Budget D-SLR,Which one,from Where,How much?

[shutterbug]

Hello fellow shutterbugs,

I am looking to buy a D Slr presently and I need y'all to help me out with the which, where and how much!
I had been using a Canon S3 Is for a few years until it got stolen 3 months back:mad: and I have been managing by borrowing cameras(from sony cybershot p&s to canon d slrs) from sympathetic friends( You see I just cant live without a camera:D)!

I was in Manual mode all the time on my S3 Is and I have used Canon Dslrs a fair bit, so I am not an entire newbie.

Landscapes, automobiles, macros are what I shoot. Though very interested I am yet to get into wildlife and birds.

Lets get to the matter, my options(I would like to stick to Canon and Nikon, of which I am quite familiar with Canon)

1.Canon Eos 500d: Hd video, digic 4, great viewfinder
Pricing:
Amazon:$800
Ebay.in: 45-46k

2. Canon Eos 1000d: Basic dslr, has only 7 point af, no spot metering, 2.5inch lcd, canon india doesnt offer IS lens!
Pricing:
Amazon:$500
Ebay.in:26-29k
27.7k offer from solar digital cam for 1000d with IS(no vat)
JJMehta: 26,995( with 2 yr canon india warranty but no IS)

3. Canon Eos 450d: additional features like 9 point af, slightly better fps, spot metering, 3 inch lcd and mainly IS lens standard.
Amazon:$640
ebay,jjmehta etc: 40k
4. Nikon D5000: It has HD video, swivel screen( I love it, I am a spoilt brat, hint S3is) great sensor, but I read about incompatibily with certain lenses
Amazon:$720
Ebay:39k
JJmehta:49k!

I am not too sure about the D60, any feedback? i think it can be sourced at 30k with vr lens.


Rs.40k is my max budget. I can either opt for expensive 500d or d5000 and restrict myself to kit lens, or go for cheaper dslr like 1000d and buy a 55-250 lens with the same budget. I am confused which way to go!

I stay in Cochin, somehow the dealers here seem to be from the pre liberalisation era and have a take it or leave it attitude, prices are quite high!
I can come to Chennai and bangalore for purchase and I dont mind gray market as long as its a reputed dealer.
As far as US is concerned I missed the bus, dont have anyone coming down till next year.
Synn, you coming to cochin soon?:)
sorry for the long post, pl ask me if you need any more info to guide me properly.

[KrishnenduKes]

Help Topic Approved

[rio008]

i am selling my Nikon D200 :D
listed here in BUY & SELL

[hitanshu]

Why not the 40D?

Gray is about 36-37k first quote telephonically in Delhi. You should manage with a prime 50mm for starters and upgrade later.

And a 40D is a semi pro, all said n done. no?
PS: I have similar logic, just waiting for savings accumulation!

[synn]

If you're going Nikon, forget the D60 and get either the D5000/ D90.

I may visit cochin soon, but I wish you'd have let me know earlier as I'll be buying a digicam for my sis and I don't even wanna know what the Customs guys would do to me if I bring an extra DSLR with me... :(

If however, you can get someone to bring the cam from SG to India on your behalf, I can get you the best possible deals over here. :)

The ideal lens setup for you to start would be the 18-55 VR, the 55-200 VR and the 50 1.8D (No AF on a D60/ D5000). All are pretty cheap.

The D90 comes with an 18-105 kit lens, which you can exchange at the dealer for an 18-200 VR, which is a very good walkabout lens.

[shutterbug]

Ken da, thanks for approving the thread.

Rio, I will check it out. Thank you.

Tao, You know what, when I thought of getting enough cash for 500d or the 1000d with a tele lens, I immediately had this strong desire to go for the 40d, its in another league altogether! But the prices I got were far higher than the 36k you have mentioned.
I think Delhi is one of the best places in India to shop for a dslr!

Synn, I had this on my mind for long. But finances were not permitting. Even now its nothing great, but I have to have one! Few years back, I bought the S3 IS mainly because the eos350d wasnt in stock and 400d was 40k plus!
The people I know in Singy have been there only for a short while and wont be coming until dec 09 or jan 10.
What about the prices there? Anyways look forward to seeing you in Tripunitura man!

