Advise on a DSLR

I have some old Nikon telephoto lenses, the manual type. What DSLR would be suitable?

Eamonn A

Hi Eamonn,

All Nikon DSLRs except for the D40, D40x and D60 work with older AF-D lenses that do not have an internal motor. All of them work in manual mode with most AI and AF-D lenses, though the onboard metering usually doesn't work. But that's not a hindrance to an old-time photographer.

The best value for money deal at the moment is the D60 body + AF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR DX Nikkor Kit, which costs about €130 less than buying the two items separately and gives the buyer quite a good ready-use zoom lens that suits most situations where telephoto is not required. But beware. Most 'high street' and online retailers and all airport outlets charge an arm and a leg for these kits or any DSLR or lens except when they are end of line and even then the majority continue to sell them for more than the RRP. For that reason the only retailers I deal with for Nikon DSLR kit are Conn's Cameras in Dublin and Grays of Westminster in London (the latter is a specialist Nikon dealer).

There's a lens compatibility chart available at ftp://ftp.nikon-euro.com/Manuals/DrdIaQvRZv/lcm-En_02.pdf ; however Nikon Europe's download centre is offline at the moment. It should be back online som time in the next few days.

Komplett.ie is offering the 400D for €575, which is the cheapest ive saw it retailing at. If im not allowed mention retailers here then mods, please let me know and remove the post. Thanks

(Not that I'm a MOD but..)
I'd say your alright unless your affiliated to or have a vested interest
in a particular shop or product.
I found discussions about shops, products & value very helpful
when selecting my gear.

Anyway, That price is VERY good.
I paid around €800 for my 350D a year and a half ago!

I'm curious, you only seem to be considering Canon cameras. Is this because you have lots of lenses for Canons already? If not then I'd suggest having a look at the Nikon range too, they do fantastic cameras of equal quality to Canon but often cheaper.

I was convinced I wanted a Canon till I had a look at the Nikons and ended up buying a Nikon D40 (not a current model) and I love it. I've never gotten as much enjoyment out of a piece of technology before!

Bart.

Actually Bart the D40 is still Nikon's current entry level DSLR. The new D60, which replaced the D40X, is the second step in the consumer range and the D80 is the third; however anyone who isn't in a hurry should consider waiting for the D80 replacement, which should be out this year.

Brian, if you are looking for a DSLR for imaging only a modified Canon is probably the way to go because you can buy them with the IR modification made from reputable suppliers. But if you also want to use it for normal photography Bart is right. Consider the Nikons also.

I'm curious, you only seem to be considering Canon cameras. Is this because you have lots of lenses for Canons already? If not then I'd suggest having a look at the Nikon range too, they do fantastic cameras of equal quality to Canon but often cheaper.

I was convinced I wanted a Canon till I had a look at the Nikons and ended up buying a Nikon D40 (not a current model) and I love it. I've never gotten as much enjoyment out of a piece of technology before!

Bart.

Actually Bart the D40 is still Nikon's current entry level DSLR. The new D60, which replaced the D40X, is the second step in the consumer range and the D80 is the third; however anyone who isn't in a hurry should consider waiting for the D80 replacement, which should be out this year.

Brian, if you are looking for a DSLR for imaging only a modified Canon is probably the way to go because you can buy them with the IR modification made from reputable suppliers. But if you also want to use it for normal photography Bart is right. Consider the Nikons also.

I thought the D40x replaced the D40?

Bart.

No, the current consumer SLR lineup is D40, D60, D80, with stocks of the D40X still available. In Nikon's nomenclature an 'X' distinguishes a camera that has "extras" compared to the base model and doesn't replace it whereas an 's' is used to indicate a design that has been revised aqnd does replace it. A new design gets a new model number (hence the progression from D40X to D60).

For the price conscious, have a look at the UK stores on Ebay.

Canon 400D ( incl. 4GB) @ EUR490
Canon 350D ( incl. 4GB) @ EUR390
Nikon D40X (incl. 2GB) @ EUR463

The shipping is extra @ EUR 30 approx. and as they come from the UK no extra duties apply.

The shop prices I have looked at in Dublin are way over the odds.

This is not a recommendation for the EBAY stores but a price comparison only.