Budget Digital Deals

Professional photographers tend to be a finicky group. Way back in 2005, many professionals dropped their 5.4 megapixel Nikon D1x’s and jumped on the Canon bandwagon after Nikon saw fit not to come out with a new professional DSLR for a 4 year period. (2001 Nikon D1x - 2005 Nikon D2x) During that time, Canon’s megapixel count jumped from 4.48 (EOS-1D - Late 2001) to 11.4 (EOS-1Ds - April 2003) to 16.7 (EOS-1DsMarkII - early 2005) Four years is eons in the digital world. Fast forward to 2009 and we see many professionals switching to the Nikon D3x because of it’s superior high iso/low light ability. That kind of wholesale equipment change is the cost of doing business for professionals who have large budgets and make their livings with their DSLR’s. It also happens to be a boon for those of us who aren’t afraid of buying used equipment.

Here is a small list of professional camera bodies, their original cost, and their current general auction value. (based on recent general observation)

Nikon D1x (5.4 megapixel) Released in 2001 @ $6000 - currently under $300

Nikon D2x (12.8 megapixel) Released in 2005 @ $5000 - currently about $1200

Nikon D2xs (12.8 megapixel) Released in 2006 @ $5000 - currently about $1500

Canon EOS-1D (4.48 megapixel) Released in 2001 @ $6500 - currently about $450

Canon EOS-1Ds (11.4 megapixel) Released in 2003 @ $8000 - currently about $1000

Canon EOS-1Ds MkII (16.7 megapixel) Released in 2005 @ $8000 - currently about $2500

Even the lowly (by today’s standards) Canon EOS-1D and Nikon D1x are capable of taking great pictures. In fact, the photographs on the first lesson page were shot with my trusty old Nikon D1x. These are PROFESSIONAL cameras that were the absolute best in their time, and the resulting photographs are nothing like the 5 megapixel shots that come from a point and shoot.

On the other end of the spectrum, manufacturers have made some very inexpensive lenses that perform remarkably well… some would say on par with or better than some of the lenses costing ten times more. The other day I picked up a Nikkor AF 28-80mm 3.3-5.6 G lens on Ebay for less than $50 dollars. These were the kit lenses that came on the low end Nikon film cameras in the early 2000’s. They are cheap, plastic, a dime a dozen, and they ROCK! This lens works spectacularly well on both full frame Nikon film cameras, and my DX bodies. It is amazingly sharp and focuses extremely close. This is a lens that every Nikon owner should have. For the price they are available, get two, or even three. Give them away to your friends for Secret Santa gifts. If you’re feeling extremely generous, find a Nikon D1x on Ebay for under $250 and give them a complete setup.
Love him or hate him, see what Ken Rockwell says about the Nikkor AF 28-80mm 3.3-5.6 G here.
Research old lenses for your camera body. Read lens reviews. Shop craigslist and ebay. Check the local papers. Satisfy the photographer AND the bargain hunter in you. Happy hunting.