Beginner, What To Buy

[Who, me ?]

Hi There,

Seeing you guys posting your pictures on the forum, reminded me that I used to have a nice camera several years back.

I'd like to see if I can catch nice shots, and I need to buy a camera. So my question is; What should I buy....

I've seen some Nikon D40 with a 18-55 lens, and I believe I should complete the set with a 55-200 lens tele.

Any other suggestion ? I don't want to put a big money on that at first. 25,000 - 35,000 b is my budget.

Can I find good stuff at that price ? Where ? Or is there any other "cheaper" choices ?

Thanks all

WM

[phuketrichard]

hi; it all depends on what u intend on doing with it and waht ur expectations are

I have a nikon D70 s and the D-70 is much better and more options that the D40 and it costs u abot 32,000 with the 18-70 lense

the new d-80 is even much better as it has 10 mb pixels vs the 6 with the D-70 and will set u back 42,000 or so

With that in mind a friend brought and D-70 and hates it, says its just to big. If your only going to take snaps but the smaller nikon for 15-20,000 baht that is not an slr

The new Olympus that is waterproof is a great buy as well

The camera is only a tool, same as an artists paint brushes it will not take great photos for u.

[astral]

Have a look at the Canon 400D. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos400d/

It is nice compact little SLR.

[Who, me ?]

Thanks both. I understand that we might need a bit of practise and experience before making the right choice

I have seen a Canon EOS 350, fitted with a 18/55, and an additional 55/300 can be bought to complete the set

Bill is about 27,000 baht

Is it a good start ?

[Nordlys]

Have a look at the Canon 400D. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos400d/

It is nice compact little SLR.

Canon EOS 450D has just been announced in PMA.

So was Nikon D60.

[MisterMan]

So what is the difference between the Canon 350 and 400D. I am a novice and want to buy my first digital slr. Soon.

[The Vulcan]

Take a look at this site - very informative and accurate for camera reviews.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/

"Astral" already provided the link to the 400D but this link will enable you to compare.

If I was in your position I agree "Astral" with the 400D

Good luck with whatever you buy, hope to see some of your shots soon

Edited February 12, 2008 by The Vulcan

[phuketrichard]

hi;

cannon vs Nikon... the age old story

Use this site for the best reviews of cameras

and never forget the camera is only a toold like an artist paintbrushes.

Its what you do wiht the tool that matters..

Camera/Lense reviews.

[percy2]

As far as Canon v Nikon.

Ask what cameras your mates have.

If some or the majority have one rather than the other choose that brand. Its cheaper to borrow than to buy.

As a Nikon owner I don't have enough knowledge to advise you on Canon products.

For Nikon, if you have had many hobbies that haven't lasted long then go with the D40.

But be warned if the bug strikes , you will outgrow it very quickly and will be looking for a D80.

Its cheaper to buy one than both.

Kit lenses...... They are the ones that collect dust in your bag/cupboard. 18-200vr is a much better broad range lense but you pay for what you get (its currently about B32,000.

The advice on bodies equally applies to the lenses.

Hope you enjoy it!

Cheers

[Who, me ?]

As far as Canon v Nikon.

Ask what cameras your mates have.

If some or the majority have one rather than the other choose that brand. Its cheaper to borrow than to buy.

As a Nikon owner I don't have enough knowledge to advise you on Canon products.

For Nikon, if you have had many hobbies that haven't lasted long then go with the D40.

But be warned if the bug strikes , you will outgrow it very quickly and will be looking for a D80.

Its cheaper to buy one than both.

Kit lenses...... They are the ones that collect dust in your bag/cupboard. 18-200vr is a much better broad range lense but you pay for what you get (its currently about B32,000.

The advice on bodies equally applies to the lenses.

Hope you enjoy it!

Cheers

Thanks a lot for this comment

Still did not decide yet !

Cheers

[MrSnrang]

As far as Canon v Nikon.

Ask what cameras your mates have.

If some or the majority have one rather than the other choose that brand. Its cheaper to borrow than to buy.

As a Nikon owner I don't have enough knowledge to advise you on Canon products.

For Nikon, if you have had many hobbies that haven't lasted long then go with the D40.

But be warned if the bug strikes , you will outgrow it very quickly and will be looking for a D80.

Its cheaper to buy one than both.

Kit lenses...... They are the ones that collect dust in your bag/cupboard. 18-200vr is a much better broad range lense but you pay for what you get (its currently about B32,000.

The advice on bodies equally applies to the lenses.

Hope you enjoy it!

Cheers

I know that the D40 cn mount every nikon lens but not autofocus them and they need the special ones with the motor in the lens. Are the lenses you get for the D40 compatible with the other nikon cameras?

[percy2]

I know that the D40 cn mount every nikon lens but not autofocus them and they need the special ones with the motor in the lens. Are the lenses you get for the D40 compatible with the other nikon cameras?

I could spend quite a long time answering that............

But in short yes.

Cheers

[baahjun]

Whatever body you buy (canon/nikon), remember, glass is the most important part, better spend money on one good lens then to buy a big zoom, at first it seems nice but you'll regret it after a while.

The choice Nikon/Canon, go to a shop that has both, and play with them for a while. Both brands have very decent cameras for that price.

[Who, me ?]

Whatever body you buy (canon/nikon), remember, glass is the most important part, better spend money on one good lens then to buy a big zoom, at first it seems nice but you'll regret it after a while.

The choice Nikon/Canon, go to a shop that has both, and play with them for a while. Both brands have very decent cameras for that price.

Thanks for the tip !

[Joost]

i'm quite happy with my pentax F100. It's a simple SLR and a little more cheap than the nikon D40. Including 18-55 mm Pentax lens it did cost me a little over 20k baht, including UV filter, bag and memmory (2Gb).

It did feel a bit better in my hands than the Nikon D40...technically it isnt that much different.

/edit i bought it near phayon yothin station...exit tesco side, first camera shop you see. They have a lot (nikon/canon) and quite affordable

Edited February 28, 2008 by Joost

[Who, me ?]

i'm quite happy with my pentax F100. It's a simple SLR and a little more cheap than the nikon D40. Including 18-55 mm Pentax lens it did cost me a little over 20k baht, including UV filter, bag and memmory (2Gb).

It did feel a bit better in my hands than the Nikon D40...technically it isnt that much different.

/edit i bought it near phayon yothin station...exit tesco side, first camera shop you see. They have a lot (nikon/canon) and quite affordable

Gonna check this as well

Thanks

[astral]

Remember to look at what lenses/accessories are available,

it will not stop with the camera...............

[Nordlys]

In Thailand I'm more inclined toward Canon than Nikon because...

1) Canon has its own service center here in Thailand whereas Nikon relies upon its distributor in Thailand for service (and I had nothing but postive experiences with Canon service center in Thailand).

2) Not unique to Thailand but Nikon lenses are generally more expensive than Canon.. (but then they are as good if not better than Canon)

[MarkBKK]

i'm quite happy with my pentax F100. It's a simple SLR and a little more cheap than the nikon D40. Including 18-55 mm Pentax lens it did cost me a little over 20k baht, including UV filter, bag and memmory (2Gb).

It did feel a bit better in my hands than the Nikon D40...technically it isnt that much different.

/edit i bought it near phayon yothin station...exit tesco side, first camera shop you see. They have a lot (nikon/canon) and quite affordable

So, about 4,000 baht more than a Nikon D40 with the 18-55mm kit lens then ...