I'm back and I want a DSLR!

Boo

Boo

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Hi all. I've not been around for a verrrry long time so no doubt hardly anyone remembers me lol!

I'm now back to rekindle my love for photography. I need to get a DSLR but am a bit mind boggled after researching the last few days on what my options are.

At the moment I'm torn between the Nikon D80 and the D200. The attractions of the D200 are mirror lock up (I don't think the D80 has it?), as well as weather proof, sturdier body.

My interests lay with macro photography mainly, and shooting flowers. Water and landscape I also enjoy but flowers are what I love.

So what would be my best option? I'm only 5ft and have quite small hands so I'm thinking the D80 would be easier to use but would I be missing out on featrures that I would use in the D200?

Of course the other dilemma is that if rumours are correct and a possible D90 is due to be released, is this going to be better than the d200?

I have an old Nikon F80 who's lenses I think I can use, and I love the feel of the F80, buttons in the right place dof preview, metering info in the viewfinder etc. I just wish it was digital.

Failing all of this is there a cheaper option to get me going with the things I need / want feature wise for the things I will photograph?

I have a Canon compact A610 that although is pretty cool, doesn't offer raw and the lens is a bit 'soft'

Any suggestions?

Thanks, and its great to be back! :wave:
 
i doubt the d90 wil beat the d200.

have you tried popping into a camera shop and feeling the size/weight of the cameras?

welcome back to the forums:wave:
 
fletch5 said:
i doubt the d90 wil beat the d200.

have you tried popping into a camera shop and feeling the size/weight of the cameras?

welcome back to the forums:wave:
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I tried Jessops the other day. Unfortunately they didn't have either in the shop! Will have to try further afield maybe eh!

If the D90 isn't going to be better than the D200 then that is a help I think lol.
 
im a canon man, so may be wrong. but i dont think the quality of the d90(eg build quality feel use etc) will compare to the higher end models like the d200, the picture size may get bigger, but the d200 is still a highly rated camer, im sure someone with a bit more nikon knowledge will be along soon to help though.

i think you might struggle to find a new d200 in store as i think it was discontinued when they released the d300, im sure there are still stocks about somewhere.
 
I have to say that from my experience, Jessops are no longer the quality of shop that they used to be. Their stock and knowledge, within the stores around me, is poor. I would suggest someone more like LCE (London Camera Exchange), Photo Optix or one of the other specialist stores has more stock and knowledge for specialists/enthusiasts like yourself and their prices are also quite competitive.
I do feel sorry for Jessops as it is a very tough world on the High Street.
 
RaphaelSamad said:
I have to say that from my experience, Jessops are no longer the quality of shop that they used to be. Their stock and knowledge, within the stores around me, is poor. I would suggest someone more like LCE (London Camera Exchange), Photo Optix or one of the other specialist stores has more stock and knowledge for specialists/enthusiasts like yourself and their prices are also quite competitive.
I do feel sorry for Jessops as it is a very tough world on the High Street.
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very true, but i find jessops ok, as you can do your research on the net, narrow your search results down to a couple, go instore and feel the item in store(take a mem card and take some shots with it, bring it home and look at on the comp) then either buy instore or search for cheaper on the net.

the major reason jessops is suggested on the forums, is it is a large retailer just for togs with stocks you can touch and hold and most likely a store near you, your local camera shop can be just as good.
 
The usual advice is to go for a mint second hand D200 for the same price as a new D80. I'd agree with that unless you have a strict weight requirement as the pro bodies are easier to use than the consumer ones. OTOH the D80 is probably closer to the F80 and might suit smaller hands.

If the D90 is released then it will have better high ISOs than the D200 and I expect it will match it in autofocus since the D300 is so far ahead. Metering will probably still be fubared. The body will be less durable and the viewfinder will be worse. More of the controls will use a menu. It will be much lighter. The usual stuff.

Stlll it will be months at least before the D90 appears and could be close to Christmas. I'd just get what you can now unless you have a pile of money ready for the D700. :)
 
As you have small hands, have you thought about the Olympus E-420 / E-520

Both are compact (with the e-420 Being smaller), and have all of the features of the competition (Mirror Lockup, Live-View, In Body Image Stabilisation (on the E-520).

The slightly deeper DOF for a given F-Stop can be usefull with Macro, as is the 2 x Multiplier and the In body IS (E-520)

Chris
 
Chillimonster said:
As you have small hands, have you thought about the Olympus E-420 / E-520

Both are compact (with the e-420 Being smaller), and have all of the features of the competition (Mirror Lockup, Live-View, In Body Image Stabilisation (on the E-520).

The slightly deeper DOF for a given F-Stop can be usefull with Macro, as is the 2 x Multiplier and the In body IS (E-520)

Chris
Click to expand...

I must admit I've not even entertained the idea of anything other than Nikon. However I'd be interested to know how the Olympus E520 compares to the D80 and D200.

Basically if I can get something cheaper than the D200 but with the features I need.... mmm its got me thinking again now. Money is tight so if I want the D200 I will have to probably wait a bit, but if I got something within my budget to get me going then I can save up for as long as I like and even save up for the D300 in 12 months time lol!

Whats the olympus like?
 
Boo, I have two Very good condition 2nd hand D200s up for sale. Only selling due to a D300 having been purchased and the imminent purchase of a D3 (possibly today). One has only 2700 shots and a full years warranty left from Jessops, which is transferrable.

As soon as I reach the 100 post limit they will be advertised here along with a number of other bits of Nikon gear I have to get rid of (mrs rubble kicking up a stink about too much gear)
 
I'm with Chilli on this as I too am an Oly man. Admittedly, Canon and Nikon have more users, don't let this discount you from considering the ever improving Olympus range. As Chris suggests, the E-420 or E-520 are certainly worth considering, and if you went for the options with kit lenses - you'd be undoubtedly getting a camera with the best kit lenses available. Oly glass is second to none.

EDIT: Just spotted this, E-510 twin lens kit - £349.99

http://www.empiredirect.co.uk/conte...code~OLY-E510-TWIN-KIT.htm?aid=119&awid=24658
 
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