new digital SLR

thebaz

i am thinking of getting a decent digital SLR camera .
Obviously I want to get best value, and was looking at pixmania, someone said although i may pay a bit more, i am better going to a specialist camera store, as they will give required backup.

The choices that i am looking at include :-
Nikon D50 at 569 euros
Nikon D70 at 931 euros
Canon Eos 350d at 643 euros

These are pixmania prices, they also do packages for the canon eos at 1,115 euros, i assume these include lens such as wide and zoom.

Any hints on my choice ?

elven

I've no personal experience of Pixmania but have heard plenty horror stories. I bought my 350D from jessops for €760 body only but I think that was a special... I could have got it far cheaper online but I just wanted to buy it in a real shop, and also get it that day...

What I would say though, even if you ultimately buy it online, go into the shops and actually hold them in your hands, build quality and ease of use are my two most important elements of a camera, and it's a logical thing to consider I'd say.

As for the Canon/Nikon debate, well, I won't go into that one. I think it'll depend a lot of which one feels more intuitive/comfortable to you and after that there isn't much between them I'd say. Plenty magazines have head to head reviews on these so have a browse in Eason for those too.

FreeAnd..

hey Elven, did you buy from jessops.co.uk or from Ireland? 760 seems really expensive. I got my 350+kit lens+bag for less than that around 740 i think and at the moment the body only is 647.992. I went for the silver which i'm regretting now as i'd say it will look a bit stupid with the battery grip. Still the camera itself is great so i would reccommend it but definitely go body only and keep the extra cash towards a new lens...

FreeAnd..

sorry just noticed that you didnt buy online, i was too shocked by the price difference between what you paid and the current jessops online price that i must have missed the rest of your post..

melekalikimaka

basically all three are great cameras, just keep looking for the best price, what lens you going for?

elven

heh I know... as i said I could have got it so much cheaper, but I wanted to go into a shop at lunchtime and buy the thing, not wait weeks for it to be delivered to Dublin, or have it delivered to my mum's in scotland and have to collect it. Also, it was back in April and that was definitely the best price around at the time. It was another €100 or so for the body plus kit lens too - I checked that out because the other shops were actually charging €900 for the body only!!!

I don't really care now, I've got it, and I'm happy as, well, happy as a very happy thing

FreeAnd..

me too, i was going to pay around 970 for it in one of the shops in town but i resisted the temptation to have it in my hands. I ended up waiting around a week and a half or 2 weeks for it to be delivered from Jessops (who do free delivery to ireland). During that tmie i did wish that i had paid the extra to have it in my hands though..

peepingtom

the d70 is a great camera .... but for that money make sure you get the 18-70 mm lens kit with it

Cameraman

I have used pixmania a few times with no problems - however others have had various glitches (though not enough to put me off using them again).

I bought my Digital SLR from Park Cameras in the UK. Had it the day after ordering (paid for courier - about GB£60 including insurance etc.)

thebaz

elven wrote:

I've no personal experience of Pixmania but have heard plenty horror stories. I bought my 350D from jessops for €760 body only but I think that was a special... I could have got it far cheaper online but I just wanted to buy it in a real shop, and also get it that day...

What I would say though, even if you ultimately buy it online, go into the shops and actually hold them in your hands, build quality and ease of use are my two most important elements of a camera, and it's a logical thing to consider I'd say.

As for the Canon/Nikon debate, well, I won't go into that one. I think it'll depend a lot of which one feels more intuitive/comfortable to you and after that there isn't much between them I'd say. Plenty magazines have head to head reviews on these so have a browse in Eason for those too.

Thanks Elven -- do you find the Canon good ,and are you happy with your purchase ?
is it easy to use , as i agree this would be a major consideration.
What lenses did you get and how much did they set you back ?
By the way have you used it professionally ?

mtracey

D70 and D200 cameras here. D70 is excellent, but if bought should be got with the superb 18-70mm lens.

