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 :) Yeah, I know it’s not the newest model in the market but it gets the job done and that’s what should matter the most.
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%
In the Philippine Ilonggo dialect, ambot ah literally means "I don't know." After graduating in college, I decided to hold off pursuing my profession and embarked on a free spirited journey of adventure and self-discovery. My travels have led me to many places across the Philippine Islands and South East Asia. I don't know where this path will take me but I'm certain I'll get a lifetime of stories out of it.
Good luck, Chy!
Thanks Michael
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!
and may i add… great photos!
@didee: thanks for dropping by and have fun with your new SLR :)
Good luck friend! You will have it in due time… nice photos! Keep it up!
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.
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
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?
You’re a godsend Loven! Thanks for the offer, I’ll email you soon.
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.
@Jans: I don’t know if the official schedule for the Ati-atihan 2009 has been released. Thanks for the compliment :D but I’m sure you’re photos are great. I still have to look into it.
GOOD LUCK AND MORE PICTURES CHY.
Thanks Melanie!