witch DSLR to get a cheap one? [Archive]

Scottie

Dec 22nd, 2008, 10:14 AM

BradT

Dec 22nd, 2008, 10:17 AM

What is the maximum you are willing to spend?

longo

Dec 22nd, 2008, 10:18 AM

first, it's "which" not "witch"

Go with a D40.

Scottie

Dec 22nd, 2008, 10:27 AM

What is the maximum you are willing to spend?

Maybe $500

Kasakato

Dec 22nd, 2008, 10:29 AM

Maybe $500

D40 with 18-55, plus a SB400 if possible.

KorruptioN

Dec 22nd, 2008, 10:30 AM

first, it's "which" not "witch"

Go with a D40.

A200 is a better value. You get more for less.

Scottie

Dec 22nd, 2008, 10:36 AM

A200 is $|50 cheaper then the D40 where I can get them from blacks A200 is $399 and D40 is $449 should I stil go with the D40 how do these 2 campare I like how the D40 says its fast startup and taking pictures.

7jai

Dec 22nd, 2008, 10:46 AM

if you like old ladies, i would recommend d40.

if you like hot younger girls, i would recommend a200.

Scottie

Dec 22nd, 2008, 10:47 AM

if you like old ladies, i would recommend d40.

if you like hot younger girls, i would recommend a200.

I don't get it, so your saying the A200 takes better pictures?

7jai

Dec 22nd, 2008, 10:53 AM

I don't get it, so your saying the A200 takes better pictures?

No. I'm saying the D40 (6mp) is at least 2 years old. A200 (10mp) is less than a few months old.

Enjoy your choice :)

rdtx2002

Dec 22nd, 2008, 10:58 AM

No. I'm saying the D40 (6mp) is at least 2 years old. A200 (10mp) is less than a few months old.

Enjoy your choice :)

Megapixels hardly mean anything in the 'grand' scheme of things.

7jai

Dec 22nd, 2008, 11:24 AM

Megapixels hardly mean anything in the 'grand' scheme of things.

Oh I know. My main point was just the difference in age b/t the two cameras.

I just thought I would throw in the "megapixels" in there while I was at it :)

Scottie

Dec 22nd, 2008, 12:31 PM

anyone else have anything to add I think I Might be able to get a D40 for the same price as the A200 maybe maybe not but I think it is like $40 more then the A200.

twin

Dec 22nd, 2008, 12:48 PM

Why don't consider Canon XS with 2 lenses for $499 at Dell? A good upgrade from P&S for around $500.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=675518

itchy

Dec 22nd, 2008, 01:25 PM

I think the main question is, are you willing to spend a few more hundreds to upgrade your lens. That can easily run you into the thousands very quickly for just 2 or 3 lenses.

If you aren't planning to buy more lenses, I think you should buy a Canon G10 or a Panasonic DMC-LX3 or something along those lines.

I think you will be very disappointed with how limited you will be with your 18-55mm kit lens, in terms of how much zoom you are getting.

Only go into DSLR if you are gonna buy more lenses. Always invest in the lens, not the body as the lenses will far out last the body.

Kasakato

Dec 22nd, 2008, 01:30 PM

Also search the forums! We just discussed this...yesterday.

KorruptioN

Dec 22nd, 2008, 01:32 PM

No. I'm saying the D40 (6mp) is at least 2 years old. A200 (10mp) is less than a few months old.

Enjoy your choice :)

With the A200, you also get:

- Image stabilization for all lenses
- Full support for the complete Minolta lens lineup
- More sophisticated AF (more points, whether this matters to you is your call)
- More megapixels (that goes without saying)
- More external controls (ISO button for one)
- Larger screen
- Higher maximum ISO (3200 versus 1600... your call again if it matters)
- Did I mention it's cheaper?

(Kasakato hates me :lol:)

Kasakato

Dec 22nd, 2008, 01:36 PM

With the A200, you also get:

- Image stabilization for all lenses
- Full support for the complete Minolta lens lineup
- More sophisticated AF (more points, whether this matters to you is your call)
- More megapixels (that goes without saying)
- More external controls (ISO button for one)
- Larger screen
- Higher maximum ISO (3200 versus 1600... your call again if it matters)
- Did I mention it's cheaper?

