Second hand DSLR [Archive] - AstinaGT Forums

bourbon

22-07-2009, 01:41 PM

ok dudes & dudettes...

im looking at getting a DSLR. ive been offered a Nikon D40X with the standard 18mm-55mm lens & bag & 2gb card for $500.

im not a big fan of the Nikon (never owned or used one really).

but ive been looking at the Canon 350D/400D/450D or even the 500D...keeping an eye on some on ebay...i dont really wanna spend over the $500 mark...

i love my Canon powershot IS S3 and the ease of using a canon is why im leaning towards one.

what are your guys opinions on them.

want to do sport photography, cars/bikes (shows and racing [circuit & drags]), landscapes & funky city shots :p

kaz wants me to get into wedding photography cause theres lots of money in it but not too sure...

Rix

22-07-2009, 01:49 PM

I've used Canon's and i have found they have great quality and they are easy to used compared to Nikon.

70NYD

22-07-2009, 01:55 PM

i have to say completly oposite, iv used a nikon d60 and a d90 at my gfs sisters wedding just for fun and the clarity is amazing. truly captured the moments no matter how fast someone waved their hands.. and what really impressed me is the speed at which it took shots in succesion. just remember iphone vs nokia :p hehe
if anything use a mates nikon if u get a chance, that way u can compare it for your self ;)

bourbon

22-07-2009, 02:00 PM

well im borring my brothers nikon d40x atm to see if i like it and if i do ill be buyin it off of him...but atm i dont really know how to focus properly...so i like the auto focus thing on the canons where its in most lenses...but the nikon doesnt havnt it built in and the lenses that you buy are manual focus only :@

i wanna go out taking photos this weekend withit...

if i could id love to try out a canon dslr too...

lambs

22-07-2009, 02:02 PM

I have D90 and it's a great camera. We have also used Nikon at work for years (D1, D2, D200 plus others) although for film photography we used Olympus OM series (eg OM4Ti) as well as 120 and large format cameras (Sinar).

I looked at a 400D and it's probably a very good camera but the thing that put me off was that the camera body was far too light and 'plasticy'...same for the lenses, which were constructed almost like a kids toy. No offence to the Canon fans....just not my idea of a semi-professional camera

bourbon

22-07-2009, 02:05 PM

I looked at a 400D and it's probably a very good camera but the thing that put me off was that the camera body was far too light and 'plasticy'...same for the lenses, which were constructed almost like a kids toy. No offence to the Canon fans....just not my idea of a semi-professional camera

as far as i knew the 300d was all plastic but the 350d onwards were built with more metal ???

Noddinoff

22-07-2009, 02:28 PM

My brother in law swears by the Nikon.....he liked them so much he just ponied up $2800 to buy 2 more just last month for his business. Although he doesn't use them for action shots. I guess ultimately it comes down to personal prefference, and an understanding of their workings and budget of course. I personally favour Pentax.

lambs

22-07-2009, 02:38 PM

as far as i knew the 300d was all plastic but the 350d onwards were built with more metal ???

May well be the case, it was just a 'feeling' I had when I was handling it.

lambs

22-07-2009, 02:39 PM

I personally favour Pentax.

Good camera's. Still got my ME super in the cupboard somewhere.

bourbon

22-07-2009, 03:16 PM

just been told on another forum that the canon has a faster autofocus & would be better suited for sport shots & automotive stuff...

Rix

22-07-2009, 03:31 PM

Yep i agree with whoever told u that:)

schwinn

22-07-2009, 04:30 PM

I've got a Nikon d90 and autofocus with live view is absolute sh**. Of course I'm more of a view finder user (where focus is a lot faster, but I dunno how compared to Canon). Only ever use manual focus if I want a soft focus. I do love the video capture (not the mono sound though)

With the strict budget this should be a great starting point. Also not too much to spend in case you want to change systems and go to Canon.

IMHO Canon and Nikon is just similar to PS3 vs XBOX, both are great camera makers with great lenses.

project.r.racing

22-07-2009, 06:51 PM

We use Nikon D200s D300s D700s Fuji S5s (not in the $500 budget lol) and other random stuff. I like them but they do have difficult menus to navigate.

Canons I find have much easier stuff to use. The focus server is inside the lense (only a little faster) compared to Nikons, but honestly it means nothing. In the end, they do the same job.

I personally prefer Canon, but Nikon are awesome also.

