Camera Purchase!!!

[bigtyguyy]

i am heading to Louisiana in about a month and i was wondering if anyone has bought a SLR camera package off ebay before. I am think i am will buy it and have it sent to my girlfriends parents house down there and pick up on the free shipping! Im thinking either the nikon D80 or D40.

any thoughts?

[corpusse]

the only issue with buying on ebay from a reputable seller is the lack of a warrenty in canada. If you're okay with that you will probably save 100s. honestly I think its a waste for the extended warrenty anyway. I somehow got talked into buying it from henrys and the camera actually did die but it was within 14 days so they would have exchanged it anyway. Since then I haven't had any problems.

[ajx22]

There is always a reason for things...

Resellers (that is companies) on eBay sell on eBay for a reason - anonymity. eBay is great if you're looking for that find of a lifetime - "someone else's trash is another man's treasure"...but respectable companies have no reason to open an eBay shop. Think about it...why sell something for 1/10th of its worth...and below wholesale? hmm - normally, it's Gray Market or stolen property...

Now - that being said - if you find a good deal offered by a private seller...that might be a different story; but then the question is - are they really reputable and honest.

Note also that should you get a product from the US - there is no guarantee that the warranty will be honored in Canada. More and more manufacturers are Serial Number logging - and most only track within that divisions country. So - if it was sold into the US - the Canadian division may not have record of the product - thus no support. This is where you will see many companies (especially in the computer world) talk about "International" or "Travelers" warranties. Most warranties are VOID if the item isn't purchased though a "Factory Authorized" location; and more and more manufacturers are putting into their warranty info that the warranty is indeed VOID if purchased over the internet (exception being Authorized locations).

If "new" - there is also the importing it factors = taxes, etc.

If I don't have a physical location that I can visit - or at least send the authorities to - I'm not going to risk it.

We have a good relationship with Henry's due to Finny - so talking to him might be a good idea.


Good luck,

[RonPeter]

This is from Nikons website:
Nikon digital products sold in Canada have a warranty which is honoured by Nikon Canada offices, this warranty is not supported by Nikon offices outside of Canada. Nikon digital products sold outside of Canada also have localised warranties and are not supported in Canada.
5. This service warranty does not affect the consumer's statutory rights under applicable national laws in force, nor the consumer's right against the dealer arising from their sales/purchase contract. THIS WARRANTY MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR COPIED AND WILL BE VALID ONLY WITH AUTHENTIC PRODUCTS SOLD BY NIKON CANADA INC. This warranty is NON-TRANSFERABLE and applies to the original purchaser of the product from an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer.

You might want to take that into consideration when purchasing a camera outside of Canada. Finny from Henry's treated me very well when I was pricing macro lenses for my Rebel.

[jgillard]

Ty:

Have you looked into Aden camera? That is where I originally purchased my camera. What you can do is get Henry's to price match their price if it is cheaper and you will get better support through Henry's. Also, do not get roped into buying extra crap you do not need. If you have questions let me know!

[kgolem]

The Black's Camera in Brampton - Bovaird & 410 (East of 410) is the depository of returned and open box cameras for the Black's Camera chain. Nearly new cameras a usually available for 20 to 40 percent discount at that store.

[bigtyguyy]

might have to make a call.. I found one at Henrys for $929 NIKON D40 W/18-55 II/55-200 DX LENS (http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ItemsDisplay?itemID=192153&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&departmentId=10404&categoryId=10852&order=ASC&sortKey=price) or the NIKON D40X W/18-55 II/55-200 DX LENS (http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ItemsDisplay?itemID=192011&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&departmentId=10404&categoryId=10852&order=ASC&sortKey=price) for $1200

[jgillard]

Remember that the quality of the lenses you are using has more impact then the camera itself on image quality. Generally kit lenses are of lower quality. I would suggest you investigate the lenses as well as the camera body before making a decision.

I eventually replaced my KIT lens for one of higher quality and it would have been better to get a better lens from the start.

[bigtyguyy]

Remember that the quality of the lenses you are using has more impact then the camera itself on image quality. Generally kit lenses are of lower quality. I would suggest you investigate the lenses as well as the camera body before making a decision.

