Help with new camera choice please

Arpe · 06-14-2009, 05:19 PM

I have a 19 year old female friend looking for a more advanced camera than a bog standard compact- "I'm thinking of something more 'advanced' than a compact - I'd like to learn about manual controls while maybe still having the safety of auto just in case." Fair enough.

So the choice is from the advanced compacts (Pana LX3, Canon G10, Nikon P6000) through the bridges (Pentax X70, Nikon P90, Canon SX1 or 10, Pana FZ28), and onto the starter dSLRs (Pentax Km, Canon 1000D, Nikon 5000D or older versions).

In the meantime I've told her just to go into the shops and play with cameras to see what she likes the feel of, what weight she can handle etc.

She has a $NZ1000 limit, so actually the Km with the 18-55 is over that, but the Sony A200 and A300 with kit isn't (not that I like Sony much), and the Canon 100D with 18-55 is only just over that. So the Km is ~$150 more than the 1000D.

The LX3, G10 are just under $1000.

The starter dSLRs I'm happy with, But can anybody recommend, or know of other models, to look at? I don't know much about that segment, so any help is appreciated.

jct us101 · 06-14-2009, 05:22 PM

How about an older Canon...you can buy the XTi used for $300. Tell her to look for used in the Pentax Forums marketplace too, there are some amazing deals there.

asdf · 06-14-2009, 05:37 PM

Originally posted by Arpe

I have a 19 year old female friend looking for a more advanced camera than a bog standard compact- "I'm thinking of something more 'advanced' than a compact - I'd like to learn about manual controls while maybe still having the safety of auto just in case." Fair enough.

So the choice is from the advanced compacts (Pana LX3, Canon G10, Nikon P6000) through the bridges (Pentax X70, Nikon P90, Canon SX1 or 10, Pana FZ28), and onto the starter dSLRs (Pentax Km, Canon 1000D, Nikon 5000D or older versions).

In the meantime I've told her just to go into the shops and play with cameras to see what she likes the feel of, what weight she can handle etc.

She has a $NZ1000 limit, so actually the Km with the 18-55 is over that, but the Sony A200 and A300 with kit isn't (not that I like Sony much), and the Canon 100D with 18-55 is only just over that. So the Km is ~$150 more than the 1000D.

The LX3, G10 are just under $1000.

The starter dSLRs I'm happy with, But can anybody recommend, or know of other models, to look at? I don't know much about that segment, so any help is appreciated.

A used k10d or k200d (if she's too wimpy to handle the k10d) + FA 50 f/1.4 and/or used F 28 f/2.8.

Tell her if she uses the kit lens, she won't have DOF control: If she wants the p&s-look, she might as well go with the LX3.

Arpe · 06-14-2009, 06:31 PM

Originally posted by asdf

Tell her if she uses the kit lens, she won't have DOF control:

I don't follow that bit.

Ratmagiclady · 06-14-2009, 07:35 PM

I think he means that the kit lens is slow, so there's not much you can do with shallow DOF, though you'd find that anywhere, and most compacts are even worse about that.

asdf · 06-14-2009, 08:05 PM

Originally posted by Arpe

I don't follow that bit.

What Ratmagiclady said. Maybe, I was exaggerating a bit.

BTW, I actually purchased a fast fifty for a relative, because she was disappointed that she had trouble blurring backgrounds in her photos--all she had was the kit lens which was at most f/5.6 at 55. I didn't bother talking about circles of confusion: It's difficult to convince some--using only diagrams---that they should spend an extra $200.

Arpe · 06-15-2009, 05:24 PM

Thanks - the second hand DSLR is a good idea that I had overlooked.

No other suggestions?

**Ash** · 06-15-2009, 07:28 PM

Even cheaper are the option of the K100D super or *ist DS, which are suitable as first dSLRs.
Definitely combine them with a fast fifty. The kit lens and perhaps a Tamron 70-300 or Pentax DA 55-300 would suffice for starters - all for less then $1000.

Mr. The Guy · 06-15-2009, 07:35 PM

Originally posted by Arpe

I have a 19 year old female friend looking for a more advanced camera than a bog standard compact- "I'm thinking of something more 'advanced' than a compact - I'd like to learn about manual controls while maybe still having the safety of auto just in case." Fair enough.

K-M w/a DA40

Arpe · 06-16-2009, 05:55 PM

Originally posted by Ash

Even cheaper are the option of the K100D super or *ist DS, which are suitable as first dSLRs.
Definitely combine them with a fast fifty. The kit lens and perhaps a Tamron 70-300 or Pentax DA 55-300 would suffice for starters - all for less then $1000.

Not here mate! 55-300=$1600!

Trouble with Km is the Canon 1000D is about $200 cheaper, though doesn't have SR.

