Digital SLR Camera

[MID02K]

Guys,
Its down to 3 camera's im looking at.

* Nikon D60
* Olympus E-420
* Canon EOS 1000D

Anyone have any of these or experience with any of them?

[VooDoo]

I bought the twin len D60 kit and found it great but it doesnt have the LCD viewer to take pic's (need to use the viewfinder). Make sure you get a UV filter to protect the lens from dust too. The 450D Canon was my other option but the D60 has image stabilisation on both lenses which won me over.

Have a look on DPreview or even the OCAU forums (* Overclockers.com.au) for Heaps of info on cheapish DSLR options

[Kyle]

Out of those three I would definitely go with the Nikon mate :)

DO NOT touch the olympus!

[Kyle]

One more thing to consier is that your camera is only as good as the lens on it. Cheaper body better lenses is always the best option.

And the best places to shop are:
www.d-d-photographics.com.au
www.camerasdirect.com.au
www.bhphotovideo.com

I wouldn't shop anywhere else :)

[C4B]

I bought the twin len D60 kit and found it great but it doesnt have the LCD viewer to take pic's (need to use the viewfinder).

That's because the sensor is only exposed to light when the shutter is open. The only reason Point and Shoot's display on the LCD is because they don't actually have a shutter (the sensor is always exposed to light).

[Kyle]

Unless you buy a digi slr with liveview like some of the nikons and canons come with these days.. press a button, the mirror flips up and viewfinder closes off and image displayed on screen :)

Viewfinders are the best way to shoot though

[MID02K]

Thanks for the responses guys
Im looking closer at the Nikon.....

Kyle, you may be required to give me a crash course but!

[NickS]

Well I went through the same process this week ... I got the Canon EOS 1000D in the end, the twin lens kit.

I had Kyle's comment about the D60 ringing in my head the whole time but the Canon just appealed to me more. In reading on line it seemed to be the better choice, it has a slightly larger zoom lens and "Made in Japan" looked better than "Made in Taiwan" ... all of which may mean nothing but I just felt more comfortable with the Canon.

Took it Australia Zoo yesterday and I love it (make sure you get a nice big memory card). I have only ever owned little instant type cameras, never again ... I can't believe it took me this long to get something decent.

[MID02K]

Kyle,
Could i ask ur opinion on something??
Not that im purchasing on ebay, but something like this
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Nikon-D-SLR-D60-18-55mm-VR-lens-kit-4GB-SD-bat-6gif-2yr_W0QQitemZ220299772243QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item2 20299772243&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318


Would that be a good deal?? as in that type of package?

[Kyle]

Paul, if you could pick this up you'd have a great kit with plenty of reach for longer shots! http://tinyurl.com/sickcamera

It's the same camera and lens with the 55-200 lens 2nd hand but if bought locally you'll still have warranty, it should be less than a year old :)

The D60 will be a perfect little camera though.


One thing that I tell anyone looking to buy an slr is that just because it's a bigger/more expensive camera than smaller point n shoots doesn't mean that it's going to take a better photo. The quality of the photo it takes relies solely on the users ability. So I'd recommend that you be sure to play with all the settings (specifically A, S and M) to get a bit of an idea how to improve your shots.
Remember that i'm always more than happy to help out with any q's you may have too :D

[MID02K]

Thanks Mate,
Yeah i know what ya mean, ive had SLR camera's for years but only point and shoot digital and i am really looking forward to having a real camera again....

I might send you a few more links if thats ok as im looking at new not used....
Can u pm me your email address mate??

[fatas]

also try www.dirtcheapcameras.com.au have shoped with them and found them to be 100% :aussie:

they have your camera for $1399 nick is that what you paid or cheaper ?

[NickS]

also try www.dirtcheapcameras.com.au have shoped with them and found them to be 100% :aussie:

they have your camera for $1399 nick is that what you paid or cheaper ?

I paid $1,050 for the Canon EOS 1000D with a bag, from J B Hi-Fi ... however we also bought an iPod at the same time so that may have helped a little with the bargaining.

I'm certain we didn't start at $1,400 though, most of the sites Kyle listed earlier had them at around $1,200.

:confused:

FWIW ... I couldn't be happier with the Canon, I've taken around 1,200 photos so far ... :D

[fatas]

o well it was just a site i found that beat every other price i got and i looked at lots :thumbs:

[Kyle]

Paul, get me @ work on: ksharp@makita.com.au :) I'm happy to help you out mate! :D

Nick, good price on the 1000D there!!

Dirt cheap cameras can be good at times too though.
One of the best places to buy when the dollar is near parity is b&h photo in new york (www.bhphotovideo.com) If you shop at the right rates you get an awesome deal!

