Advice on choice of first dslr, please.

[millie-mail]

Hello, I have in mind after lots of reading, either Nikon D40 or Canon 10D. I appreciate the differences regarding quality and age in the market place of both cameras. I am really a complete beginner, although owning a Fuji bridge camera for the last six years, I have only recently started playing with the modes, menus and settings.
The camera will be a compromise and will need to be good at everything, easy enough in use for me to grasp the basics but able enough to challenge me later on with more advanced photography. When I say first dslr, I need to make a good choice due to a tight budget and I envisage keeping the camera for a couple of years at least.
No intention of starting a Canon/Nikon war, I just really can't choose between them. Hope you can help and hope I have posted in the right place.

Thanks.

Dave.

 

[Trig's]

Dave,

I was in the same boat as you... Owned a Fuji & when I wanted to upgarde I started off with the Nikon D40 - it had the best reviews when I was looking for a dslr.... My dad got it now - and he was in the same boat..

So Nikon D40 but no doubt Canon users will recommend a Canon to you.. But this might help you... "Uncle ken review"

 

[The Matt]

I'm pretty sure the canon 10d does not take efs lenses, which rules out most of canon's budget range. Something to bare in mind.

 

[phototuition]

Yes, matt's right the 10d has the old ef mount which does not take ef-s lenses without modification what with that and the admittedly well built metal bodied camera getting pretty old now I personally would'nt go for one at this stage.

The D40 is a classic, we bought 2 a couple of years ago on amazon with cashback at £250 each delivered. We sold 'em recently on fleabay and pretty well got our money back.

We then bought a D3000 which, once tamed takes xlnt pics but has a terrible LCD and like all subD90 Nikons needs af-s lenses or other lenses with a focus motor so there's no cheap 50mm f1.8 option.

last week we bought a couple of 450ds with kit lens from Digigood on Ebay for about £350 each they are supposedly recons by Canon, canon boxed and appear brand new. I think if you can stretch to it this is the bargain buy right now, look after it and keep the box and in a couple of years you'll get a good bit of your money back.

The D40 is beautifully built but without many external controls but if you can get one forthe right price from the right home you're onto a winner. We got over £240 for both of our 2 year olds.

Good luck. John

 

[millie-mail]

Wow, am I glad I asked, regarding specific models? Thanks everyone for your replies, I was leaning towards a 10d and could have made an expensive mistake. I think I have more research to do. I have also been reading lots of similar threads from other noobs and the advice from members seems consistent.


Thanks again.

Dave..