Korean Job Discussion Forums

[RufusW]

Hey,

So I've got 500-700k to spend on a DSLR. What models should I be looking at?

I'll be traveling with it and I'm all about landscape/scenery shots. So I was thinking of getting a wide angle lens. Does a DSLR usually come with a standard lens that I'd replace? Is it particularly worth the extra cost?

Any thoughts?

I'm new to Busan, any ideas about where I should shop, or is it worth going to Seoul / getting a Korean to buy online?

Any help much appreciated.

[livinginkunsan]

Nikon D40

[SeoulnPepe]

I would second the D40 as it's Nikon's lightest DSLR. At ISO 200 you can't tell the difference in image quality between it and the D200/D300, except perhaps that the higher end cameras have more dynamic range. At higher ISO's the current prosumer cameras shine above their ancestors.

Another option if you plan to print large or crop would be the D40x.

As for wide angle lenses, skip the zooms, and go for a Vivitar/Tokina 17mm f3.5 RMC lens. They run from 150-250,000W. It's got the equivalent field of view as a 24mm lens does on a full frame camera.

The only downside to such a combination would be lack of metering. If you know what you're doing, go for it. Otherwise a wide angle for DX format will definitely cost you more than a D40/D40x.

And since you love landscapes, a tripod is a must, especially in low light.

There were a couple of D40s for sale a while back. Search the postings. Oh, and since that Tokina doesn't AF, you'll need a focusing screen. (30US on ebay, or 100 from Katzeye).

[doc_ido]

Do any of your friends have SLRs? If they do, it might be worth getting a compatible model so you can borrow lenses off them (assuming they'll let them out of their sight).

I can't comment on Nikons as I'm a relatively new Canon user - I'd say that any of the entry-level three- or four-figure models would be fine (EOS1000D, 400D, 450D etc.). The kit lens is usually the 18-55, which is fine but if you can afford the extra cost you might want to consider something like the EF-S 10-22 for wide angles. Personally, if I were only able to carry one lens around with me for travelling I'd want something a little more versatile - at the moment I use the Tamron 17-50, but it's only because I can't afford the superb Canon 17-55.

[Sapa]

As an alternative to Nikon, you could also look at the Canon 450D (Rebel XSi).
Gets great reviews all around. That's the camera I opted for a couple of months back.

[RufusW]

Hey,

thanks for the info, plenty to get my teeth into..

The 'keepers' will definitely be landscapes but while traveling I'll probably use it for some portraits etc, so I suppose a more versatile lens would be important. Unless it's 'very' wide-angle I suppose most lenses would be okay for 'close' photos?

Unfortunately I don't have friends with a SLR so I'll have to do plenty of research.

Thanks for the help getting started, it sounds like the D40 is standard and a good one to start with.