I eventually replaced my KIT lens for one of higher quality and it would have been better to get a better lens from the start.


i totally understand. the only thing i am not sure of is the D40 or D40x i think all the d40x has on the d40 is more megapixels

[ajx22]

i totally understand. the only thing i am not sure of is the D40 or D40x i think all the d40x has on the d40 is more megapixels

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0703/07030602nikond40x.asp



Just under four months since the D40 and Nikon has announced an upgraded ten megapixel version of the camera. The new Nikon D40X is essentially identical to the D40 apart from its ten megapixel CCD, a lower base sensitivity of ISO 100 and faster continuous shooting (now up to 3.0 fps).

[Patrick F]

bigtyguyy,

I purchased the base nikon d40 w 18-55ml lens a couple weeks ago and I'm absolutely ecstatic about it. The quality of the pictures I am taking with my ability I am very pleased about (which isn't experienced).

I really have enjoyed the fact that you can treat it like a point and shoot camera if your not comfortable or familliar with slr technology.

A suprising sub note, I have taken over 500 pics with this camera (no flash) and I haven't budged the battery power meter. Compared to my canon 4.1 mp that ate 2 AA batteries every 50 pics.


I am very pleased that I went with this camera,

Patrick

[bigtyguyy]

yea i haev read this review http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/nikon/d40-review/ top to bottom and i think this is the perfect amount of camera for me..I had the XTi and felt it was over rated and more camera then i need but this D40 is perfect. I think forsure i will buy this package from Henrys. $929 NIKON D40 W/18-55 II/55-200 DX LENS (http://www.aquariumpros.ca/forums/ext.php?ref=http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ItemsDisplay?itemID=192153&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&departmentId=10404&categoryId=10852&order=ASC&sortKey=price) I know the lens are the BEST but i will be using them for years before i will know to buy a higher quality one. When its time i will contact Finny and see what kind of discount AP members receive.

[Patrick F]

bigtyguyy,

Here are a couple shots with the D40 (no photoshop).



Cheers,

Patrick

[bigtyguyy]

bigtyguyy,

Here are a couple shots with the D40 (no photoshop).



Cheers,

Patrick


nice shots! NICE TANK! yea im set thats the one!
:cheers2:

[piscies75]

I love NIkon and using the d200 , one up from the d80 ,I have several lenses and mainly use prime ones. and lots of light ie. f1.4 50mm manual focus paid $100., f2.8 105 mm, Sigma 55m macro f2.8 , zoom lens 75-300 mm vrII which gives me image stabilization. see pictures www.dunn.smugmug.com,
if you are a big guy the d40 and d80 are too small for big hands, previously I had d70s and loved it too. good luck ,enjoy your trip. take lots of pictures.

[Reefersteve]

I have had the Nikon D70 for about a year and half now, its actually the wife's. It is an amazing camera, you definately cant go wrong with any of the Nikon SLR cameras. My only suggestion would be to purchase any additional lenses now, or you may end up like me. Fully intended to buy other lenses, macro and zoom, but never seem to get around to it!! Other priorities always seem to come up!

Just my 2 cents worth.

Steve

[bigtyguyy]

I have had the Nikon D70 for about a year and half now, its actually the wife's. It is an amazing camera, you definately cant go wrong with any of the Nikon SLR cameras. My only suggestion would be to purchase any additional lenses now, or you may end up like me. Fully intended to buy other lenses, macro and zoom, but never seem to get around to it!! Other priorities always seem to come up!

Just my 2 cents worth.

Steve


oh i wil lbe taken tuns of pictures.. there alot of really nice birds and lizards down there. I have many pictures from my past 4 trips down there. I will just purchase these lower end lens for now 18-55 II/55-200 DX LENS and once i am more knowledgable then i will upgrade..

thanks guyus for your input!:cheers2:

by the way Steve nice pictures!!!! You've got a good eye!:nw: :bravo:

[bigtyguyy]

well today i was in at Henry's in the Oshawa mall and turns out the Nikon D40 was a big small and not really what i wanted. I was looken at the d80 and also the SONY Alpha A100 W 18-70/ 75-300 (http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ItemsDisplay?itemID=184202&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&departmentId=10404&categoryId=10852&order=ASC&sortKey=price) lens combo deal for $1200 and i think i will end up buying that one. I need to find FINNY and contact him to see what kind of deal can be worked out since they are a sponsor here.. The sony has 10 megs anti shake and the same sensor the CANON XTI has for the eye piece and LCD and has the auto focus motor in the camera unlike the D40, also i am able to buy after market lens unlike the D40 that only supports Nikon lens. D80's more then i want to spend because i know this isn't going to be my last camera. so any thoughts?

