New Camera Advice

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Jan 16, 2009
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Before I purchase a new camera I thought I’d get some input. I’ve received some great advice already but want a few more opinions. My budget is under $500.

I currently use this camera for general picture taking but know it’s not good for storm chasing. I’m currently watching this one on Ebay and I think this one may work and is a good deal.

What do you think? Thanks in advance.
 
My advice is go with the D40. You really need to be careful of buying camera gear on Ebay.
You never REALLY know what kind of condition the gear is in, until you have already paid for it.

Besides, Nikon makes really good equipment, I still have yet to be disappointed with my Nikon. That just my opinion!
 
Keep in mind when you buy this you're going to be buying into a lens system. Have you looked into the lenses available for Pentax and Nikon?

Also keep in mind that the Tamron lens in the Pentax auction is a toy.

Have you looked at any of the used cameras at KEH.com? They're going to be much more reliable than fleaBay.
 
Yea, use Ebay only if the seller is fully open about the camera's condition. Most digicams have a shutter cycle counter - ask!

You can have some assurance that a factory refurb or KEH inspected used camera will be in good condition and even come with a 90 day warranty.

You might also peruse the want adds at Fredmiranda, photo.net, and other photo message boards. You'll find a lot of pixel peepers who 'upgrade' every time the latest and greatest body comes out, and can find some good deals.

-Greg
 
I agree, things can be dicey from e-bay but as long as you do your homework and really check on the sale, things can end up fine.

I have bought a D200 and a separate lens off of e-bay, the D200 was barely used and the photographer was "downgrading" to something less expensive. All photos of the camera were well taken. On the lens, it was used by a wedding photographer (and THOSE guys take really good care of their equipment, it's how they earn money) and so that lens came in razor clean except for a small paint scratch on the very bottom (big deal).

If you check things out, you should be able to find a deal from a legitimate seller.

Jason
 
Before I purchase a new camera I thought I’d get some input. I’ve received some great advice already but want a few more opinions. My budget is under $500.

What do you think? Thanks in advance.

If your budget is under $500 (and there's nothing wrong with setting a strict budget), the Nikon D40 would be hard to beat. B&H has kits with two lenses available though they run about $700.00. One thing you will want to buy ASAP for all your lenses are UV filters. Not only will they filter out the UV rays, but protect the lenses.

There are plenty of other digital Canon and Nikon cameras out there with higher megapixels and more bells and whistles than you can shake a stick at, but they won't get you good photographs. That's a skill you'll develop from within and with lots of practice. Just to give you a point of reference, I've used a Canon AE-1 I bought new in 1979 and it's never let me down, even in the worst of conditions. Using Fuji Velvia with an ASA 50, it's almost the equivalent of a 25 megapixel camera. When I use my Mamiya medium format cameras, the sharpness and rich color is fantastic. Obviously I'm still a film fan. :D

IMHO, the Nikon D40 would be an excellent buy. If and when I ever do make the transition to a digital slr, it will be my camera of choice. I'll save my money for good lenses which really are what makes many mediocre cameras shine.

Just my two cents...:cool:
 
Also keep in mind that the Tamron lens in the Pentax auction is a toy.

That lens is far from a toy. I have one and it has taken some very good pictures for the money. So far I have better pictures from that $139 lens than my $1200 Sigma.

It isn't perfect but I have taken excellent pictures with that lens.





As far as the camera I am using the K10D and your welcome to see what I have done with it and the same Tamron 70-300 and the Pentax 18-55 lenses that are in your kit. See if you can find out the shutter count.
 
WOW, thanks for the replies.

I'm about to buy this one i think

CANON EOS XTIB BEGINNERS PACKAGE W/ Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 $324

Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi 10.1 Megapixel DSLR Digital Camera Body (Black)
New!!!! 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Standard Zoom Auto Focus Lens For Canon
1GB Compact Flash Card
High Speed Compact Flash Card Reader
Vidpro 52" Tripod with 3-Way Quick Release
Universal Digital Camera Screen Protector
3 Piece Lens and Camera Cleaning Kit
Courier CR-225 Medium Digital Camera Carrying Case
Memory Card Carrying Case
Introduction to your camera on dvd
Digicom Video Hard Case Pro Series DC-C81
Floor Standing Monopod
 
Last edited by a moderator:
WOW, thanks for the replies.

I'm about to buy this one i think

CANON EOS XTIB BEGINNERS PACKAGE W/ Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 $324

Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi 10.1 Megapixel DSLR Digital Camera Body (Black)
New!!!! 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Standard Zoom Auto Focus Lens For Canon
1GB Compact Flash Card
High Speed Compact Flash Card Reader
Vidpro 52" Tripod with 3-Way Quick Release
Universal Digital Camera Screen Protector
3 Piece Lens and Camera Cleaning Kit
Courier CR-225 Medium Digital Camera Carrying Case
Memory Card Carrying Case
Introduction to your camera on dvd
Digicom Video Hard Case Pro Series DC-C81
Floor Standing Monopod

Does this have a battery and charger in the box? I am not seeing this labeled as in the box content.

Sometimes companies like this like to keep out some of the products you really need, to make money on it, they may ask if you would like any accessories.

Alot of companies from Brooklyn can be fakes.

there address
[FONT=&quot]Our East Coast Warehouse:[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
Closeout Genius
102 Avenue O
Brooklyn NY 11204 [/FONT]

So basically becareful where you buy from

Cametea Auction sells referbed nikons on Ebay. they are a trusted seller. I bought my Nikon D40x through them no problems.
 
I am about ready to buy a camera as well. I went to Best Buy yesterday just to get a feel for a Nikon D60 that I was thinking about buying. I have had friends recommend the D60 & D80, and some recommend the Canon XSI. I grabbed both and checked them out, and I have to say while the XSI did have a good feel, the D60 was a more solid built camera IMO. Just FYI...
 
I called my bank and put a stop to payment authorization and will call the company when they open.

This camera thing has been fun ...
 
I stand corrected, Jim! Very nice shots.

James - If you're going to buy photo equipment online, limit the stores you check. A simple hunt for the lowest price will always land you in a bear trap. There's a lot of scam artists in the camera business. Forget Google and aggregator searches and only shop at Adorama, B&H, KEH, Cameta, J&R, NewEgg and Amazon (Probably a few others I'm not thinking of). You won't find any legitimate prices lower than those sellers. When you see a deal that seriously undercuts these sellers' prices, something is up.
 
This E mail is to confirm cancellation of your order 20388-W. All information regarding this order name, phone number, address, email address and credit card information was deleted. If you would like to reinstate your order you must place a new order.
 
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