Which Digital SLR?

[ulkesh]

I've been reading some of the threads here and also googling things a bit, yet I'm still uncertain as to which camera I should buy, and was hoping someone could offer me some advice.

I have a Canon S3 IS point and shoot at the moment and I really like it in terms of the shots I can get with the 12x zoom, Image Stabilization and other bits and pieces, but feel like it is probably time for me to graduate to an SLR.

Examples of my stuff here:
http://flickr.com/photos/ckorhonen/sets/72157603011230860/
http://flickr.com/photos/ckorhonen/sets/72157606867031348/


In terms of what I'll be wanting to do, I'm after something with a 'normal' lens for everyday shots - people, things etc, depth of field as well as image quality is probably more important. Also, I like my current zoom for shooting, so was looking at 70-300mm telephoto lenses.

Currently looking at either the Nikon D60 or the Canon Rebel XSi since there seem to be some decent deals and rebates on additional lenses available at the moment for around the £400 mark.

Any thoughts, or other recommendations or decent deals about? I know the D40 seems to be a good, cheaper, choice - any disadvantages with it? Will I end up regretting going for a 6MP one?

thanks

[RobDickinson]

You wont regret 6mp, its plenty for a decent sized print, you may notice it if heavily cropping or printing A3 and up.

Its not as featuresome as the XSi (Which is the 450D to most) nor even the 1000D (XTi). It also lacks the body drive motor which (not as much now for new lens's) can restrict what you can AF with.

Either will likely do fine for you , though from your style you may like a good fast prime or something , like the cheap 50mmf1.8's (which wont af on the nikon!).

[Sprout Crumble]

The XSi is a really superb camera, easily the best IQ in its class IMO. I'd jump on that, especially as the kit zoom (make sure its the IS version) is about the best of the cheaper ones on the market.
If budget stretches, Canons 70-300 IS is a terrific lens s well (avoid the 75-300, its rubbish).
The 50/1.8 is a bargain low-light lens that will do shallow depth-of-field, although the bokeh isn't particularly high-quality.

[chrisns]

*mutters something about the Olympus E-520, then goes back to sipping his brandy*

[ulkesh]

I had a look at the E-520 - whilst it seemed to have lots of nice bells and whistles, it was also probably more toward the upper end of what I wanted to pay, plus I think with a Canon/Nikon I'd have more choice when it comes to lenses and stuff, especially if I'm looking to buy second hand.

At the moment, I'm hovering toward the D40 - it seems a decent price on the likes of Amazon (£225 with lens) so I'll be able to get some extras. Ken Rockwell seems to like it too!

Does anyone know the best place to look on the high street for a similar deal?

[Highlander]

£225 at Jessops (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=56&url=http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Cameras%20and%20Lenses/Digital%20SLRs/products/Nikon/D40%20Black%20%20AF-S%20DX%2018-55mm%20Lens-47076/Show.html) too, but there is a £10 voucher floating around, making it £215. You can order online and collect at your local store.

[ulkesh]

Cool, would you recommend any of the lens kits?

I'm perhaps thinking of getting the Tamron 70-300mm with the camera, only thing that is putting me off is lack of VR.

[JiBeRjAbEr]

You can pick up second hand 70-300 lenses for circa 60 quid on ebay, whilst not VR they will let you play with it to see if it is what you want.

[RobDickinson]

You can pick up second hand 70-300 lenses for circa 60 quid on ebay, whilst not VR they will let you play with it to see if it is what you want.

Which probably wont focus on the D40.

And Ken Rockwell is barking mad.

[Boink!]

Which probably wont focus on the D40.
Unless you give it a hand, of course.

[ulkesh]

Some Xmas ones.... not had time to do any tweaking in Lightroom yet:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ckorhonen//sets/72157611626047739

So far, quite pleased.

[At The Gates]

Not heard much about the Tamron but wouldn't fancy 300mm with no IS. And yes, it won't auto focus on the D40. The new Tamron 28-300 VC will though..Obviously far more expensive of course!

If you got a D40 and wanted a cheap zoom then the Nikon 55-200mm VR for just over a hundred quid is probably your best bet.

[ulkesh]

No, the Tamron one does have an AF motor so it does auto focus. I've not found it too bad assuming the light is good.

[At The Gates]

Cool, i guess it's one of the models they've updated recently. How much was it out of interest?

[ulkesh]

With the camera it was £99, I think the RRP had it as £199.

[darftblerk]

I'd suggest looking at a secondhand D200. There are bound to be plenty of them on eBay shortly, what with the D300 being launched.

Spec about £300, then put £50 back for a 50mm and £50 for a 70-300 G lens and you're up and running.

The D200 is a cracking camera, and I'm not considering upgrading for a long time (especially now I've purchased a housing for it ;))