I'm going to buy the next month, before my holidays, a good digital reflex. I'm not a professional amd my use will be mainly family, landscapes, macro and nature photographs.

I have some (old) experience with old reflex like Nikon F2 FM2 with a good range of lenses (20 - 55 - 135 - 300 - 500) but I'm not so expert about the wide range of cameras now available in the market.

I would like a medium price camera (no more than 30/35.000 baht)

So: Nikon or Canon?

What about Sony Alpha?

Wich model?

Non original lenses, like Sigma, Vivitar, Tamron, are enough good or I must buy original?

Where to buy, Panthip, MBK or somewhere with better prices??

(no more than 30/35.000 baht)

you wanting a 'kit' or body only for this price range..?

33k will get you the Nikon D80 + 18-135 DX lens 'kit'.. good camera

35.5k will get you the Canon 40D + EFS 18-55 lens 'kit'.. again, nice camera but not so new now

37k will get you a Nikon D90 (body only)... the D80 replacement & really nice

these are the 3 that i would recommend at the price you're prepared to pay..

nothing wrong with Sigma prime's, as good as Nikon or Canon

Cheap used body and a good lens is my recommendation. There are so many good bodies out there that you can pick one up cheap, and then you can get some good glass which will really make a difference in your pictures.

Although I have no answers nor suggestions I have an interest in this thread. I am thinking of upgrading to a digital SLR, used them for years in the old film days. Currently have a Panasonic TZ3 which is fine for snap shots and recording stuff for work but I wany to try and get a bit more adventurous.

But have a question. What is meant by a 'kit'? Is this a complete body/lens combination as I imagine it to be? If so, going the other route, how easy is it to buy a body then find a fully compatible lens? What are the main issues to look out for?

Bu66er, just realised I said I had A question. Oh well that's inflation for you.

But have a question. What is meant by a 'kit'? Is this a complete body/lens combination as I imagine it to be?

Yes, often with rather cheap and slow, low-resolving zoom lens with versatile zoom range.

If so, going the other route, how easy is it to buy a body then find a fully compatible lens? What are the main issues to look out for?

Not too difficult. But some lenses are designed for certain format and may not be compatible with the other even amongst the same brand. For instance, EF-S lenses of Canon are made for APS-C size sensor dSLRs while EF lenses are for full size sensors (EOS1Ds, 1D and 5D). Likewise, Nikon's DX lenses are for DX format (cropped sensor) and FX for full size sensor (D3, D3x and D700). EF lenses are compatible with Canon's cropped sensor dSLRs too but at 1.6 times multipying factor on specified focal length. On the other hand, EF-S lenses have flange back too long for full size sensor cameras and therefore not compatible with 1Ds, 1D, and 5D series.

Thanks for that comprehensive reply nordlys , looks like I'm gonna have to learn a whole new language .

I recommend the Nikon D90 and the 50mm 1.8 lens. Add the SB400 flash if you have the means.

That is a great setup.

I suggest the Canon 40D kit with the 17-85mm

Reviews show that the 17-85 is far superior to the 18-55.

A little over your budget at 44K at Fotofile

but you have a system equivalent to your old SLR with a 28-135 zoom.

The lens has IS which helps if you need slow shutter speeds, or

like me are getting on, and the hands are not so steady.

If that is too expensive look at the Canon 400D (22000 baht)

plus the 17-85mm (14500). Separate items on the Fotofile site.

I suggest the Canon 40D kit with the 17-85mm

Reviews show that the 17-85 is far superior to the 18-55.

A little over your budget at 44K at Fotofile

but you have a system equivalent to your old SLR with a 28-135 zoom.

The lens has IS which helps if you need slow shutter speeds, or

like me are getting on, and the hands are not so steady.

If that is too expensive look at the Canon 400D (22000 baht)

plus the 17-85mm (14500). Separate items on the Fotofile site.

I have a 30D for sale for 17,000 with only 2,300 clicks on it. Add to that the 17-85 or a Tamron 17-50, and you have a great kit.

I got my Canon 40D with 17-85 lens,, @ 35,500 baht Panthip Plaza

Must admit I love Canon, went from Nikon to Canon to be honest and the cameras is excellent. Not that I slag Nikon for there cameras but even the cheapest Canon can use any of there lenses in autofocus which is not true with Nikon, this is why I went over to Canon and I never looked back. Only thing Nikon is superior in is flashes, an old SB 24 or similar is so easy to use manually it's almost a crime, but never mind I still use them with radio triggers.

