Best Digital SLR cameras in NZ

The best DSLR in NZ for each level:

If you want an opinion without going into extensive details, please get one of these based on your level of experience/$$$

If you dont see yourself spending thousands & entering the world of photography, please feel free to buy a more simple camera. Please check my recommended point & shoot compact cameras here.

If youre new to the world of photography & are about to buy your first camera, Please do read my previous blog post on the golden rules of buying cameras, might help you make a good decision.

Beginner Amateur

Nikon D3100 + 18-55mm + 70-300

Easy to use fun camera that even does video. Doesnt have an auto-focus motor, not the best in low light, not very fast in continuous shooting, but for the price, better than you might imagine.

Enthusiast Intermediate level & also my personal favourite

Nikon D90 + Nikon 18-200mm VR lens + Nikon SB600 flash

My current camera kit recommendation for people who are prepared starting out on a semi decent yet modest budget to spend $2000 (for new) or $1500 (for used).

Its slightly old, but still available, & thats why its unbeatable value, grab it before they stop manufacturing it for what is currently a crazy cheap price. Go ahead & buy used, these are extremely well made & will last longer than you might think.

These components have all been superseded, & thats why are under NZ$2000 brand new (or NZ$1500 used)
This collection will satisfy 95% of your photography requirements, especially if youre just starting off.
I wouldnt hesitate doing something on a semi pro basis with this gear, if I do my job well you will like the results.

Semi-pro Wannabe

For someone wanting to take things into the pro market without spending too much, yet getting most of the good features. The 70-200mm & the 11-16 are pricy, but worth it. If you're on a budget, get a cheaper D90 body & get one of those lenses.

Nikon D7000 + 18-200mm VR + 70-200mm + 50mm F1.8 prime + Tokina 11-16mm ultrawide + Nikon SB800

Serious Semi-pros aiming for the top

This is when things start to get very very expensive. If you're on a budget, start buying lenses first then worry about the body.

Nikon D700 + 24-70mm f2.8 + 70-200mm f2.8 VR + 50mm F1.4D + Nikon 18-35mm ultrawide + Metz 58 AF2

Yes the new D800 & the SB910 is out, but there isnt all that big a difference. To me, value proposition is really important, the camera shouldnt cost too much just because its slightly better.

If you want the best

Well if money isnt a problem then its usually pretty easy

Nikon D4 + 24-70mm f2.8 + 70-200mm VR2 + SB910 + Nikon 50mm F1.4 prime + Nikon 14-24mm ultra wide

And then youll need lenses specifically suited to what you do, which skyrockets the price. So you can pick from maybe:
Nikon 105mm F2 DC portrait, Nikon 24mm F1.4 low light, Nikon 200-400mm F4, Nikon 300mm F2.8, Nikon 17-35mm f2.8 etc

Got recommendations or experiences you'd like to share, please share them here.

Thanks, Good luck. Happy Photographing :)