[RonPeter]

Try sending him a PM he usually gets back to you very quickly. Finny

[bigtyguyy]

i PM'ED and emailed him so we'll see what kind of deal i can get... Any thoughts on the camera? Does anyone have one or ever used one?

[C_Chopper]

I would stay away from sony/minolta as there line of lens can become pretty expensive. I myself just purchased the Pentax k10d and it is a really nice camera the feel is perfect for my hands atleast and the results are very nice. Felt nicer then the Canon 30d. My brother inlaw also purchased the Pentax k100d. Its classed as probably the best in its size (pixels, body size) and has the biggest view finder which is very important when it comes to slr's. Im sure any brand you go with will do the job, justr make sure the camera feels right in ur hand, besides the lens you purchase will be doing 70 percent of the final product :) not the body.

Hope everything works out

C_Chopper

[bigtyguyy]

I would stay away from sony/minolta as there line of lens can become pretty expensive. I myself just purchased the Pentax k10d and it is a really nice camera the feel is perfect for my hands atleast and the results are very nice. Felt nicer then the Canon 30d. My brother inlaw also purchased the Pentax k100d. Its classed as probably the best in its size (pixels, body size) and has the biggest view finder which is very important when it comes to slr's. Im sure any brand you go with will do the job, justr make sure the camera feels right in ur hand, besides the lens you purchase will be doing 70 percent of the final product :) not the body.

Hope everything works out

C_Chopper


Other then the lens you don't have a negative thing about the camera? I was going to switch there 2 lens for one sigma instead i think anyways.

[C_Chopper]

I have not personaly got a chance to fool around with the Sony, i heard they havent changed much from the minolta, just added a few new features. But also keep in mind when you purchase 3rd party lens in most cases these camera companies design their lenses to work with their cameras as where 3rd party lenses are designed to work with more then one. Also the resale value tends to be much lower on a 3rd party lens then say a canon, sony, pentax lens. Theres a sight that is called www.slrgear.com (http://www.slrgear.com) check out the site they have reviews and tested alot showing graphs. Good luck with the purchase.

C_Chopper

[bigtyguyy]

yea i understand but Sigma makes a lot of lens for most camera's. the sony will match up with the sigma's and also another kind of then theres.. Were Minolta cameras good when they were by themselves?

[C_Chopper]

Yes minolta was a good company when they were by themselves. I personally do not like sony products as they are not Sony they are everything but sony. If you plan on spending that kind of money on the alfa i would consider the Pentax k10d. Pentax has been around longer then canon when it comes with cameras and they make probably the best optics around. Pentax and Sony are pretty much compatible to each other, but pentax has now merged with hoya, a very large optics maker, so they will be getting a very nice lineup of lens in the near future. Just something to consider.

C_Chopper

[corpusse]

I really love the pentax k100d, the k10d is the model up. You've seen lots of my pictures and i'm not exactly an expeirenced photographer. Don't under estimate the anti shake built into the body. This makes every lens you use an anti shake lens without adding cost to them.

Check out this marco shot with the k100d and 100mm pentax macro lens (click on it for high res)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y234/andrewkw/acan/acanpolyp.jpg

[C_Chopper]

Heres two pics i just took with the Pentax k10d 16-45mm lens. I used selective focal point, thats why everything except the main subject is blurred (its called bokeh)

C_Chopper

[Nanoized]

Try to stick with oem lenses instead of third party. jmho

Nikon makes the incredible 18mm-200mm

http://www.bythom.com/18200lens.htm

[bigtyguyy]

LOL once again i am back to the D40 with the lens kit.. I realized i was spending more money on more of a camera then i need. D40 i think in my mind is all i need. those 2 lens will get me by forsure for now. I just need to find the best deal.

[jgillard]

Ty:

I would look at the pentax. The anti-shake in the camera is such a cool option :P though I have not looked at the price of it. I may have considered that model if it existed at the time I got my stuff. Since you are not locked into a lens system you have a full range of choice.

Just make sure you are happy with what you end up purchasing.

[bigtyguyy]

Ty:

I would look at the pentax. The anti-shake in the camera is such a cool option :P though I have not looked at the price of it. I may have considered that model if it existed at the time I got my stuff. Since you are not locked into a lens system you have a full range of choice.

Just make sure you are happy with what you end up purchasing.


