Advice needed please

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chrisnutter1

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Christopher
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Hi,

Apologies if this is in the wrong location, I'm prepared to be shot if it is!!

I'm new to TP but have had a good look round, I posted a few days ago as an intro and to ease myself in so to speak.

I've been interested in photography since childhood as my dad is a keen amateur, I'm 27 now an I'm looking to progress and move into photography as a career.

I currently have an Olympus OM1 (which is older than me!!) and a Minolta Dynax 3000. Whilst they're both great (IMHO) they are antiquated compared with DSLRs.

I'm looking at purchasing either a Nikon or Canon but want something that will grow with me and won't need replacing in the next few years. I know the body is the 'cheap' bit as the lenses are the most important part (and the photographer).

The aim is to try the spectrum of photography to see which style I'm best suited to although I have ideas where I'd like to be in 10 years.

Can anyone recommend a good all rounder (I've heard the hype from the camera salesman but recommendations from a photographer are what I'm after!)

Is it worth me doing a course BIPP course for example or would work experience be the best bet? Or both!

Thanks in advance

Chris
 
We need to know what your budget is.

Regarding nikon or canon, once you know which models are within your financial reach, go to a camera shop and get a hold of them. No point buying a camera based solely on specifications to find that you don't like the feel of it.

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johnnypanic said:
We need to know what your budget is.

Regarding nikon or canon, once you know which models are within your financial reach, go to a camera shop and get a hold of them. No point buying a camera based solely on specifications to find that you don't like the feel of it.

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Click to expand...

+1..;)...... Try them with grips and find one that is comfortable for your hands..;)
 
Thanks,

I'm quite flexible with the budget not talking '000's but want a decent set up.

I've got upwards of £600 to £1k to spend (raiding the piggy bank)!

Have had a good look at both Nikon and Canon and like both to be honest, although I'm drawn more to Nikon that's probably due to preconceived ideas and what my Dad has always used.

Thanks

Chris
 
chrisnutter1 said:
Thanks,

I'm quite flexible with the budget not talking '000's but want a decent set up.

I've got upwards of £600 to £1k to spend (raiding the piggy bank)!

Have had a good look at both Nikon and Canon and like both to be honest, although I'm drawn more to Nikon that's probably due to preconceived ideas and what my Dad has always used.

Thanks

Chris
Click to expand...

OK...Now what will you be photographing? and will you want a Crop or FF Body? I ask this because if you say buy Canon cropped body(50D) and EFs lenses, then you move up to a new body say FF(5DMk2) then the EFs lenses will not fit, and your back to buying more lenses EF for the FF body..;)
 
I'm hoping to give the weddings, portraits, fashion and glamour a go with some other stuff thrown in for fun.

I'm conscious that I need to find an area I'm good at and take it from there but I'm prepared to go where the work is!

Thanks
 
Hi Chris

Body-wise, if you want to jump in with both feet you could try a used Canon 5D which will give great results in all the areas you are interested in. Alternatively, I always recommend the Canon 40D as the best bang-for-buck (used) camera out there.

It is dificult to recommend lenses as this depends to a great extent upon which body you choose.

Personally though, I would have thought that a 5D plus a 501.8 lens would be a good start. This will be within budget. Then, get something longer for candids, head&shoulder type shots etc.. maybe a Canon 70-200f4 nin-IS ? Lots of choice at the wide end.

Just my 2p worth.

Sorry, I cannot comment upon the Nikon line-up.

Have to say I used to shoot Pentax and their gear is great value but for whatever reason I just grew out of it.

Good luck with your selections.
 
Thanks Gary,

I'll have a look at the 5D and the options you mentioned. I'd almost ruled it out as cheapest new I could find was about £1500, will have a look and see what's around.

Chris
 
Have you any friends that are into photography?

If so, it's sensible to go with the brand they use, then you can borrow lenses,etc., and get brand specific advice from them.

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I haven't really, my Dad does a bit but he's only got very basic equipment and a couple of lenses, so there's not much scope there unless I can encourage him to buy all the equipment I'll need!
 
I wouldn't worry too much about the particular camera model. They're all good, and honestly much of a muchness pound for pound. Nikon and Canon have much bigger ranges to grow into, and there's lots of used stuff around to fit. The for sale section here is very good :thumbs:

If you want to learn about photography, get a decent camera, a 'standard' range zoom that runs to f/2.8 (for depth of field control, eg Canon 17-55, or similar Tamron/Sigma) and a separate flash gun. If you buy used, you could just about do that for your budget and have a very potent and semi-pro quality outfit - say a Canon 40D £400, 17-55 2.8 £600, 430EXII flash £140.

Long before you have reached professional standard, you will have changed the camera three times and bought six more lenses. Fact of life I'm afraid, but you can worry about all that later. Buy a book or two, ask questions on here, and get out and use it. Good luck :thumbs:
 
HoppyUK said:
Long before you have reached professional standard, you will have changed the camera three times and bought six more lenses. Fact of life I'm afraid, but you can worry about all that later. Buy a book or two, ask questions on here, and get out and use it. Good luck :thumbs:
Click to expand...

:plusone:

Very good advice there...

Steve

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