Purchasing SLR on eBay

[Godfuader]

Its time to upgrade from P+S and into the world of SLR to get a bit more creative. I was looking for something durable as I do tend to do alot of photography (6,250 shots from Feb. 06:eek: )
The bulk of my photography are landscapes so would need equipment that caters to wide angle lenses and basic filters. Found this D40 kit on ebay that seems to have virtually everything except a hood and spare battery.
D40 on eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D40-Digital-SLR-Camera-4-Pro-Lens-4GB-22pc-Kit_W0QQitemZ140231344721QQihZ004QQcategoryZ150130QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1713.m153.l1262)

Am I missing something here? Good price? Any other recommendations for a first SLR with lots of potential?

TIA :thumbsup:

[C4S]

D40 is good to start .. however, you can't use older Nikon lens ( if that is a problem for you .. )

I will suggest D80, if you are into Nikon, or even a used D200, they are at bargin price now! ( you can even use older manual Nikon lens! )

:)

6,000 pic in a month?? that is a lots!!

The kit you are looking ar ebay, are basically just with 2 lens, which 18-55 and 55-200 are good lens ..

[C4S]

Oh sorry .. that 55-200mm .. is NOT the VR version ..

You may try to look at some local store, such as costco, they usually have some good deals on D40 + gears special.

6MP is actually not bad.

Those tele / wide adoptors .. are more or less useless .. and I am pretty sure those filters are not multi coated ..

I dont see anything from that "package" is good .. beside the camera bag and 4G SD card .. however, it seems like a good deal!

Actually, you may also consider for Oylmpus 410/420 kit for about the same price as this D40 package, better camera and lens for sure, unless you have some Nikon gears, and plan to have more Nikon gears in the future. :)

[Ferio_vti]

^^
http://www.thecamerastore.com/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=31794


Do you have a brand preference?? Black's always has really good deals, saving over $100-200 on kits ever week like this:

http://blackphotostore.com/english/proddetail.asp?sku=3370


http://blackphotostore.com/english/proddetail.asp?sku=5159


Those accessories on that ebay auction look kinda crappy anyways.

[Brendan_4g63]

That kit looks ok.
Id check out an Olympus E-510 + 2 lens kits.

http://vistek.ca/store/DigitalSLRs/234243/olympus-evolt-e510-dual-kit-1442mm-ed-40150mm-lenses.aspx

http://www.olympuscanada.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1295

IS is built into the body, not the lens like Nikon forcing you to spend more on lenses to get the IS.

I love my Olympus E-3!

[Godfuader]

Originally posted by C4S
...6,000 pic in a month?? that is a lots!!

The kit you are looking ar ebay, are basically just with 2 lens, which 18-55 and 55-200 are good lens ..

Oh sorry .. that 55-200mm .. is NOT the VR version ..

6000 pics since Feb 06, so more like 200/mth.

The main things I need from the kit are the body, 200mm lens and the carrying case really.

VR version?

[Godfuader]

Originally posted by Ferio_vti
^^
http://www.thecamerastore.com/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=31794


Do you have a brand preference?? Black's always has really good deals, saving over $100-200 on kits ever week like this:

http://blackphotostore.com/english/proddetail.asp?sku=3370


http://blackphotostore.com/english/proddetail.asp?sku=5159


Those accessories on that ebay auction look kinda crappy anyways.



Originally posted by Brendan_4g63
That kit looks ok.
Id check out an Olympus E-510 + 2 lens kits.

http://vistek.ca/store/DigitalSLRs/234243/olympus-evolt-e510-dual-kit-1442mm-ed-40150mm-lenses.aspx

http://www.olympuscanada.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1295

IS is built into the body, not the lens like Nikon forcing you to spend more on lenses to get the IS.

I love my Olympus E-3!

I knew about blacks...but figured they were a bit on the pricy side. Will keep an eye out for their specials.

I am, by no means, brand exclusive. Duely pardon my ignorance, but I figured that Canon/Nikon were like the Toyota/Honda and the other guys like Pentax, Olympus were like the Hyundai/Kia. The Olympus seems like a good deal. Is it relatively easily finding lenses and accessories for them?