Also you will need another lense too. As a 18-55mm f/3.5f-5.6 lense will not have the zoom or low appiture capability you may require for curcuit racing pics.

If you need some photography lessons and are willing to drive a little. Come up to the Sunny Coast and we'll go through some details.

These 2 pics were taken on a Canon 350D. Dunno how the colour will be on various members screens.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e189/deejayryry/rallyq2009028.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e189/deejayryry/sugarcanefields033.jpg

Rally car was traveling at 80kph. Good sharp focused shoot.

Sugar cane pic has had no colour correction. As is as the camera saved it.

bourbon

22-07-2009, 07:39 PM

yeah well im leaning towards the canon 400d...if i can get 450d i will...im trying to get a twin lens kit in the canon which comes with the 80-200mm lense as well im pretty sure...

and yes ryan i would love photography lessons :p i was thinking of doing a course after iget my self a nice camera...

project.r.racing

22-07-2009, 07:46 PM

are 400Ds still available? 2nd hand?

cannon regular twin lense kits normally are 18-55mm and 75-300mm. but the 300mm lenses in the kit have focusing issues above 200mm.

bourbon

22-07-2009, 07:50 PM

im keeping an eye on these :

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=320401513315
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=320401520031
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=180385196322
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=230358188835

PS. if anyone knows of anyone selling a DSLR like the canon please let me know!

chicaboo

22-07-2009, 07:57 PM

Bonbon: Nikon make great cameras too, but the D40 has a restriction on what lenses you can run. They use very expensive AF-S series lenses that cost more than double what a typical lens, due to having the focus motor inside the lens. The 18-55mm AF-S lens is great, but you will be wanting a higher spec lens before you know it...

Long time,
Gav.

bourbon

22-07-2009, 08:00 PM

yeah my main reason why leaning towards the canon...plus i like canon a bit more :p

chicaboo

22-07-2009, 08:10 PM

Before you become a f4n801 for a certain brand, it's wroth getting your hands on an example of both brands that you can afford, and see which one is more suitable for you or easier to use.

Gav.

Ghoru

22-07-2009, 08:34 PM

you should be able to rock up to harvey norman ect ect and give them a trial run instore, cant get 80kph instore but hey it might help

project.r.racing

22-07-2009, 09:26 PM

bourbon

22-07-2009, 09:35 PM

cheers bro :D

bourbon

07-09-2009, 11:00 AM

just thought id update yall'

so i bit the bullet, spent accouple of hundred more and getting a CANON 450D single lens kit...only got a single cause i didnt wanna pay anymore really...got it out of hongkong for $850...is still an aussie version but comes with overseas warranty...i still saved $600 so it doesnt worry me too much if its overseas warranty...all the lens' can be fixed over here by canon but the camera would have to go back...

Mad Mat

07-09-2009, 11:06 AM

yer same here. i would love a 450D or something around that area please ryan.. :D

bourbon

07-09-2009, 11:13 AM

ryan had someone who had a 350D kit i think for about $500...

the 400D has been discontinued now...but a 450D is still avaliable, let me know if you want i can give ya details on where from...

project.r.racing

07-09-2009, 11:16 AM

not planning on doing any motorports style photos anymore?

bourbon

07-09-2009, 11:21 AM

yeah possibly...how come?

project.r.racing

07-09-2009, 11:34 AM

yeah possibly...how come?depends on what lense you got to whether you'll be able to do it or not.

Mad Mat

07-09-2009, 11:34 AM

ryan had someone who had a 350D kit i think for about $500...

the 400D has been discontinued now...but a 450D is still avaliable, let me know if you want i can give ya details on where from...

yes please. :)

marcs_sp20

07-09-2009, 11:42 AM

what sort of lense would be best for motorsports?

Also ryan, im after a dslr too :D

Mad Mat

07-09-2009, 11:56 AM

lol can anyone say GB with me :D

bourbon

07-09-2009, 12:03 PM

well the place i got it from doesnt do group buys as they are pretty much the cheapest on the market in aus...you can get the jap version of mine which is called a kiss x2 but iwanted the aussie version...

the lens ive got with the camera is the 18-55mm...will look at a 75-300mm later i think...not on the top of my list atm...

Mad Mat

07-09-2009, 12:06 PM

cool mate. :) can u pm me the details please. :D

bourbon

07-09-2009, 02:39 PM

also ryan sometime soon ill organise for you to teach me to use the thing to the max...