Cheers Bard

I got my Canon 40D with 17-85 lens,, @ 35,500 baht Panthip Plaza

You almost convinced me!

But what your suggestion is about a heavy zoom? (to have a max 15x)

Not that I slag Nikon for there cameras but even the cheapest Canon can use any of there lenses in autofocus which is not true with Nikon,

That's because Canon only has AF cameras and lenses in the current line up but Nikon still makes and sells manual focus camera and lenses as well as AF lineups. I have some of the best Canon's EF lenses which I love, but I must say Nikon makes lenses (and cameras) as good as Canon, if not better.

But what your suggestion is about a heavy zoom? (to have a max 15x)

As I understand it, 15x is equivalent to about 250mm on an APS-C sensor camera like the 30D or 40D. There are several lenses in that range out there, but the best ones are very expensive. The 55-250mm IS is a good lens, not excellent, and costs about 10,000 baht. There are other choices including non-canon lenses.

Yes, a 15x or maybe a 20x should be perfect!

Ah, does Canon 40D capture 720p movies??

Yes, a 15x or maybe a 20x should be perfect!

Ah, does Canon 40D capture 720p movies??

Canon EOS 40D Review, Phil Askey, October 2007

Your truly,

Kan Win

Ah, does Canon 40D capture 720p movies??

No..

currently only 2 DSLR's can shoot movies.. Nikon D90 (720p) & Canon 5D mk2 (1080i)

Ah, does Canon 40D capture 720p movies??

No..

currently only 2 DSLR's can shoot movies.. Nikon D90 (720p) & Canon 5D mk2 (1080i)

Ouch!

Have you considered the more compact Canon G10 ?

This is the point n shoot that pros carry as a spare.

Not a DSLR but the images are very good.

you want a cheap 20x zoom and movies.... buy a superzoom P&S

you want a cheap 20x zoom and movies.... buy a superzoom P&S

or wait for the micro 4/3 panasonic g1 hd

Ok No more films of my boy. Only shots.

Canon D40 with 7-85 lens,, @ 35,500 baht

+ super tele zoom 20x for maybe 15.000 baht more???

Ok No more films of my boy. Only shots.

Canon D40 with 7-85 lens,, @ 35,500 baht

+ super tele zoom 20x for maybe 15.000 baht more???

Where will you get a 40D with a 17-85 for 35,500? The body alone is 29,900 on fotofile.net.

I think you can get the 40D with 18-55 IS for 35,500 + 55-250 IS for 9,500,- from Fotofile.net the 18-85 is not realistically included in 35,500,-

Alternatively you can get the 40D body for 29,900,- + a Canon 18-200 IS for 19,900,- which is a superzoom from wide angle film equivalent about 28 - 320mm zoom with Image Stabilizer

Cheers Bard

Ok No more films of my boy. Only shots.

Canon D40 with 7-85 lens,, @ 35,500 baht

+ super tele zoom 20x for maybe 15.000 baht more???

Where will you get a 40D with a 17-85 for 35,500? The body alone is 29,900 on fotofile.net.

I got my Canon 40D with 17-85 lens,, @ 35,500 baht Panthip Plaza

Hey, what do you think about this one??

Engadget says "the camera (complete with both 18-55mm and 50-200mm lenses) is now available for pre-order direct from Pentax for the price of $679.95"

What do you think??

I would not be negative at all, but Thailand is the big two land for cameras. So it is more economical for extra stuff when you want it and better for any service to go with the big two.

Cheers Bard

Big two, Canon and Nikon??

I really think you should consider my 30D. It's a great body in perfect shape for only 17,000 baht. I've been to lazy to post it on a Thai photo site, but when I do I know it will go quick. The pictures you'll get from it almost the same quality as from the 40D. The main thing is lacks is live view and a couple of other minor things.

Big two, Canon and Nikon??

Yes sir, that's the big two.

I agree with Jimmy the 30D would be a good camera for a decent price, since it is a superzoom wanted on it as well that camera with the 18-200 IS would end up around 37k baht.

Cheers Bard