[fatas]

our dollar will never get back there again in our life time kyle :wave:

[MID02K]

Kyle,

im still procrastinating.. found these two pretty cheap at Ted's...
ur thoughts?????

http://www.teds.com.au/www/6/1001102/displayproduct/nikon-d60-18-55mm-vr-kit--2142779_digital-slr--1005803_.html

http://www.teds.com.au/www/6/1001102/displayproduct/nikon-d60-std-twin-kit--2167519_digital-slr--1005803_.html

[Kyle]

Teds site down Paul!

http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au/nikond60.htm

Reckon this is the go for a starter: D60, 18-55, 55-200 $1219 with free car charger and 4gb SD card!

Whats the budget??

[MID02K]

Teds site down Paul!

http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au/nikond60.htm

Reckon this is the go for a starter: D60, 18-55, 55-200 $1219 with free car charger and 4gb SD card!

Whats the budget??

That could be within the budget mate, didnt really wanna go over the 1k mark, but seeing that is a twin lens kit, maybe i can stretch it a tad ;)

Now, how much do u charge per hr for a crash course??? :)

[Kyle]

3hr callout fee = 1 case of boags primo and 1 more case for every hour after that

:nilly:

[MID02K]

3hr callout fee = 1 case of boags primo and 1 more case for every hour after that

:nilly:

Done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NickS]

3hr callout fee = 1 case of boags primo and 1 more case for every hour after that

:nilly:

:hmmm: ... might have to take you up on that too mate.

:D

[Kyle]

Enough beer to last me a month!!! hahaha

[WOMBIE]

Enough beer to last me a month!!! hahaha

A month :confused: ........what do you sip the stuff :)

[Kyle]

Gotta pace yourself man :D

[NickS]

A month :confused: ........what do you sip the stuff :)

Geez ... one case would last me about 6 months.

:yike:

[Aeron]

Here is a link to a website that my uncle has set up for beginners to photography.

http://www.phototutor.com.au/

I thought some of you guys may like to have a look as it could help you out.

[WOMBIE]

Gotta pace yourself man :D

Same here mate......I just pace myself a lot quicker than most ;)

Geez ... one case would last me about 6 months.

:yike:

Basically you've got beer in the fridge for when you have guests that actually drink the stuff......i'm gunna have to come round one day and give that case a nudge!








Btw I'm a bit partial to Crownies :D

[choppo]

On the photography subject.... the last photos i posted, they were taken from a looong way away (on the pit wall near pit entry) yet are perfectly in frame, high speed shots. Good example of high end photography im guessing????

[Kyle]

These ones choppo? http://www.trackchat.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=3179&page=3
If so, nah amatuer for sure mate.

Here's an example of some of the better quality work from a QLD based photographer I know: http://www.marsta.com/gallery/2009/090412_MTP/all/topshots/

[choppo]

Now im interested :eyes: ... how would you pick them (or any pics for that matter, besides the real obvious crap shots) as from a pro OR a weekend hack? More than happy for you to use the photo's i posted as an example if you wish???

I can definetly see the pics in the link you posted are top notch, just wondering how the ones taken of me Crommie are an obvious spot for ammature? Is it speed, composition etc etc?

Back in high school i used to develop my own film etc etc and dabble a bit in photography (B+W), so this thread has alot of interest for me.

Good on the guys who recently bought cameras. Look forward to great pics on the Forum! Especially the Drag Day? Maybe a competition in the making here??

[MID02K]

OK, so i took the plunge and am now the proud owner of the D60 with the twin VR lens kit....
Only had a fiddle with it so far but must say im very very impressed with the images it takes.....

Just gotta wait for Kyle now for the run down =)

[Kyle]

Whenever you're ready mate! :)

[MID02K]

Keep me posted about that assisting you were talking about.
Also ive stuck some basic shots with the cam in full auto mode on facebook if u wanna have a squiz....

[cosmos]

3hr callout fee = 1 case of boags primo and 1 more case for every hour after that

:nilly:

deal me in

its about time I learned how to take a photo that wasnt of a terrorist or criminal doing some sort of illicit deal where I am concealed in a car or OP.

seriously - i would be keen for this.

[Kyle]

Righto!

Back to school fellas :D

[2 cylinders shy]

What are cameras like to buy second hand?
I was looking at getting a second hand D40 to see if I would make use of a DSLR and then move up to a new D90 or D5000 if it is something id like to pursue.

[Kyle]

D5000 is shite compared to a d90
IMO you would waste $$ buying the D40 then getting rid of it to buy a D90.

Go straight for the D90 mate :)

2nd hand cameras are usually a-ok, a number of my cameras have been 2nd hand, so long as you get a bit of warranty you're usually ok