OT Getting a used DSLR, advice?

Warren T. said:
Just a minor point: I still use a D100 today, and the start-up time is instantaneous.
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You are quite right - its the older Canons that have the slow start-up times. However, if my recollection isn't (again) playing me false, other aspects of operation (especially write times in RAW and time to fill then clear the image buffer) are slower than slightly more modern cameras (even only as slightly more modern as the D70). In particular, I recall the D100 takes only 4 or 5 shots (RAW) to fill the buffer then you end up with a 6-or-so second wait for the buffer to flush before you can shoot again (this is probably better if shooting JPEGs) whereas the D70 flushes the buffer faster and allows you to shoot again more quickly as you can add a new shot to a partially flushed buffer (where the D100 seemed to have to clear the full buffer before it allowed you to shoot again).

I haven't spent a lot of time using Nikon dSLRs - but I have a fairly strong (and, I hope, not completely false) recollection that the D70 felt a lot faster to use than the D100. Note, though, that I still have (and use as a 2nd body) a Canon 300D which is a good deal slower than all of the above - yet still a good and usable camera. So this is all, probably, just arguing around the margins.

None of which is a criticism as such - they were all pretty amazing cameras for their time - which seems ages ago but really wasn't.

...Mke
 
I have been using a Canon 10D for a number of years. It has been good for everything I have used it for. I like it as much as I could like a DSLR (read this as I prefer film cameras). The only complaint I have is that it is a heavy beast. While not as robust feeling as my older Nikon F2, it does have a very solid feel to it.
 
just a note, some F mount non AI lens will fit on models besides the D40(x) and even meter, though sometimes lens info must be entered.

Also, if you have favorite F mount lenses, you may want to convert it to AI, unless rare. I have a first gen 43-86 zoom that I will keep non AI, but a 28/2.8 non AI that I hope to get AI'd sometime.

I'm waiting for a used D40 in the super low price range, just for lens testing for my F3.
 
Anupam Basu said:
Of course :)

- You can buy it new.
- Better viewfinder (not D200 level, but better than the D70)
- Can also take pre-AI lenses (no metering of course, but they'll mount_
- Lighter and more compact - it's just the cutest - almost RF size - I am so tempted to get one - and I have a D200.
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I wholeheartedly agree. I have a D1; I later bought a D70s as a "family camera". I now shoot with the D1 and a D300.

The D70 series is a great camera, but IMO the IQ is outclassed by the D40. D40 kits can be found new everywhere in the $500 range last I looked.

Using MF Nikkors on consumer grade DSLRs is a breeze. Pop, chimp, compensate if needed. One of my favorite lenses on the D70s was my 180/2.8 AI.

My advice - go for a new D40 over any used DSLR, and remember - friends don't let friends buy Canon!
 
What about the Sony Alpha 100? It looks pretty decent, but I don't know a lot about it. It does fit in my price range however.
 
i wouldn't touch the d1x simply because of its horrid batt life. The batts are also no longer in production so it will be hard to find replacements later on. I'd personally try and go for a fuji s3 or s5 if gunning for a nikon or a canon 20D or 350D if going for a canon. These can be had for a song these days and will give u superb performance up to and beyond 1600ISO. The canons with a split screen (3rd party) will also allow u to nikon, m42, zeiss, etc lenses with appropriate adaptors with full AE function.
 
It depends on what's important to you. I have a Nikon D70 as my DSLR, and I too would second the recommendation for the D40. Here are my reasons:

- It's smaller and weighs less
- It has noticeably less shutter noise and mirror slap than the D70
- Out-of-the-box JPGs are much better on the D40
- Less noise at ISO 800/1600 on the D40
- Slightly better viewfinder than the D70

Biggest disadvantage to the D40 is, however, that it doesn't have two command dials. In full manual mode to adjust aperture you have to press a button and turn a dial. I wrote some impressions here (skip down to the numbered points):
The D40 and I

Oh, and BTW, another point in favor of the D40 is that you can mount pre-AI Nikkors on it - something you can't do on the D70. As for the A100, I feel that although many Sony and Nikon models share the same sensor, the image processing on the Nikons is better.

