Well I've done it!

[Euan]

Well back in December I looked seriously at DSLRs and nearly bought one. I chickened out for whatever reason.

However, recently I've had the urge again and I decided to go for it... plus I want to get use to it before hopefully going to Japan in October.

So I have ordered myself a Nikon D70s + 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 DX Lens (http://www.jessops.com/Store/s29706/0/Digital-SLRs/Nikon/D70s-%2b-18-70mm-f-and-35-45-Dx-Lens/details.aspx?&IsSearch=y&pageindex=1&CatId=481&comp=y) and Tamron 70-300mm F/4-5.6 LD Macro (Nikon AF) (http://www.jessops.com/Store/s23720/0/Lenses/Tamron/70-300mm-F-and-4-56-LD-Macro-(Nikon-AF)/details.aspx) (got it half price when buying the SLR).

I was going to get the memory cards from the same place but they were a lot cheaper at another online store so bought 2 SanDisk Extreme III CompactFlash 1GB cards (https://www.picstop.co.uk/Compact-Flash-CF/SanDisk-Extreme-III-CompactFlash---1GB) :)

Should all arrive tomorrow :D

[Esoterra]

Euan, I promise you wont regret your purchase, unless you hate photography! Congrats, now get ready for a lot of fun and learning. The D70s is a GREAT camera to start out with. You might want to get Capture or some program equivalent and learn how to touch up your photos. Shoot in RAW. And you better get used to the "urge" because it only gets stronger, and more expensive :) :)

[krzkrzkrz]

Well back in December I looked seriously at DSLRs and nearly bought one. I chickened out for whatever reason.

However, recently I've had the urge again and I decided to go for it... plus I want to get use to it before hopefully going to Japan in October.

So I have ordered myself a Nikon D70s + 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 DX Lens (http://www.jessops.com/Store/s29706/0/Digital-SLRs/Nikon/D70s-%2b-18-70mm-f-and-35-45-Dx-Lens/details.aspx?&IsSearch=y&pageindex=1&CatId=481&comp=y) and Tamron 70-300mm F/4-5.6 LD Macro (Nikon AF) (http://www.jessops.com/Store/s23720/0/Lenses/Tamron/70-300mm-F-and-4-56-LD-Macro-(Nikon-AF)/details.aspx) (got it half price when buying the SLR).

I was going to get the memory cards from the same place but they were a lot cheaper at another online store so bought 2 SanDisk Extreme III CompactFlash 1GB cards (https://www.picstop.co.uk/Compact-Flash-CF/SanDisk-Extreme-III-CompactFlash---1GB) :)

Should all arrive tomorrow :D

Before deciding on the D70. Did you have second thoughts on other camera brands? The reason why I am asking is because I am quite stuck with either getting a Nikon D50, Pentax K100, or the Canon Rebel XT 350D.

What made you choose the D70?

[Euan]

Before deciding on the D70. Did you have second thoughts on other camera brands? The reason why I am asking is because I am quite stuck with either getting a Nikon D50, Pentax K100, or the Canon Rebel XT 350D.

What made you choose the D70?
The brand was really irrelevant to be honest. I have not used Canon or Nikons before, all my previous and current digital cameras are Kodak which I love.

How did I decide? Well I've done a fair bit of research into both. I went into a store and the assistant asked what I was looking to use it for, etc.

I didn't want to spend as much as the 30D but wanted something I wouldn't want to upgrade from in 12 months time nor something I'll think 'I spent too much' in 12 months time.

He gave me both the EOS 350 and D70s as those were the 2 I had done my research on and read lots of reviews, etc. The D70s I felt was more rugged and was easier to handle and hold. I do a lot of travelling around and wanted something that would last. The kit lens on the D70s appears to be better than the EOS350.

In the end I guess it was my personal preference. From what I'd read I felt the D70s would do what I wanted it to do. I'm sure the EOS 350 would do it just as equally well.

Hope this helps.