Digital camera (SLR type)

lizardman_u

lizardman_u

Joined
Nov 28, 1999
Messages
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I am thinking about purchasing a digital SLR camera in the near future and would like some input.

I would be going with the big three (Nikon, Cannon, or Pentax) due to the availability of lenses and accessories. If I go with Pentax I can use some of my manual focus lenses from my 35mm equipment.

I am not opposed to buying used equipment to as low as 6.1 mega pixels, but if I purchase new I would like at least 10mp. I don't take alot of action shots but would like it to have the ability to at least fire off three frames per second. I also am very willing to buy factory refurbished equipment.

I would be willing to spend up to $1500.00 for a package deal (camera body and a couple lenses) if the equipment is new and at least 10 mega pixels.

Thanks for any help
Dave
 
I'm quite new here, but I recently did alot of research on 35 digitals prior to buying my wife a set-up for Christmas...
I went with the Pentax k200D. One very good reason (similiar to what you already noted...) is that she can use her old film lenses with the Pentax mount... albeit in manual mode only.
The other selling points for me were the image stabilization system that only Pentax has in this class of camera.... and the fact that it is the only camera in its class that has the weatherproofing seals throughout the body.
I went with the k200 over the k20 because the 200 uses AA batteries - you don't have to depend on a charger while you are traveling. AA lithiums are available dang near anywhere....
A complete set... body, two lenses, bag, filters, etc, etc... can be had for about 1000.00
 
The biggest problem is giving you truely indpendent advice. I, for example, use a Nikon digi-SLR. I like it a lot and would recommend a Nikon dSLR to anyone. I'm sure users of other brands feel the same way.

I'd suggest you think hard about the features that are most important to you, and then read the reviews at http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/ . They are about as independent as they come.

BTW, I'd suggest you not put too much emphasis on using old lenses. My old Canon camera and lenses are boxed up on the basement. I don't miss them. The availability of autofocus is a great, though not required, modern feature. Again, it all depends on what you want.
 
Pentax manual focus lenses will work on Pentax dSLRs.

It's probably worthwhile looking at Pentax dSLR's with built-in shake reduction -
although Pentax SR is probably the least effective of all among the built-in SR for dSLRs -
it's still effective, and a boon for use with longer lenses and/or low light situations
and it works with ALL Pentax lenses, including manual focus.....

This probably means the "oldest" generation you want to consider is from -
Pentax K100D (or Super) both 6Mp
or the K10D (10Mp)

or the current range -
K2000 (10mp, but kit only with 18-55 kit zoom but it is good and useful range and flash)
K200D (10Mp better weather sealing)
K20D (14.6Mp current top of line)

I actually own the K100D and find 6Mp more than adequate for exhibition or publishing quality 10x8 and it has enough Mp to get a 10x8 from the severe crop of a vertical pic from a horizontal shot.

I am of the opinion if one can get sterling quality 10x8, that can stand up to real close scrutiny (nose to paper)
then larger prints - which need correspondingly larger viewing distances - are going to be fine.

But if one were to go whole hog - the new Nikon D90 body (12Mp) has incredible High ISO (sensitivity) performance (~$837) -
coupled with the Sigma 18-200mm OS zoom (~$344) would be a great combination (total ~$1,181) -
but of course your previous Pentax gear would be incompatible with this dSLR.

On the other budget side - the Sony (read Minolta) - Alpha A200 dSLR (10Mp built-in SR that is really effective) very well priced and gives really good results.

Hope that helps -

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I love my Nikon D80.
That said and depending on your usage and budget I might look at the D90.
I can also say that I really like the Nikon VR lenses. They seem to do a pretty good job. Only complaint with my D80 would be that at times the metering seems a little bright although there is a quick and easy on-the-fly adjustment right there to change it to suit your mood and needs.
 
The Nikon D80's are getting phased out by the D90 so, they are a great value right now. In the sub-$1K price class, I don't think you will find a better camera. The Nikon Zoom lense that comes packaged with some of them is a great lens too.
 
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