[KrishnenduKes]

I may visit cochin soon, but I wish you'd have let me know earlier as I'll be buying a digicam for my sis and I don't even wanna know what the Customs guys would do to me if I bring an extra DSLR with me... :(



They would not say a word. I have often carried more than one body and several lenses in and out of the country at various occasions.

[shutterbug]

They would not say a word. I have often carried more than one body and several lenses in and out of the country at various occasions.
:p:p Synn? what say thou? What kinda prices do the models I mentioned go for?
Nikon d5000?
Canon 1000d/450d/500d/40d?

Any other suggestions from other brands? I shied away mainly thinking about resale two years later when I may want to go for another body!

Btw, can someone from Delhi help me out with the purchase if I transfer the money?

[KrishnenduKes]

They would not say a word. I have often carried more than one body and several lenses in and out of the country at various occasions.

Of course I carry them as material being used and not as brand new cams in their glossy boxes!

[synn]

I guess it's not a problem when you take them out of the country and then bring in. However, I'll be carrying my own DSLR, 3 or 4 lenses and a brand new cam for my sis.

Titus: here are the approx. prices in SG right now:

D5000 Kit: S$1150 (18-55 VR)
D90 Kit: S$1650 (18-105 VR)

1000D kit: S$880 (18-55 IS for all kits)
450D kit: S$1100
500D kit: S$1300
40D kit s$1400 (Not sure if it's still available)


Honestly, I wouldn't recommend any other brand for use in India if you're going to change systems a bit down the line, simply because it's not easy to find a buyer. When buying a DSLR, choose your system from the start and stick with it as you build up your arsenal of lenses and accessories.

[shutterbug]

Sandeep.I was just simbly saying about bringing it down. I know its not easy when you yourself have a lotta stuff to carry!
Anyways, thanks for the prices, at rs.33.2 for 1 sgd, those prices I think are on an avg. Rs4k higher than the amazon prices and equivalent to Palika Bazar grey market prices!
I am kinda enamoured by the video and swivel screen feature of the d5000.
As I said in the beginning of the thread I will be sticking to Canon/Nikon mostly and that is what the general consensus is.

[Bibudesh]

One of my frend bought a D60 for 28.5k with 18-55mm VR kit from grey market.
I believe D60 is kinda underestimated cam. Kindly dont get confused with D40, they both are totally different cams.

I would say go for Nikon.

[shutterbug]

Bibudesh, I have only respect for the D40. Its a great dslr, but its outdated and only 6mp.
As for the D60, I have heard too many mixed opinions to be sure of the model

Anybody know any place in Bangalore, chennai or cochin where I can get a good deal? Grey is fine too!
Also, the big question before me is whether to go for a 1000D( with kit lens) + 55-250IS+ 50mm prime? Then later on I can sell the 1000D body and go for a xxD model. I wouldnt lose too much money in the process of upgrading.

Lets forget the others for a while, why should I buy the 450d over the 1000d?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

just do this..

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos1000d%2Ccanon_eos450d%2Ccanon_eos 500d&show=all

see side by side..and youll know which to take.

my personal opinion is that spot weighs heavy in photography.1000D doesnt have it.
i would have gone for the 450D or the 500D

anvancy

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

also IDLDPL is the official retailer of PENTAX in INDIA.again i will say that the Km-2000 will also compete with your options.PENTAX also offers kits.

also look at after how many years are you gonna sell your gear?
if you are saying 1-2 then i will advise to go for Canikon.just cause we have their secondary market.

my personal thing is that if i ll be using it 3+years..ie 3-5 or 6 years the Km will also suffice.

DELHI 135-137, Rectangle One, Plot No :D-4,
district centre, Saket, New Delhi - 110017

011 - 46096400 011-46096430 2. GURGAON-HARYANA 3349-A, DLF Phase-IV, Gurgaon
3. CHANDIGARH SCO - 117 / 118, sECTOR 17-B, Chandigarh
4. KOTA-RAJASTHAN 28-A, Kalawati Paliwal Market, Gumanpura, Kota - 7
5. HYDERABAD Flat No- 442, B-Block, Sai Krupa Apartment, Kompally,
Hyderabad - 500014
Shop No. 13, ground Floor, Emerald House, 1-7-264, Sarojini Devi Road,
Secunderabad-500003
6. MOHALI-PUNJAB SCF - 28 (TF), Phase-IX, Mohali, Distt. Ropar (Punjab)
7. CHENNAI 140, First Floor, Anna Salai, Saidapet, Chennai-600015
044-43114051,52 044-43114053 8. NOIDA-U.P. IInd Floor, Dharam Market, Atta Market,
Sector - 27, NOIDA
9. BANGALORE S-603, 6th Floor, Manipal Centre, Dickensen Road, Bangalore-560042
080-41491631, 33 080-41491632 10. MUMBAI 407, Arun Chanbes, Tardeo Road, Tardeo, Mumbai-400034
022-6610801, 03, 04 022-66106802
IDLDPL centres...you can contact them..i think they can bring Km kit for you if you want.

