Which Dslr System?

[Tinka]

[DTD]

Re: Which Dslr System?

As you know that's almost an impossible question to answer.
I use Olympus, largely by chance – I had an OM system when I used film.

On the plus side, I think any dSLR on the market now is good.
You might want to look at what offers on 2 lens kits are about.

Looking at your budget, I'd be tempted to get a mid-range camera rather than an entry range one and put off say the macro lens.

Can't say more than that, though a friend really likes his Pentax K10 which he got after having a K100.

[ddigit]

Re: Which Dslr System?

Hi,

Dianne has got a Pentax K10D and I am very impressed with it. The supplied standard lens 18-55 mm is quite sharp. She also purchased a Tamaron 70 - 300 mm zoom (very reasonably priced). This lens has macro also so all fields are covered. The camera has a form of vibration reduction which gives another couple of stops hand held. Pentax have also ensured that the camera (within reason) is dust resistand and water resistant. IF I hadnt got my camera I would really consider this one.

I have a Nikon D80 which I love. The only lens that I use is a 18 - 200 Nikkon VR lens. This combination is reasonably expensive (in New Zealand). In saying all that - this camera is giving me all that I require at this time.

In summary - most SLR cameras of a popular brand are OK. The telling point is the quality of the lens that you attach to the body.

Hope this helps

Trevor

[Ian]

Re: Which Dslr System?

In the end it's a personal decision and one that I'm very loath to interfere with too much. I prefer to provide some key factor and let the questioner make up their own minds.

First of all, get to handle all the candidates if you can.

In general, here are the main plusses and minuses of the entry level models of the DSLR brands (in my view):

Canon EOS-400D: For: Small, light, low image noise, huge installed base, good third party lens and accessories support. Against: Grip too small for some hands, 18-55 kit lens not the best (though the new 18-55 IS lens seems improved).

Nikon D40X: For: Small, light, good image quality, huge installed base, good third party lens and accessories support. AF-S focusing lenses, excellent flash system. Against: Plasticky construction, confusing user interface, AF incompatibility with a lot of older AF lenses, simple AF system.

Olympus E-510: For: Small, light, excellent kit lenses, live view, integrated IS works with all lenses, effective dust buster, plenty of exterior controls, very logical user interface, good image quality. Against: Doesn't have the huge installed base and third party lens and accessory support of Canon and Nikon, simple AF system, small optical viewfinder.

Pentax K10D (Samsung GX10): Now heavily discounted, semi-pro construction and weather sealed body, sophisticated AF system, good image quality, integrated IS works with all lenses. Against: In-body AF mechanics operationally noisy compared to in-lens motor systems, user interface not the best, questionable value of weather sealed body when used with non-sealed lenses. Third party support better than Olympus but not as good as Nikon and Canon.

Sony Alpha A100: For: Now being discounted, good controls, sophisticated metering system, good number of AF points, integrated IS works with all lenses. Against: Kit lenses not as good as they should be, AF is clunky (in-body AF motor), Third party support better than Olympus but not as good as Nikon and Canon.

So there you go - my honest thoughts!

Ian

[Tinka]

Re: Which Dslr System?

Thank you Ian, ddigit and DTD, this gives me some more to think about, I will continue my research and will let you know what I eventually decide.
Thank you once again.

[katster]

[Ian]

Re: Which Dslr System?

The E-510 has a super-effective sensor dust buster. In 4 years of using E-System cameras, I have not once had a dust spot on my images.

The main advantage of the GX10/K10D is robustness of construction (metal chassis versus plastic on the E-510) and a more sophisticated set of 11 AF points versus 3 for the E-510, though the E-510 has its AF motor in the lens rather than in the camera body, which is the more modern way of doing it. The Samsung/Pentax has a more spacious viewfinder, but a less intuitive menu system. Both have in-body IS and the E0510 has live view. Both have the same shooting rate. The E-510 kit lens is arguably better than the Pentax/Samsung one.

Lots of pros and cons for you to weigh up!

Ian

[carman]

Re: Which Dslr System?

If you had a Dynax you should look at the Sony DSLR's. I got rid of my Dynax 700si and lenses and switched to Olympus. I still wonder if it was a good idea. The minolta lenses are great and will fit.

[Ian]

Re: Which Dslr System?

If you had a Dynax you should look at the Sony DSLR's. I got rid of my Dynax 700si and lenses and switched to Olympus. I still wonder if it was a good idea. The minolta lenses are great and will fit.

[Tinka]

Re: Which Dslr System?

Hi all,
Have done a lot of research and have decided to go with Nikon, I can get the body and three lenses for the money available taking me up to 300mm and a macro, just a matter of which Body now? Yes I got rid of my minolta lenses, still have the 7000si body and a tamron lens though.