Do I really need an SLR camera?

donderhaas said:
So I've been digging around a bit and looked at the Nikon D5000 and Canon EOS 1000D. Both of these look exceptionally well with the Nikon's pricetag much higher than Canon's.

From what I've seen through example photo's taken with both - the Canon's images look better and smoother for me personally.

Any thoughts, is the Canon EOS 1000D any good or is the higher pricetag for Nikon D5000 better?
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Which lenses were used in the examples? Were they taken by the same photographer(s)? I would be surprised if there was much of a difference [with the kit lens] between the two brands/cameras.
 
I wouldn't write off the 1000D - I've spent some time shooting with it, and it's not worse than the xxxD in any way. 10MP sensor similar to the 400D and 40D, but with the newer digic engine. The AF is the same as on the 400D but with fewer AF points. Other than that there isn't too much practical difference. The photos it makes are just as good.
 
koffiejunkie said:
I wouldn't write off the 1000D - I've spent some time shooting with it, and it's not worse than the xxxD in any way. 10MP sensor similar to the 400D and 40D, but with the newer digic engine. The AF is the same as on the 400D but with fewer AF points. Other than that there isn't too much practical difference. The photos it makes are just as good.
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That was enough of a difference for me. I really dont see why they even bothered with it.
 
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koffiejunkie said:
Which differences made it a dealbreaker for you?
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Off the top of my head the RAW frame rate, the limited AF points and the SD card.

The shutter action was also rather disconcerting.
 
bwana said:
Off the top of my head the RAW frame rate, the limited AF points and the SD card.
I guess SD is an advantage for someone moving up from a compact.

bwana said:
The shutter action was also rather disconcerting.
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The only thing that bothered me was the fake film advancing sound. But since it wasn't my camera, I didn't want to mess with the settings.
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BigAl-sa said:
Agree, but looking at the prices (ODP):
1000d + kit lens R5999
450d + kit lens R7899
500d + kit lens R8999

The OP was worried about the Nikon d5000 vs the Canon 1000d, so these should also be in his thoughts:
Nikon d5000 + kit lens R9299
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Ummm... that price on the Nikon is pretty shocking...

Orms has it for R7,995.00 (D5000 + Kit lens)
 
yep orms is generally cheaper than most places.
cameraland.co.za is R100 cheaper than orms for both the 450D and 500D.
that coza1digital guy on BoB is also a heckova lot cheaper (i think just under 6k) for the 450D with 18-55mm kit lens
 
Well, after going through the manual for our P&S, I can only deduce its been mostly user error in using our camera (yes me). Also noticed the macro setting for close-ups. Been playing around and set to macro when taking a pic of one of our lavender trees/bushes. It works well, but you cant get as close as you would like...as it goes out of focus.

But still...so many things I didnt know it could do. Im still playing around with it...but recon it will do most things I need from it for now. So gonna hold off on the DSLR for now until I "outgrow" the P&S.

Thanks again for all the info here!!! ;)
 
koffiejunkie said:
I know one forumite who will be happy to hear that :p:D
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You betcha ;)

And once you outgrow P&S (I did long ago) you can get a nice bridge camera like the Canon S/Sx range or even (if you are cheap like me) a Z-range Kodak.

They float when they fall into a river, comes with super macro ability, telephoto ability, wide angle ability (28-600+mm lenses in some cases), even have adapter threads for extra lenses & filters, runs of normal AA batteries, have EVF and huge (sometimes flip-out) LCD screens.....

Oh I can really go on about the sheer greatness of bridge cameras :cool:
 
For the canons, how much does the average lenses go for that come with a lot of the packages advertised. Lenses like 18-55mm IS and 55 - 250mm IS lens?

Also what is the big difference between these lenses?

I am such a newb :o
 
donderhaas said:
For the canons, how much does the average lenses go for that come with a lot of the packages advertised. Lenses like 18-55mm IS and 55 - 250mm IS lens?

Also what is the big difference between these lenses?

I am such a newb :o
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[-]I'm not sure you can easily buy the kit lens new from a local retailer[/-] - I dont see why anyone would want to to tell the truth.

EDIT - You can get the 18-55 from B&H for $159.95 or from SA Camera for R2,299.00. The 55-200 goes for R3,295.00 from SA Camera.
 
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Kit lenses are generally rubbish. Occasionally the manufacturers make a good one (like the Nikon 18-70mm DX), but on the whole you'll probably be better off with a used 3rd party pro lens.

I got a used Sigma 24-60mm 2.8 EX lens for the equivalent of about R2,300. For the really wide angle stuff I also got a used 15-30mm Sigma EX for more or less the same price. Both those lenses are damn good optics and I use them professionally. Had no complaints about IQ thus far.
 
Is it relative safe...LOL...to buy a secondhand lense, I mean do you generally have problems when buying 2nd hand? What are the things I should look out for when doing this?
 
Pixual said:
Kit lenses are generally rubbish. Occasionally the manufacturers make a good one (like the Nikon 18-70mm DX), but on the whole you'll probably be better off with a used 3rd party pro lens.

I got a used Sigma 24-60mm 2.8 EX lens for the equivalent of about R2,300. For the really wide angle stuff I also got a used 15-30mm Sigma EX for more or less the same price. Both those lenses are damn good optics and I use them professionally. Had no complaints about IQ thus far.
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I tend to agree about the kit lenses - the Canon one at least. The best thing about it is it leaves you wanting more.

Ordered a Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 yesterday . . . which I'm eagerly/anxiously awaiting delivery of.
 
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