what equipment to get (includes pc or laptop)

[twoblacklines]

Hello. Newbie

I used to have a Fuji S9600, i sold it as I found it too grainy to use properly, theres a few pictures as examples of this here

http://flickr.com/twoblacklines/

Im looking to get a proper DSLR now, I have exactly £1000 to spend, and this includes buying a PC, though I may be going down a buy now pay later option.

I went into Jessops and as i have spade hands, found I much preferred Nikon over Canon, yet I am confused as to which models to buy. I dont want to find I learn too quickly and then need to upgrade, so maybe a D60 or D40x is not for me ? I do however want a VR lens as I have dyspraxia and my hands arent very steady.

I also need a compactcard for storage, a tripod (maybe not with image stabilisation(im also 6ft 8 so need a tall but sturdy one)), and a bag or case to keep everything in.

I wish to take pictures of landscapes, as I live in Cornwall, but primarily cars @ shows or friends cars, and aircraft at airshows (but maybe when im a bit more experienced in this ???)

So what do you suggest, and where do you suggest I buy it all from ?

Also what sort of spec PC do I need, and that includes some kind of monitor, though I have seen some 20" widescreen Dell Ultrasharps for £100 ish on Ebay.

Many thanks

John

 

[twoblacklines]

Also ( i cant edit above post as FF deletes it (running linux on old pc)) I am a bit confused when it comes to UV filters, amazon stock 58mm ones, 52mm ones........ how do i know which to get ?

 

[scottduffy]

I know you say you have spade hands but did you try any Canon's with a battery grip attatched? This makes a huge difference to the size/feel of the cameras as well as giving you more power. I can't recommend any Nikon's i'm afraid but i from the Canon's i have used 400d, 450d and 40d i have been very impressed especially when gripped. I have a photographer friend who owns a Nikon D200 and he loves it.

 

[Krydel]

I'd say wait until the Nikon D3000 is released at the end of august (28th?) and see how that fairs up. It is £500 with kit lens so that leaves you with £500 for a laptop or desktop computer which is plenty. (well, depends if you build your own or not)

 

[twoblacklines]

Looking at buying a laptop Vostro, but otherwise would indeed be building my own.

Are the higher Fuji models any good ? (they work with nikon lenses)

AF is high up on my list of needs aswell.

Tbh the best deal I have found is a secondhand D80 but im not sure if its any good ?

 

[Amp34]

Tripod wise I would say for your height the Manfrotto 055 xpro would be the best bet, at around £150 (with head), however maybe you could wait a little before buying as £1000 for camera/lens AND a reasonable PC is pushing it.

You say you have spade hands and then mention that the D60 and D40x may be too basic, I take it you only tried the 450/500D from the canon side, as if you are interested in getting something a bit more advanced (D90? or the 40D) then canon are back in the game as the 40D is bigger than the 450/500D. You could also get a used 40D for aound £350 i believe, that would give you £150 for lenses (not much TBH) and then £500 for a computer.

Also forget about UV filters, IMO a waste of money, and for lenses you can afford in your budget at the moment probably pointless (a decent UV would probably cost about a third of the lens price). Having said that, as for your question, the 52 and 58mm sizes are the sizes for the end of lenses (which can be different), so you buy a certain size filter for the lens and not the camera (so choose your lens before you choose your filter)