Best thing as someone above says is to either do a comparison search online or find a magazine with a review if you're lucky.

Most comments on usability would have it that Nikon is easier/nicer to use.

Maybe you could do into a camera shot and try both ?

thebaz

i was in jeesops and i am thinking of getting Nikon D50 - for around 900 i will get the D50 camera, a zoom lens and a flash - D50 on its own about 650 -- seams nice and easy to use.

masteroftherealm

Same deal can be had for 600 on ebay however.
Something you should consider.

thebaz

i might go the uk to buy , as i want to get a decent printer as well.
is the D70 really worth the extra 300 to 400 euros over the D50 ? with the exta cash i can get more add-ons , such as better lens and flash etc ?

Shrimp

pixmania have a pretty terrible returns policy, and it's very hard to get in contact with someone who can actually help... I found.

punchdrunk

i love the olympus E 500,i've used them all (i work in a camera shop in dublin) i just love the layout and interface of this,it's good value with the two lens kit plus the shots are great
i think the d70's gettin a bit long in the tooth myself,still a nice camera but it should be far cheaper!

thebaz

punchdrunk wrote:

i love the olympus E 500,i've used them all (i work in a camera shop in dublin) i just love the layout and interface of this,it's good value with the two lens kit plus the shots are great
i think the d70's gettin a bit long in the tooth myself,still a nice camera but it should be far cheaper!

all my digital cameras have been olympus camedias, and they have been great - but for the jump to slr , i was recommended nikon and canon -- at the moment i think i will go for d50, it seams to do much the same as the d70 , for a lot less cash !

ps how much is the olympus e500 including zoom ?
someone said the olympus also allows viewing through lcd when shooting - true ?

elven

thebaz wrote:

Thanks Elven -- do you find the Canon good ,and are you happy with your purchase ?
is it easy to use , as i agree this would be a major consideration.
What lenses did you get and how much did they set you back ?
By the way have you used it professionally ?

I love my camera. I'm still getting used to all the wee features and toys on it but the basics were incredibly easy because I went from an EOS 35mm, same controls. It's all pretty intuitive in general though I'd say.

I've still got the lenses I had with my old camera, the canon 50mm f1.8, a canon 80-200 el cheapo zoom that I hardly use (I shake too much!!!), and a sigma 28-80 that I intend to replace soon with a lens that won't give me an error if I don't use it at the widest aperture

I'm not a lensy person, I just don't care that much because there's no way I'm at a level where my photography is good enough to have the glass affecting the quality... and so that leads on to your final question no professional use, I'm afraid.

punchdrunk

e500 is a grand with two lenses,and very nice lenes they are too,not like the jamjars you get with the d50 and eos 350-d
the new olympus slr has LCD preview but to be honest i prefer the cheaper 500

leinsterman

Well ... I've made my opinions about buying from Canon Ireland abundantly clear in this thread -

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2054960859

You will see in the above thread that if you insist on buying locally, then Nikon may be a better option pricewise, but beware ... Nikon have supply problems, you may have to wait... for me the only place in Dublin to buy gear is Gunns of Wexford Street ... they will not rip you off ...

As for Canon ... I love my 20d, and I think they make very slightly better digital gear than Nikon ... but I am in the process of trying to encourage a boycott of Canon goods in Ireland until their local market unit cops on to itself. I would encourage you to do likewise and make your feelings know to the Canon MD here in Dublin (address is in the thread).

I bought the body of my 20d with a Sigma lens from Abes of Maine in New York. My more recent acquisitions (some expensive Sigma EX lenses) came from www.ac-foto.com in Germany. In both cases I think I got a far better deal than any Irish or UK shop online or otherwise.. in addition I would rate both retailers well.

You will also see form the thread link above that I hate having to buy overseas. I'd genuinely prefer to give the money to an Irish supplier not only to support our own economy but also to have someone I can visit if something goes wrong. But at as much as 25-50% savings on a €1000 camera you are left with little choice. We are talking a lot of money here ...

leinsterman

thebaz wrote:

What lenses did you get and how much did they set you back ?