I would prefer at least a starter kit (body + 200mm lens) just to get started for now...and then build up accessories over time. Any brand will do. Lets say in the $600-$1000 ballpark.

[ZorroAMG]

Originally posted by Godfuader

I figured that Canon/Nikon were like the Toyota/Honda and the other guys like Pentax, Olympus were like the Hyundai/Kia.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

You mean Canon/Nikon = MB/BMW and Pentax/Olympus = Toyota/Honda

[Melinda]

^^ :rofl: I love how canon falls into the MB side. Haha only assholes drive BMW's :D (I kid, I kid!)

[Godfuader]

Originally posted by ZorroAMG


:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

You mean Canon/Nikon = MB/BMW and Pentax/Olympus = Toyota/Honda

:rofl: Alright then...with that gauge in mind...im looking for a Lexus.

[Brendan_4g63]

I love Olympus, had a canon, everything was way too expensive.
Ive bought lots of gear locally, 99% of the time its in stock.
For Amerature its a really good start.


Originally posted by Godfuader

6000 pics since Feb 06, so more like 200/mth.

The main things I need from the kit are the body, 200mm lens and the carrying case really.

VR version?

VR= IS
Vibration reduction or Image Stabilization
Pentax, Canon & Nikon = on the lens
Olympus, Sony, Panasonic = in the body of the camera

Helps in low light shooting/ indoor, you can have a longer shutter without the blur from your hand being not steady.
Which means you need a flash, or tripod, or higher ISO less of the time

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Originally posted by Godfuader


:rofl: Alright then...with that gauge in mind...im looking for a Lexus.

Haha, nice. No idea what a Lexus would be in camera terms. Holga? ;)

But seriously, forget Olympus and Panasonic because Four Thirds has only one advantage - hideously expensive f/2 zooms. IMO, stick to Canon/Nikon/Pentax.

The D40 is very inexpensive, grab an 18-55VR and 55-200VR and go nuts. For a capable camera and two very good consumer-grade lenses, you can buy that all locally for $865 before tax.

[Brendan_4g63]

Originally posted by BerserkerCatSplat


But seriously, forget Olympus and Panasonic because Four Thirds has only one advantage - hideously expensive f/2 zooms. IMO, stick to Canon/Nikon/Pentax.


Ya, but is an amature going to buy f2 lenses?
If you dont plan on making a carrier out of it, olympus is way cheaper in the long run.

[seer_claw]

Originally posted by Brendan_4g63


Ya, but is an amature going to buy f2 lenses?
If you dont plan on making a carrier out of it, olympus is way cheaper in the long run.

Thats the thing, in the long run its not as cheap. As an amateur you are not going to buy good lenses but as you improve you will want to upgrade your lenses. Therefore in the long run the 4/3's system is much more expensive. I'm not a pro but I still like the advantages that an f2 lens gives when shooting in low light.

[Godfuader]

Originally posted by Brendan_4g63
VR= IS
Vibration reduction or Image Stabilization
Pentax, Canon & Nikon = on the lens
Olympus, Sony, Panasonic = in the body of the camera

Thanks for clarifying :thumbsup:


Originally posted by BerserkerCatSplat

The D40 is very inexpensive, grab an 18-55VR and 55-200VR and go nuts. For a capable camera and two very good consumer-grade lenses, you can buy that all locally for $865 before tax.
So looking at Blacks:
http://blackphotostore.com/english/proddetail.asp?sku=4040
+
http://blackphotostore.com/english/proddetail.asp?sku=6042
= similar lenses to the original link (no VR) for $688?
Is this worth it vs the ebay one...or do I hold out for the VR lenses?

[Godfuader]

Originally posted by Brendan_4g63


Ya, but is an amature going to buy f2 lenses?
If you dont plan on making a carrier out of it, olympus is way cheaper in the long run.
Well not really looking to make a career out of if, but to give a little bit more of a background. A few people have told me that I should pursue free-lance landscape photography (very much on the side) and I have been a firm believer in that, any good picture is 90% vision and 10% equipment, so upto this point I have been using a cheap 4mp Casio P&S . In order get a little bit more creative, I figure an equipment upgrade is long overdue. Again, I plan on this upgrade for personal recreation purposes...with a very very slight possibility of going free-lance. Based on this I figure a Nikon D40 is very straight forward with lots of potential. All this being said...now what would you guys recommend?

