Planning to get my first DSLR

[uklau]

Fellow forumers,

After been hibernating for almost 12 years (time flies!), my hands are getting extremely itchy to get myself a DSLR (especially after I picked up planted tank hobby a couple of years back & with the arrival of my baby girl recently). I was a Nikon user (FM200 & F90) back then with several Nikon lenses. Since I've not been in touch with this industry for so long, I'll like to gather some opinions from fellow hobbyist on the followings:

1) Is there any chance that I can trade in my existing gear ?
2) Which are the retailer who offers great price (like NA & C328 in this hobby)?
3) Is there any specific time of the year, which retailers will offer better price than usual? eg: great singapore sales, comex, etc.

If these information are sensitive, please feel free to PM me. My options are open only to Nikon & Canon.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Wackytpt]

Why not try Canon =p

There are a few Nikon users in here.

People like Goondoo, Wasabi**, Stan Chung, etc


PS : I will get slaughter by the Nikon users.. haha..BUT CANON ROCKS!! =p

[hwchoy]

as an ex-Nikon user you would probably feel more comfortable going with Nikon again. I also feel that Nikon's entry-level models are better featured and built than Canon's. However the mid range onwards Canon does have some very good ones, especially the pro bodies.

[cairocks]

One camera shop I frequent is John 3:16 in Funan. Very friendly and helpful staff but may have to wait for your turn to be served when the shop is crowded. I used to hang around the shop even if not buying stuff but to try out new gadgets.

[hwchoy]

you can get equotes from MS Color and Cathay website.

[tawauboy]

do note that d40, d40x and d60 will autofocus with afs lenses only. the motor in these bodies are removed.
there are a number of reasonably good kit lenses available.

[Shadow]

I also feel that Nikon's entry-level models are better featured and built than Canon's. However the mid range onwards Canon does have some very good ones, especially the pro bodies.

Not the other way around?

When I was planning to buy DSLR, I did some reading, comparing between D40X and 400D (both at the same price point at that time, not sure now) and I found that 400D is better. I can be wrong though

[hwchoy]

the built of the canon xxxD series took off a huge chunk of points

[benetay]

Yes so isn't it time to upgrade to the 1D series?

[hwchoy]

its ok the 20D with batt grip still feels great in the hand ;p

[luenny]

I have one word for you - D700!

[hwchoy]

nooo, a used 5D with grip so I can still use my L lenses

[benetay]

So when you getting? I'm still toying with the idea

[jason6142004]

I have one word for you - D700!

how about a 1Ds mark III with some L lenses?

[luenny]

Yeah, 1D Mark III is how much?? D700 is how much?? How much more lenses or accessories (flash, tripod, etc) you can get with just the difference in body price??

[hwchoy]

but the 1DMkIII is not full frame, you need to get the 1DsMkIII. however the 1D/1Ds series are pro bodies which the D700 is not. can't really compare.

[Shadow]

Sorry I'm lost, what is considered as pro bodies? Newbie here

[luenny]

Pro bodies is body that is used by professional hahaha!!

Anyway, I thought the D700 is describe as compact professional DSLR. Is it not pro body?

[quix]

hahaha pro bodies just means the top end of the camera range which packs the most sophisticated/high end features required by professionals. But a lot of non-professionals like yours truly also shamelessly use them.

I think D700 and D300 are also almost pro-level if you look at the features. I certainly don't think D300 is inferior than my 1DM2N in any significant way, having tried it myself. Don't think there are any guidelines which specifies what is considered pro. It's just marketing and positioning!

[budak]

I used to think 'pro' bodies (5D, 1-series, D3, D2X), also came without built-in flashes so that the weather-sealing would have no weak links. The D700 comes with one though; either Nikon thought it's a feature people want or they managed to secure the hatch more tightly....?