WTB - but not sure what make/model

[orionmystery]

Hi everyone, thanks for reading. I am planning to get a dSLR, but not sure what make/model to go for. But i do know what are the features i want. I used to own a Minolta 700si and loved it. So ideally, my dSLR should have DOF preview, spot metering. anti-shake and anti-dust features.

At one point, i was going to get Sony A100, that was, until i held one in my hand. The build and plasticky feel really turned me off.

Any input? Thanks.

[ShaolinTiger]

I'd recommend Pentax K10D if you want anti-shake in the body.

Forget the anti-dust as it doesn't work.

For the rest of your requirements I'd recommend Nikon D80.

Go try the D80 and K10D and see what you think, both are great cams.

Oh yah, and welcome to SA!

[orionmystery]

Hi ShaolinTiger, thanks for the warm welcome and the reply. Yeah, i've been reading up on the K10D on DPREVIEW.com prior to my post. It has nearly everything i want. There is, however, a negative remark regarding its in-camera image processor not being able to deliver crisp sharp edges. Shooting in raw is recommended.

I checked out D80 too after reading your reply. It seems like a great camera.

Cheers,

[noordin]

Welcome OM.

The only way to decide between the two is to go to the camera shop and ask to try out the models. If you're really serious, they will allow you to do that.

[sonyalpha]

hi, welcome to SA. I am Sony Alpha, and I am here to poison you with Sony Alpha...:D , but since you have already tested it and you don like it, so I shouldnt say anymore, with respect. only one thing to check with you, since you owned Minolta 700si before, do you still keep any KM lens? if yes, you should probably reconsider to get the A100, or else you can sell them cheap to me...:)

there are only 2 maker in the market with anti-shake feature in body, AS from Pentax and SSS from sony.

Anti-dust, Olympus does the best, sony and canon (400D), i would say, better than none. but if you get the nikon, you don have to worry about dust, nikon clean it FOC for you.

other features you looking for, most of the DSLR come with them, only for spot metering, canon entry level DSLR, 350D and 400D only have partial metering, no spot metering.

shooting in raw is ok, just get you a big memory card, price is very affordable now.

more confuse? haa, every brand and model has their good and bad, you have to decide which one you need most, and yes, like Sir Noordin suggested, go and try them and you will know which one you prefer.

Happy buying!

[ShaolinTiger]

Hi ShaolinTiger, thanks for the warm welcome and the reply. Yeah, i've been reading up on the K10D on DPREVIEW.com prior to my post. It has nearly everything i want. There is, however, a negative remark regarding its in-camera image processor not being able to deliver crisp sharp edges. Shooting in raw is recommended.

I checked out D80 too after reading your reply. It seems like a great camera.

Cheers,

Well that shouldn't be a consideration IMHO, if you are using an SLR you should be shooting RAW.

The only excuse for shooting jpeg is for motorport and similar where you need the full speed and can't afford the buffer filled up with RAW shots.

Other than that, if people want to shoot jpeg they should stick to PnS cams..

The jpegs from SLR cams are generally meant to work as a preview, rather than being the final product, that's what the RAW is for.

Most SLR cams produce softer images by default as it retains maximum detail.

The optimum image from an SLR is counter-intuitive as it lacks contrast, will be slightly underexposed and won't be very sharp.

[Gojira]

How about the Pentax K100D? It has all the features you want and the in-camera algorithm seems to get better out of camera JPEGs.

The upcoming Olympus E510 is also worth a look.

[orionmystery]

Wow guys, great info. Thank you, thank you!

Hi ST, shooting in raw makes perfect sense. K10D is back into consideration. My only question now is: will i be spoilt with choices for lense? :D

Hi Gojira, E510? Hmm, i'll check it out online.

Hi SonyAlpha, Sony is not completely out yet. I might hold until their new ones come out. Yes, i do have a Tamron 28-200 and an SP 90mm macro lense. Not sure if they're still in good condition or not though..LOL. Great tip on the Nikon FOC cleaning service!

Hi Noordin, I think i still need to do more homework before i head to the camera store.:D

Thanks again!

[sonyalpha]

Wow guys, great info. Thank you, thank you!

Hi ST, shooting in raw makes perfect sense. K10D is back into consideration. My only question now is: will i be spoilt with choices for lense? :D

Hi Gojira, E510? Hmm, i'll check it out online.

Hi SonyAlpha, Sony is not completely out yet. I might hold until their new ones come out. Yes, i do have a Tamron 28-200 and an SP 90mm macro lense. Not sure if they're still in good condition or not though..LOL. Great tip on the Nikon FOC cleaning service!

Hi Noordin, I think i still need to do more homework before i head to the camera store.:D

Thanks again!

you not sure? easy, pass to me and i test them out for you...:D , sony next dslr, i don think it will be here so soon.

[orionmystery]

you not sure? easy, pass to me and i test them out for you...:D , sony next dslr, i don think it will be here so soon.

Hi SonyAlpha, no, i am not sure. When do you want to test them for me? Hehe...if they still works, especically the macro lens, then i might still consider A100...ROFL...

[orionmystery]

After weeks and weeks of consideration and research, I thought i was going to settle for a K10D and Tamron 17-50 F2.8 XR Di II lens, and a 90mm Macro lens...but when i checked Tamron website, BUMMER, there's no Pentax mount for the 17-50mm. I think this will be a decision breaker for me...

I am reconsidering Nikon and Canon now....

D200 is still too expensive for me at about 4.8K body only..
Maybe D80, or EOS 400D?

[xcaliber]

if you can wait, there's rumour of a d80 replacement/upgrade. heard of a d80s being round the corner.