(Kasakato hates me :lol:)

You know it! :lol: Too bad your flash and TTL system sucks. ;)

KorruptioN

Dec 22nd, 2008, 02:43 PM

You know it! :lol: Too bad your flash and TTL system sucks. ;)

Too bad the D40 has terrible metering :lol: (what I mean is, the metering in the D40 is all over the place)

Why does the Alpha flash system suck? All Alpha bodies support full wireless flash (not the same with Nikon, you don't get it at all with Canon unless you get the expensive ST-E2), and there's full TTL flash metering just like everybody else. There's full aftermarket support from brands like Sigma.

Have fun paying more for less!

7jai

Dec 22nd, 2008, 02:58 PM

if you like old ladies, i would recommend d40.

if you like hot younger girls, i would recommend a200.

Have fun paying more for less!

What Korruption means is; have fun liking your old ladies :lol:

Scottie

Dec 22nd, 2008, 04:34 PM

ok Apdate I think I\m getting the D40 I like the looks of it and its in stock close to me and its the same price as the A200, I want it for my GF for xmas day.

Scottie

Dec 22nd, 2008, 05:02 PM

I wish I would have oredered the dell deal about a week ago.

The D40 will be good for 8x10\s thats all we care about going to get it soon

Thanks for all your help guys !!

Scottie

Dec 22nd, 2008, 05:02 PM

one more ? before I go does the D40 auto fucas are do you have to turn the lens all the time?

Kasakato

Dec 22nd, 2008, 05:10 PM

one more ? before I go does the D40 auto fucas are do you have to turn the lens all the time?

Please try that again. :razz:
The D40 will AF will all AF-S lenses by Nikon, HSM lenses by Sigma, and BIM by Tamron.

Great choice on the D40. If you have any questions, Ill be more than willing to help.

KorruptioN

Dec 22nd, 2008, 07:19 PM

Great choice on the D40.

Cough

Scottie

Dec 22nd, 2008, 07:21 PM

I paid $388.88 for the D40 is that a good deal it was $445 with a 8 GB mem card he said the mem card was worth $50 so I said keep the card give it to me for $388.88 and he did.

Kasakato

Dec 22nd, 2008, 07:23 PM

I paid $388.88 for the D40 is that a good deal it was $445 with a 8 GB mem card he said the mem card was worth $50 so I said keep the card give it to me for $388.88 and he did.
$388 with the 18-55 is the best Iv heard of. The 8GB is not worth $50, but hey, it worked.

Cough

Getting sick there? Heres a tissue. :lol: +1 for me. :P

Scottie

Dec 22nd, 2008, 07:32 PM

Please try that again. :razz:
The D40 will AF will all AF-S lenses by Nikon, HSM lenses by Sigma, and BIM by Tamron.

Great choice on the D40. If you have any questions, Ill be more than willing to help.

thanks alot that would be great for the help I Hope I don't bug you to much hahaha I finally started using my Scene Mode and M on mu Cannon Powershot after owning it for about 2 years. I suck.

KorruptioN

Dec 22nd, 2008, 07:36 PM

Getting sick there? Heres a tissue. :lol: +1 for me. :P

What can I say? You're good at scamming people into thinking they're getting a good deal ;)

Kasakato

Dec 22nd, 2008, 07:40 PM

What can I say? You're good at scamming people into thinking they're getting a good deal ;)
Iv been thinking of doing sales at Blacks, maybe I can use you as a reference?

thanks alot that would be great for the help I Hope I don't bug you to much hahaha I finally started using my Scene Mode and M on mu Cannon Powershot after owning it for about 2 years. I suck.

Anything to protect you from KorN. :twisted: My advice would be to stick to M, A, or S mode on the D40. Learn what the different settings do to your pictures. Stay away from scene and auto; they dont teach you anything.

KorruptioN

Dec 22nd, 2008, 09:17 PM

Iv been thinking of doing sales at Blacks, maybe I can use you as a reference?

Blasphemy!

Kasakato

Dec 22nd, 2008, 09:19 PM

Blasphemy!

Ill take that as a no. :lol:

twin

Dec 23rd, 2008, 12:18 AM

With the A200, you also get:

- Image stabilization for all lenses
- Full support for the complete Minolta lens lineup
- More sophisticated AF (more points, whether this matters to you is your call)
- More megapixels (that goes without saying)
- More external controls (ISO button for one)
- Larger screen
- Higher maximum ISO (3200 versus 1600... your call again if it matters)
- Did I mention it's cheaper?

(Kasakato hates me :lol:)

Not those older manual focus Minolta MD lenses unless using an optical adapter. Only Nikon, Pentax and Contax manual focus lenses can be directly mounted onto their DSLRs without using any adapter.