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Originally posted by Godfuader


So looking at Blacks:
http://blackphotostore.com/english/proddetail.asp?sku=4040
+
http://blackphotostore.com/english/proddetail.asp?sku=6042
= similar lenses to the original link (no VR) for $688?
Is this worth it vs the ebay one...or do I hold out for the VR lenses?

First off, stay away from the Sigma 55-200, it's garbage. It also won't autofocus on the D40. Secondly, Blacks is terrible and I refuse to recommend them, because their prices are always terrible and their service is shit. If you're going to buy locally, buy from The Camera Store.

http://www.thecamerastore.com/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=32297

D40+18-55, cheaper than Blacks.

Now, I recommended the 18-55VR and 55-200VR because they are very good lenses. If you want to save money, get the D40+18-55 kit as VR isn't as important at short focal lengths. The 55-200VR, well, you're just not going to do better for the money. A sharp telephoto with VR for $260 is a bargain.


As for Four-Thirds, the problem is that they use a smaller sensor than everybody else. This means you cannot use the selective focus effects as well as you can with cameras with larger sensors. Since the sensor is tiny, so is the viewfinder, making judging focus more difficult. The small sensor means higher pixel density, which leads to noticeably higher noise levels in the higher ISO's. And, to top it off, Four-Thirds cameras have reduced dynamic range compared to other cameras.

[frozenrice]

Another online option is bhphotovideo (http://www.bhphotovideo.com)

I bought a few things from them and they've been excellent to deal with so far. Even with exchange rates (near par to US dollar), shipping and duties/brokerage fees, I still came out ahead. They also take paypal if you like the convenience of using it.

This was my most recent purchase from them :

http://www.multifoto.pl/photo/clslr4.jpg

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by BerserkerCatSplat


First off, stay away from the Sigma 55-200, it's garbage. It also won't autofocus on the D40. Secondly, Blacks is terrible and I refuse to recommend them, because their prices are always terrible and their service is shit. If you're going to buy locally, buy from The Camera Store.

http://www.thecamerastore.com/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=32297



X2, I dispise Blacks (the store, LOL)

[Godfuader]

Alright, so after having the long weekend to research online and in the stores I am deciding to go with:
D60
18-55mm VR
55-200mm VR

As well, I also decided to buy locally versus eBay, primarily because I dont want to wait a month between shipping it to the US and then up to me. I need recommendations for shops locally that I could pick it up from. Was thinking about seeing who had the best price, and taking that to the most expensive place for a price match.

Against prior recommendations, I went into Blacks, sorry. Gotta say that the salesman was A+. He took out all the cameras and lenses, let me play with them as long as I wanted, did not push anything on me, recommended that I research online as well and bring him the best price in town, told me not to buy impulsively, rather think about it for a couple days...overall positive experience.

Basically, where would you guys recommend I finally buy it from?

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Originally posted by Godfuader


Basically, where would you guys recommend I finally buy it from?

The Camera Store.

www.thecamerastore.com


D60+18-55VR $727
http://www.thecamerastore.com/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=33108

55-200VR, $263
http://www.thecamerastore.com/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=32466

[Godfuader]

Just out of curiosity. Why does everyone have such a vendetta against Blacks? I have asked a few people and Blacks tend to get overall negative reviews. Asides from expensive price, which actually works out in price match benefit, what really are the main reasons? They have the 60 day price match, 15 day return policy, 1 hr one-on-one, plus 50 free prints. On paper all these factors seem to be great, but if there are real reasons why I should steer clear of blacks, then I would rather support another company.

