Another DSLR Dilema (with a twist!)

[GaryK26]

Ok, so I've gradually been getting into this digital photography lark and have been wanting a DSLR for a couple of months now.

I like the idea of a 350D (maybe even a 400D at a stretch)

HOWEVER.....

I am fast approaching 10yrs service with my company and they have an awards scheme whereby you can select a 10yr gift from a list of items - mainly jewelry and watches. The value of the gifts does seem to vary considerably - the highest value item probably being a TAG watch which retails at approx £900 (going for half that on ebay).

One gift that has caught my eye is an Olympus E500 with the standard single kit lens. In comparison of value its probably one of the lowest value items in the entire catalogue, BUT would give me a way into DSLR without having to shell out. The fact that it is one of the lowest value gifts does bother me (BTW, until last year the company handed out Rolex's for 10yrs - I just missed out).

Do I take the E500 or go for something else with less practical value (I already have a watch, thanks!) and fork out for one of my preferred DSLR models?

[Lawrenzini]

Well the obvious option would be to go for the thing with the highest resale value and then flog it and buy what you want.

[Soundgeek]

You could get that expensive tag or any of the other expensive items on the list, sell it on ebay then use the funds for a good DSLR.

Lawrenzini beat me to it!

[GaryK26]

I was thinking of goign the eBay route, but I hate eBay - given recent experiences with them! They seem all too happy to make their commssions on the sale AND on the Paypal side also, yet when a user has a problem (fraud dispute) they wash their hands and claim to only be providing a market place and that they have no responsibilty for disputes!

But I guess that it is going to be a case of selecting the highest values (and most saleable) item to flog on eBay. Use the funds to buy a better DSLR.

Can I interest anyone in a lovely crystal bowl that retails for $1,399?

It just peeves me that the only item that I am remotely interested in is the lowest value. I dont want a £900 watch, or £800 pen!!!

[bodoman]

Personally i would not worry about the value of it, you are getting it free after
all.
At least you would be getting something you want and will give you lots of pleasure, rather than getting something you dont want or need then going through the hassle of selling it.

Go on, get the camera you know it makes sense

[senu]

While you are still ahead, Go have play with the E300 and the 400D ( and whatever else) .. If you still feel its not just you being sentimental. Go for the E300. £ 900 gets you even a 30D with kit (or careful buying a Canon 17-85mmIS USM or Sigmas 17-70mmf2.8-f4.0. It definitely gets you the D80 .
but
Value is not only about £s if you dont feel as happy with these costlier kit.

In the end, much as we extol the virtues of one camera over the other, the " how you get on with it " factor is very important and If you have the worlds most advanced kit and it is awkward to use then you'll use it less

The popularity of Nikon/Canon and a few more "mainstream" models is inpart the fact of 3rd party lenses, batteries and .. lets face it. user base.. Somebody somewhere is more than likely to have come across a problem you may experience. Olympus is by no means an obscure brand but it seems that in the DSLR market they are determined to be "Different"

Im not sure if this means unique, niche, awkward or simply just that.. different

However I think the differences in absolute quality are marketing driven, and up to a point our individual perceptions of what constitutes good IQ. To be sure there are differences, but if they are unlikely to matter to you.. just follow your heart desires. You only live once

[Pirate!!]

Ahoy!

I am an Oly E500 owner with twin lens kit. Firstly, you will have a decent quality entry level DSLR which is very, very good. HOWEVER, you would be getting into the 4/3rd's system. MEANING . . limited and expensive lens choice. The E500 will be superceded soon by the E510 (which will have features we've been wanting forever).

The price of the E500 has fallen an awful lot over the past 6 months.

I would take the E500 and put it on eBay. The 14-45mm kit lens is OK, but I hate mine! I get better results with old SLR lenses via an adapter. The Zuiko 40-150mm kit lens is very good (plenty on eBay) and also the 14-54mm (pricey and way better than the 14-45mm).

Personally, I would prefer the Sony A100 for it's image stabilisitation, but if the live-view from Olympus migrated over as well, then that would be the business.

It will eventually happen to DSLRs. I.S. and live view together. Maybe even movie mode!

[Pirate!!]

Originally Posted by GaryK26

I was thinking of goign the eBay route, but I hate eBay - given recent experiences with them! They seem all too happy to make their commssions on the sale AND on the Paypal side also, yet when a user has a problem (fraud dispute) they wash their hands and claim to only be providing a market place and that they have no responsibilty for disputes!

But I guess that it is going to be a case of selecting the highest values (and most saleable) item to flog on eBay. Use the funds to buy a better DSLR.

Can I interest anyone in a lovely crystal bowl that retails for $1,399?

It just peeves me that the only item that I am remotely interested in is the lowest value. I dont want a £900 watch, or £800 pen!!!

The price has nothing to do with it. If it was 'valued' @ £900.00, it would still be the same camera.

[jonnypb]

get the most expensive gift then flog it, doesn't have to be ebay. could try on here, gumtree, local advert in paper etc

[GaryK26]

Thanks for all your input.

I think that I'll probably end up going for the highest value and most saleable item in the catalogue (probably the TAG) and sell it on.

@Pirate - The lens issue really does put me off the Olympus. I guess technology wise, the majority of entry level DSLR's are pretty much on par, give or take a few features. Nearer the time (4-6 weeks) I'll start really researching the options and try a few of them out.

Thanks Again
Gary

[ksten]

It may be a silly question but would it be possible to ask your company if they will give you the camera that you are interested in - as long as its value is lower than the maximum value item in the catalogue? Saves you messing around selling things and if they're a good enough company to be awarding long term employees with gifts then they may consider it.

It may be worth a try at least.

Keith

[Liquid101]

Originally Posted by GaryK26

I think that I'll probably end up going for the highest value and most saleable item in the catalogue (probably the TAG) and sell it on.

Out of interest, which model TAG is this? I might be tempted to take it off your hands

[GaryK26]

Its the Formula 1 Indy 500 Ltd edition - a very nice watch indeed, but then I have a nice enough watch already that cost a fraction of what the TAG costs.

PM me if you're interested. Bear in mind that I wont have it until mid-May.