

A Nikon D80 and the 28-70 f2.8 lens would be a great choice.

[cigar7]

I just got a CYBERSHOT DSCH9/B. It seems to do a great job. I recommend you consider it.

[cobalto]

Hello there!

I am quite happy with my Sony A100. It's very good, fast, reliable. The only problems are the glasses, which in Thailand you are more or less stuck with the Sony branded ones. But the Japanese made are great! If you can find Tamrom/Sigma for Sony/Minolta mount in HK then you are good to go!

Now I am waiting for the A700 to be launched in the Thai market and probably upgrade my body.

Regards, Cobalto.

[astral]

Canon do have a splendid array of lenses for just about any situation.

If the 40D is too expensive, have a look at the 400D.

My 40D came with the 17-85mm IS lens and I cannot be more happy with it.

[lawling]

Thanks for these recent responses. Sorry I didn't acknowledge them sooner.

I went to Hong Kong, as I had mentioned, and found I was able to afford a Canon EOS 40D.

I'm still getting accustomed to it but I can say without hesitation that I've been delighted with it so far.

[RAZZELL]

Glad you chose Canon...

Look at any major sports/news event, all white lenses = Canon.

If you get seriously interested in photography, you're "stuck" with the system/lenses.

RAZZ