Scottie

Dec 23rd, 2008, 10:28 AM

does anyone know if I have to charge the battery for 12 or 24 hours before I can use it or does it take AA\s?

Kasakato

Dec 23rd, 2008, 11:06 AM

does anyone know if I have to charge the battery for 12 or 24 hours before I can use it or does it take AA\s?

Its about a 1-1.5 hour charge. It does not use AA.

Scottie

Dec 23rd, 2008, 11:16 AM

Its about a 1-1.5 hour charge. It does not use AA.

ok thanks I was worried that I would get to use it for along time after we open it/.

Kasakato

Dec 23rd, 2008, 11:27 AM

ok thanks I was worried that I would get to use it for along time after we open it/.

It certifiably feels like forever.

Scottie

Dec 23rd, 2008, 04:01 PM

what is a good Mem card to use with it for fast picture taking? I see some say 150X or Class 6 Or high speed? I Want a cheap but fast one maybe 1 or 2 GB

Kasakato

Dec 23rd, 2008, 04:16 PM

what is a good Mem card to use with it for fast picture taking? I see some say 150X or Class 6 Or high speed? I Want a cheap but fast one maybe 1 or 2 GB

2GB is decent, and will fit ~280-400 RAW files. Anything class 4 or greater will work, the D40 does not shoot all that fast.

KorruptioN

Dec 23rd, 2008, 10:12 PM

Not those older manual focus Minolta MD lenses unless using an optical adapter.

Well, yeah. I should've said Maxxum/Dynax/Alpha mount. Some people have converted old MD lenses (like the 58/1.2) by changing out the mount and adding a ROM so the body can meter and compensate for the image stabilization.

magical

Dec 24th, 2008, 01:35 AM

rebel xsi?

Other than the fact that the iso speed can't be pushed past 1600 the XSi is a very capable camera as well and shouldn't be ignored. And is priced very low as well, being as its boxing day very soon, I'd recommend you look at this as well.

ea77

Dec 24th, 2008, 09:51 AM

Canon $499 deal is probably the best deal going on currently if you're just getting into an SLR system.

This is taking everything into account from high end point and shoots like the G10, LX3, and all the SLR bodies from Olympus, Nikon, Sony, Pentax.

I shoot with Nikon film SLR, have digital point and shoots from Fuji, Olympus, Sony, and Canon. I have no brand preference, just evaluative on value. (price and performance)

bpopd

Dec 24th, 2008, 04:41 PM

ok Apdate I think I\m getting the D40 I like the looks of it and its in stock close to me and its the same price as the A200, I want it for my GF for xmas day.

Smart choice, I would of gone for the .....'old lady' too. lol, 7jai you are horrible.

The D40 is an excellent choice, after all its about the pictures.

Scottie

Dec 24th, 2008, 05:52 PM

Should I shoot in JPG Fine or RAW or JPG Normal? I don't think I want to mess with RAW just yet.

Do you know the best Software to use to edit RAW files?

Scottie

Dec 24th, 2008, 05:53 PM

Smart choice, I would of gone for the .....'old lady' too. lol, 7jai you are horrible.

The D40 is an excellent choice, after all its about the pictures.

Old ladys are cool, lots of experince.

Kasakato

Dec 24th, 2008, 09:28 PM

Should I shoot in JPG Fine or RAW or JPG Normal? I don't think I want to mess with RAW just yet.

Do you know the best Software to use to edit RAW files?

Thats a question only you can answer. If your not going to be doing any post processing at all, JPEG fine is your best bet. If your going to post process, RAW is king. I would, and wish I had, shot RAW from the start. You never know when your going to backtrack and want to edit some pictures, but are somewhat limited with JPEGs. Take a look at Adobe Lightroom. Its the best all in one solution I have found. Sorting 1000s of pictures is easy, as well as editing, and exporting.

bpopd

Dec 24th, 2008, 10:16 PM

Should I shoot in JPG Fine or RAW or JPG Normal? I don't think I want to mess with RAW just yet.

Do you know the best Software to use to edit RAW files?

Well if you do want to shoot raw, and if you use PC, light room2 is good, but if you use mac, aperture 2 is excellent.

If you are shooting jpg, just fine tune your settings in camera =)
or if you shoot jpg, and you want to edit them, you can use Canon Digital Photo Professional, which is free to download, and very fast to use, unlike Capture NX2.

