First time SLR advice

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czhey

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charlie
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Hello :)
I'm looking to buy my first SLR. I like to take photos of wildlife, trees and probably some action shots like mountain biking. Looking mainly for good quality images, speed is good and something I will be happy with for a while.
I'm a student so on a bit of a budget! I'm happy to spend about £300 with a case and some memory, but more if its worth it :)

Any opinions on the SLRs at the lower end of the market? I've looked at Nikon D40 and D60, and a Canon 1000d in a local shop, but couldn't find a huge differance, maybe the canon focused quicker and had better button layout?

Any help is greatly appriciated :D
Thanks, Charlie.
 
If you're going to go for a Canon I'd reccomend the 450d. To me at least it is far more comfortable to hold, and with the current cashback offer it is only around £390 with an 18-55mm kit lens. If you're okay with used equipment though you may be better off purchasing that way; you can find some quality kit at some amazing prices - to get an idea just have a look at some of the completed listings in the Marketplace area of this forum.
 
TempusV said:
If you're going to go for a Canon I'd reccomend the 450d. To me at least it is far more comfortable to hold, and with the current cashback offer it is only around £390 with an 18-55mm kit lens. If you're okay with used equipment though you may be better off purchasing that way; you can find some quality kit at some amazing prices - to get an idea just have a look at some of the completed listings in the Marketplace area of this forum.
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Thanks for the advice :)
Is the 450d worth the extra £100 on your opinion? What are the advantages? I can't see me needing more Mega pixals, the faster constant shooting would be a bonus but would i be better off putting the money towards a lens?

I thought about going second hand, but my local camera shop said its risky... quite common to find problems and very costly when SLRs go wrong?

Thanks, Charlie
 
For your budget you would get a good second hand 400D , with still some to spare for your case, memory and maybe even a cheap lens.


If you could push your budget to 500, then go for the 40D.
 
your big problem will be getting the reach for the wildlife stuff. Something like the 55-250 or 70-200mm will probably soon be on your shopping list, although you could start with the 90-300mm (about £75 second hand).

Perhaps a bridge camera would be better?
 
czhey said:
I thought about going second hand, but my local camera shop said its risky... quite common to find problems and very costly when SLRs go wrong?
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If you were buying second-hand from fleabay or somewhere similar then I'd be worried, but I'd have no doubts buying from a reputable member on TPF (for reference I bought a Nikon D200 from here about a week ago in excellent condition and for a great price).
 
pearce_jj said:
your big problem will be getting the reach for the wildlife stuff. Something like the 55-250 or 70-200mm will probably soon be on your shopping list, although you could start with the 90-300mm (about £75 second hand).

Perhaps a bridge camera would be better?
Click to expand...

Long story but i've just been to africa, i bought a bridge camera before i went (panasonic fz18) but dixons were useless and i got a full refund. I really enjoyed trying to take good photos and after playing with a couple i decided i want a SLR :D I was wondering about zoom... I'm sure i could live without for a bit, or like you say get a cheap lens. Only thing attracting me to a bridge is videos, but i don't need them

TempusV - I know most people probably have good intentions, but it's alot of money gone if it breaks... Do you know if second hand shops give warrenties of anykind?

PD Barbs - £500 is strecthing abit too much at the moment i think :'( £350 or £400 tops i think (need to check the bank :|)

Thanks for the help so far :)

EDIT MPB photgraphic have a 400d for £260 but with no lens. I can see no advantage over the 1000d or am i being blind ???
 
I don't think you're likely to get anything second-hand with a warranty. In my opinion it's worth the risk if the seller seems reputable, but if you require a warranty a new camera is definitely the way to go (in which case I would reccomend the EOS 450d from Canon, as much as I prefer Nikon myself).
 
FWIW it was the long zoom (300mm equiv.) that attracted me to a bridge camera, but the longest lens I now have is 85mm and I'm full-frame. You're right, SLR is a lot more flexible and gives other possibilities, for me its the short depth of field in portrait photography.
 
TempusV said:
I don't think you're likely to get anything second-hand with a warranty. In my opinion it's worth the risk if the seller seems reputable, but if you require a warranty a new camera is definitely the way to go (in which case I would reccomend the EOS 450d from Canon, as much as I prefer Nikon myself).
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Warrenty is just a nice back up, I'll think about second hand :)

May i ask why the 450d and why do you prefer Nikon!?

Thanks for your help
Charlie
 
pearce_jj said:
FWIW it was the long zoom (300mm equiv.) that attracted me to a bridge camera, but the longest lens I now have is 85mm and I'm full-frame. You're right, SLR is a lot more flexible and gives other possibilities, for me its the short depth of field in portrait photography.
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Ye the long zoom was great trying to get photos of lions ect, but can't see me needing it much in the UK? I'm sure i can still have fun with short zoom :)

How do i upload images?