this is what the pentax kit will include.
DA-L 18-55 Lens
AF200FG Flash
USB Cable I-USB17
Strap O-ST84
Hot Shoe Cover FK
Eyecup FQ
Body Mount Cover
4 AA Energizer Lithium Batteries


current at adorama:

http://www.adorama.com/IPXK2000K2.html

your call.but i read in ur first post that money is tight.thats why suggesting a pentax.

if you are the Canikon guy then simply ignore this post.

anvancy

[synn]

I forgot to mention, those are prices for full warranty pieces (Pointless if you're gonna buy and take to another country). examples without warranty cost significantly less, but I don't have the prices with me right now.

When Delta and I were looking around to sell his D60, one shop owner remarked that a D60 kit without warranty is around S$600. That's more than $200 off the price.

[shutterbug]

synn Ok, so that s why the prices are higher!

Macro chacha, thanks for the Pentax suggestion. But I do plan to upgrade coupla years down the lane and yes I am more of a Canikon kinda guy. The Pentax doesnt seem attractive enough to fore go all that.

The Canon 40D at around 35k I N R as reported by Hitanshu, is high on my list as of now. Tao, Pl let me where it can be had from.

[hitanshu]

The quote is 37k (dont recall) from Moti Paaji (Pritam) or Alfa (the one in the masthead image). You can always bargain it down by a K or so and get some freebies.

That is the exp of friends who have bought from either!

@Rio - why selling the D200? Its a lovely cam

@Anvancy - My question would be the exact opposite - because he has a limited budget he needs to go for the mainstream choice, NOT the exotic one.

The Palio Multijet is a lovely car, but for someone who tours on a miniscule - spending more for a Swift means much more peace of mind (though a slightly inferior car)

[shutterbug]

Tao, Yeah I had called up Alfa a while back. Moti paaji is also in Pallika Bazar?
I guess 37k is grey, with 18-55mm IS lens?

[Aryan]

@Shutterbug: Moti Paa ji (Pritam) is in Chandni Chowk. That's where I have got my stuff from! ;)

[rio008]

@Rio - why selling the D200? Its a lovely cam



i am planning to upgrade one step ahead ;) d2x
i just added a new 50mm f 1.8

[hitanshu]

BODY only dahling. I guess I forgot to mention :)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

@Anvancy - My question would be the exact opposite - because he has a limited budget he needs to go for the mainstream choice, NOT the exotic one.




why will you call PENTAX exotic??

just because it doesnt exist in the grey market??that i want to sell my pentax i find ZERO buyers.grey and personal included?is that what you wanna say?
to me the pentax Km has the CCD from the K200 which is a MAINSTREAM camera.
the exotic from PENTAX is the current K7.
about lenses,sigma and tamron do make pentax and sony mounts.its just that our human tendency.jo samne dikhta wohi accha hai!thats how MNCs have been minting profits POST INDEPENDENCE.or shall i say post LIBERALISATION.

anvancy

[Vicky]

Rs.40k is my max budget. I can either opt for expensive 500d or d5000 and restrict myself to kit lens, or go for cheaper dslr like 1000d and buy a 55-250 lens with the same budget. I am confused which way to go!


When on a tight budget, you shouldn't waste too much $$ on the best and latest bodies... spend your money on good quality glass... bodies come and go... good glass stays!

I would suggest you pickup a used body + standard zoom combo online... you can get mint condition low mileage 400D + 18-55 IS for as low as 15~17k.

For the telephoto zoom, the best candidate would be the 70-200 f4 L... again, this could be found online for 22~25k.

Ideal places to search could be the Buy/Sell sections on Indian photography forums like jjmehta, shutterfreeze, bpc, etc..

