Nikon D30

[sbryan]

I'm thinking of purchasing one of these for my stay in Paris during the Fall semester. I'm a hobbyist photographer that uses whatever someone hands me, but I'd like to have my own camera for this trip; it would be a shame to spend all that money and time and not have some great photos.

I have Zeiss 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm Nikon-mount lenses for my Redrock M2. I think I can afford an $1,800 camera, but I don't think I can swing $500-$700 on another lens.

I also wonder what the fees would be on $4,000 worth of equipment...

[DivotDan]

I assume you meant to type D300. Also, the only Zeiss lenses I know are manual focus and exposure....just so you know what you are getting into. My suggestion would be to buy an older Nikon 35mm camera if you want to use those lenses. It along with some Fuji Velvia 50 will make some beautiful photos.

If you want to go digital and you want to spend that kind of $$$ on a body, it would be a shame not to let it do all the thinking for you. That is one of the beauties of its 50+ point AF system. SO I would say do it if you plan to get an AF lens or lenses to go with it.

That said, if you don't have the cash to spend on an extra lens, you could get a used older body for the time being and have some extra cash for a lens. I got my D200 about a month ago for $800 w/ a grip and katzeye installed. Too bad I don't have those Zeiss lenses.

[sbryan]

I assume you meant to type D300. Also, the only Zeiss lenses I know are manual focus and exposure....just so you know what you are getting into. My suggestion would be to buy an older Nikon 35mm camera if you want to use those lenses. It along with some Fuji Velvia 50 will make some beautiful photos.

If you want to go digital and you want to spend that kind of $$$ on a body, it would be a shame not to let it do all the thinking for you. That is one of the beauties of its 50+ point AF system. SO I would say do it if you plan to get an AF lens or lenses to go with it.

That said, if you don't have the cash to spend on an extra lens, you could get a used older body for the time being and have some extra cash for a lens. I got my D200 about a month ago for $800 w/ a grip and katzeye installed. Too bad I don't have those Zeiss lenses.

I realize the manual focus and exposure of the Zeiss lenses will slow me down. If I were to go with the D200, which AF lens by Nikon would you suggest that would work with a D300 (if I should decide to trade-up when I get back)?

Thanks for the advice,
Sean

[Jeremy Ordan]

To throw this out there...

I have a couple of SLRs and D-SLRs and am firmly invested in the Nikon camp.

That being said, go and hold them and see for yourself. For 90% of the general stuff around town stuff that I do I use my little Canon point and shoot camera.

Why?

The resolution is awesome, the zoom range is 10x, and it fits in my pocket.

Don't get me wrong, I like having my D200 and a 17-55 but when I don't want almost 3lbs hanging off my neck then a point and shoot is a great solution.

If you are looking to document then use a point and shoot.

Every single ballgame I go to (unless I am shooting the minor league team here) then I always bring my little Canon.

SLRs are awesome, but sometimes you don't need an SLR.

Just playing Devil's advocate here and sharing my experience.

[sbryan]

Jeremy,

I may upgrade my 3MP Kodak digital camera before I go. I would use it for sightseeing, but I'd like to build a professional portfolio while I'm over there, which I think would require something like a D200 or D300.

What model point-and-shoot Canon are you using? Could you post some example screens if you have them?

Thanks,
Sean

[DivotDan]

I've heard the Canon G9 is freaking awesome, although I have not had the chance to use it myself.

As for a lens suggestions, that really depends on what you want to do. You could pick up the old 80-200 push/pull 2.8 for less than $500. Then maybe a Sigma 18-50 2.8 with the cash you have left over. That would not be a bad budget combo in my opinion. Just check the Sigma for good back and front focus before you take it home. I've heard they had a lot of QC issue with that lens, but when it is on...it is dead on.

Check KEH.com for some good deals on lenses. And if you don't have one already, a decent little backpack and a collapsible monopod are musts haves for traveling like this. Should not run you much to throw those in. I bet you could get all that and the D200 for less than a new D300.

[Jeremy Ordan]

Jeremy,

I may upgrade my 3MP Kodak digital camera before I go. I would use it for sightseeing, but I'd like to build a professional portfolio while I'm over there, which I think would require something like a D200 or D300.

What model point-and-shoot Canon are you using? Could you post some example screens if you have them?

Thanks,
Sean

I say this as a D200 owner... unless you have cash burning in your pocket, get the cheapest D-SLR system you can. The differences between the D50 & D200 are minute, al things considered (more buttons to access features and some additional features that you may/may not use) so I say get the cheapest you can afford and invest in some good glass. Personally I like fast 2.8 zooms but based off what you have already you could be a prime fan in which case I would get something along the lines of a 20mm, 50mm, & 180mm to cover everything for ya.

If you are deciding between the 200 & 300... no doubt, the 300 is a newer/better camera with better high ISO:noise abilities (that said, I still shoot the D200 and love it).

I don't know if this helps you but I see a lot of my students and friends go out and buy these expensive cameras and ultimately you can get the SAME results with a cheaper camera... and glass is more important than camera (then again, most DVX owners want an HVX whose owners want an HPX whose owners want a RED whose owners want a... well another RED most likely).

It aint the arrow, it's the freaking indian.


I'll post some P&S images tomorrow when I have time to hook up the external drives to this computer... top of the 5th now and all tied up against those blasted White Sox. Go Yanks....

[DivotDan]

As a side note, I agree with Jeremy on all of this. I've seen D70s' recently sell for less than $400. If you plan on getting a D300 later, then def follow his advice on the body. Glass is your friend first.

That said, I was just trying to offer suggestions within what you posted as your budget. And, P&S's in the right hands can be freaking awesome. Here is one of my shots with my 7 year old Sony P&S.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2202/2202201698_b2e198467c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/divotfilms/2202201698/)

[sbryan]

That Canon G9 takes an amazing photo for that size and price. I saw a couple of example photos on Canon's website.

Still interested in some grabs if you have them, Jeremy.

Thanks for the help guys, I think you pointed me in the right direction. It's probably wise to avoid more customs fees... I already have to declare $4,000 in computer equipment -- MBP, Hard Drive, etc.

[Jeremy Ordan]

Sorry about the delay in getting you those images.

Tomorrow I have to shoot a dog festival for a client so after that I will be doing editing and will be all hooked up to upload some stuff for ya.