Hope this all helps.
 
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I don't own either camera, but both the D40 and D40x user's manuals indicate that pre-AI lenses aren't to be used on the cameras. There is a flange on the lens mount that is not mechanically compatible with most Nikon bodies after Nikon shifted to AI, although some pro (film) bodies were still able to use pre-AI lenses, at least if specially modified.

It's easy enough to get pre-AI lenses milled down to AI standard by various people you can find on the web, I've had John White do several for me with great results. Of course you have to guess at the exposure, which isn't too hard under stable lighting conditions as you can just check the histogram.
 
When I was in the same position last year, I chose an Olympus. Impeccable quality, fine optics, dust removal...
 
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fgb2 said:
I don't own either camera, but both the D40 and D40x user's manuals indicate that pre-AI lenses aren't to be used on the cameras.
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I'm not sure that's correct. At any rate, Thom Hogan, who does review and know a fair bit about Nikons, has this to say on the D40/D40x:

One aspect of lenses that doesn't get mentioned much with the D40 is an intriguing one: you can mount any Nikkor on it. That's right, any, as in pre-AI lenses can be put on this camera and used without damaging it. Of course you'll be metering and focusing manually, but it did suddenly make a handful of lenses in my mom's gear closet that date back to the mid-1960's suddenly usable again.
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D40 Review
 
allen_a_george said:
I'm not sure that's correct. At any rate, Thom Hogan, who does review and know a fair bit about Nikons, has this to say on the D40/D40x:


D40 Review
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The manual is wrong.

I just checked the D40 manual via the Nikon web site, and it really states that non-ai lenses cannot be used on the D40. However, I've read many reports from the field where people have been happily mounting and using non-ai lenses with no problems.

This is a great benefit to those of us who have classic, non-ai Nikkor lenses. That's why I'll be on the lookout sometime in the future for a nice, used D40, D40x or D60. (all 3 can mount non-ai lenses)

--Warren
 
I think you were on the right track with the Nikon or Canon choices. I don't think Sony is a good idea. I would stick to the "real" camera brands (that does, of course, also include Fuji should you be so inclined).
 
No-one's mentioned Pentax as yet! K10D (top of the range until the K20D came along) are pretty cheap now the K20D has been released. In-body image stabilisation that works with all lenses, including those ancient M42 screw mount. Automatic or stop-down metering with anything that will mount. Great lens line-up too, old and modern. Weatherproof body. etc etc. If you don't already have money invested in a line of lenses, you should have a look at the Pentax as well.
 
I managed recently to get a Samsung GX-1S, (Pentax Mount) new for around $350. There are enough deals on closeouts, rebates when newer models come out, that one should be able to get a NEW DSLR fairly cheap. Now, if I could get a D70s for $150, I might be persuaded...
 
Creagerj said:
Thanks, anyone have an opinion on the Sony A100?
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I haven't seen that model. What I want to add here is that you should buy the one that has the best "feel" in your hands. All of the companies make very good stuff, so don't feel you have to stick with any one line, unless you have a large bunch of legacy lenses in that system hanging around.
 
K100D would be a great choice. K10D if you can find the cash. The anti-shake really works. Flash control is annoying if you're used to Canon's, but beyond that, a wonderful camera. I tested my M3 with 35/1.2 against my friend's K10D (Katz-Eye screen fitted) with the famous M42 50/1.4 and we really couldn't decide which was the more capable low-light system. I had it in terms of focussing accuracy but I think his images were slightly sharper.
 
I have the K10D and like it, bought it for the price/performance. Two flaws: high ISO noise at anything above ISO 400 and an autofocus system that should have been better. But theres a lot to like for the money. The in camera anti shake is fantastic and helps offset the high ISO problem. Will the K10D screens fit a K20D? I'd hate to pay that much for the Katz Eye and then toss it.
 
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