Recommendation for beginner ??

[Harhir]

I am thinking to upgrade from my analog SLR (Olympus OM2n) to a digital SLR.
Since I am not too familiar with high tech digital photography yet, I am thinking of starting with a used Digital Canon. But only if I can really save some money.
So far I have only used a S200. It is great digital camera but I am missing the flexibility of my SLR with all the lenses.

Therefore I have a few questions to the Pro's is the forum.

1.)
Does ist make sense to start with a used Canon. E.g. a D30 or D60? Or should I go for the 10D right away?
I have seen that some D30 are still offered for up to almost $1000 on Ebay. And even more for the D60. But for $1500 I can already get a brand new 10D including warranty.

http://www.wolfcamera.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10101&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=13076301

I was expecting to find a D30 for far less than half that price of a 10D. Maybe too optimistic.... :)
What would be a realistic price for a used D30?

2)
Which lenses can be recommended? Here I would like to go with new ones.
Since I am making mostly outdoor pictures I do not want to miss my wide angle lense. So far I have been using:
28mm (1:2.8), 35-70mm (1:2.5 -3.5) and 70-210 (1:3.8-4.0).
I would be interested the cover the same or similar
range with the EOS. Which lenses could be recommended in regards to the lens factor of 1.6?
Also in regards to a possible camera upgrade in a few years when I go with a used one right now.

Are there also interoperability issues with other lens brands (Tamron, Sigma, ..). My father bought a EOS300 a few years ago with a Tamron lens. The focus did not work correctly. He changed the lens that to a Canon lens and the problem was gone.


3.)
What would be a good source for a used D30 or maybe D60?

Thanks for any help

Stefan

[Jeppe]

1. Yes you shouldnt have to pay more than about $900 for the D30. Still, the D30 is a good camera and therefore the price is still a bit high. But it's not realistic to find a used D30 for $750, yet..
I see no reason why u should get an D60, since the 10D is better in every aspect, well if you happned to find one really cheap.

2. If you dont want to loose your wide-angle, there will be only about 2 lenses for a Canon DSLR. The EF 17-40/4L or the Sigma EX 15-30/3.5-4.5. Personally, i choose the EF 17-40/4L and is very pleased. Although that lens will set you back some $800, but its a great lens. Combine this with the EF 28-135 IS USM 3.5-5.6. Also get the EF 50/1.8, their practally giving them away ;). Dont let the price fool you. It's a awsome lens, and makes a good 80mm on Dxx/10D. Now, with this setup, you will cover the same focal length as before.

3. Good source? Well Ebay is by far the biggest...

[martcol]

If you've got the money and you already understand SLR photography I would go straight to the 10D, no hesitation. Used D60s and D30s still seem expensive and so near the price of a 10D it doesn't make sense. I imagine also that as soon as you get into DSLR, you'll want the 10D...

If your budget is tight, the D30 seems to be the better buy although, I have never owned either.