:iagree: yea Jer im going nuts on this purchase.. i keep switching back and forth from one camera to another and its killen me.. :witsend: :idk:

[C_Chopper]

I would also look at the Pentax k100d. It is a great camera, very easy to use. Also the shake stabalizer is in the camera as appose to in the lens, which will save you anywhere from $200-$300 on each lens. It also has one of the largest view finders which is very important. I also would stick to oem lens, i have heard that with the 3rd party lens there is alot of hit and misses.

Good luck with the purchase

C_Chopper

[bigtyguyy]

ok well Stevey (Piscies 75) send me this link to a toronto photography forum and i was looken around on there and i found a Canon EOS 20D for $800 in TO.. I could probably get $700-750.. he says it hasn't been used much other then 2000actuations.. soo what do you think of the deal for just the body?

[tankies]

$800 for a canon 20d body, not bad!!! but. but...for a new hundred more, rebel xti is a good deal as well!! changed ur mind abt nikon d40??? its not that bad either!!! did try take pics with it and was impressed for the price and features.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/ND40/ND40A.HTM

Conclusion

Pro:Con:
Smallest Nikon DSLR to date, great for travel and all-day carry
Quiet shutter andAF operation: a very "polite" camera
Good dynamic range, particularly in the shadows
Excellent high-ISO performance
Very well laid-out controls, fewer buttons yet still plenty of depth
Fast AF system, good shutter response
AF system works down to very low light levels, even without the AF-assist light
Bright AF-assist lamp works whether or not flash is enabled
Integration of info display and function menu is superb: Easy for a beginner, handy for a pro
LCD display is very well organized and informative, 2.5" screen is a welcome step up from that of the D50
AF-S and manual focus lenses can be used with manual focusing, camera's focus sensor indicates correct focus
Kit lens focuses down to 11 inches at any focal length
Bright LED AF zone indicators in viewfinder display
Accurate and consistent metering, works to very low light levels (but only in manual mode at the darkest levels)
Nikon 3D matrix metering produces very accurate flash exposures
1/500 x-sync speed for flash shots
Grip is comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes
Programmable function button is very handy, nice that it's on the left side of the body, making it easier to manipulate command dial at the same time
Playback zoom operation is very convenient
Playback display is very fast, refreshes quickly as you scroll through captured images
In-camera "retouch" menu is unique, permits significant image adjustment without resorting to the computer
Four-way controller disc works well
Strap eyelets are recessed, won't gouge your hand when holding the camera
Adjustable auto-off timers are a nice touch, surprising to find on an entry-level SLR
Extensive custom function menu, way ahead of most entry-level DSLRs
Digital "image overlay" permits creative multiple-exposure shots
Very fast downloads to a computer
Optional remote control transmitter available
Phenomenal pricing for a Nikon DSLR, particularly considering the feature set
Good dynamic range, but prone to losing highlight detail
In-camera contrast adjustment has almost no effect
Only 3 AF regions
Auto white balance setting doesn't handle household incandescent lighting well
Kit lens shows dramatic flare, well in from the corners
Chromatic aberration is also high at wide angle
No Autofocus with non AF-S lenses
No support for older, non-CPU lenses
LCD status display is slow to update, lags behind actual camera settings when rotating command dial, particularly in "graphic" display mode (in-viewfinder display is fast and accurate though)
Glare from LCD info display very distracting when looking through the viewfinder (almost blinding at night), no way to turn it off permanently
AF assist lamp may be blocked by your fingers when holding the camera
Shutter time determined by "gating" the CCD at high shutter speeds, can lead to streaking or smearing of very strong highlights
Grip may be too small for some users
AF point is easily changed accidentally by hitting the four-way control pad while shooting
Dioptric adjustment of viewfinder optics is awkward to set, has somewhat limited range
Battery charger requires large external cord, just one thing more to lug along on a trip
No battery grip or option (yet, at least - there are contacts in the battery compartment for one, just none offered.)
No in-camera support for Nikon Creative Lighting system (does work with SB-800 on the camera as a controller though)
Kit lens does not come with hood