Fx45

Dec 25th, 2008, 12:28 AM

Kasakato

Dec 25th, 2008, 12:32 AM

After reading this still not sure what's the best "bang for buck" for sub $500. I'm looking for a DSLR, not aiming to take anything too professional, but neither my wife's Canon SD870 nor my Sony H1 can get good shots of my son now that he's mobile (he's 12 months old).

Need the ease of a P&S with the quickness of a SLR. The prices for the A200 and A300 look quite appealing, but having owned the H1 and the cost of memory sticks wondering if Nikon or Canon in the long term is the better deal...

Ease of a P&S? Realistically if your not willing to learn about photography, a high end P&S with the speed is your best bet. The A200 and 300 now use CF cards.

DSLRs are all about the system, the interaction between the camera, lens, flash, and user. IMO the best system is Nikon, specifically the D40.

Oni-kun

Dec 25th, 2008, 01:02 AM

If you wan't a cheap DSLR that can capture a todler running around then get a canon camera and pick up the 50mm f1.8. The lens is 100-130 dollars and at f1.8 the aperture allows you to shoot with a faster shutter speed in lower light conditions than you normally could.

KorruptioN

Dec 25th, 2008, 09:48 AM

After reading this still not sure what's the best "bang for buck" for sub $500. I'm looking for a DSLR, not aiming to take anything too professional, but neither my wife's Canon SD870 nor my Sony H1 can get good shots of my son now that he's mobile (he's 12 months old).

Need the ease of a P&S with the quickness of a SLR. The prices for the A200 and A300 look quite appealing, but having owned the H1 and the cost of memory sticks wondering if Nikon or Canon in the long term is the better deal...

Something like the A300 will let you use live-view with fast autofocus (that nobody else offers) so you don't miss out on any action.

bpopd

Dec 25th, 2008, 02:41 PM

After reading this still not sure what's the best "bang for buck" for sub $500. I'm looking for a DSLR, not aiming to take anything too professional, but neither my wife's Canon SD870 nor my Sony H1 can get good shots of my son now that he's mobile (he's 12 months old).

Need the ease of a P&S with the quickness of a SLR. The prices for the A200 and A300 look quite appealing, but having owned the H1 and the cost of memory sticks wondering if Nikon or Canon in the long term is the better deal...

the easiest way to freeze your fast child is to crank up your ISO, crank up your shutter speed, and set your camera's aperture to something like f/4, and manual focus him! Ontop of that, you can do this with any dslr, be it the cheapest, or the best. No need to buy something excessive.

Scottie

Dec 25th, 2008, 03:46 PM

would I Notice any speed difference between a Class 4 or Class 6 mem card?

bpopd

Dec 26th, 2008, 12:02 AM

would I Notice any speed difference between a Class 4 or Class 6 mem card?

Nope. Don't buy the class 6 mem card thinking that you'll need it in the future, cause in the future when/if the d40 breaks, you'll be upgrading to a better camera, and by that time, there will be a much faster CF card out.

All assuming that by then you'll be upgrading to a high frame rate camera.

Scottie

Dec 26th, 2008, 12:33 PM

I went into FS this morning to get a 4 GB card 9 MBS sec for $9.99 that was in the flyer for boxing day but they were all out so I grabbed a 8 GB same card for $17.99 it say 9 Mbs high speed Lexar. 8 GB is way more then I need but it was pretty cheap.

Scottie

Dec 26th, 2008, 12:34 PM

Can anyone recommend a good bag for my D40? I would like to have more room to maybe add another lense in the future.

Kasakato

Dec 26th, 2008, 12:38 PM

Can anyone recommend a good bag for my D40? I would like to have more room to maybe add another lense in the future.

Backpack or shoulder pack?

Look into the Fastback, Orion; or Million Dollar Home series.

nuropa

Dec 26th, 2008, 12:44 PM

Can anyone recommend a good bag for my D40? I would like to have more room to maybe add another lense in the future.

I got the Crumpler 5MDH knockoff from Blacks for $20, good inexpensive bag that doesn't look like a camera bag. It's not really rainproof though. I'm able to fit Canon XSI with 18-55 and 55-250 lens in the bag with a bit of room to spare. The real thing is about $80 normally. If you want bigger, go for 6mdh or 7mdh.

Oni-kun

Dec 26th, 2008, 12:52 PM

Lowepro Rezo 160 is on sale for 35 bucks at Henry's it'll hold the D40 with a lens attached and has space for another 2 short lenses.

Scottie

Dec 26th, 2008, 09:16 PM

I Saw D40 D60 A200 A300 I\m looking for a better cam then our point and shoot what one would you get out of these and why?

