Thinking of buying a DSLR

[PJLarge]

Hi Folks,

After spending some time in here over the last week or two I've decided I quite fancy a DSLR and getting properly into photography. At the moment I've just got a Sony digi compact, but have an eye for a good shot and want to progress a little.

After reading some of the reviews on here and advice to previous posters I've got the Canon 350 and Nikon D50 and D70S on the shortlist. I went to Jessops yesterday and had a feel of all three and the Canon didn't really feel 'right' to my hands so I think that's now off the list.

Bearing in mind I'm pretty much a beginner to 'proper' photography, would a D70S be overkill? Also, as a side point, I went to Dixons and they had a end of life D70 kit for (I think) £599. What does the 'S' offer that the older model does not? Is the normal D70 a good buy at that price?

Thanks for your help,

Phil.

[Kinky]

Phil,

Have a good read thru this forum, as the question has been asked a million and 1 times (by myself as well).

I was in exactly the same boat as yourself (see my 'numpty' postings).

I ended up going with a D50.

The reason being that the D70s was overkill for my needs (at the moment).

However, having said that - the original D70 seems like a cracking price (with lens?).

On a side-note - have a read of this - it may help sway you .... www.digitalreview.ca/cams/NikonD50vsD70SvsXT_images.shtml

K

[chris.mapey]

Hi Phil

I would buy the D70, rather than the D70S. Get it for the £599 from Jessops.

Register with Nikon & then download the D70S software upgrade - Robert is then your Mothers sibling...best bit is it's free! Ipgraded focussing, tweaked menus etc.

The only bit you may miss out on re the D70S is the slightly larger screen on the back. (Didn't worry me, so I got a D70)

Get the 18-70 lens by the way - I love it & apparently its a better quality one.

Can't see the point on buying the D50 in your situation, you will probably outgrow that & then have to change again....D70's great & don't worry regarding the resolution - I have a 30" x 15" poster print from photobox that has no moire / "grain" / pixels visible....

Hope that helps

Chris

[406]

Ah, so we may have another member for the CLUD. As a dedicated D70 user - tried to get my lad to get a D70 but he went for a D100 - I cant really put into words just how "Right" it feels in the hand and yes, I did look at Canons. I never get tired of using it - had it 10 months now and taken in excess of 5000 pics - and hope to continue that way for a long time to come. With an extended tour of Europe in the pipeline, I can see that number increasing 10 fold in the next 6 months or so. Just get plenty of 1 gig memory cards.

HTH

Dave

406

Cue Master Yoghurt with words of wisdom.