One lens you defintely want if you are on a budget is the Canon 50mm f1.8, fast prime ... on the 350d it becomes an 80mm ... perfect of portriats and indoor work without a flash ... It costs €95 at www.ac-foto.com

Apart form that I have the Sigma 18-125mm ... which is very good and highly versatile for a cheap lens at around €270

... also the Sigma 12-24mm EX ... expensive but very good and it fits a full frame camera too. Not a requirement for most ... but a must for me.

The Sigma 24-70mm F2.4 ... good fast lens but very noisy ...

Canon 75-300mm 4-5.6 III USM ... not too bad in good light, but I plan to sell or trade it and buy my first L lens - the Canon 100-400mm IS L for a forthcoming trip through Africa. You can get this for around €120 second hand.

.. hope this helps ..

Of course I am that pissed off with Canon Ireland at the moment I may just bite my nose of to spite my face a get a Nikon D200. :mad:

But if it were not for this little battle ... I'd be recommending Canon without a second thought.

Sonnenblumen

350D(BLK body) available for € 629 or € 699 (incl 18-55mm lens) here: www.technikdirekt.de/main/en/Search.html

thebaz

punchdrunk wrote:

e500 is a grand with two lenses,and very nice lenes they are too,not like the jamjars you get with the d50 and eos 350-d
the new olympus slr has LCD preview but to be honest i prefer the cheaper 500

As there has been no solid recomendation for Nikon d50, i am begining to consider the olypmus e500, what size is the zoom lens , and whats the flash like , will i need an external flash ?
by the way where is the e500 on sale for a grand, as i would like to see it and handle it .
is it easy to use ?

thebaz

After a summer of dithering, i am today buying my first dslr :-
the nikon d 50 with the kit lens - seams a good price to start off on, and can use extra cash for accessories !
i know the lens is meant to be weak , but i can upgrade in time , as i learn more about real photography .

Fionn

congrats - enjoy it and post up photographs

nobody will ever say your a compulsive buyer

Roen

Fair play, happy snapping.

gline

a quick question, i am buying a dslr for my sis
she doesnt know much about photography yet, but she will learn quick

i am going to buy in the states probably or pixmainia

what camera would be best suited and lense for a beginner, im not looking to spend 1000's just a nice cheapish beginner kit.

i was thinking of the d70, worth it?

rymus

probably couldnt go wrong with a D70 or a Canon 350D with kit lens.. good place to start.

gline

rymus wrote:

probably couldnt go wrong with a D70 or a Canon 350D with kit lens.. good place to start.

thanks mate, il check differences in prices and decide by that, what exactly would she need? what type of lense (a good all rounder) and what other equipment?

rymus

if shes a beginner, I'd say the kit lens (18-55mm) would do the job for a while. With a bit of experience & time she'll know what way she wants to expand her lens collection. Theres another kit that comes with an 17-85mm lens, but I think that's a good deal more expensive than the 18-55

gline

rymus wrote:

if shes a beginner, I'd say the kit lens (18-55mm) would do the job for a while. With a bit of experience & time she'll know what way she wants to expand her lens collection. Theres another kit that comes with an 17-85mm lens, but I think that's a good deal more expensive than the 18-55

ok cool il go with that then

cheers

TempestSabre

You can buy a D50 in Argos at a decent price, and they've a decent returns policy. I was going to get it in the US, but I don't see the point now. I'll probably by a D50 in Argos and a lense elsewhere.

gline

TempestSabre wrote:

You can buy a D50 in Argos at a decent price, and they've a decent returns policy. I was going to get it in the US, but I don't see the point now. I'll probably by a D50 in Argos and a lense elsewhere.

what is a "good price" ?

TempestSabre

gline wrote:

what is a "good price" ?