D40 sounds really good to me but I know nothing about them thanks for your help.

I was told today that the 8 GB mem card I bought 60x Lexar High Speed was to slow for my D40 and it would make the picture look ****** is that true? Seems to work fine for me so far?

KorruptioN

Dec 26th, 2008, 09:26 PM

I was told today that the 8 GB mem card I bought 60x Lexar High Speed was to slow for my D40 and it would make the picture look ****** is that true? Seems to work fine for me so far?

Who the heck told you that?

Kasakato

Dec 26th, 2008, 09:27 PM

I was told today that the 8 GB mem card I bought 60x Lexar High Speed was to slow for my D40 and it would make the picture look ****** is that true? Seems to work fine for me so far?

Who told you that? :lol:

60x is plenty. Card speed has no effect on picture quality. The only thing it will effect is read/write time. Either way, the same data is being written to the card.

elty

Dec 26th, 2008, 11:15 PM

KorruptioN

Dec 26th, 2008, 11:21 PM

I read multiple reviews and all claimed the A200/3XX does not have very good image quality compared to the XS. Is it true?

What reviews?

Scottie

Dec 27th, 2008, 08:55 AM

Who the heck told you that?

A lady that has a D80 and takes photos on the side one that my GF work with, I didn't think that one right either when she said it but I thought I'd check with you guys first.

she tried to tell me that the D40 would work better look better with a 1 GB card or 2 GB Card.

KorruptioN

Dec 27th, 2008, 10:21 AM

A lady that has a D80 and takes photos on the side one that my GF work with, I didn't think that one right either when she said it but I thought I'd check with you guys first.

she tried to tell me that the D40 would work better look better with a 1 GB card or 2 GB Card.

She has no idea what she's talking about. Stop listening to her.

Kasakato

Dec 27th, 2008, 11:21 AM

Scottie

Dec 30th, 2008, 03:54 PM

we have been using the D40 now for a few days now, any tips for us we have been keeping it on Auto so far but would like to try the different settings to later on, I'm a slow learner.

Narci

Dec 30th, 2008, 05:04 PM

we have been using the D40 now for a few days now, any tips for us we have been keeping it on Auto so far but would like to try the different settings to later on, I'm a slow learner.

I found this forum/post very helpful for beginners.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=414088

bluewaker

Dec 30th, 2008, 05:56 PM

Doesn't the D40 lack AF unless you get the special lenses?

KorruptioN

Dec 30th, 2008, 06:13 PM

Doesn't the D40 lack AF unless you get the special lenses?

Correct. You need AF-S or AF-I lenses specifically.

Kasakato

Dec 30th, 2008, 06:40 PM

Doesn't the D40 lack AF unless you get the special lenses?

I wouldn't classify AF-S lenses as "special", but they are necessary. They are becoming more mainstream as time goes on. AF-I lenses will also work, but the selection is very limited.

rf134a

Dec 30th, 2008, 08:16 PM

I read multiple reviews and all claimed the A200/3XX does not have very good image quality compared to the XS. Is it true?

I would like the XS more if it has a stupid remote sensor.

By the way, is there a SB-400 equivalent for a Canon?

If you look at the reviews with comparative pictures, my eyes tell me that the XS has better IQ. Heck, some reviews even say the XS has better IQ than the XSI due to the less pixel dense sensor.
http://www.anandtech.com/digitalcameras/showdoc.aspx?i=3434&p=7

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$42.50: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13891

mytmouse

Dec 31st, 2008, 02:13 AM

D40 with a 50mm 1.8
cheap way to go but you will get great pictures

Kasakato

Dec 31st, 2008, 02:16 AM

D40 with a 50mm 1.8 with a great photographer
cheap way to go but you will get great pictures

Fixed. ;)

Scottie

Dec 31st, 2008, 08:26 AM

I found this forum/post very helpful for beginners.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=414088

thank you.

ShinNoodles

Dec 31st, 2008, 10:30 AM

Can anyone recommend a good bag for my D40? I would like to have more room to maybe add another lense in the future.

Cambags.com (http://www.cambags.com/) lists a variety of camera bags in different styles. They have brief descriptions and show images of carrying capacity of each bag.

we have been using the D40 now for a few days now, any tips for us we have been keeping it on Auto so far but would like to try the different settings to later on, I'm a slow learner.

Learn many of the concepts and terminologies used in photography from DPReview's glossary (http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Glossary/).