[GQBalla]

i thought it was cause they are overpriced ^^ but with the price match i dont think it will matter

[seer_claw]

Originally posted by Godfuader
Just out of curiosity. Why does everyone have such a vendetta against Blacks? I have asked a few people and Blacks tend to get overall negative reviews. Asides from expensive price, which actually works out in price match benefit, what really are the main reasons? They have the 60 day price match, 15 day return policy, 1 hr one-on-one, plus 50 free prints. On paper all these factors seem to be great, but if there are real reasons why I should steer clear of blacks, then I would rather support another company.

The camera store offers a course on how to use your camera and the basics of all the features. It is on a Saturday and is quite intensive. They also offer 10 free prints a month for the first year you own the camera. They are readily willing to help you out with problems with your camera if you go in and talk to them. I've never liked the sales people at Blacks, I usually end up with the slimy salesman who always reminds me of a used car salesman. I personally enjoy talking to the people at the camera store as they seem to want to inform you of your choices not just to sell you anything.

[Godfuader]

FYI: Blacks has a sale on now

NIKON D60
AF-S DX 18-55 VR LENS
NIKON AF-S DX 55-200 F4-5.6 VR LENS
COREMICRO 4GB SD W. USB READER

$950 till June 1 (http://blackphotostore.com/english/proddetail.asp?sku=4066)

Gonna take this in to The Camera Store and see if they can price match it this weekend.

[zarge]

i'll have to agree no olympus.. the menu system is disgusting on my moms evolt.. lens selection blows:barf:

[Go4Long]

sorry if this derails it a bit, but what does the D60 do that the D40 doesn't(or is it just more megapixels primarily), both shoot in RAW?

I've only ever owned rebels, and keep selling them, but for the price on the D40/D60 it almost seems worth it to make the jump...

[Kloubek]

I totally thought this thread was about purchasing a MB Mclaren SLR... lol

[Godfuader]

Originally posted by Go4Long
sorry if this derails it a bit, but what does the D60 do that the D40 doesn't(or is it just more megapixels primarily), both shoot in RAW?

According to Ken Rockwell, there is no significant difference. D60 is the same body with newer internals, 4MP more, Active Dynamic Range & sensor cleaning. He recommends getting the D40x vs the D60.
I guess its the G35 vs 350Z question...maybe the experts can elaborate. :dunno:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d60.htm

[Godfuader]

Originally posted by Kloubek
I totally thought this thread was about purchasing a MB Mclaren SLR... lol
I thought of that after posting the thread...should have been "DSLR". :D

[shirshamshir]

hah first time i saw this, thought u ment MB slr
i thought damn

[Go4Long]

so torn between something like a D40 and a rebel XTi again...not much of a price difference...

[Eleanor]

damn, tricked in thinking MB and I got assailed by photo-nerd talk :poosie: JK, JK i'm just jealous cause i can't take pics to save my life :cry:

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by Godfuader


According to Ken Rockwell, there is no significant difference. D60 is the same body with newer internals, 4MP more, Active Dynamic Range & sensor cleaning. He recommends getting the D40x vs the D60.
I guess its the G35 vs 350Z question...maybe the experts can elaborate. :dunno:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d60.htm

Thats about it. It also rotates the menu when you hold the camera in portrait orientation as well. I originally thought it was more of a gimmick, but I really find the sensor cleaning useful and have come to appreciate it.

The D60 and the 18-55, 55-200 is an unbeatable little kit for the price, nice and compact too. The D80 is a lot more camera if you can swing the extra couple hundred $ (although it is due for replacement). The main reasons I think it is worth the bit extra are the top LCD, ability to use non-AF-S lenses, 11 focus points, and more hard buttons. I don't like digging through menus to change settings. Much of that is personal preference though.

Canon's new Rebel XSI seems like a winner as well, although it is no longer really an extreme entry level camera and priced more like the D80 rather than the D40/60.

[Go4Long]

sorry to keep asking questions, but what does the XSi get over the XTi...other than the megapixel jump...would XTi vs D60 be a closer comparison? I can't swing the funds for a D80, that's for sure...

