Holiday time is coming, and my loving spouse has asked me for a list. While I'm not even close to ready to dump my little SP-350 and go over to the dark side underwater, I'm increasingly disappointed in the range of topside pics available to me. Looking to the UW future and a present that includes whale and dolphin pics, landscapes, nature shots of various types I'm thinking of a DSLR. All the major brands have new models, as well as the existing stuff. Thought about and have all but rejected the E-410. I like the small size, and you can get the 2 lens kit for $599 these days, but from what I've heard and read, it's just not much of a step up.
The Rebel XTi seems to be a decent camera, and can be had almost as cheap. Prices on D200's seem to be coming down, with the D300 out. The 40D has all the new features and the larger format sensor that will use combo lenses. On the top end, the new E-3 looks nice, but I've heard reports that it has similar issues to the E-410 in terms of the live view. That leaves the D-300. Pricey, with pricier lenses, but worth the difference?
I've read all the DPReview and Photo Forum comparisons and am still as confused as ever.
Price aside, does one stand out from the others based on perhaps lenses that can perform double duty, topside and UW, port availability, customer service...Any ideas?
How about an E-Bay D2X for the price of a new D-300?
What lenses?
The Rebel XTi seems to be a decent camera, and can be had almost as cheap. Prices on D200's seem to be coming down, with the D300 out. The 40D has all the new features and the larger format sensor that will use combo lenses. On the top end, the new E-3 looks nice, but I've heard reports that it has similar issues to the E-410 in terms of the live view. That leaves the D-300. Pricey, with pricier lenses, but worth the difference?
I've read all the DPReview and Photo Forum comparisons and am still as confused as ever.
Price aside, does one stand out from the others based on perhaps lenses that can perform double duty, topside and UW, port availability, customer service...Any ideas?
How about an E-Bay D2X for the price of a new D-300?
What lenses?