Thanks
 
The 450d is purely because I like the feel of it more than the 1000d; it feels much more well-built and sturdy in my opinion. And I like Nikon because they're (in general) cheaper than Canon for both lenses and bodies - plus I think they're a bit better quality - but let's not start the age-old Nikon vs. Canon debate here!
 
450d is £370 after cashback from jacobs at the moment. But then 1000d is £285 after cashback from dixons.

I think people basically say the 450d gives you more room to grow. Which is why many people will tell you to get a 2nd hand 40d.
 
czhey said:
but my local camera shop said its risky... quite common to find problems and very costly when SLRs go wrong?
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Utter rubbish, quite common :thinking:, they just want to sell you a new one, over the last 6 or 7 years i've had a few DSLRs all bought secondhand and none of them has ever shown a fault.

People upgrade all the time, take advantage of their desire for new gear by saving 30-40% on a mint body and put the rest towards lenses.
 
EviL Ras said:
450d is £370 after cashback from jacobs at the moment. But then 1000d is £285 after cashback from dixons.

I think people basically say the 450d gives you more room to grow. Which is why many people will tell you to get a 2nd hand 40d.
Click to expand...

I'm sure its great value, but i don't really want to spend £500 on a second hand camera. But a new 450d is an option

Thanks
Charlie

No opinions on the cheaper Nikons?
Anyone think there will be bargins in the Jan sales?
 
wack61 said:
Utter rubbish, quite common :thinking:, they just want to sell you a new one, over the last 6 or 7 years i've had a few DSLRs all bought secondhand and none of them has ever shown a fault.

People upgrade all the time, take advantage of their desire for new gear by saving 30-40% on a mint body and put the rest towards lenses.
Click to expand...

I do often buy second hand gear, hence asking the local shop about it. I did wonder if they were just trying to sell me anew camera? But i know very little about cameras so i wouldn't know how to check it all works fine, what to look for ect.

Anyone know if these people on Ebay are ok? http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Canon-Outlet_Canon-EOS-SLR-Cameras_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ3QQftidZ2QQtZkm

And which would take a better photo, 400 or 450d?


Thanks
 
As far as I know that is the official Canon outlet store, though with the current cashack offers you will likely get a better deal buying new from a store.
 
czhey said:
And which would take a better photo, 400 or 450d?


Thanks
Click to expand...


You make the photo not the camera, a rubbish photo is still rubbish whichever camera you use.
Lenses have more influence over picture quality than body's, neither have more influence than the person pressing the shutter.
 
joxby said:
You make the photo not the camera, a rubbish photo is still rubbish whichever camera you use.
Lenses have more influence over picture quality than body's, neither have more influence than the person pressing the shutter.
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Thanks for the reply.
I understand that good photos can be taken with bad camers and the other way round, just looking for a camera i won't want to get rid of in 6months.
You think a 450d would have little benifit over a 1000d in terms of picture quality? They both come with the same lens i think? Save the money and put towards a good lens?

Thanks, Charlie.
 
As a Nikon user i have to say, if the Canon feels better buy that.
 
Guys..........some advise needed

I have a credit note from my local Wildings for around £140, question is what should i invest this in.

Let me give you some back ground.........Im pretty new to DLSR's but loving them, i bought a Cannon 400D with a stock lens, i then purchased a nice zoom lens and most recently added a tripod and bag to my collection

Question is.......what should i use my credit note to buy....is there anything you can recommend, i dont want to end up wasting it on something i wont use or even need!

Cheers
 
Happy Snapper said:
Take a look at the Sony a200.
Try looking at all makes before going for a Canon or Nikon.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0011U9U9A/300001199-21/?m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE
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I asked in 2 shops about the sonys (they get good reviews and look good value) and all said steer clear they're not very good :shrug: One disadvantage is lack of choice of lenses?

Psi fox - the cannon felt a little better layout, couldn't tell them apart in build quality, but the shutter and adjustment buttons felt better on the nikon so i couldn't choose which i prefer. If i was told the nikon would take much better pics i would choose that!
 
The Nikon will take much better pics!

...

All joking aside, if the Canon feels more comfortable then you should go for it - no point in having a camera that doesn't feel right, or you just won't use it.
 
czhey said:
I asked in 2 shops about the sonys (they get good reviews and look good value) and all said steer clear they're not very good :shrug: One disadvantage is lack of choice of lenses?

Psi fox - the cannon felt a little better layout, couldn't tell them apart in build quality, but the shutter and adjustment buttons felt better on the nikon so i couldn't choose which i prefer. If i was told the nikon would take much better pics i would choose that!
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When you consider what you get for your money with a Sony ide say they were good, you can get lens's made my Sony, Sigma, Tamron & Minolta.