Okay thanks everyone, I think I have the choices sorted now.

ve2vfd · 06-16-2009, 06:06 PM

A second hand K100 or K200 kit would probably fulfill all her needs for a while, and then some.

Don't forget that sticking with a Pentax kit allows her to use manual lenses which she can probably find at a decent price and use to learn the finer points of photography.

Pat

**Ash** · 06-16-2009, 06:35 PM

Originally posted by Arpe

Not here mate! 55-300=$1600!

Have you considered buying through B&H or Adorama?
It will surely come out to be significantly cheaper than buying locally, even taking exchange rates, fees and customs into account...

deadwolfbones · 06-16-2009, 06:43 PM

If you end up going the bridge camera route, I'd recommend the SX10 over the SX1. It's got much better IQ, surprisingly enough, and it's a lot cheaper.

But yeah, a cheap/secondhand dSLR is best.

**Mallee Boy** · 06-17-2009, 02:22 PM

Hi Arpe,
Check this out, I believe this mob will ship to NZ.
Pentax*K-m at Camera Action Camera House the Digital Camera Specialists
I havent converted the $$$, but it should get close to the budget.
I know there was a DL for sale in Wanaka some time back, but think its been sold.
Cheers
Grant

Arpe · 06-17-2009, 06:15 PM

Originally posted by Ash

Have you considered buying through B&H or Adorama?
It will surely come out to be significantly cheaper than buying locally, even taking exchange rates, fees and customs into account...

Yes, I have done that for me. My guess is she'd be too scared to! But I will suggest it.

Originally posted by ve2vfd

A second hand K100 or K200 kit would probably fulfill all her needs for a while, and then some.

Don't forget that sticking with a Pentax kit allows her to use manual lenses which she can probably find at a decent price and use to learn the finer points of photography.

Pat

Yes, although not so much in New Zealand.

Originally posted by deadwolfbones

If you end up going the bridge camera route, I'd recommend the SX10 over the SX1. It's got much better IQ, surprisingly enough, and it's a lot cheaper.

But yeah, a cheap/secondhand dSLR is best.

Thank you for that. I no nothing about them, so that sure helps.

Originally posted by Mallee Boy

Hi Arpe,
Check this out, I believe this mob will ship to NZ.
Pentax*K-m at Camera Action Camera House the Digital Camera Specialists
I havent converted the $$$, but it should get close to the budget.
I know there was a DL for sale in Wanaka some time back, but think its been sold.
Cheers
Grant

Cheers mate, checking it now.

06-14-2009, 05:19 PM	#1
Arpe Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,452	Help with new camera choice please I have a 19 year old female friend looking for a more advanced camera than a bog standard compact- "I'm thinking of something more 'advanced' than a compact - I'd like to learn about manual controls while maybe still having the safety of auto just in case." Fair enough. So the choice is from the advanced compacts (Pana LX3, Canon G10, Nikon P6000) through the bridges (Pentax X70, Nikon P90, Canon SX1 or 10, Pana FZ28), and onto the starter dSLRs (Pentax Km, Canon 1000D, Nikon 5000D or older versions). In the meantime I've told her just to go into the shops and play with cameras to see what she likes the feel of, what weight she can handle etc. She has a $NZ1000 limit, so actually the Km with the 18-55 is over that, but the Sony A200 and A300 with kit isn't (not that I like Sony much), and the Canon 100D with 18-55 is only just over that. So the Km is ~$150 more than the 1000D. The LX3, G10 are just under $1000. The starter dSLRs I'm happy with, But can anybody recommend, or know of other models, to look at? I don't know much about that segment, so any help is appreciated.

06-15-2009, 07:35 PM	#9
Mr. The Guy Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Vilcabamba, Loja Posts: 216	K-M w/a DA40 Originally posted by Arpe I have a 19 year old female friend looking for a more advanced camera than a bog standard compact- "I'm thinking of something more 'advanced' than a compact - I'd like to learn about manual controls while maybe still having the safety of auto just in case." Fair enough. K-M w/a DA40

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06-14-2009, 05:22 PM	#2
jct us101 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 3,793	How about an older Canon...you can buy the XTi used for $300. Tell her to look for used in the Pentax Forums marketplace too, there are some amazing deals there.

06-14-2009, 05:37 PM	#3
asdf Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 1,252	Originally posted by Arpe I have a 19 year old female friend looking for a more advanced camera than a bog standard compact- "I'm thinking of something more 'advanced' than a compact - I'd like to learn about manual controls while maybe still having the safety of auto just in case." Fair enough. So the choice is from the advanced compacts (Pana LX3, Canon G10, Nikon P6000) through the bridges (Pentax X70, Nikon P90, Canon SX1 or 10, Pana FZ28), and onto the starter dSLRs (Pentax Km, Canon 1000D, Nikon 5000D or older versions). In the meantime I've told her just to go into the shops and play with cameras to see what she likes the feel of, what weight she can handle etc. She has a $NZ1000 limit, so actually the Km with the 18-55 is over that, but the Sony A200 and A300 with kit isn't (not that I like Sony much), and the Canon 100D with 18-55 is only just over that. So the Km is ~$150 more than the 1000D. The LX3, G10 are just under $1000. The starter dSLRs I'm happy with, But can anybody recommend, or know of other models, to look at? I don't know much about that segment, so any help is appreciated. A used k10d or k200d (if she's too wimpy to handle the k10d) + FA 50 f/1.4 and/or used F 28 f/2.8. Tell her if she uses the kit lens, she won't have DOF control: If she wants the p&s-look, she might as well go with the LX3.

