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[karnage]

You seem to have the 'paralysis by analysis' syndrome. I think the D60 is fine as a first DSLR camera. WIth its sensor cleaning capabilities, it practically maintains itself. No need to send for periodic cleaning ever so often.

Haha! I like that... "paralysis by analysis" syndrome. =) Yes, I think I am!

Does the self-cleaning sensor really maintains itself so well? Actually, I was wondering how dust gets on the sensor so easily since when u change lens, the mirror will be down.

Anyways, I think I won't choose the D60 la. I want something pretty futureproof and has more functions than I know how to use right now. Actually, the main reason I want a dSLR is for the high ISO-low noise performance. The second reason is to play it in full manual, but being able to see my shots straightaway.

I held the Pentax K20D today and it doesn't feel too bad. I'll wait till Nikon D90 pops out on the Singapore shelves next month.

 

[shouyi]

If only there is really a camera that is future-proof.. .. If there were any, N and C would have been closed down long time ago.. .. as the saying goes, get what you need within your means.. ..

 

[milamber]

Does the self-cleaning sensor really maintains itself so well? Actually, I was wondering how dust gets on the sensor so easily since when u change lens, the mirror will be down.

The dust is introduced into your camera when you change your lens as dust particles may have been stuck to your lens element and become dislodged in the process of shooting and moving about. Once it lands on your sensor, that's it. But with the sensor vibration, it tries to dislodge the dust from your sensor. Furthermore, Nikon's design even introduces a puff of air onto the sensor surface to clear particles, whenever the camera is turned on. So, you get two self-cleaning actions, a 'blower' and a 'shaker' so to speak.

Anyways, I think I won't choose the D60 la. I want something pretty futureproof and has more functions than I know how to use right now. Actually, the main reason I want a dSLR is for the high ISO-low noise performance. The second reason is to play it in full manual, but being able to see my shots straightaway.

1) Future proof? Doesn't exist. The longevity of the camera depends also to a large extent on the skill and creativity of the photographer. 'Entry level' DSLR cameras can do pretty much most of what an amateur photographer needs while a 'high end' DSLR simply makes the job easier to help make money more efficiently.

2) A good example, you need a high ISO-low noise performance, run your high ISO shots through a noise reduction software. Saves you at least $500-$800 over getting a high end camera just for that purpose. But if you think you need video recording ability, then the D90 is for you.

 

[karnage]

Running photos through noise-reduction software will remove noise, yes. But it wouldn't bring back details that were already lost through the camera's own processing. Besides, it's one more step in my workflow. I'm the kind who won't usually post-process, or hope I don't need to post-process to much. I want my images out of the camera just like that.

I know there's no such thing as a futureproof camera. I meant futureproof in the sense that I will not have mastered all the functions or grow tired of current functions and/or gimmicks on that camera so quickly. I probably will drool over the next next camera in line, or the next next next one, so on & so forth. But as long as my current camera satisfies my capability, I won't be justified to get another body, so I won't. It's kinda like getting a good one once and for all... except of course, it wouldn't be once... and it wouldn't be for all either. Haha!

Damn, am I super hesitant or what? =)

Thank you all who chipped in this discussion thus far. It helps me (and hopefully others in a similar situation) get a clearer, bigger picture. And sometimes it reminds us that the main function of a camera is to take pictures, not getting more and more and more and more functions and technology squeezed into it.

SO is there anyone in my shoes, currently?