Hi guys out there, I m looking for a entry-level dslr and in fact, have been doing a little research on them. Basically, i found out that three abovementioned model appeal the most to me. So, now having headache to choose which one.

P/S: I prefer Canon, but the kit lens is not so good ( according to reviews ). Thus, can i buy canon 400d with 17-55mm instead of the 18-55mm. HOw much would be the price approximately?

Thank you in advance.

It's better to state your budget .

Why not add SONY A100 to the list? It's quite good for newbie because got body IS (CCD shift, not like some cheap ISO trick)

It's best to state some of your preference as all dSLRs are good in their own way.

What is your budget? I see that you are leaning a little heavier on Canon since you even know which lens to get ;P

faster learning also ! hehe

if we bring Sony A-100 into the matter, might as well bring Pentax K10D as well i suggest we just stick to the items stated by the TS.

When you wonder over which brand to buy, remember that you are buying into the system.

They're all great cameras nonetheless with their own strengths & weaknesses... going out to test each once could help ya decide best on what feels right.

In-body IS is very economical, unless you want to pay a premium for every IS lens. Do consider Image Stabilisation, Shake Reduction, or whatever it is called because it is very useful. Despite what some people think, even the IS/SR/VR or whatever will still need good handholding techniques to realise their potentials to the fullest (3-4 stops shutter speed advantage).

majority use canon or nikon.. no offense on other brand.. but think about lens + flash.. other brand you may not have alot of shop selling it.

and 17-55 <- as far i know it a 17-55 F2.8 IS --- hahah nie lens cost about 3.5k to 4k alone..

about the kit lens.. <--- review said it was not so good. not really. as fas as i consider you can get good picture with it. practice make perfect. you still new. stick to kit lens.. but you have bigger budget can consider 17-85 .. 17-55 is a much more expensive.

But y dun consider olympus E-510 as well. All the reviews said it performs well also. And it does have IS. Is it worthwhile to buy the olympus E-510 with twin lens kit which costs around RM3700.
By the way, can anyone please explain to me bout the focal length, its quite confusing.

Thanks.

P/S: My budget is around 2800-3500.

This post has been edited by tkp13: Sep 22 2007, 01:43 PM

With your budget, you will be able to buy the E-510 twin lens kit. Just shop around for the best price. I got a quote at around RM3400 and another one at around RM3200 but in Penang.

The main advantages of E-510 over the other 2 models:

- Supersonic Wave Filter that really works in removing dust from sensor
- Built-in CCD shift IS that makes all your lenses become VR/IS compatible lens which in turn helps you save loads of money
- The kit lenses are the best in terms of built and performance among the 3 models.
- The best value for money currently for the twin lens kit

FYI, What Digital Camera magazine gave E-510 90% rating in their September issue.

Really??? RM3200???? then for sure i will go for it...since i dun think i will need to buy new lens any sooner, the kit lens are more than enough. Haha....seems like you are a Oly fans..Btw, what will be the price in KL area?

Thanks lot for ur info.
I'm gonna to be an Olympian soon.I'm gonna to be an Olympian soon.I'm gonna to be an Olympian soon.I'm gonna to be an Olympian soon.

This post has been edited by tkp13: Sep 22 2007, 04:37 PM

You can try YL Camera in Pudu Plaza (016-218 7810) or J One Camera in Amcorp Mall PJ (012-289 2858).

...and some say among all manufacturers' kit lenses.

Frankly I have both the kit 14-42mm and HG 14-54mm (S$750) lens, and I can't tell the difference in sharpness between the both of them at any common focal length I've tried. Weather-sealing aside, the 14-54 has better distortion and chromatic abberation control. Both lenses have enough multicoats to prevent any ghosting/flaring from bright lights within the view.

Yea...i've considered that. Thanks anyway. Most probably I will be getting my E-510 in 3 weeks time, if nothing special happens .

i'd go with Olympus.
i do quite a bit of traveling and have realised that weight really makes a difference. Olympus, because of the Four Thirds technology, can afford to make the lenses lighter. this saves a lot of weight.

most people go for Nikon/Canon because there range of lenses and flash guns are wider. more shops also sell them. if you aren't investing in new lenses anytime soon, then Olympus twin lens kit would be fine.

i use the E-500, so i wouldn't know much about the IS. haven't had the chance to try it out yet. the Supersonic Wave Filter helps out a lot though. especially if you change lenses often and in the outdoors.

but with whichever camera you get, have fun with it