First DSLR, a bit confused due to price

[Harabec]

I'd like to buy my first DSLR and I have no clue what is best for me.

The problem is price. Here are a few models I've looked at:
A new Canon EOS400D kit costs $915. Non-IS 18-55 I think.
Canon EOS450D kit (18-55 IS) $1260.
Nikon D80 (really like this one) $1140 for new body only.
Nikon D60 $770 for kit.
Finally, the Sigma 18-200 OS I want costs $570.

This is in Israeli Shekels converted to USD for your convenience.
The price includes official importer warranty (supposedly a big deal?).

If I go with parallel importers (MACK warranty? any good?) the prices drop by $250 on average, that is quite a bit.

Finally, there's always the option of buying used. I saw a D80+Sigma 18-200 for $860, EOS400D bodies for $515 and so on. Of course I can't be sure it there is still a warranty.

a used body will allow me to invest in better optics, new equipment comes with full warranty and is NEW, parallel importing is NEW but warranty is a gray-area.
What would you all suggest?

Thanks in advance!

 

[jpeyton]

Get a used body. You're getting taken for a ride with those prices.

 

[Harabec]

Used is definitly cheaper. Which one would you suggest?
BTW, used Nikon D70's are sold for nearly nothing, but are they "enough" or should I invest in something a little more modern?

 

[21stHermit]

A D70 is plenty. The newer models offer more megapixels, so what. You'll never see the difference in a print. Megapixels are for bragging rights, not photos.

Just remember, pick the brand (Canon or Nikon) you like best. Highly unlikely you'll ever switch brands once you start. Try to hold and use one of each to judge the menus and controls.

 

[996GT2]

I have a D70 and it's a great camera. It has some features that the newer D40 and D60 don't have, such as AF with older non AF-S lenses and a very fast 1/500 sec flash sync.

Camera bodies don't cost much at all in comparison to a set of good lenses, so it's easy to pick up a newer body down the road.

Btw, the D70s is just a D70 with a 2" screen (vs 1.8"). Even the screen resolution is the same. Everything else is pretty much the same.

 

[ElFenix]

i'd read the print carefully on the mack warranty. you may have to send the camera to europe, north america, or elsewhere to get service.

 

[Harabec]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I found a nice deal on a "legit" (official import with real warranty) D40, comes as a kit with the 18-135 or body-only for an excellent price. I'm not sure if the 18-135 (DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED) is really the all-around lens I'm looking for, but the 18-200VR costs about $1000 new, bleh. I could just get the Sigma 18-200OS if it is "good enough", but should I compromise?

 

[foghorn67]

Originally posted by: Harabec
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I found a nice deal on a "legit" (official import with real warranty) D40, comes as a kit with the 18-135 or body-only for an excellent price. I'm not sure if the 18-135 (DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED) is really the all-around lens I'm looking for, but the 18-200VR costs about $1000 new, bleh. I could just get the Sigma 18-200OS if it is "good enough", but should I compromise?

The 18-135 is a nice lens. Dont feel like you are missing out.

 

[Harabec]

Alright, I'll take the kit. I can always add another one later.
DSLR, here I come... :camera:

 

[Harabec]

A little update. I ended up buying a D40 along with the nikkor AF-S 18-200mm VR lens. The lens cost twice as much as the D40, but I believe it is worth it (I need portability in desert conditions, I would REALLY like not having to take 2 lenses) as I may or may not upgrade to another body in the future - no need right now.

 

[Jawo]

Originally posted by: Harabec
A little update. I ended up buying a D40 along with the nikkor AF-S 18-200mm VR lens. The lens cost twice as much as the D40, but I believe it is worth it (I need portability in desert conditions, I would REALLY like not having to take 2 lenses) as I may or may not upgrade to another body in the future - no need right now.

That's a very good starter lens. You have a massive range, and great portability. However, down the road you will want to get something else, since it has massive distortion and vignetting at 18mm. Photozone

Enjoy your new camera and have fun!

 

[Harabec]

Thanks. I know about the distortion,will have to see it IRL.

PS That is a very nice site!