06-14-2009, 06:31 PM	#4
Arpe Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,452 Original Poster	Originally posted by asdf Tell her if she uses the kit lens, she won't have DOF control: I don't follow that bit.

06-14-2009, 07:35 PM	#5
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	I think he means that the kit lens is slow, so there's not much you can do with shallow DOF, though you'd find that anywhere, and most compacts are even worse about that.

06-14-2009, 08:05 PM	#6
asdf Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 1,252	Originally posted by Arpe I don't follow that bit. What Ratmagiclady said. Maybe, I was exaggerating a bit. BTW, I actually purchased a fast fifty for a relative, because she was disappointed that she had trouble blurring backgrounds in her photos--all she had was the kit lens which was at most f/5.6 at 55. I didn't bother talking about circles of confusion: It's difficult to convince some--using only diagrams---that they should spend an extra $200.

06-15-2009, 05:24 PM	#7
Arpe Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,452 Original Poster	Thanks - the second hand DSLR is a good idea that I had overlooked. No other suggestions?

06-15-2009, 07:28 PM	#8
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Even cheaper are the option of the K100D super or *ist DS, which are suitable as first dSLRs. Definitely combine them with a fast fifty. The kit lens and perhaps a Tamron 70-300 or Pentax DA 55-300 would suffice for starters - all for less then $1000.

06-16-2009, 05:55 PM	#10
Arpe Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,452 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ash Even cheaper are the option of the K100D super or *ist DS, which are suitable as first dSLRs. Definitely combine them with a fast fifty. The kit lens and perhaps a Tamron 70-300 or Pentax DA 55-300 would suffice for starters - all for less then $1000. Not here mate! 55-300=$1600! Trouble with Km is the Canon 1000D is about $200 cheaper, though doesn't have SR. Okay thanks everyone, I think I have the choices sorted now.

06-16-2009, 06:06 PM	#11
ve2vfd Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Montreal, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,433	A second hand K100 or K200 kit would probably fulfill all her needs for a while, and then some. Don't forget that sticking with a Pentax kit allows her to use manual lenses which she can probably find at a decent price and use to learn the finer points of photography. Pat

06-16-2009, 06:35 PM	#12
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Originally posted by Arpe Not here mate! 55-300=$1600! Have you considered buying through B&H or Adorama? It will surely come out to be significantly cheaper than buying locally, even taking exchange rates, fees and customs into account...

06-16-2009, 06:43 PM	#13
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	If you end up going the bridge camera route, I'd recommend the SX10 over the SX1. It's got much better IQ, surprisingly enough, and it's a lot cheaper. But yeah, a cheap/secondhand dSLR is best.

06-17-2009, 02:22 PM	#14
Mallee Boy Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,904	Hi Arpe, Check this out, I believe this mob will ship to NZ. Pentax*K-m at Camera Action Camera House the Digital Camera Specialists I havent converted the $$$, but it should get close to the budget. I know there was a DL for sale in Wanaka some time back, but think its been sold. Cheers Grant

06-17-2009, 06:15 PM	#15
Arpe Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,452 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ash Have you considered buying through B&H or Adorama? It will surely come out to be significantly cheaper than buying locally, even taking exchange rates, fees and customs into account... Yes, I have done that for me. My guess is she'd be too scared to! But I will suggest it. Originally posted by ve2vfd A second hand K100 or K200 kit would probably fulfill all her needs for a while, and then some. Don't forget that sticking with a Pentax kit allows her to use manual lenses which she can probably find at a decent price and use to learn the finer points of photography. Pat Yes, although not so much in New Zealand. Originally posted by deadwolfbones If you end up going the bridge camera route, I'd recommend the SX10 over the SX1. It's got much better IQ, surprisingly enough, and it's a lot cheaper. But yeah, a cheap/secondhand dSLR is best. Thank you for that. I no nothing about them, so that sure helps. Originally posted by Mallee Boy Hi Arpe, Check this out, I believe this mob will ship to NZ. Pentax*K-m at Camera Action Camera House the Digital Camera Specialists I havent converted the $$$, but it should get close to the budget. I know there was a DL for sale in Wanaka some time back, but think its been sold. Cheers Grant Cheers mate, checking it now.