A bit of advice if you pleeeeease....

[ROFL2K9]

I'm just in the process of delving into the wonderful world of photography and as yet don't have any kit. I've been browsing lots of forums and reviews etc. and have decided that I'd like to bag myself a Canon 400D as they seem to be a decent camera at an affordable price for a newbie. Is this a fair assumption or will I soon find myself wanting something better?

Also, while I'm on... I'm in a bit of a catch 22 situation regarding the bagging of said equipment I was going to post an ad in the Wanted section of the forum but I can't until I reach 100 posts & 30 days..... but not knowing much about photography and not owning a camera I think I'll be struggling to reach 100 posts any time soon as I guess that it'll be once I start having a play that I'll have something to contribute i.e. questions & submissions etc. I know that there's always Ebay but I'd much rather deal with people on the forums, that way I'm more likely to get something that's described honestly and in good condition... and I didn't want to buy a new set up as this would be a bit brutal on the old wallet for a first timer like myself..... anyway, I was just wondering if there are any other avenues to explore that you guys can think of regarding the buying of a decent used camera kit at a reasonable price, other than Ebay?

 

[PsiFox]

Have you held the 400D yet.

Try not to buy with pre-conceived ideas as to what you want

go to a shop and handle bodies from all the manufacturers to see which feel right and have an intuitive button/menu layout.

with regard to buying there are some pretty good entry level kits with camera and lens or lenses around.

Also go read "understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson

Oh and Welcome

 

[neo2810]

Just keep an eye on the For Sale section. Good starter kits pop up in there all the time. You'd fine a 300D, 400D, 30D (30D is more than a starter camera) will all be suitable for a new starter. Whatever you get though, you'll be wanting more in a few months

 

[kennysarmy]

400d a great camera for a starter or anyone else!
ffordes and mpb photographic are places you might pick up a 2nd hand one or london camera exchange perhaps.
however the camera body is just the start of it....I got my 400d last year and I've spent triple what I spent on the body on lenses, bags and accessories - it's not a cheap hobby lol....(well it used to be golf - but i like my current clubs lol)

 

[wrecker1971]

hi, i bought a sony alpha 200. just the basic kit and am well pleased with it. it does not contain some of the trick bits other cameras have got but its light and does everything it's required to do.

 

[ROFL2K9]

Thanks guys, I'll try to get to a shop to have a play with a few at the weekend to see how they feel (that's if I don't plunge in feet first beforehand )
Thanks for the book reccomendation too PsiFox, I'll be ordering a copy tonight as it does have some great reviews....
Can't wait to get started and start building up my stash of equipment, I don't go out boozing much and don't smoke so it'll be nice to have something to spend my money on (other than my old Landrover and collection of tools!) :nuts:

 

[PsiFox]

Thanks guys, I'll try to get to a shop to have a play with a few at the weekend to see how they feel (that's if I don't plunge in feet first beforehand )
Thanks for the book reccomendation too PsiFox, I'll be ordering a copy tonight as it does have some great reviews....
Can't wait to get started and start building up my stash of equipment, I don't go out boozing much and don't smoke so it'll be nice to have something to spend my money on (other than my old Landrover and collection of tools!) :nuts:

You'll be selling the landy and tools before you know it.

Addiction to kit is highly addictive