I think its 650 with the default lense. With the lense kits its 830 which is too expensive. The 350D is 750. Its in the new catalogue not the old one. The lenses are expensive though.

gline

TempestSabre wrote:

I think its 650 with the default lense and a 512mb card. Which is ok. With the lense kits its 830 which is too expensive. The 350D is 750. Its in the new catalogue not the old one.

ah ok too expensive, i will be buying out of the country so

TempestSabre

The difference won't be more than €100 and its a lot easier and cheaper to return if you've a problem. For the body at least. I'm just wary of online shops and returns. Over the many years of using them RMA can be problematic.

gline

Sonnenblumen wrote:

350D € 699 (incl 18-55mm lens) here: www.technikdirekt.de/main/en/Search.html

this seems a good deal

TempestSabre

Would you not get caught by the customs though?

gline

TempestSabre wrote:

Would you not get caught by the customs though?

sometimes, not always, depends on what value the shop put on it

TempestSabre

gline wrote:

sometimes, not always, depends on what value the shop put on it

What if you put a lower value and then it gets lost in the post...

rymus

not if it's in the EU... I've often bought from Technik

TempestSabre

rymus wrote:

not if it's in the EU... I've often bought from Technik

Sounds good so. How long does it take to get delivered?

gline

TempestSabre wrote:

What if you put a lower value and then it gets lost in the post...

thats the chance you take

rymus

takes about a week to be delivered... you could also check http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Kea-Photo for a price comparison. Just bought a 30D from him. Worldwide warranty, delivery in 3 days via fedex and no duty. Could save a few pennies going that way.

gline

you wouldnt recommend pixmainia?

rymus

never used em so I couldnt give an opinion...

thebaz

got the nikon d50 in dixons today.
670 for camera and kit lens , bag and 1 GB mem.
Happy with this deal, bought locally so if something goes wrong i dont have to send off for replacement, , also i can blame the kit lens if my initial photos are poor !
Awaiting the battery to charge , its been a long summer of deliberation.

PS Pixmania are fine if all goes well, but be wary if something goes wrong ,also they charge heavy P&P.

rymus

re buying locally to get replacement; most if not all manufacturers will require that the camera is sent back to them no matter where you buy it. Many warranties are worldwide. My 20D, bought in Germany, had to go back to Canon UK for repairs a few weeks ago. Similarly, if a lens I bought in Ireland was defective, it's likely it'd have to take the same route.

If that is the case, you might as well buy foreign and save money. Maybe Dixons or the likes would swap a camera if a defect surfaced within 30 days or so of the purchase. I find it very unlikely that they'd entertain you if you went in after nearly 12 months looking for a straight swap.

440Hz

When I bought my 350D online from Germany it has issues straight from the box,contacted Canon straight away. They told me to send it to Dublin, and it came back worse. Only solution they could give me was to send to Germany and be without it for 3-4 weeks. I didnt, ended up fixing it myself. Would prob not by a body from another country again, just in case. Ordered from ac-foto btw, they were no help but canon europe were even more useless.

rymus

It most likely should have went from ISS to Canon UK.

Only reason to buy anything in Ireland is if you like your wallet nice and empty

TempestSabre

rymus wrote:

re buying locally to get replacement; most if not all manufacturers will require that the camera is sent back to them no matter where you buy it. Many warranties are worldwide. My 20D, bought in Germany, had to go back to Canon UK for repairs a few weeks ago. Similarly, if a lens I bought in Ireland was defective, it's likely it'd have to take the same route.

If that is the case, you might as well buy foreign and save money. Maybe Dixons or the likes would swap a camera if a defect surfaced within 30 days or so of the purchase. I find it very unlikely that they'd entertain you if you went in after nearly 12 months looking for a straight swap.

Good point I didn't think of that. I was more thinking of the haggling you have to do with a retailer when something is faulty and it takes them ages to admit responsibility. Does it have to go to the retailer and from there back to the OEM?