:)

[rio008]

When on a tight budget, you shouldn't waste too much $$ on the best and latest bodies... spend your money on good quality glass... bodies come and go... good glass stays!

I would suggest you pickup a used body + standard zoom combo online... you can get mint condition low mileage 400D + 18-55 IS for as low as 15~17k.

For the telephoto zoom, the best candidate would be the 70-200 f4 L... again, this could be found online for 22~25k.

Ideal places to search could be the Buy/Sell sections on Indian photography forums like jjmehta, shutterfreeze, bpc, etc..

:)
i am selling my D200
i already given him my offer
if he is intrested we can negotiate. :)

[synn]

why will you call PENTAX exotic??

just because it doesnt exist in the grey market??that i want to sell my pentax i find ZERO buyers.grey and personal included?is that what you wanna say?
to me the pentax Km has the CCD from the K200 which is a MAINSTREAM camera.
the exotic from PENTAX is the current K7.
about lenses,sigma and tamron do make pentax and sony mounts.its just that our human tendency.jo samne dikhta wohi accha hai!thats how MNCs have been minting profits POST INDEPENDENCE.or shall i say post LIBERALISATION.

anvancy


He called it exotic because for every one person willing to buy used Pentax equipment, you'll find 30-40 ready to plonk their money on a Canon/ Nikon. The non-conformist in you may not like this, but it's the truth nonetheless.

I know you don't have a DSLR right now (and I know you can take excellent pics with almost anything; but just asking), so why don't you buy a Pentax DSLR?

As for the Sigma/ Tamron argument, I'll just paraphrase something that a famous guy once said: The whole point of buying a body from one of the biggies (Canon/ Nikon and yes, even Pentax) is to use the excellent glass they make. I can buy a sigma tele right now for lext to nothing, but I'd rather save up for an AF Nikkor. To me, the performance that I sacrifice (How soever minuscule it may be) is not worth the money saved. Vicky is bang on target when he says that one should invest in the best glass they can get.

That said, one should also get a body that is suited to his/ her skill levels. No point in getting a D60 if they have honed their skills at tracking shots, for e.g.

[Deltaone]

Why not look at sony then? They are currently the third biggest brand behind canon and nikon, they make some very good cameras and they are very competitively priced. Furthermore you get in body image stabilization which makes lenses a hell of a lot cheaper, and old minolta lenses are still available which are very cheap and very good. Furthermore, the newer gen sony's the 330 380 etc are very very solidly built indeed.

Also in cochin, do check out penta menaka. There are two shops there, both of which have some nice grey market prices. iirc, the a200 was 24k, the d60 28 and the 1000d was 28.5. All prices grey.

Also, about the d60,i had been using one for the past two months and it is a very very good camera. Apart from the lack of the screw drive which means you only get AF on AFS lenses, the rest of the package is very good indeed. My flickr page has photos all of which were taken by the d60 and while im no great photographer i do beleive it at least attests to the strengths of the cam itself. And the 18-55 VR lens it comes with is a gem of a lens. It is one of nikon's closest focusing lenses which means you can get some macro like shots with it as well.

Check out the shops in penta anyways to get a read on grey market prices. Other than that there are other shops in cochin which will get you what you want if you order them. The last time i checked a brand new d80 body only was 34k, prices may have changed now. That is still within your budget from what i see and you get everything you want including the screw drive. So yea there are various places in cochin you can use, you just need to know where to go. Do think about sony as well, they are a really good alternative at the moment.

Also, look into used ones maybe if you are interested, will save you money in the short term on bodies which you can reinvest into lenses. I just got a d80 for 750 SD which works out to around 24750 INR, so yea lots of bargains to be found. :D

[shutterbug]

Deltaone, i had scouted around the shops in cochin including the ones in Penta Menaka. Presently most of them seem to have developed an aversion to selling grey. And they are not dropping much below the mrp either. Thats why I gave upon gettin from here!

Vicky, I agree with what you say! I would be more than happy if I get a used 450d for that kinda cash. I could for a 55-250 or maybe the 70-200 even. i will scout the sites you have mentioned for any used deals.

Rio, I guess I didnt say this before, but the d200 is a lovely piece of kit. But I have to get one soon. I have waited very long! Also I have a coupla trips planned this month where I badly need a cam. With your d200, the cost and delay kinda put it out of reach.