[Mitsu3000gt]

Compared to the XTI the XSI gets spot metering (long overdue), Live view, 3.5 fps shooting, takes SD instead of CF cards, a nice12 MP sensor, highlight tone priority, better AF system, bigger LCD and a better viewfinder. You still need to raise the flash for AF assist, which is fairly lame IMO. They made it more like the 40D and less like an extreme entry level camera like the XT/XTI were. The XSI is priced around what a D80 is. The XTI is a better comparison the the D60. I'd take the D60 over the XTI, but from what I read I'd take the new XSI over a D60 if I was a Canon fan.

You'll love the D60 & 18-55vr + 55-200vr combo if your looking for the best bang for your buck. I don't think you can do better than that.

[Go4Long]

thanks man:thumbsup:

[Godfuader]

Update:

Picked up the D60 body and the 55-200mm VR lens on Saturday. I had a 18-55mm lens lying around, so I didn't need to get a kit. Ended up spending alll day yesterday shooting to play around with it. Have taken 344 shot in the last 24hrs...and absolutely love the cam. Ended up going via the Camera Store. Dealt with Nathan. Seemed knowledgeable and helpful.

Thanks everyone. :thumbsup:

Stay tuned for the next thread: Help me with tips and tricks on the D60

[Godfuader]

FYI:

D60 deal at Bestbuy (http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?langid=EN&logon=&sku_id=BDL10001489&CMP=ILC-BBY_hmpage_slide1)
Nikon D60 Digital SLR Camera
18-55mm VR Lens
55-200mm Digital Zoom VR Lens for $899.98 (vs. $1,069)

[New2Talon]

Sorry to jack, but what did you end up paying for your d60?

I am seriously considering that BB deal...Any input from the "pro's" on the d60 BB bundle?

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by New2Talon
Sorry to jack, but what did you end up paying for your d60?

I am seriously considering that BB deal...Any input from the "pro's" on the d60 BB bundle?

It's $90 cheaper than The Camera Store. I'd give TCS a call and see if they would match the price, if not, and you're in the market, I'd buy the place that is $90 cheaper for something of this value (TCS will treat you better if you have a problem, though). If you go to bestbuy, make sure you confirm that both lenses are indeed the VR variants. Their return policies are similar. I personally wouldn't buy their extended warranties. My brother used to work there, and the consensus among the employees and also my personal opinion is that their extended warranties weren't worth it at all ($150 for 3 years, $190 for 4). That's almost 25% of the cost. Nikon has a 2 yr warranty on the camera, and probably 4 years on the lens - thats pretty good.

[New2Talon]

Well I was going to try and get PM from FS, only because I have ~$300 worth of GC for there.

The 18-55VR is the d60 kit lens and AFAIK it is all boxed together.

I was going to put the remainder of the purchase on my mastercard, because it doubles warranty (up to 2 years), so I should have 4/6 years on the body/lense then. By doing it this way, I wouldn't actually need to deal with FS/TCS/BB etc, and deal directly with Nikon, so the way TCS treats me if I have a problem will be N/A.

If I can't get PM from FS on this, then I will most likely check out TCS before BB though.

[Mitsu3000gt]

TCS just facilitates the process of you getting your stuff repaired by Nikon should something have a problem - you simply give them the defective product and they take care of it for you. That's all I was getting at there, not a huge deal.

Sounds like you're headed in the right direction and if you have $300 at F/S to use up, by all means that is what I would do too if they carry it. Good luck :thumbsup:

[megavolt]

Originally posted by New2Talon
Well I was going to try and get PM from FS, only because I have ~$300 worth of GC for there. I was going to put the remainder of the purchase on my mastercard, because it doubles warranty (up to 2 years), so I should have 4/6 years on the body/lense then.

Actually I believe that it has to be the FULL purchase price on the CC in order for the extended warranty to kick in.

[New2Talon]

Yea it does. I called after I bought it, just to double check (wasn't thinking at first). Just ended up returning it and rebuying it again from FS.

w/e, it's still a great camera. i'm happy with the purchase so i guess thats all thats importaint.

[megavolt]

Okay good... just didn't want you to get stuck thinking you had a warranty and finding out 3 years down the road that you don't.

[Godfuader]

Did you end up getting the 55-200 VR as well?

[New2Talon]

Haha yea thats what I was thinking, and thats why I double checked.

And yes, I did pick the 55-200VR up aswell.