Looking into buying a DLSR

[Cougr]

I've been quiet interested in the Nikon D3000 with the 18-55mm lens. I thought I'd get a second opinion before jumping into anything though. The most I want to spend on a DSLR and lens combo is $700.

In late July I'm going on a trip to Fiji where we will be spending 5 days on a small cruise ship in the Northern Yasawa Islands, so I want a lens to suit that type of area. I'm guessing a larger lens would suit landscape photos but I want to use the camera for all sorts of different photos while I get started, I can always invest in another lens later on. I've read the 18-55mm is a good all-rounder lens.

[Nemesis_22]

All right... time to crack the ole knuckles and get to it.

The D3000 is a good camera if its your first SLR. The absence of a movie mode can be a problem, but it does take a good photo and has the 'guide' mode, so if this is your first SLR then you've chosen correctly. If you want movie mode, then you need to look higher (higher than $700).

The lens you are mentioning is a short range one, wide angle for the most part. It is not a long range zoom lens, the 55-200mm lens in the twin lens kit comes closer to that description, so you had best hope what you are taking photos of is either scenery or very close to you. A 18-55 lens is something of an equivalent of a 2.5x zoom on a compact camera, the 55-200mm is closer to a 10x zoom lens.

Apart from that, its easy to use, and easy to recommend.

Couple of questions though.

Is it your first SLR? Do you have or do you have access to film SLR's?

Did you know you can claim the duty free on this camera as you are leaving with it, as long as you purchase it within 28 days of departure?

Is there anything that you -really- want the camera to be able to do?

[Cougr]

Thanks Nemesis, appreciate your help.

This is my first SLR yes, I've only had experience with compact digital cameras, but I have done a little bit of reading on DSLR's so I am not a total noob but I wouldn't go saying I know what I'm doing, I'd say I will probably find it easier to understand.

I'm not to fussed with having no movie mode, if I wanted to do some filming I'd probably invest in a cheap compact video camera so it has better sound quality and what not, but that isn't any time soon.

I didn't know I could claim the camera duty free, so I am stoked about that .How much would I be looking at saving? and how would I go about making the claim?

There's not really anything I can think of that I really want the camera to do, I've never properly used an SLR so I don't know the their limitations. I'm not sure what I could say to help explain what I'd like to be able to do with the camera.

However I like the long exposure shots at night, I'm really excited to be able to try this out. I enjoy taking photos of sunsets/sunrises, cars (my car, car shows), landscapes, the beach, the weather, my blue staffy puppy , macro and as I said above photos at night (not using flash).

[Nemesis_22]

Okay... with the duty free, considering its a cruise, I am not sure how you'd claim it. Normally its done at the airport via some area related to the tax department. I'd call the place you are leaving through, the travel agent or some such, and ask where you need to go, and how much you get. I believe it is 10% though.

The movie mode on the right SLR's btw is ridiculously good, just so you know. My experiences even with the base video models has so far blown me away.

The night shots are going to require using a tripod, and switching to a high aperture mode for getting a lot in focus, or a very, very slow shutter speed (10 second+ exposure, and use the lowest ISO possible). Both of these are going to mean you need a tripod, and get one that is stable and rated to take the weight of the camera you have.

For macro you are going to need a specialist lens for it. No way round it. Other stuff you should be fine though.

[Cougr]

We fly to Fiji and back so I guess I'll be searching for the tax place in the Brisbane International.

I wouldn't really use the camera for filming much anyway. I would rather save the money, but thanks for the info on it.

Tri-pod is something I am definitely going to get when I get the camera.
If I need another lens for macro I'll just forget it, for now at least.

So with the 18-55mm would that be fine for what I want to do when I go to Fiji? Shots of islands from the ship, close portraits, your usual photos on a vacation...

[Cougr]

Hey, where would you suggest buying the D3000?

[fun-any0ne?]

