Revision with SLR Camera Plan
I got into thinking a lot about my choice of buying an SLR cam. Previously I have blogged about my wish of buying the new Canon EOS 450D (Canon EOS Rebel XSi) which cost about $899 (approx P39000). It’s a decent entry level cam, which would be a god send if I get a hold of it myself.

I’m a point-and-shoot camera user and when I made that decision, I was kind of short-sighted when it came to the most important piece of photographic equipment, the LENSES. So I researched about the perfect start-up glass for me and I found out that Canon lenses are not cheap. As in they’re waaaaay over my budget. While the kit lens with IS (17mm-55mm) is great, I won’t be able to achieve most of the shots that I usually do because of the lack of zoom. If I buy a telephoto lens then I’ll burn at least P20k on top of the P39k and expenses going to Hidalgo and buying other start-up items like a polarizing filter and a camera bag.
I rethought my options and I found a new option that is better suited for my budget. I ended up with Nikon’s D40
I’m not rich enough to buy multiple lenses so I looked for a basic lens that’s versatile and will serve me for most of my photographic needs. I found out about the Nikon 18mm – 200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Wide Angle Telephoto Zoom. It has 11x zoom with vibration reduction and auto focus, which is just perfect. It comes with a price tag of P29,000 at least, which is quite expensive, but since I’ll be buying the D40, which sells at P16,000 at least (body only) it’s within my budget.
Also, I won’t be going to Manila this September or August to buy the cam. I’ll be going on November or December instead so that I’ll have more time to save up and I won’t be distracted as much when I’m reviewing for the Nursing Licesure Exam. Hope it all works out
So here’s the rundown of my SLR plan:
Nikon D40
Nikon 18mm – 200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Wide Angle Telephoto Zoom
Polarizing Filter
Camera Bag
Amount raised so far as of June 2008: 64%
Target for July 2008: 73% – objectives met
Target for August 2008: 82% – objectives not met. I’m now behind by 9% (still stuck at 73%). I got to spend even less money this month. I’ll have to give up more luxuries and still to the necessities.
Target for September 2008: 91% – objectives not met (now at only 75%)
Target for November 2008: 100%
1 July 2008 at 11:27 am #
Good luck, Chy!
4 July 2008 at 2:24 pm #
Thanks Michael
9 July 2008 at 12:01 pm #
i got to your site after blog hopping from one blogger to the next .. and i enjoyed reading your entries. Hope you won’t mind me squatting here for awhile.
nways, Good luck on your quest for your D40 baby… looking forward to more beautiful pictures
i just got into photography, and like you i’ve been mostly a point and shoot user, and I’ve just upgraded to my first ever DSLR. I am a super newbie. I was eyeing the D300 but it was ridiculously expensive that I can buy 2 DSLR for it’s price, so after a lot of prompting from my friends I’ve settled with Canon 450D. Aside from the lens, (no power zooming) i’ve got no complaints. Hope I can do justice with it.
this is getting long.. so good luck again on your goal!
9 July 2008 at 5:32 pm #
and may i add… great photos!
9 July 2008 at 6:55 pm #
@didee: thanks for dropping by and have fun with your new SLR
10 July 2008 at 4:03 pm #
Good luck friend! You will have it in due time… nice photos! Keep it up!
13 July 2008 at 11:02 am #
I’m saving up for a Canon EOS Rebel XTi for myself. But there’s nothing wrong with a Nikon D40. It’s a perfect camera for a start-up hobbyist like you and me.
18 July 2008 at 10:12 am #
Hi !!
I’m Tony !! I’m from korea..^^
In Sparta Academy Student .. ^^
I heard a lot about you … Because , Ezra & Noel are my teachers..hahaha
First time… I saw your pictures..in “http://www.exploreiloilo.com” I feel so good!!
Someday… I want to meet you ..
I hope .. let’s go take picture with me.. ^^
ah!! I have a DSLR Camera..
My camera is Canon EOS-30D, and..
Lens… 10-22mm , 50mm f/1.4, 70-200mm f/2.8..
And .. Tripod.. ^^
I’ll come again.. your blog…^^
Bye~
PS>> My Phone Number : 929-977-9084
5 August 2008 at 1:41 am #
hi marc!
goo luck on that. it’s a good choice for you to get the nikon! i do have an extra set of lens by the way and i could probably give it to you… it’s a 20-35 mm nikkor… i have a couple already that covers its range so i dont really have a need for it… problem is… how do i give it to you?
5 August 2008 at 9:48 am #
You’re a godsend Loven! Thanks for the offer, I’ll email you soon.
5 September 2008 at 10:48 am #
I was just looking for the 2009 Ati-atihan schedule and I ended up on your blog. We both have something in common, I’m a nurse, Ilonggo(from Capiz) and I just started into this world of photography. You have pretty nice & high quality photos inspite of the fact that you’re using P&S camera. I got myself a number of photo equipment: Canon EOS 40d, 17-85mm USM IS lens, 50mm 1.8. tripod, monopod, lensbaby 2.0, a number of filters, still my photos are not as good as yours! You’re gifted man! nice job. Maybe I can help you get a cheaper SLR camera if you can help me find out when is the exact date of Ati-atihan festival.
5 September 2008 at 8:46 pm #
@Jans: I don’t know if the official schedule for the Ati-atihan 2009 has been released. Thanks for the compliment
but I’m sure you’re photos are great. I still have to look into it.
19 December 2008 at 6:23 pm #
GOOD LUCK AND MORE PICTURES CHY.
25 December 2008 at 5:49 am #
Thanks Melanie!
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