DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register) 
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> $2000
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 25 of 23, (reverse)
AuthorThread
 09/12/2006 06:07:52 PM · #1
If you had $2000 and a simple P&S. How would you spend your money upgrading to an SLR? The new Pentax K10D, Cannon 400D, another body? What lenses? All that jazz.

I won't have the money for a couple of months, but I want research.
 09/12/2006 06:10:04 PM · #2
you give me the $, i go out and buy the cam, try it out for a few months to make sure its ok for you, and then hand it over after i've won five ribbons with it.

=P

Message edited by author 2006-09-12 18:10:22.
 09/12/2006 06:10:50 PM · #3
I am really lovin' my new D80 NIKON NIKON NIKON.

1299.00 with the 18-135
 09/12/2006 06:13:23 PM · #4
And I'm trying to find a sucker that works at a desk really close to mine to loan me a SLR to see if it would even be worth it for me to upgrade my camera. If I still shoot OOF with that, I'll save my $$
 09/12/2006 06:14:35 PM · #5
Originally posted by cryingdragon:
And I'm trying to find a sucker that works at a desk really close to mine to loan me a SLR to see if it would even be worth it for me to upgrade my camera. If I still shoot OOF with that, I'll save my $$


LOL

Go rent one. If you have a store in your area that does rentals you could find out that way!

LMAO
 09/12/2006 06:15:51 PM · #6
Canon 30D with kit, Canon 50 1.8, Tamron 28-75 and Sigma 70-300 APO would be my choice.
 09/12/2006 06:17:16 PM · #7
Gotta show some Canon love up in herr.

THIS PACKAGE IS AWESOME AND YOU CAN AFFORD IT

EOS 30D + LENSES AND TONS EXTRAS

Ebay Link
 09/12/2006 06:25:16 PM · #8
Originally posted by jfriesen:
Gotta show some Canon love up in herr.

THIS PACKAGE IS AWESOME AND YOU CAN AFFORD IT

EOS 30D + LENSES AND TONS EXTRAS

Ebay Link

that is a really good deal

09/12/2006 06:31:46 PM · #9
Originally posted by jfriesen:
Gotta show some Canon love up in herr.

THIS PACKAGE IS AWESOME AND YOU CAN AFFORD IT

EOS 30D + LENSES AND TONS EXTRAS

Ebay Link


With that glass on that body (any body really...), you won't be psyched about SLR's.
 09/12/2006 06:48:03 PM · #10
Originally posted by cryingdragon:
And I'm trying to find a sucker that works at a desk really close to mine to loan me a SLR to see if it would even be worth it for me to upgrade my camera. If I still shoot OOF with that, I'll save my $$


I'm not at a nearby desk, but just across the base. What are you doing about 4 pm tomorrow?
 09/12/2006 06:54:02 PM · #11
Mike - Sent you a PM
 09/12/2006 06:54:02 PM · #12
Originally posted by kawesttex:
Originally posted by cryingdragon:
And I'm trying to find a sucker that works at a desk really close to mine to loan me a SLR to see if it would even be worth it for me to upgrade my camera. If I still shoot OOF with that, I'll save my $$


I'm not at a nearby desk, but just across the base. What are you doing about 4 pm tomorrow?

Leaving work early......
 09/12/2006 07:15:45 PM · #13
What can you buy for $2000...lots of options, as many opinions are there are people on the.

Better ask your self some questions first.
Any friends have dSLRs you might borrow gear from? If so, lean toward that brand.
Any notions of going pro later on? If so, lean toward canon or nikon.
Will you buy any used stuff, like lenses and that, or are you a new-only person? Lots of used stuff for Canon out there and generally for a bit less money than the other brands.
Are you into something specific? Sports, macro, architecture? Make sure the system you are looking at supports your interests well, be that FPS< many macro lenses, tilt-shift lenses, etc.

if you don't plan to go pro or buy really good glass, look at the new Sony - lots and features in there that for an amateur/hobbyist would be nice to have. I mention the glass issue as their good glass (70-200 2.8, etc) are very bloody expensive, beyond what a more expensive nikon or canon body and their version of the lenses would cost.

As to my personal recomendation..I went canon, so of course I think that's the best choice. A used 20D can be had for $800, and the new 400D probably rocks if you want new. Lens wise, there are a couple of options - get one and then buy what you need/want/lack - so get a 50 1.8 and if you want more tele, get that next. if you need wider, get that next, etc. You don't buy twice.

On the issue of buying twice - if you buy good to start with you'll always have good sharp images and no regrets. Buy a cheap lens now, and eventualy get a good one and you'll have lots of pics you wish you cold take again.