Anvancy, I can understand what you say. I had similar sentiments when I opted for a Cowon I audio D2 when I could have bought an iPod. But in this case I'd stick to a Canon ( because I am familiar with it) or a Nikon. Life's much more easier.

Also one of the things I am primarily looking forward to with the dslr upgrade is clean images at high iso's.

[synn]

clean images at high iso's

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the new CMOS Nikons wipe the floor with the competition on this one.

[Deltaone]

Er, which shops did you go to actually? There is one in north, which afaik deals almost exclusively in grey market stuff. It is a very small shop on the first floor, theyre the ones who gave me the quote of 34k for a new d80 body only. And the ones in penta should have both grey and clean. One was in the basement right side of staircase, the other was on the floor right above, just left of the entrance.

That said, if you are open to used stuff, you have so many more options to play around with. Admittedly no shops in cochin afaik which stock dslrs used, but use the jjmehta forums maybe? Other than that, if youre going for the nikon/canon camp, id say maximum bang for your buck would be 1000/5000 ideally or maybe even the new d3000 that is coming out soon which should be quite a bit cheaper.

Last time i checked penta was late may just before i came to singy, at that time the 1000d with the non-is lens was 28.5k grey, which is quite a bit lower than the official price i think. JJmehta has the 1000D currently listed at 27k which is quite a nice deal i think although the lens is non-IS. Reduce 3k from that price if you want body only. You could get a couple of decent lenses with the money that is left over.

Yes, the 1000D does not have spot metering, but it does have bracketing, so you decide if you feel you can live without spot metering for the moment. Now all of this is assuming you like the canon in the first place.

Most important peice of advice, go down to a shop and hold these cams in hand. Logic and my brain had me going for the 1000D, went to the shop, held the nikon in my hand and ended up buying the nikon. Ergonomics and other variables may change from person to person. So go have a feel first.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

I know you don't have a DSLR right now (and I know you can take excellent pics with almost anything; but just asking), so why don't you buy a Pentax DSLR?

.

can i give my account number to you so that you transfer money to me and i can happily go and buy one??

thats the obstacle i am facing.

anvancy

[synn]

I could suggest you to get a used Pentax, but you'll first have to find one. :p

/kidding

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

I could suggest you to get a used Pentax, but you'll first have to find one. :p

/kidding


for that also can i give my account number to you so that you can transfer the money and i can go and happily buy one?

serious!

anvancy

[synn]

I could, but where's the fun in striving hard for achieving what one yearns for? Been there, done that and it feels damn mighty good.

Call this a hunch, but I think we both should leave poor Titus's thread alone; especially since he has stated pretty clearly that he's interested in the two major options only.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

I could, but where's the fun in striving hard for achieving what one yearns for? Been there, done that and it feels damn mighty good.

Call this a hunch, but I think we both should leave poor Titus's thread alone; especially since he has stated pretty clearly that he's interested in the two major options only.

right!

THE END.

@Shutterbug only one advice from my side..do take a cam that has SPOT metering.it really comes handy.

anvancy

[Vicky]

@Shutterbug only one advice from my side..do take a cam that has SPOT metering.it really comes handy

I had owned a 400D (no spot metering) for two years and took 20k+ photos with that before I got my 50D.

While the 400D didn't have Spot Metering (3% of Center), it did have Partial Metering ( 9% of Center) and that was good enough in most cases.

Not really a 'must have' in my books:)

[shutterbug]

Anvancy, Sandeep Chill maadi!

Vicky, as I am a novice I am yet to know the implications of not having spot metering! The 350d i use once in a while doesn't have it either. Its good to know from someone like you that one can manage. But I guess what Macro chacha is saying( esp he is also waiting patiently for a dslr like me) is that when you buy one, try to get one with spot metering so that you dont leave any stone unturned!

Btw, I did check out the used deals on the sites you mentioned, Vicky. Saw only a 350d at an attractive price, but its an old ad. I will hunt for more, else I will have to settle for something from ebay as I dont see anyone coming from US, Singapore or Delhi for that matter, anytime soon.

Can you tell me what all I have to look for in case I have to personally inspect a used dslr?

[synn]

Good physical condition, buttons and levers that do what they are actually supposed to, working meter and AF drive and a sensor without any blemishes (Take a picture of a white board. Dust, you can identify and get rid of. Dead photocells, not so much).

^ In increasing order of importance.

