Im a jr.graphic designer and wants to experiment more in p/graphy. I've learned the basics and stuff using a really OLD(20+years old) slr camera before (films and fully manual) for college few years back, at that time i didn't appreciate it much, but now i am fond of p/graphy since after getting a digital camera... And i think i'm going to get one DSLR soon..because it wont waste the shots like the filmed SLRs do..
So bascially.. im looking for a manual and basic DSLR cam... WITHOUT "special" functions EG=night scene shots, portrait shots... etc
So i've a feww questions here....bare with me =")
Im in a budget of $400 USD (1500 RM) , is that the normal price range for a DSLR camera? I can go a little over budget if i have to ="(
Whats the price range of the 300mm and 100mm lens [not counted in my budget]
Whats a DSLR life span compare to the SLR(film)?
What about the warranty, how many years?
Additional advices are WELCOME!!
Thanks!! Go for a digital Canon rebel - it's almost a pro camera...it only lacks a few bells & whistles that the pros don't even use. You can still use lenses from canon film SLR's (so buy used lenses if you purchase body only of a digital camera).
Life span is similar to film SLRs; although not as durable as say an AE-1 or Pentax K1000 from the 1970's.
Don't go for the extended warranty unless you can get it for 1/2 price - it's not worth it.
You can definitly get into a Rebel & a nice lens for $400 or less.
Your best bet is to go to your local camera shop & test out the cameras - choose whichever feels best in your hand.
Nikon is great, but I find the shutter button to be a little too sensitive compared to Canon. All of the base line models are going to come with Automatic modes like Portrait and Night Shot. Look around, but as far as I know the VERY cheapest DSLR I've seen is over $500, say for the Nikon D50. They will all have the feature to override the auto sets, so you can do Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual and Program still.
If you get an off-brand lens like Quantaray (sold at Ritz Cameras) you could get a 100-300 mm zoom lens for about $180. They aren't has good a quality as a Canon or Nikon lens, but it's enough to get started with. Sometimes you can end up spending way more on a lens than you did the original camera!
Life span should be about the same as film cameras that are built today - they'll not be built to last like the camera you used that is 20+ years old but should last 10+ years if kept well. They are more vulnerable to impact and water damage, so extra insurance can be useful. The manufacturer warranties usually cover defects only, and usually for a year or less.
I worked at Ritz Cameras for years (no longer there though) - they offer extended warranties. They can be spendy, but worth it if something goes wrong (camera gets dropped or water splashed...) Your budget may be too restrictive for a decent camera. You might look towards buying a refurbished camera from a reputable dealer to keep the costs down. I agree with myaddiction, though. Get a Nikon D50. It has a few "consumer friendly" automatic modes, but still offers total photographic control when you are ready to take charge. Since you have extensive experience from teh past, you will be able to use the full manual mode right away, if you wish.
The shutter in the D50 is rated at 50,000 cycles. This is not a guaranteed limit nor a minimum amount. It's just an idea about how long it should last without service.
Get a "decent" lens, such as their Nikkor AF-S 18-70 f/3.5-4.5G ED DX lens and not the "kit" lens. This pair will cost you less than $1,000 and you will be very happy with it. If you want more lenses for the same money, you can get this camera with two "kit" lenses that are decent, but not as good for the long haul as the one I mentioned. When you are ready to add lenses, the sky is the limit with Nikon.
Get a 1 GB memory card, such as the Sandisk "Ultra" for decent write speed. You can get these in the $30 range. An "Extreme" is faster, but I doubt anyone would notice the difference except a pro.
Someone else wil undoubtedly recommend a similar Canon camera and I will not dispute that choice. I know Nikons and someone else knows Canons. Both are excellent cameras and you will never outgrow their system offerings.
Pentax has a couple of DSLR's priced lower and the under-$600 K100D may be worth a look, but I am no longer familiar with the Pentax line. It took them quite a while to take the digital market seriously, so they do not have so many offerings. |
