Thanks for the advice

[Honestman]

D30 or D60

Thanks to all for the advice - love the sense of humour too!

I'm convinced that a D60 is the best option - now about a lens.. I can't afford the L lenses at present. Is the Tokina 19-35 worth buying as a starter?

Other than that it is a Sigma 24-70 or a Canon 22-56 USM (I am assuming this fiits - am I correct?) which are within the budget (the budget also relating to the "doesn't result in divorce bracket as previously mentioned)

It all gets VERY confusing - and I don't even want to think about flashguns......

What is a good book to start with for a digital novice - must I also invest in Photoshop?

Think I'll be back to the forum MANY times over the coming months

Tim

[RichardtheSane]

Honestman wrote:
I'm convinced that a D60 is the best option - now about a lens.. I can't afford the L lenses at present. Is the Tokina 19-35 worth buying as a starter?

Other than that it is a Sigma 24-70 or a Canon 22-56 USM (I am assuming this fiits - am I correct?) which are within the budget (the budget also relating to the "doesn't result in divorce bracket as previously mentioned)


The Tamron 19-35 is IMHO the best budget wideangle zoom out there - I believe it is the only one that has a non-rotating from element and is also the sharpest of the bunch.

I would also highly recommend you getting hold of a Canon 50mm F1.8 - it is a cheap but truly great lens, and it will really show you what the D60 can do quality wise.

If you go for a sigma, look at the EX or the DG series of lenses as they are much better quality.

Welcome to the digital SLR game :D :D
Look behind you, what you see is all your spare cash dissapearing into the distance...... :D :D :D

[Canuck]

Honestman wrote:
D30 or D60

* The D60 is 6.3MP; the D30 is 3.11MP. If you're looking to make big pics, the D60 has the odds on advantage. While we're talking about advantage, you might find a 10D for the same price new as you would find a D30 used. I vote for new stuff, even if it is just a little more! Piece of mind(warantee) goes a long way.

Thanks to all for the advice - love the sense of humour too!

* What else would we be here for, other than banter? Oh yeah, this thing called advice...almost forgot. (Can you smell the sarcasm wherever you are? I'm in the UK.)

I'm convinced that a D60 is the best option - now about a lens.. I can't afford the L lenses at present. Is the Tokina 19-35 worth buying as a starter?

* Idunno, never shot with a Tokina lens. A Sigma lens might be a good idea. They are relatively cheap compared to L glass. I have a Canon 16-35 F2.8L and Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX. Both lenses rock!

Other than that it is a Sigma 24-70 or a Canon 22-56 USM (I am assuming this fiits - am I correct?) which are within the budget (the budget also relating to the "doesn't result in divorce bracket as previously mentioned)

* Any lens with a Canon EF/EOS compatable mount will work. IE: You won't get a Sigma 120-300 lens for a Sigma SD-9, or for the N-word mount. You can use FD mound lenses w/ an adapter, but that is another story alltogether. USM is UltraSonic Motor...noise it makes whilst focusing is above human hearing range (20-20,000 hz approx).

It all gets VERY confusing - and I don't even want to think about flashguns......

* Me either, enough said on that.

What is a good book to start with for a digital novice - must I also invest in Photoshop?

* You will get Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 w/ a 10D. I can't speak for the D60. I need a lifeline here. IMHO, Shutterbug might not be so bad for a newcomer. It is a monthly magasine and tells all about stuff. You should be able to get it if in the US. Have a look and see. If you wan't more, then you will have to invest in better software. I have heard good stuff about C1, and a few others, but have never actually used it. That will require some asking around. A few others and myself are trying to get a DSLRs for Dummies kinda deal going, much like the book. There are probably a ton of books out there, take a look at them and if they look good initaill, they are probably a winner. I can't speak specifically, though to a certain book.

Think I'll be back to the forum MANY times over the coming months

* Please do, we who have been around a while are usually more than happy to anwer most questions. However, there are some topics that have been beaten to death. Please look back several months before asking questions, as some of us get tired of the same old questions being asked by all newcomers. My experience comes from high school, then took a hiatus till 12/99 when I got back in thru the present. I shot 35mm w/ an EOS 50E/Elan IIE and still do very seldom since getting 10D in end April, 2003.

Tim

Cheers from England,
Canuck