[Deltaone]

http://www.jjmehta.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1249221769

Check that, d200 for 30k. There are quite a few offers in the jjmehta forums, although most of the offers are for the 400d or the like. Now, the 1000D is only 27k brand new on jjmehta anyways, so that leaves you with quite a bit of cash to invest in lenses in your budget. Yes it doesnt have spot metering, i must admit, i am no expert, but i am yet to use it for anything. It is very nice to have sure, but its not gonna kill you if you dont have it. Save the money on the body now and invest in some good glass for the moment.

[hitanshu]

Titus,

Please try out both cams in person. I loved the canon image lounge, but I am SOOO smitten by the Nikon D300+18-105mm lens combination its not funny. Plus its phenomenal in low light and is a mean bokeh machine! The (excuse of a) DSLR zone didn't have the D80 or the D90!

The ergonomics of Canon are frankly non-existent. Two pointers:
a. Top LCD is not too useful
b. Two dials is what you need. no point blowing money on expensive fast lenses tomorrow and spending time fiddling with the dials to set everything correctly. The consumer one dial two modes funda is frankly nonsense IMO.

I think I might just end up buying a D80+18-105. Should be done under 50k my original budget.

PS: Would've appreciated a mode dial on the Nikon but the button worked just fine too!

[shutterbug]

What is the cost breakup of d80 and 18-105 lens?
Anyways I will be going to check out some cams tmrw. Hopefully I will get some help from a pro photographer. Will keep you guys posted.

[shutterbug]

So the decision in made and the wheels are in motion,

I will be getting a Nikon D200 in a coupla days! I will update the thread as soon as things progress.

[hitanshu]

D200. details maadi?

This is interesting. From new to old :D

[shutterbug]

Hitanshu, I am getting our very own tpin member Rio008's pristinely maintained Nikon D200.:D A Sigma 70-300mm apo dg macro and a nikon 50mm f1.8 also come with it. Hopefully, the kit will be on its way to Gods own country today from Dxb.:)
you can see the classified listing on tpin here
http://www.thephotographer.in/classifieds/showproduct.php/product/11

[hitanshu]

ah. PM me the details andi :)

[surya@64]

Hitanshu, I am getting our very own tpin member Rio008's pristinely maintained Nikon D200.:D A Sigma 70-300mm apo dg macro and a nikon 50mm f1.8 also come with it. Hopefully, the kit will be on its way to Gods own country today from Dxb.:)
you can see the classified listing on tpin here
http://www.thephotographer.in/classifieds/showproduct.php/product/11


Good luck Titus, on the new acquisition...

Looking forward to some great pic.:)

[synn]

One can never have too many Nikonians in the house. Congratzamundo!!! :D

[shutterbug]

Thanks guys! And thanks for all the help on this thread, to help me get my first dslr.

Synn, ah yes Nikonian! How many here? You, delta,bibudesh,techybiz.....

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

now it will rain NIKONS!!with NIKKORs ofcourse..

i have already started a raising fund for my purchase of camera...anybody willing to donate??

anvancy

[rio008]

ONE NIKONIAN fell down from the chart.:(

[shutterbug]

Nah, Rio, we are a team! you still remain one!

[shutterbug]

Got the D200 in my hands today! Yippee! As promised by Riyaz/rio its in great condition.

[KrishnenduKes]

Got the D200 in my hands today! Yippee! As promised by Riyaz/rio its in great condition.

Great! Congrats! Now for some shots from you with your new acquisition.

[Xavier]

Got the D200 in my hands today! Yippee! As promised by Riyaz/rio its in great condition.

Congrats Titus!
Awaiting some good shots from your end now.

[hitanshu]

CONGRATS DUDE!

Now to put that mean machine to good use!

[Aryan]

Got the D200 in my hands today! Yippee! As promised by Riyaz/rio its in great condition.
Great! Congrats. The D200 is an amazing camera. Do share some sample shots taken with the D200 and the 50mm. ;)

[shutterbug]

Ken da, Aryan, Xavier, Hitanshu

Thanks a lot guys! I ve just got a silly grin plastered all over my glowing face from the time I got it yday evening!Brain has gone into overload and shut down(protection mode)! It's one solid(and heavy) piece of equipment! I am still figuring out the comprehensive controls and features. Give me some time, I will try my best to put it to good use! Mods dont close the thread please.

