Best Digital SLR under 2grand for portraits

[Sw1tchFX]

hmmm

 

[enjoyshanjoi]

one last question then i think i will be set.
http://www.usaphotonation.com/products.asp?product_id=12692
kit number 8
please dont flame me lol
but what do yall think would be better, doing the pack usayit said,
or getting kit number 8, and then two lenses like the ones usayit said to get.
cause im wondering on an honest opinion, what is better (30d or d200)

thanks again guys and lol sorry for being such a newbie

 

[Mike_E]

I LOVE my D200, but PleaseOplease check out that site before you give them any money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's way low on the camera!!

mike

 

[usayit]

Don't do business with usaphotonation:

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/USA_Photo_Nation
http://www.networksolutions.com/whois/results.jsp?domain=usaphotonation.com

It seems to be one of the hundreds of scam online stores being operated out of NYC. Do you really think they would let that camera go for $599? too good to be true? THEN IT IS.

Oh yeh.. your directing this thread closely to the Canon Versus Nikon slippery slope. Both companies have great products... (don't let anyone tell you otherwise) and the only way to decided between the two is through your own diligence. You'll have to hold both and examine each system to determine which fits your needs.

remember my post and the_travelers....

 

[enjoyshanjoi]

hahaha chinese versions
hahahaha
thanks for setting me straight once again.
i think i will go with the 30d.
thanks

 

[Sw1tchFX]

hmmmm

 

[JIP]

If the prices sound too good to be true they probably are compare D200 body B+H http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/407284-REG/Nikon_25235_D200_Digital_Camera_Camera.html 24-120VR http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/277219-USA/Nikon_2145_24_120mm_f_3_5_5_6G_ED_IF_AF_S.html 70-300G http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/207359-USA/Nikon_1928_Zoom_Telephoto_AF_Zoom.html looks more like over 3 grand to me.

One thing I would say though I see you said you decided to go with the 30D to mabye upgrade later just be sure that Canon is the system you really want to get into it is much easier to upgrade the same system later than get nto one and start over again because you have a little more money and the D200 is only like $500 more than the 30D.

 

[usayit]

"only $500"? ... I make a good living and I still think thats a chunk of change.

Letsee... for $500 one could buy one of

... another high quality Canon prime of your choice
... two Canon primes used
... brand new zoom of third party brand (sigma, tokina, tamron)
... Add $170 and you get the Canon 17-40mm f/4 L zoom
... Add $60 and you get the Canon 70-200mm f/4 L zoom
... a complete tripod (carbon fibre in fact)
... image tank
... new dell desktop
... bunch of stuff to play with (bag, filters.. etc..)
... better LCD display for editing images
... A good amount of high speed memory cards

... I personally would be a bunch closer to having enough cash for the 35mm summilux I want.

... well you get the point..

oh forgot... he said portraits. $500 could get him into a lighting system too.

There is a whole lot stuff out there that he can spend $500 on that will impact or open more doors in photography than just a better camera body.

 

[Mike_E]

Yes but what a camera! If you give up eating out once a week or take your lunch instead of buying it at a restaurant you can save that in 4 months. Besides, it's cheaper to only pay once than to buy something and then replace it in short order.

mike

 

[enjoyshanjoi]

wait so i am confused by yall now
if i got the cash (Sell a few things on ebay i dont need) would the d200 be worth it? keep in mind im a beginner at digital.

 

[Sw1tchFX]

hmmm, D200's alot of camera for a beginner.

 

[ANDS!]

Jesus - 2G's on a first camera?

Just grab a D50/D80 used (D50 run you what - 400 w/ no lens), and then spend some major cash on some good lenses.

This question reminds me of when folks ask what kind of motorcycle they want to start out on and immediately go for the Super Sport Bikes - walk before you crawl (but really, what kind of work are you doing that you need a new/used D200/30D - heck you could get a D80 and still come out on top).

 

[JIP]

hmmm, D200's alot of camera for a beginner.

I don't get why cant anyone novice or pro just buy any body they want if they can afford it it's not rocket science to study a manual and learn how a camera operates. If Nikon/Canon wanted you to be "qualified" to buy a certain level of camera why would they sell D2x's and EOS 1d's at Ritz Camera.

 

[fmw]

Before we get yet again into the Canon/Nikon debate,

You missed my point. I was suggesting he buy a great lens and then attach whichever camera to it that fills out the budget. Most beginners fail to understand the importance of lenses in the mix of equipment. They are more important than the cameras by wide margin and the brand of the camera is relatively meaningless since they are all competent. Not all lenses are competent.

 

[usayit]

Sure... you can buy and spend whatever you want. Sure.. you got $20+K go ahead and buy a Hassy. I personally just HATE it when someone starts a thread in the beginner's forum with some sort of budget stated and people try to convince them that the next level up above their budget is the way to go. Especially when the next level is more camera than the person needs and the cost of that camera displaces other equipment that would do the person more good in the long run. (portraits == LIGHTING.. sheesh)

I know 3 sucessfully running wedding businesses in the tri-state area that are doing high end professional weddings with a box full of 20Ds. With that in mind, you guys are pushing the fellow to go above and beyond the 30D??

There are several mentions of "get the D200" with very little substance as to why he should... now is that helpful???? Sheesh..


If you got the cash... start looking at the 5D, 1D MarkIII, D200, D2Xs.. etc... I personally think it would be a waste of money since it should be spent on lenses etc... IMO, even the low end Digital Rebels and the D40 are more than fine for beginners.