Decided to go DSLR instead of compact !!!!

[wryka]

As I am a bit of a novice at this but I do enjoy the digital point and click I have got I have decided to take the plunge and join the big boys.

Having read through alot of the threads here it seems ad though the Nikon D70 is a popular way to go. I went round a few shops yesterday and was completely confused as more and more cameras were put into the melting pot - Canon and others.

But I have a budget of £1000 to play with - I need a reliable camera with all I will need to get me going so to speak. I have found a deal on ebay , any thoughts from you guys as to wether this is a good deal or not.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=30020&item=3860885205&rd=1

Thanks for your help.

Wryka

Simpo soon to reply I guess

[ThatPhilBrettGuy]

I can't say if that's a good deal (sorry, not much help). The choices are really out of the Cannon 300D, D70 or 20D (same as 10D). Which felt 'right'? Also, if you've got access to some D-SLR lenses from family/friends what make are they?

As I've posted elsewhere I'm not getting into this Canon / Nikon thing. I would say though that the lenses are more important than all the above bodies, so I'd get the cheapest body and spend the balance on good glass if I were on a budget.

And before anyone pipes up, if the cheapest body was a Nikon and you have no access to Canon lenses, I'd say get the Nikon. Good as the D70 is, bolting something made of the bottom of milk bottles on it isn't going to make you happy.

Cheers

Phil

edited due to being sloppy with me speeling

>> Edited by ThatPhilBrettGuy on Thursday 23 December 16:34

[wryka]

I'm starting from scratch so no other kit about to try. Got to be careful not to buy a body with no lenses and blow the budget.
So it seems as though I get more confused by trying to decide what lenses to buy as well as the camera - my brain will be after this.

[V6GTO]

The Canon 300D is the cheapest of the "worth having" cameras. If you bought that with, as discussed elsewhere on PH, the most versatile lens (the Canon 28-135 IS) you will have change for a few other neccecities. I'm not knocking Nikon, they make great stuff, but I feel that if money is a really big factor now, the Canon is the most "common sense" route.

Martin.

[pug406]

I got my D70 from here -> www.internetcamerasdirect.co.uk

However I paid - well "Er In Doors" over £900 just 2 months ago for this - Nikon D70 digital camera including AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens

Remember, it wont stop there. Like simpo and me you will want other lenses and an SB-800 flash, extra CF cards, a spare battery and at least a Circular Polorising Filter.

It never ends

[simpo two]

I'd say - do you really need all that stuff?

It's also in Australia so there's a risk you'll get done for import duty and VAT. Will the warranty work in the UK? Having said that I got a SB800 from HK but was lucky with Customs and it hasn't broken yet! It's your decision.

By all means get a D70 but don't be tempted into getting stuff you don't really need just because it's cheap. Though I suppose you can always sell the unwanted bits back on eBay!

[ThatPhilBrettGuy]

If you're looking to buy early next year I'm sure a few of us can bring along our kit to a PH's day trip, so you can have a play. I'm sure we'll all be objective, and if trouble does break out I'll be fine as the 100-400IS could probably act like a nice bit of lead pipe!

There maybe someone with a perfect 10D for sale at that point too...

[simpo two]

ThatPhilBrettGuy said:

and if trouble does break out I'll be fine as the 100-400IS could probably act like a nice bit of lead pipe!

A Manfrotto flashbracket is better for hand-to-hand combat

[ThatPhilBrettGuy]

simpo two said:

ThatPhilBrettGuy said: and if trouble does break out I'll be fine as the 100-400IS could probably act like a nice bit of lead pipe! A Manfrotto flashbracket is better for hand-to-hand combat

It's an interesting twist on the usual format wars 'init?

[wryka]

I done it !

I went with the Canon 300D Black which is a deal Canon has with Jessops. A bag and another lense (55 x 200) extra battery and a few deal sweeteners for £830.00 with the cash back from Canon and and extra 256 card with the cash back. So I was pleased all I need now is the Idiots Guide to DSLR Cameras.

Thanks for the help guys

Wryka.

[V6GTO]

Well done, mate. Here's a Canon forum that you and the other guys might be interested in.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/

Martin.

[simpo two]

Hmm... go in looking for D70... come out with 300D...

Inference: very pretty sales girl

[V6GTO]

simpo two said:

Hmm... go in looking for D70... come out with 300D... Inference: very snesible when it comes to money

Martin

[bilko2]

V6GTO said:

Well done, mate. Here's a Canon forum that you and the other guys might be interested in. http://photography-on-the.net/forum/ Martin.

Great! thanks for that Martin.
Iv'e put it in my favourites and i'll have a look tommorow.
Ian

[falcemob]

simpo two said:

I'd say - do you really need all that stuff? It's also in Australia so there's a risk you'll get done for import duty and VAT. Will the warranty work in the UK? Having said that I got a SB800 from HK but was lucky with Customs and it hasn't broken yet! It's your decision. By all means get a D70 but don't be tempted into getting stuff you don't really need just because it's cheap. Though I suppose you can always sell the unwanted bits back on eBay!

The company is UK based, if you read all the page, the item is shipped from the USA.
Legaly as the purchase is made with a UK company, VAT must be included in the price unless stated otherwise in the Ad.
That is not to say that the company is all above board and once you have paid your money it could be difficult to sort any problems after the event.
Personally I would find the best UK internet deal and go to someone like Jessops and haggle with them. I did it when I bought my D100 and they matched the best price I found with a saving of £200 although that was when the camera was £1800 about 2 years ago

[falcemob]

This looks a better deal, go to the sale page
www.ajpurdy.co.uk
If you add a 70-300 zoom you still wouldn't be as dear as the ebay link. Do you realy need all the other bits of stuff?

>> Edited by falcemob on Tuesday 28th December 09:11

[simpo two]

falcemob said:

The company is UK based, if you read all the page, the item is shipped from the USA. Legaly as the purchase is made with a UK company, VAT must be included in the price unless stated otherwise in the Ad.

Australia, US - same difference: they're outside the EU. Legalities aside, if a box turns up at Customs from anywhere outside the EU, you are liable to get done for duty and VAT unless it's marked 'gift' etc and they decide nto to open it to check.