[What Camera/Lens/Accessory]: 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 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)!

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
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]

Originally Posted by synn

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.