Nikon really shocked the market with the D40. We've been pleasantly surprised with its excellent performance in low light and its simple grace as a day-to-day shooter. Then we remind ourselves that all this quality comes at less than $600, and we shake ourselves awake. The Nikon D40 is one great camera!
The Nikon D40 is a natural fit in most hands. Its controls are where they should be for easy use, and the D40 is a well-behaved guest at parties with its pleasantly soft shutter sound. A big, bright LCD is great for reviewing photos from a wide variety of angles; though we do wish they'd put some kind of eye detection method to prevent glare while you're looking through the viewfinder.
Existing Nikon owners should be careful to note that the Nikon D40 can only autofocus with AF-S lenses. Those who want to attach a short, fast prime (non-zoom) lens for indoor low-light shooting should also note that Nikon doesn't currently make any such lenses in AF-S. The good news, however, is that the Nikon D40's low light performance at ISO 1,600 is startling, even without noise reduction turned on. It's so good that we don't really feel like we're pushing the D40 until we jump into ISO 3,200.
Though the Nikon D40's kit lens is pretty good, and also fast and quiet, we were a little disappointed with the significant flare we see in its images with high contrast elements out toward the corners, even in the middle of its zoom range. Its chromatic aberration was also fairly high at wide angle, but none of these minor problems were significantly different from other comparably priced offerings. The lens performed very well in most circumstances, so it's well worth the price.
The Nikon D40 stands up well against the competition -- even those with higher resolution -- with great image quality at all speeds, and near-perfect utility as a family camera. It's tough to ask for more. The Nikon D40 lives up to our expectations, and even exceeds them. There's no question that the Nikon D40 is a Dave's Pick.

[bigtyguyy]

$800 for a canon 20d body, not bad!!! but. but...for a new hundred more

OOOHH i thought it was way more then that! oh ok then not so much of a good deal!

thanks for all the info on the D40!

[Continental]

I have the Canon EOS 20D. Great camera and it let's me use all my lens from my older EOS 35mm.

[bigtyguyy]

well guys finally bought the camera. Nikon D80.. i got the body for $1024 taxes in! just need to get some lens not sure which ones though. i will be using the camera for random stuff but also a lot of outdoorsy stuff like animal shots and lanscape stuff. so i was thinking a decent telephoto and a general purpose one.

[macsturm]

Congrats on the purchase I have the same one and Love it, don't regret it one bit, I had looked at the xti, 20d and the D80, but the Nikon just felt so good in the hands.

I recommend the nikon 18-200 lens that has vr awesome lens, only need the one and does it all for me. A little on the expensive side, either 799 or 899 can't remember but I won't have to switch lens for a while unless I get into some super fancy stuff. The less lens you have to switch out the less dust that will get on the inside

just my two cents

Macsturm :)

[Nanoized]

Great choice on the camera!

Ensure whatever lens you buy that it has macro abilities or buy a separate lens for that function.

We expect to see some great pics with such an awesome camera :-)

Pressures on.


http://www.bythom.com/18200lens.htm

[bigtyguyy]

yea im really excited to get the camera and head out and buy some lens for it! Thanks guys for all your info and help... I will still need some on the lens purchase but finally we are half way there!

[tankies]

congrats on ur new purchase...d80 is sure a good camera...well, nikon in general is a good rival of canon. anyways, buying a good camera is just half of a really good picture, u need a decent lens as well to make it great, so, if u still have some more dough to shell-out, get a good lens, it will most certainly be with you even long after the camera, u know what!!! u may choose the 18-200mm as someone mentioned...that one has a good range... good for routine use be it far or close....and as usual, read, read, read! u want a good lens that does less barrelling and vignetting and so on.

[bigtyguyy]

Well it came in today and i couldn't be happier! Its in MINT shape!!!!! if the box wasn't a little worn then i wouldn't have known it was opened and used... soooo happyyy!!!!! I forgot my mom has a 35mm Nikon and a 24-70 Af on there so i hooked it up i just need a memory card now! SD card i think.

:bravo: :bravo: :bravo: Henrys on EBAY is AWESOME:bravo: :bravo: :bravo:



:cheers2:

[bigtyguyy]

just a heads up but Future shop has a sale on memory sticks for your digital cameras right now..
mine takes SD cards

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10059941&catid=

[Chen]

I'd be concern buying such a good camera off ebay myself unless it is through a reputable company. Warranty is also a concern...Not sure on the savings but I got my RebelXT in GTA for a good price...I like the Nikons too!

[bigtyguyy]

I'd be concern buying such a good camera off ebay myself unless it is through a reputable company. Warranty is also a concern...Not sure on the savings but I got my RebelXT in GTA for a good price...I like the Nikons too!


yea buying it off henrys ebay store i saved over $400 with everything. I got all the warranty cards and also the serial cards from Nikon. I love the camera!!!!!