Comments on: Important decisions

By: Mike Bok

Mike Bok — Fri, 14 May 2010 00:06:32 +0000

I am still agonizing about this decision. I see the wisdom of getting a 20D (a spectacular camera) with money left over for nice glass. However, that is tempered by being uncomfortable with getting a used camera and losing HD video (which I am very excited by).

By: Helen Oster

Helen Oster — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:49:27 +0000

Thanks for the recommendation, myrmecos!

Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador

helen.oster[AT]adoramacamera.com

By: myrmecos

myrmecos — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 02:36:25 +0000

I’ll second the Adorama suggestion. They’re a reliable company and I’ve never had any problems with them.

By: Helen Oster

Helen Oster — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:00:31 +0000

Adorama Camera gives a 90-day warranty on all our used equipment, and 12 months on all refurbished by Canon units!

Wherever you choose to purchase, I would recommend strongly that you check out the customer feedback at resellerratings.com before you part with your credit card details.

Please do contact me if I can be of assistance to you.

Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador

helen.oster[AT]adoramacamera.com

By: Adrian Thysse

Adrian Thysse — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:17:02 +0000

I’d be nervous about it to! However, most photographic suppliers will provide a 30 day warranty on their used cameras. Take a look at B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?ci=15488&N=4294182649+4291570227)for instance.

By: Mike Bok

Mike Bok — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:51:34 +0000

How should one go about purchasing a used camera body? Are there reputable online refurbishes, or should I try and find a local shop? Buying any used tech item inherently makes me nervous.

By: Adrian Thysse

Adrian Thysse — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:22:44 +0000

Agree

By: myrmecos

myrmecos — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:07:50 +0000

If you don’t mind some blunt advice, I think you’re doing this backwards. Whatever your budget is, you’re better off scrimping on the camera and putting money into lenses and flash units. Cameras depreciate like you wouldn’t believe (a $1000 camera back now will be worth only $600 next year, and near worthless after that). In spite of this trend, most improvements in dSLR technology over the past few years have been marginal- the camera back is the least important part of the equation.

You may as well pick up an old Canon 20D or Rebel for a couple hundred bucks and use the savings to get some better glass that you’ll keep for years.

By: Mike Bok

Mike Bok — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:42:26 +0000

Thanks all for the excellent input.

I went to Best Buy again today and played with the contenders. Looks like I just need to decide between the Cannons.

By: Ted C. MacRae

Ted C. MacRae — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 22:00:07 +0000

As Gregory says, if you decide you really want to get into insect macro at some point, you will SO want that 65mm 1-5X from Canon - Nikon just doesn't have an equivalent. I don't have any experience with these particular cameras, but it seems like a reasonable approach to me if you're funding is limited. Adrian Thysse wrote a nice article on "macro on a budget" on his Voyages Around My Camera site - you should look it up and see what he has to say. From my limited experience, flash is going the most important upgrade you can make, and you can't really practice macro until you do have a good flash unit. If you do go with Canon, I'd try to get that MT-24EX twin flash as soon as possible so you can at least start learning while you save up for better glass.