First DSLR for PJ type work

[Sniper2075]

Hi, wanted to post this here and get some advise prior to just jumping in and making some costly mistakes.

I havn't been doing much shooting in the last probably 7 or 8 years, other than just simple stuff with a cheap p&s digital. My previous shooting was for my high school yearbook and newspaper. I really liked shooting sports such as Football etc... I bought all my own equipment and was using a Nikon N90s and had 2 lens's. One was a cheap kit Nikon lens, something like a 35-70mm or something, not very fast just average. The other was my pride and joy, an 80-200mm F2.8 Nikon, I loved that and hated selling it but after High School I never used it.

Now I might be doing some work that will be very similar to what a Photojournalist does. Photos will be for a group I volunteer with and will mainly be for the groups website and maybe for some presentation marterials for fundraising. So huge prints arn't needed but I would like to be able to make some 8x10's or a little bigger if I wanted to. Its also an excuse to get a new camera.

I've been looking at the Nikon D2H as its in my price range and looks to meet my needs, maybe a little low on mega pixels but will probably work fine. However, I wanted to get other recommendations from those more experienced with Digital. I would like to spend around $1000 and could stretch that to $1500 if needed but I also need a lens so that why I want it around $1000 so I can a nice lens or 2.

I would prefer to stay with Nikon or Canon. What would be a good choice, either new or used. I would prefer new but to get a better camera I have no problem buying used.

Thanks

[coldrain]

The D2H has not been an overly big success, it mainly is used by people who have been married to the Nikon brand.
The Canon 1D mk II, 1D mk II N and ID mk III have overshadowed it in speed, image quality and sensor resolution.

Canon has a nice range of pro-lenses for these cameras, including a 70-200 f4 L IS USM, a 70-200 f2.8 L USM and a 70-200 f2.8 IS USM that will do what you are used to with that 80-200 f2.8 you had, and more.

If you want a camera rather soon, then those are your best options. If you do not mind to wait till approximately christmas, the new Nikon D3 or D300 might be also of interest to you.

[swgod98]

The Canon 1D mk II, 1D mk II N and ID mk III have overshadowed it in speed, image quality and sensor resolution.

Are we taking into consideration his $1000 budget? I'm thinking the 1D overshadows quite a few camera's in the $1000 range, does it not?

[coldrain]

Is the D2H in that price range?
The D2Hs is $3000, that is what trew me off.

Your best option will be a Canon EOS 30D, as it offers 5fps and a sturdy metal body.

[erichlund]

Is the D2H in that price range?
The D2Hs is $3000, that is what trew me off.

Your best option will be a Canon EOS 30D, as it offers 5fps and a sturdy metal body.

A used D2H is available on Amazon for $1499. I did not do an exhaustive search, but I'd bet you could find a good deal somewhere for about $1000. Still, for his use, there are newer cameras for a lot less that have better resolution.

He said the job would be similar in style to PJ work, but, from the sound of it, he doesn't need the sort of bulletproof build that would be required for day in, day out use. Something along the lines of a Canon 400D or Nikon D800 may be in line with what he's looking for, leaving more room for quality glass and perhaps a battery grip. He's also likely to need a flash. For quality flash, he'll want to do better than the pop-gun on the cameras.

Based on price, the best choice here seems the 400D, but he might want to give the D800 a look since he's shot Nikon in the past. It will be a more comfortable feel.

In either case, to keep the price down yet still put quality style PJ glass on there probably mandates the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 Macro. I think I have that right. Any other ~18 to ~50 f2.8 is going to cost way too much.

[Sniper2075]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Sorry, yes I was thinking more along the lines of a used Nikon D2H, not the D2Hs. I think the Canon EOS-1D's that you mentionded look good but are just a bit too much for me. I do like the size and handling of the pro frames, only played with them I've never owned one. I always wanted to put one of the verticle grips on my N90s but never did at the time, spent the money on the 80-200 instead. Looking like I will probably have to drop down to Nikon D200 type line.

What would be a good camera along those lines, either new or used?

I think I may need to go to a store locally and handle the Canon's that are in my budget and see if I like them. I may just go for a Nikon because I am familiar with the controls and layout alittle. But if the Canon feels good in my hands at the store I may well go that route. There is a really good local photo store that sells used and consignment cameras and lenses. The prices on thier new stuff is pretty high, close to or pretty much MSRP, but I have seen some good pricing on the used stuff, but that was some time ago.

What would be 1 or 2 good lenses that would be good for shooting the following? Indoor training in a mat room, standard flourecent lights close range and I can use a flash, also for outdoor not action shots of people. Second, outdoor night shooting of Emergency Personnel such as Police and Fire. I can get close, but don't want to get too close either. I know this will be hard as far as lighting etc so I know a fast lens is important. Not sure if I can use a flash here. I have a Nikon lens that could probably do the first job ok for now. So I may go Nikon then I can focus my money on the second lens.

Thanks