[MileCruncher]

I'm not a professional photographer like so many of them over here. Many moons back I used to have a analog YashicA SLR with which I used to do outdoor photography. But somehow over a period of time kind of lost touch with photography (except the P&S) kind.

But while travelling to the exotic places, I get to feel that the P&S are not able to do justice to the landscapes and hence I need to have a DSLR. But slowly am feeling the need of a DSLR.

I intend to start with the std 18-55mm lens before buying other kit lenses and filters.

Since I'm not to familiar with what is available in the market nowadays, I would like to ask gurus here to guide me whether to go for a Canon EOS400D or Nikon D40 and also their pros and cons.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers

[Jaguar]

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

Since I'm not to familiar with what is available in the market nowadays, I would like to ask gurus here to guide me whether to go for a Canon EOS400D or Nikon D40 and also their pros and cons.
Cheers

Are you looking for used bodies? AFAIK, both the 400D and D40 have been discontinued long back.

[MileCruncher]

Originally Posted by Jaguar

Are you looking for used bodies? AFAIK, both the 400D and D40 have been discontinued long back.

I'm looking for a brand new one. Please let me know which would be the equivalent prevalent models now

[Proxima]

Entry level Nikon is the Nikon D3000. D5000 is the next in line.

[s0uljah]

Canon EOS 550D / Digital Rebel T2i Hands-on Preview: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

One more in the EOS stable..

[Machdar]

Guys

I am stuck between 50D & D90Any suggestions? How expensive is the operating costs (lens+accessories, servicing reliability etc)
My need is for a mix of travel, experimental creative photography & shooting animals.

[phamilyman]

Mythbusters: Is a Nikon really costlier compared to a Canon? [Archive] - The Global Indian Photographer

can help you Machman!

[finneyp]

Machdar, first compare the features of 50D and D90.
Then visit the Nikon & Canon showroom & try holding the said camera.

Whichever has the features you want, convenient to hold, go for that.

BTW, I have a D90, am pretty happy with the results!

[MileCruncher]

For a starter like me, which camera /model would the guru's suggest?

[bmw_m5_titus]

Depends on what brand you want to go for!
At the lower entry level, Canon 1000D, Nikon d3000 and if you have cash and want better features like HD video, the Canon 500d or Nikon D90.

[shajufx]

Atlast my Nikkor 35mm 1.8G lens has arrived. I ended up paying close to whats available in Bangalore (14k). So, shipping business is not economical at all. Few of my friends had told 'low value' items might get through the clearance without duty, but all those myths are busted right now. Actual value of the lens is only $200, but the Mumbai customs has assessed its value as 14k (any slabs existing?), so the duty total is 1862. I dont think I will ever ship another lens or accessory again. If someone can pick up from the US stores, its a good saving, no doubt !

Few pics:

[nitrous]

Originally Posted by Shajufx

I ended up paying close to whats available in Bangalore (14k). So, shipping business is not economical at all.I dont think I will ever ship another lens or accessory again. If someone can pick up from the US stores, its a good saving, no doubt

This has always been the case, bro.
Its just that some people like to try their luck and get burnt.

[shajufx]

Nitrous, I was lucky not to get burnt in this case. MRP here is infact 16k, some special outlets you get it for 14k (with limitation on warranty). Anyway its my impatience towards gadgets that puts me into trouble. I do such crazy things which has no justification, even when atleast someone in the family or friends circle is flying to US almost every month.

Now I have SB600 flash, 17-70 2.8 Sigma macro lens and a Kata (3N1-20) or Lowepro bag in my wishlist, I wont take another shipping chance anyway. Slowly but steadily deepening my DSLR pit.

[amitk26]

Originally Posted by shajufx

Now I have SB600 flash, 17-70 2.8 Sigma macro lens and a Kata (3N1-20) or Lowepro bag in my wishlist, I wont take another shipping chance anyway. Slowly but steadily deepening my DSLR pit.

well I am a noob in this things but customs allow small things ,here small means by value and not by size , Lens are always considered high value items.

Canon 200 EG is good alternative to Kata 3N1-20 at just 36$
Amazon.com: Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG for Canon EOS SLR Cameras (Black with Green Accent): Electronics

if you are not particular on brand name then Deal extreme provides some excellent bags , See this crumpler clone
DealExtreme: $29.99 Designer's Canvas Waterproof Shoulder Bag for DSLR Cameras (Large)

If you need a shoulder bag then nothing beats this el-chepo
Dolcia WB-3592 which I purchased 2 days back. This has metal links and quality better then 50 - 100 $ bags at just a fraction.

[shajufx]

Originally Posted by amitk26

customs allow small things ,here small means by value and not by size , Lens are always considered high value items.......If you need a shoulder bag.

Yes, thats what I heard before ordering mine, and my pack also was classified as 'low value' in the shipment. I dont think anyone would pay a shipping charge of $61 for a product worth less than $100 !!

Thanks for the bag links, mine is a Nikon, so I dont think I will carry a Canon logo on the bag ! And somehow I find the shoulder bags very irritating (I have the lowepro EX140). Kata 3N1 series is known for its multi-utility options, best I liked is the 'sling bag' position where you can just tilt the bag to the front and pull out the camera from the side.