Skip the kit lens - you have some money to spend so start there. Sigma 18-50 2.8, tamron 17-50 2.8 or the new tokina 16-50 2.8. All much better than the kit lens, and a better fit focal length wise on a 1.6 crop camera than a 28-75 2.8 would be.
Ok, that was a no-brainer. Now we need brains...

Love macro? Any of the 90 to 105 range 2.8 prime macro lenses.
Love sports? Then the sigma 50-150 2.8 (new lens) can be had for $750 ish, or the 70-200 2.8 for $850ish. Canon's 70-200 F4 is very sharp and light, but a stop slower and $600.
Want some tele but on a budget, then the sigma 70-300 4-5.6 APO lens for $180ish is not bad at all. sharp all the way to 300.
Wider? Tokins 12-24 F4 is excellent, and i hear good things about the sigma 10-20 as well.
It's hard to get one lens to do everything, but the tamron 24-135 3.5-5.6 SP lens is also excellent. Not a 2.8 lens, but a great walk around and works like a macro lens too.
 09/13/2006 01:48:20 PM · #14
gratuitous bump for more ideas.

And I found someone to loan me a D70 starting tomorrow.

Message edited by author 2006-09-13 13:48:52.
 09/13/2006 02:05:05 PM · #15
going to second the d80... a lot of camera for the $ with a bit of room left in the cash to buy some necessities (bag, memory, tripod, flash)
 09/13/2006 02:06:46 PM · #16
I highly recommend you go to a camera store and try a few brands out. Find the one that feels good to hold and all the buttons are easy to reach. The better the fit, the more you will use it. As for Pentax gear, you might want to consider the new K100D instead of the K10D (walk before you run). This camera is proving to be a good performer and the money you save can be used to buy some of the great Pentax glass. Plus, any glass you do buy will work on future bodies, as Pentax has a history of lens transferability.

For more details on the K100D and K10D, I recommend you do some reading at the following forum.

Pentax Forum

Tim
 09/13/2006 02:15:47 PM · #17
Originally posted by cryingdragon:
gratuitous bump for more ideas.

And I found someone to loan me a D70 starting tomorrow.


Very Cool! Great camera! Have fun man and if you need some help PM me!
 09/13/2006 03:17:26 PM · #18
If you are thinking of going canon then I could sell you my 10d for a pretty good price. Then you could spend more on glass which is more important. The 10d is older but is still a great camera.
 09/13/2006 04:15:58 PM · #19
I would go for:

Nikon D80: $1000
Nikon 18-200 VR: $800
Nikon 50mm f/1.8: $100
Maybe a speelight, like SB-600: $200

That would be about $2100
 09/13/2006 04:45:45 PM · #20
30D + 50 1.8, then buy another lens after you get the hang of the camera and figure out what you want.
 09/13/2006 06:26:33 PM · #21
Definetly the 400D with a really nice lense or two
 09/13/2006 06:53:16 PM · #22
Originally posted by jfriesen:
Gotta show some Canon love up in herr.

THIS PACKAGE IS AWESOME AND YOU CAN AFFORD IT

EOS 30D + LENSES AND TONS EXTRAS

Ebay Link


I don't think I've EVER seen so much crap put together with a good camera as a package deal, better just get the body and 50mm f1.8 lens, all the accessories in that package is heading straight for the bin, what a load of junk......
 09/14/2006 02:33:09 AM · #23
Originally posted by JonPM:
Definetly the 400D with a really nice lense or two


Yep!! I'd rather have a 400D and a great lens than a 30D and cheap lens. Doesn't necessarily have to be Canon either. This would apply to all brands. A less expensive body with a great lens will serve you better than an expensive body and a cheap lens. Camera bodies change every 12-18 months. Good glass will last you a long time.
 09/25/2006 07:10:24 PM · #24
Originally posted by NstiG8tr:
Originally posted by JonPM:
Definetly the 400D with a really nice lense or two


Yep!! I'd rather have a 400D and a great lens than a 30D and cheap lens. Doesn't necessarily have to be Canon either. This would apply to all brands. A less expensive body with a great lens will serve you better than an expensive body and a cheap lens. Camera bodies change every 12-18 months. Good glass will last you a long time.


Wanted to say thank you. I was just about to jump into the EBAY abyss and go for one of those Kit deals but based on this and previous posts, am rethinking my strategy.
 09/25/2006 07:18:52 PM · #25
$2000?? I'd get either the Canon 30D (big shocker there) or the Nikon D80.
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 03/12/2025 02:52:10 PM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 03/12/2025 02:52:10 PM EDT.