[synn]

Congrats, Titus. Perhaps, this would help you figure out the umpteen settings in the body: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d200/users-guide/index.htm

[rio008]

Ken da, Aryan, Xavier, Hitanshu

Thanks a lot guys! I ve just got a silly grin plastered all over my glowing face from the time I got it yday evening!Brain has gone into overload and shut down(protection mode)! It's one solid(and heavy) piece of equipment! I am still figuring out the comprehensive controls and features. Give me some time, I will try my best to put it to good use! Mods dont close the thread please.

try the DVD which i give it to u with the camera titus, D200 controls are much easier than other cam i used before :) everything in your finger tips, you just have to know functions of easy bottons :D

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

now there will be a thread of "me and my D200 shots by shutterbug"

drool.

ill be waiting for that thread.

and now it really seems that i am the only sick person using a prosumer as my "mainstream" camera!

why doesnt the dollar fall down??damn u interbank money exchange market!

anvancy

[shutterbug]

Rio, Yes the video guide is very good! I will be done watching it tonight hopefully! Its not that it is complex, actually the main thing which attracted me to this cam is that its got hard controls for all parameters. Its just that I am still handling it like a newborn baby! Yet to get comfortable( keep in mind that I have been a canon user till date)

Anvancy, tumhara number bhi aayega!

Synn, thanks I do have the kenrockwell pages bookmarked on my pc.

[rio008]

every controls are very well located and weather sealed.

What about the lenses did you check the condtion ? and the bag ? :)
hope you are not despointed with the package

Rio, Yes the video guide is very good! I will be done watching it tonight hopefully! Its not that it is complex, actually the main thing which attracted me to this cam is that its got hard controls for all parameters. Its just that I am still handling it like a newborn baby! Yet to get comfortable( keep in mind that I have been a canon user till date)

[hitanshu]

@Anvancy me too!

wait for the yen to fall. its japan, not usa :D

[Xavier]

@ Rio

Planning on getting the D3? ;)

[rio008]

@ Rio

Planning on getting the D3? ;)

why not a canon this time ? mark 5 II ;)

[Xavier]

why not a canon this time ? mark 5 II ;)
In that case, welcome to the Canonian side of the world! :D
And why not go for the 1Ds Mark III instead? :p

[rio008]

Recession still on here my dost, no plans to buy a camera right now.

In that case, welcome to the Canonian side of the world! :D
And why not go for the 1Ds Mark III instead? :p

[shutterbug]

My first shot with the D200, taken yday!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2674/3851837717_77bf7b5262_o.jpg

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

My first shot with the D200, taken yday!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2674/3851837717_77bf7b5262_o.jpg

was the light falling on the church like that or ur WB has gone haywire??

anvancy

[shutterbug]

The light was falling on the church from floodlamp.

Btw, today is my Happy bday and I guess the D200 is my bday gift.

[Aryan]

@Shutterbug: What a birthday it's turning out to be! :D A very very happy birthday, and what a wonderful gift you have got yourself - the D200, no less! :)

[hitanshu]

Hey

have a happy birthday. This is indeed a speyshul budday gift :)

[rio008]

happy b'day dude :)

[Bibudesh]

@shutterbugger - Here are multiple congrats from my side-
#1- A very Happy birthday buddy
#2 -Heartly congrats on purchasing a Legend. The D200 is one of the most admired camera made by Nikon till date. Its worth each and every penny. The guy who guided me for a DSLR is also a D200 user.

#3 And finally welcome to the gang of Nikonians ;-) .. U'll know the diff ;). For sometime you can forget the PP part. Keep clicking and show us the straight out the camera images.

[KrishnenduKes]

Btw, today is my Happy bday and I guess the D200 is my bday gift.

My heartfelt wishes for you. Nearly missed the party. What a gift you got! Enjoy and let the party begin. Show us some good stuff! :D

[synn]

Happy B'day, titus. Now let's see some shots!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

The light was falling on the church from floodlamp.

Btw, today is my Happy bday and I guess the D200 is my bday gift.

first of all many happy returns of the day.
so ill expect a cake shot with the 200.:p

i guess flood lamp will be tungsten??correct me if i m wrong.my only point to you now is that you have a beautiful equipment in ur hands.understand it well and ull open things that you never experienced.

anvancy

[hitanshu]

on a side note. 40D has gone to 42k in delhi as well.

