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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Help choosing entry level DSLR
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 03/20/2009 11:52:27 AM · #1
I want to buy an used entry level DSLR, thought about a D60, but not sure about it. I'm a hobbyst, the target with this camera is to be able to take simple family portraits and also some preety wide angle and macro shots for DPC.
The lens that is packed on my camera (which is an advanced PS or a prosumer) goes is 35-420mm F2.8-3.7 (min apperture F11) which I'm used to use, and I'm frustated mainly with:
-apperture: I wish I have more on both ends, like from F1.4 (min apperture F22 or the like), to allow more shallow and deeper DOF respectively
-focal lenght: 18mm to 200mm maybe... I don't want to exchange lens all the time on the day to day use, and as a newbie, I think this kind of lens would serve me ok... I'd be ok although to exchange lens for specific shots, like macro or huge wide angle.
-less noise (my camera has lots of noise with low light or long exposures, which I know are normal, but judging by some photos on this site that were taken with DSLR cameras, I hope a DSLR has much less noise)
-more fine detail

My budget is very limited, and as a hobbyst I don't find the need to buy those wonderfull and expensive equipment. I'd be happy to start with a DSLR body + lens for less than $300 or so, but don't want a too old model if possible...

03/20/2009 11:57:10 AM · #2
Might check out this thread

There may be folks "ahead of you in the line" but it sounds close to what you are looking for. In a $300 total for body+lens, gently used is probably the way to go.
 03/20/2009 12:11:50 PM · #3
The title of the thread says in short, but I forgot to mention what are my questions...

The main purpose of this thread is to help me, with your knowledge about equipment, if a D60 would meet my targets and what would be the indicated lenses to buy, having in mind my limited budget...

Thanks!
 03/20/2009 01:02:12 PM · #4
Depends on what you want to shot, my favorite inexpensive lens is the 50mm 2.8, they are tack sharp and just slightly over $100 but if you want more of a zoom type lens then try to search the forums for lenses in the focal range you feel you would like and you will see all sorts of lenses people like.
 03/20/2009 01:44:30 PM · #5
I want to buy the camera body together with a lens for general use, like shooting family portraits, landscape, etc... I want to know if there is a lens for DSLR that can afford near the same results on general day to day pictures that I actually get with my Panasonic camera (even if I will have not so good quality).

Also, if not so expensive, I'd like to buy any additional lens for macro and then another one for wide angle.

I need help from the people on this forum to define what equipment I need to buy to accomplish my target, with low budget.
 03/20/2009 02:14:53 PM · #6
Originally posted by marcusvdt:

I need help from the people on this forum to define what equipment I need to buy to accomplish my target, with low budget.


Go hit ebay. 300 bucks for a body plus an 18-200 lens plus (maybe) a macro lens is unrealistic, but maybe you will find something there.
 03/20/2009 02:59:36 PM · #7
violinist123, Thanks for the response, but is this the lens that I need to go for, according to the target use which I have mentioned?
Technical advices are welcome, please.

If $300 is impossible, I will need to look for more money then...
03/20/2009 03:07:38 PM · #8
I've seen the Tamron 18-200 for $175-200 on craigslist from time to time. It's not great quality-wise, but does give you the versatility. You can get a macro lens without seeting you back too much. Wide angle lenses, however (wider than 17 or 18mm) tend to be more expensive ($500-800), at least for Canons. I'm not familiar with Nikon lenses, but I'm guessing that you'd be looking at about the same price for the Nikon equivalent.
 03/20/2009 03:32:43 PM · #9
If you get one of the current Pentax bodies with build in image stabilization, you won't need as fast of glass. Just a thought.

Tim
 03/20/2009 04:52:39 PM · #10
As an entry level camera I have heard nothing but good things about the Sony a200 not sure what that retails at over there but last time I looked here it was around £225 which is about $320 I think? comes with a 18-55 18-70 kit lens as I recall (don't quote me it was a while ago and was in a magazine comparison, it faired very well and was the cheapest in the range I do remember that as I recommended it to my dad - who bought a flipping compact anyway :P)

The good thing is it wont lose that much money I wouldn't think and at a price that is damn good value for money.

Message edited by author 2009-03-20 16:54:06.
 03/20/2009 07:20:06 PM · #11
Hey Marcus-- I'm not a gear head but based on you budget--you will probably need to be patient and wait for a good deal to come along. If you were able to up your budget to 500-600 then I think you could purchase a relatively new set up(camera and lens). I only know Canon but i'm sure other camera makers have equal products for the money. Canon does have a LARGE group of lenses that are compatible with their bodies. Maybe look for one of the Rebel bodies which is a year or two old. Find someone who is upgrading. And you can't go wrong with the canon 50/1.8 for about $90. The 50mm works fine for general purpose, not so great for landscapes(wide angle) and you won't be shooting wild life with it... But it is a great little lens and cheap. Nikon makes a similar lens as well.

Bottom line--see if you can increase your budget a little before you purchase. Although the Sony Mark-A referenced below sounds like a nice set up, and it is near your budget.
 03/20/2009 07:30:09 PM · #12
Nikon D70 with the sigma 17-70 DG Macro is a great place to start looking, you may even get a D70s now too. Failing that, try for a D50 with that sigma lens, it is fast sharp and can do wide portrait and macro in one. For a hobbyist that will be a fantastic start for you. I've owned all the gear I suggested.
 03/20/2009 07:53:19 PM · #13
Here's a Sony A-100 on ebay with 2 days to go...Or a Pentax K100D kit here.

Message edited by author 2009-03-20 20:00:58.
 03/20/2009 08:42:25 PM · #14
Realistically, your budget is too small if you're set on your lens choice.
 03/20/2009 10:59:59 PM · #15
I'd happily recomend an Olymus from personal experience, you get masses of kit for your money.
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