My new baby, and a Q about DSLR

sineadw

My CT90 has finally decided to give up the ghost after god knows how many years of faithful service, so I just got this on ebay for €33. Its a C1 (ok I'm imaginitive.. I like them though!) I wanted a fully manual because the shutter speed selector on the CT90 annoyed me so much:



You can all point and laugh at me at Charleville..

I have finally decided though that I need to stop being silly and get myself a DSLR. I found this http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/541536652.htm#reviews
at $599 for a Nikon D40 - about €450. Saw the same camera advertised in the Herald tonight for €650 I think? Thats a good saving, and will bring it into my meagre, credit-union-assisted budget. I seem to remember reading something about American kits being different though? I can't find it anywhere.

Are there any major problems with buying from the US? And also - roughly what would I be looking at tax wise for bringing this in? Basically - is it worth it?

Thanks in advance.

TJM

The D40 is a crippled camera - no in body motor for autofocus, leaving you stuck buying only motorised lenses. You might be better off looking for a D50. You'll more than make up for the difference in price with the savings on lenses (assuming you care about autofocus).

As for bringing a camera in from the US - if you have it sent by courier and it's checked by customs (almost certain in the case of courier deliveries), you'll pay 21% VAT on the total price (IIRC) of goods + shipping, and (to add insult to injury) a handling fee on top of that, wiping out any savings.

Fajitas!

Don't go for the D40!!!

Go D50, 350D...even 300D but not the D40!!!

Roen

You already have a grasp of slrs by the sound of it, you'd out grow the d40 in a matter of hours I'd say.
As for bringing a camera in, go to a Hong Kong eBayer, hey presto, no taxes. The savings will allow you to step up to a better camera.
No taxes so far for any of us.........I'd hate to advise you one way and see you get stung though.
Best of luck.

melekalikimaka

yeah i gots a d50, happy as larry with it, tis entry level...but excellent, the d40 is a odd product, cant see its purpose unless you plan to never improve

sineadw

Thanks for the advice - looks like I'll steer well clear so! I had no idea...

Zillah

If you could afford it, go right for ther D80.

Next down is D70s. I have that. Very nice. Get it if you can.
Then D70, almost identical.
Then D50. Very similar to D70.

melekalikimaka

don't make the d70 no more, second hand might get a few deals on it i guess...not sure tho, tis just a earlier d70s i think