Blame the rise of the yen. Arghh.

seems delhi walas' stocks cleared out last week

[synn]

i guess flood lamp will be tungsten??correct me if i m wrong.my only point to you now is that you have a beautiful equipment in ur hands.understand it well and ull open things that you never experienced.


Not quite related to the thread, but setting the camera to the scene's white balance hardly matters.

As long as one is shooting RAW, it is fully possible to get the exact white balance required for the scene in post. Calibrating the camera's on board WB is something critical only to the JPEG shooters.

[Xavier]

Happy b'day Titus! :)

[shutterbug]

Guys, thanks a whole lot for the wishes and sharing my happiness on my bday! IT feels great to be part of such a brotherhood!

Anvancy, cake didnt happen!

I went to Fort Cochin with a couple of friends for a late lunch at Dal Roti. Loitered around.
coupla shots sooc, (I am still paranoid about damaging the d200 as I am a novice)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/3855641353_8f2609f740_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3856444236_7023f52597_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2578/3855671061_325edff433_b.jpg

[shutterbug]

a few more

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2674/3855672253_a0f26debf7_o.jpg

Hot rod
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/3856470702_1124fa9690.jpg

My good friend Abhi who got the cam for me from Rio

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/3855666029_654fe784dd.jpg

[Devil.DJ]

Sorry for joining the party a little late !!

A very Happy Birthday to you & I wish you all the best so you can put the awesome B'day gift to full use & show us the wonder !!! :)

Cheers,
DJ

[KrishnenduKes]

So you are beginning to play with your new toy. Go on... :)

[shutterbug]

Dijjay, thank you!

Ken da, Quite an expensive toy and I am very conscious about it. For example, yday at the beach I wanted to change the prime lens on the D200 to the 70-300mm sigma. But I was hesitant to change the lens on the beach, salt-moisture happening na! What should one do in such a situation? Another problem is that Kerala is prone to rains and what all precautions can I take to protect my camera?

[KrishnenduKes]

Dijjay, thank you!

Ken da, Quite an expensive toy and I am very conscious about it. For example, yday at the beach I wanted to change the prime lens on the D200 to the 70-300mm sigma. But I was hesitant to change the lens on the beach, salt-moisture happening na! What should one do in such a situation? Another problem is that Kerala is prone to rains and what all precautions can I take to protect my camera?

You cannot do much really. The best you can do is plan in advance about the kind of shoot you are gonna do. The kind of lenses you wanna use. This will minimise your changing of lenses routine. It is not advisable to change lenses with the sea spray around you.

[Bibudesh]

carry a big plastic cover. When U have to change the lens do that inside the plastic cover.

[shutterbug]

Ken, I did go as far away from the waves and spray as possible. But I wanted to know what you guys do in situations like this?
I guess I need a walkaround lens like a 18-105!
Bibudesh, I will keep a plastic bag handy.
Next query, what do you use to clean the lens for the odd dust speck, thumbprint(not really, but just in case)?

[Aryan]

@Shutterbug: We do not have sea/ sea-shores up North! :p Oh, we do have the wonderful Himalayas in our vicinity though. :D

As Bibudesh mentioned, carrying a small plastic bag does help. Or you can carry a general walkaround lens, like in Canon's case, the 24-105mmL/ 18-200mm or something of that sort.

[shutterbug]

Aryan, yeah yeah I get the point!;)

But what about when you want to do shots in rain? And what about storage at home? Just keep it tight inside the camera bag itself?

Couple more shots sooc from yday.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3504/3856687810_cca0e4be21.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2454/3855876899_83101fe139_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3509/3856689016_0ab46bf612_o.jpg

[synn]

The D200 is a pro body with pretty decent weather protection. Coupled with weather sealed lenses, it can withstand way more than a drizzle.

As for storage, keeping in the camera bag is fine if you throw in a couple of packs of silica gel. A dry cabinet is recommended though.

[KrishnenduKes]

I had a lot of problems in Iceland where it is permanently VERY windy. And since I do not have ANY zoom lenses, my sensor was covered with volcanic debris! When I got back from there, I promptly had to get my sensor cleaned!

carry a big plastic cover. When U have to change the lens do that inside the plastic cover.

That is an interesting proposition for sure. Something like the black bag of yore wherein we used to change films and develop them!