If you wan't to try sunrises/sunsets and landscapes have a look at getting yourself a polarizer. Usually go for around $50. Essentially what they do is cut out most of the glare in a scene. So for example if the sun is reflecting off the sea the polarizer will cut out the glare and you'll have crystal blue water and not a huge patch where the sun is reflecting off of it. They also saturate colours a bit more as well. Just be mindful of using them at a ultra wide angles (less than 35mm) as you'll get funny skies, half of it will be bluer than the other. They make pretty inexpensive lens protectors as well

[Nemesis_22]

The 18-55 is fine for wide angle shots. Not for distance shots at all. The 18-55 is about the equivalent to a 2.5x Optical zoom. The 55-200mm lens is an equivalent to a 10x optical zoom at the upper limit of the zoom (and completely lacks in wide angle). Thus, I recommend getting a twin.

And you said you are in the Brisbane area. Well, that makes it easier. Think you can make it into Fortitude Valley this Sunday? If yes, let me know via PM and I'll PM you which store I work at. I may not be able to offer the best price (but I will try), however I can at least spare you a bit of time to show you the differences between lenses and why you should get them.

[Cougr]

If you wan't to try sunrises/sunsets and landscapes have a look at getting yourself a polarizer. Usually go for around $50. Essentially what they do is cut out most of the glare in a scene. So for example if the sun is reflecting off the sea the polarizer will cut out the glare and you'll have crystal blue water and not a huge patch where the sun is reflecting off of it. They also saturate colours a bit more as well. Just be mindful of using them at a ultra wide angles (less than 35mm) as you'll get funny skies, half of it will be bluer than the other. They make pretty inexpensive lens protectors as well

Cheers mate, I never really knew how it worked but I'll look into one of those as well. Sounds like I'll need it if I'm going to be on a boat in the gleaming sun, on crystal clear blue water.

The 18-55 is fine for wide angle shots. Not for distance shots at all. The 18-55 is about the equivalent to a 2.5x Optical zoom. The 55-200mm lens is an equivalent to a 10x optical zoom at the upper limit of the zoom (and completely lacks in wide angle). Thus, I recommend getting a twin.

And you said you are in the Brisbane area. Well, that makes it easier. Think you can make it into Fortitude Valley this Sunday? If yes, let me know via PM and I'll PM you which store I work at. I may not be able to offer the best price (but I will try), however I can at least spare you a bit of time to show you the differences between lenses and why you should get them.

Ah, wish I could come down but that's not going to be possible. I live at Noosa so it's a little bit of a drive. I do have a friend that works at Harvey Norman who will drop a heap off the price if they actually sell the D3000's?

[Nemesis_22]

Not a camera with heaps in it, usually, and if you get it interest free he'll have trouble. But that being said, HN do definitely sell it - loads of em.

[Cougr]

I've come across a nice price for a D3000 with 10-55mm Lens. I decided I cannot afford the two lenses and when I am going to be on sand and near water with the camera, one lens would be a lot better.

I've come across...
http://youshop247.com.au/store/product. ... ctid=36307

Anyone have any experience with this store? Seems pretty decent.
They're located in Victoria so if I need to return for warranty it's only in Australia, not going to Hong Kong or anything.

[Nemesis_22]

Hong Kong import. Even says it in the description. Be wary. Also, be aware it is possible you will not be able to get the duty free price. After all, if it is an import, it has paid no import tax, and thus you cannot claim it.

[Cougr]

Hong Kong import. Even says it in the description. Be wary. Also, be aware it is possible you will not be able to get the duty free price. After all, if it is an import, it has paid no import tax, and thus you cannot claim it.

Oh ok, hmm, I'll see what deal they can do me at Harvey Norman.

[Cougr]

Just out of curiosity I checked the price of a D3000 from Harvey Norman with the VR 18-55mm Lens and they're RRP is $1000!

I had someone recommend Ted's Cameras to me.
http://teds.rtrk.com.au
Seems like they have some great prices and they're in Brisbane to!

D3000 with VR 18-55mm Lens for $682 and then I get $50 money back and then another $60 if I claim Duty Free. I think I'm going to go with this.

[Nemesis_22]

Thats weird. Coz if you go here -

http://www.harveynorman.com.au/product/ ... h--mm-lens

You get it with two lenses (a tamron 70-300mm) for $836, which becomes $786 after cashback, and off the base price of $836 and with, say, 10% duty free claim, becomes a total of $703. The lens is normally $299. Whoever you spoke to at HN was a blithering idiot.