RustyKaos

07-09-2009, 10:33 PM

Dont get the 75-300mm as it is a NON image stabilizing lens. Try the 70-200mm L series if you want high zoom or even the 17-85mm USM for a decent all rounder. Just be aware these lenses are not cheap but you will not regret it. Am getting the 50D with the 17-85mm USM in October (cheap deal from canon rep who is right into his motorsports photograhy). The 450D is a decent camera body but it really comes down to the lens especially if it is needed for quick photography.

Also if you want these lens I can prob get for you on the cheap if I buy it for you. Just to give you an idea tho the 17-85mm normally retails for $949.

bourbon

07-09-2009, 10:37 PM

i wont be spending anywhere near that much on a lens anytime soon...the bigger lens for me doesnt need to be image stabalizing...

ive been looking at the 75-300 cause i have found it for $200...

bourbon

10-09-2009, 03:08 PM

hey ryan...whats the ideal lens for sports photography??? not overpriced...ive been looking at the 70-300mm for around $220 with out IS...

if i get another lens atm it wont be over $400 definatly...i still gotta get a new bag, prob memory card & also wanna get a battery grip

project.r.racing

10-09-2009, 07:04 PM

1 x bag = $30
2 x 2gig cards = $22

dunno if you really need a battery grip. just get another spare battery. $15-$20 from ebay.

under $400 isn't gonna get you much for a good fast lense. will have a look at whats currently available on the market and get back to you.

bourbon

10-09-2009, 09:26 PM

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens (http://www.topbuy.com.au/tbcart/pc/Canon-EF-S-55-250mm-f4-5-6-IS-Telephoto-Zoom-Lens-419p6646.htm)

Canon EF 75-300mm F4-5.6 III USM Telephoto Zoom Lens (http://www.topbuy.com.au/tbcart/pc/Canon-EF-75-300mm-F4-5-6-III-USM-Telephoto-Zoom-Lens-419p6637.htm)

this is the same place i got my camera from, i dont no if these 2 would be worth it...

project.r.racing

10-09-2009, 10:28 PM

55-250 comes in the 450D/500D twin lens kitd

75-300 comes in the 350D/400D lense kits

i have the 75-300 lense and it is useless above 250mm. but saying that. i have taken some good pics with it. the minimum appiture (f5.6) above 200mm make photos very dark at high shutter speeds. but some clever photo techniques can over come this problem.

the 55-250mm lense is the update to the above lense. i haven't tried it but hear it is better.

bourbon

11-09-2009, 07:42 AM

ahh ok

bourbon

11-09-2009, 08:22 PM

something like this better ryan? http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Brand-New-Sigma-18-200mm-f-3-5-6-3-Lens-DC-OS_W0QQitemZ150371252316QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Came ras_Photographic_Accessories?hash=item2302d3385c&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

project.r.racing

12-09-2009, 06:41 AM

about the same, the only bomus is that it is a 18-200mm lense, so it allow you to shoot close and far away stuff without changing lenses.

bourbon

12-09-2009, 08:00 AM

let me know what lens you reckomend please...so i can have a look around...ive been finding it hard to find lenses that are higher than 5.6...but seen you normally just change the ISO

phildough

12-09-2009, 08:16 AM

My girlfriends got a Canon 350D with 18-70mm and 75-300mm lenses and its a really nice combination of lenses. I really like using her camera and could highly recommend it or any of the newer canon newer models.

RustyKaos

12-09-2009, 07:16 PM

Was taking photos at work today with the 5D mark II and a 70-400mm L series lens. Love the bigger lenses as you don't twist them to zoom you just pull them out so the zoom is really quick. Unfortunetly the lens and body weigh a lot. I think the lens retails for about $2700 and the 5D is just under $5000 I think. :D

bourbon

14-09-2009, 02:45 PM

someone has recommended a 70-200mm lens...but the price is alot more than id really want to spend...id have to be a really good boy to even get close to getting one...have found em for about $800-$900...

rusty you can get these lenses cheap???

RustyKaos

14-09-2009, 04:45 PM

At work now so will have a looksie.

OK had a look. 70-200mm is an L series lens so bit expensive. Just under $1200.
We do have a 28-135mm USM which is not as high a zoom but cheaper at under $800 but might be able to get cheaper as it is old stock.
Any reason for the high zoom? The best to look at with lenses is to find the mm you want roughly then get the one with the lowest Fstop.

Cheers Jarrod