Railfan Technology > New camera input?

My old Olympus E500 camera seems to have finally bit the dust yesterday. If it hasn't died completely it's very close. It was a super camera that I had for many years and I can't complain at all about it. It's been a very long time since I've had to go camera shopping and I'm suffering from sticker shock. I'm thinking about going the Nikon route this time? I'm considering something like the older D7000? I realize they are old and out of date but I've always heard good things about them? The thing I like is they are a lot cheaper now. I haven't decided to buy one with the kit lens or just the body and get a better lens? Video isn't really that important at this time as I have something for that but it could be a nice option? Money is going to be a factor sadly. If anyone has any input good or bad about a new camera I'd love to hear it. Thanks!

Jay

I got a used refurbished one on Ebay from the manufacture, it was an Olympus a few years old had great luck with it might check that route. I think there are other brands out there the same way.

BAB Wrote:
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> I got a used refurbished one on Ebay from the
> manufacture, it was an Olympus a few years old had
> great luck with it might check that route. I think
> there are other brands out there the same way.


I have been looking at some used ones on the B&H site
and I do like the prices. I've bought a used lens from them
before and never had a minute's trouble out of it. I'm open
to any and all options. Thanks BAB!


Jay

I would recommend renting a couple of the various bodies/lenses you're interested in if you're not fully familiar with them. See if it is something you may like.

Buying used, I would say look at www.keh.com to go along with Adorama & B&H.

Thanks Van, great idea!

Jay

Benched_it Wrote:
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> I have been looking at some used ones on the B&H
> site
> and I do like the prices. I've bought a used lens
> from them
> before and never had a minute's trouble out of it.

I bought a "used" DSLR from B&H about eight years ago. It turned out to be factory refurbished. They never mentioned that! It's still clicking.

Benched_it Wrote:
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> I'm considering something like the older D7000? I realize they are old and
> out of date but I've always heard good things about them?

A D7000 would be a quantum leap from an Olympus E-500. D7000 body-only transaction prices on eBay are commonly in the $500-600 range for "low-mileage" (under 10K shutter actuations) used and factory-refurbished examples. It is still in production, and with the Nikkor 18-105 kit zoom can frequently be found, factory-new, for well under $1,000.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/24/14 06:56 by atsf616.

Thank you atsf616, things are looking better all the time!


Jay

A couple of years ago I purchased a used (but in excellent condition AND with all the factory accessories) D90 body for < $450 CAN. It may be outdated but I see no need to upgrade. 12.3mp is enough for me. 'Course, purchasing from a dealer would give you a warranty of some kind.

Here's a comparison test chart of 8 Nikon DSLR's by Nphoto, a Nikon-only magazine (I hope you can read it after the TO resizing):

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That's a huge help John, I can read it fine. Thanks so much, I appreciate it!


Jay

You're welcome, Jay.

FYI, the comparison chart was from the magazine's January 2013 issue so it isn't that old.

Good luck with your decision (and purchase)!

Thought I'd post an update as ya'll were so nice and helpful.
After spending an hour in a camera store making sure my old
Olympus couldn't be fixed and talking to a very knowledgeable
gentleman I decided to go with a Nikon D3200. They were out
at the time so mine should be here Tuesday from B&H. A lot
of factors came into play after talking to him (and others earlier)
so I feel good about it. I got the camera, a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Lens
and some accessories cheaper than I could have gotten the D7000 body.
This will be my first Nikon so I'm looking forward to it.
Thanks again for the help, I really appreciate it! : )


Jay

Good deal, Jay. Hope you enjoy the new camera.

Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the Nikon club!