Decided on a Nikon...but which one??

[Spoolio]

Been camera shopping today, crossed the Sony Alpha A350 off the list as it doesn't "feel" right. Which is a bit of a bugger as it was my number one choice. Couldn't put my finger on why it didn't sit right in my hand but at the end of the day if its not comfy, its not comfy. Right?

Would dearly love a D300 but the budget won't stretch to that especially as I'd need to fork out about £1300-£1400 to get the body and a decent lens.

Therefore looking at a D60 or D80 and spending out on a decent lens or two - prefererably one for all round use and one for RC/Dog Shows.

Anybody use either of these and got any recommendations or advice, if so it would be gratefully received.

[jimmy]

I've not used the D60 / D80 so I don't really know. Not exactly sure what the D60 is but I guess it's a small D50 replacement, but the D80 is a cross between the D70 (which I have) and the D200 (which I had) so should be a super camera. The D200 is the nicest camera I've owned, and the D300 is based on it but MUCH better apparently - but you're right it's a lot of cash.
If you can sway the D80 I'd go for that over the D60 - I'm not a big fan of small cameras - the low end Canons are way too small for my average hands.

Lens wise, I don't have a lot of lenses tbh, I've had the 18-70 that came with my D70 for years and it's a great all round lens. I'd been dropped and the front glass fell out & skidded across the floor and got badly scratched but it still takes great photos with no loss of quality!!


Speaking of dropping lenses, my 14-24 is BACK from nikon uk!!!!!!!

[glypo]

Any reason Nikon over Canon? Only reason I ask is Canon is doing an amazing cashback deal at the moment. £140 cashback if you get a 40D, and a fair bit cheaper then D300, around same price as the D80 IIRC. I've done my homework on this, and I am getting a 40D. IMO it is the ideal camera for RC use (very fast, low noise at high ISO) and is cheap, and with the cashback I found it hard to turn down.

I agree the Sony camera doesn't feel right, and it's slow as well, so not suited for any kind of action. As for Canon size, the 40D is bigger than the D80 so it's not awkward and small like the bottom of the range models. And of course a battery grip is relatively cheap considering it makes it bigger (easier for action photography), doubles the battery life and gives the extra shutter release button for portrait orientated shots.

I'm not saying the Nikon is bad, or trying to discourage you in any way. From my research there is nothing between Canon and Nikon, it's just picking a flavour you like so to speak. But I just thought I'd make you aware of the cashback, as for me that's what confirmed my decision, £140 is a lot of money back

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=dbppTQfuJ8M (this is also quite good, the pc software looks great)

[CAClark]

I use a D200, and high iso noise aside (can be a pain sometimes) it's an awesome camera.

Cheers!

[stegger]

Glypo how much can you get the 40D for ? and isit just the body or with a lens as i work for Canon uk I don't know anything about cameras but it would be nice to see how our site store compairs to the internet prices

[Scouser]

Not sure it will be the same now, but Nikon were a MUCH nicer company to deal with than Canon were. Nikon also do free technical days from time to time most big cities where you can pop along and get free advice and a free lcd clean!

[jimmy]

I'm a Nikon fan myself, just like the way the cameras feel and the colours they throw out.

[Spoolio]

The deed is done, the Nikon I finally decided on is....a Canon EOS 40D . Just felt nicer in my hands - now can't wait for the battery to charge so I can go learn how to use it.

[CAClark]

Originally Posted by Spoolio

The deed is done, the Nikon I finally decided on is....a Canon EOS 40D . Just felt nicer in my hands - now can't wait for the battery to charge so I can go learn how to use it.

Good choice, you'll have no worries as all with your choice, look forward to seeing your exploits!

[Thomas P]

Jimmy, any idea on a good alround "lens" to get some closeup shots/zoom shots..ya see i dont even know the Eng word for thoose...

the stock "lens" is Ok, for me, but i want to get some clooser even if i am @the side of the track...no not more then 200-270£ the camera is a NikonD60, realy pleased with it..

[cwp]

try looking for a D200 own both D200 D300 yes the D300 is beter but on A3 print you cant tell them apart at low iso. I have seen D200 for £400.00
second hand.I normaly by second hand lenses fixed focal with af.I have some zoom lenses just like the old af lenses there cheap as well.