But go with what ever feels right and you like that way you wont regret it.:thumbs:
 
Happy Snapper said:
When you consider what you get for your money with a Sony ide say they were good, you can get lens's made my Sony, Sigma, Tamron & Minolta.

But go with what ever feels right and you like that way you wont regret it.:thumbs:
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the advice. I'm confused but I guess i'll have to take a trip back to the shop and try the sonys (and olympus/pentax while i'm at it!)

Any sony fans advise the A300 over th A200?

No one saying any make/camera will give massively different pic quality? Just go for something i like using?

Thanks again :D

EDIT does sony have Image stabilisation built into the body???
 
czhey said:
Thanks for all the advice. I'm confused but I guess i'll have to take a trip back to the shop and try the sonys (and olympus/pentax while i'm at it!)

Any sony fans advise the A300 over th A200?

No one saying any make/camera will give massively different pic quality? Just go for something i like using?

Thanks again :D

EDIT does sony have Image stabilisation built into the body???
Click to expand...

The a300 has live view were as the a200 doesnt depends if you would use it.
Yeah the Sonys have IS in the body meaning cheaper lens's!
good luck its a bit of a mine field choosing a camera :lol:
 
Happy Snapper said:
The a300 has live view were as the a200 doesnt depends if you would use it.
Yeah the Sonys have IS in the body meaning cheaper lens's!
good luck its a bit of a mine field choosing a camera :lol:
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:lol: ye i've realised! I'm no good at making decisions at the best of times! Live view is where the image changes as you change the manual settings?

Thanks,
Charlie
 
czhey said:
:lol: ye i've realised! I'm no good at making decisions at the best of times! Live view is where the image changes as you change the manual settings?

Thanks,
Charlie
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Live view is just were you can look at what you are taking a picture of before taking it. So were you point the camera you see it on the screen but it also has a view finder.
I dont know if that makes any sence to you cant explain it very well :lol:
 
Happy Snapper said:
Live view is just were you can look at what you are taking a picture of before taking it. So were you point the camera you see it on the screen but it also has a view finder.
I dont know if that makes any sence to you cant explain it very well :lol:
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I think so : So the image appears on the LCD like it does on a compact? thats all it is? Not fussed about that, IMO its easier to use the viewfinder!

Thanks
Charlie
 
czhey said:
I think so : So the image appears on the LCD like it does on a compact? thats all it is? Not fussed about that, IMO its easier to use the viewfinder!

Thanks
Charlie
Click to expand...

Yeah thats right just like on a compact. If your not fussed then the a200's the way to go so cheap now as well, £30 cash back from Sony as well!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0011U9U9A/300001199-21/?m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

PS. Dont just take my word for it read some reviews.
Also http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=1084881#post1084881
Take a look thru that.
 
czhey said:
I thought about going second hand, but my local camera shop said its risky... quite common to find problems and very costly when SLRs go wrong?
Click to expand...

Well if a camera shop owner said that to me I probably wouldnt return, its slightly insulting. I know lots of people (10+) including me that have bought 2nd hand digital SLRs. I havent known any of them to have a problem. Buy one with low activations and you laughing.

A 20D or 30D can be had for 200-250 now and that is just an unbeleivable bargain in my opinion. The only thing you have to put up with is a slightly smaller LCD.

I would strongely recommend you buy second hand, all my gear is second hand and I havent had a problem yet. Buying from members of this forum is a good idea too.

I would advise against investing in any brand that isnt canon or nikon. The other brands are gaining but they arent on the same level yet.

Alex
 
dont mean to plug (well i do) but im selling my 400d with kit lens. take a look in for sale section.

also have a few batteries and a remote i can negotiate with
 
saxk said:
dont mean to plug (well i do) but im selling my 400d with kit lens. take a look in for sale section.

also have a few batteries and a remote i can negotiate with
Click to expand...

Did see it thank you :D RMSD = ? royal mail standard del?
I'm not sure how much they're worth TBH... or how they compare with current models...

Thanks
 
alexnail said:
Well if a camera shop owner said that to me I probably wouldnt return, its slightly insulting. I know lots of people (10+) including me that have bought 2nd hand digital SLRs. I havent known any of them to have a problem. Buy one with low activations and you laughing.

A 20D or 30D can be had for 200-250 now and that is just an unbeleivable bargain in my opinion. The only thing you have to put up with is a slightly smaller LCD.

I would strongely recommend you buy second hand, all my gear is second hand and I havent had a problem yet. Buying from members of this forum is a good idea too.

I would advise against investing in any brand that isnt canon or nikon. The other brands are gaining but they arent on the same level yet.

Alex
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply.

Insulting?

How do you tell number of activations... and how many is low!?
I can't seem to find reviews that compare new models to older ones... 20/30d good options? Not fussed about LCD- just looking to be able to take good photos and get decent lens if i can afford in the future :)

So whats wrong with the other brands? not so many lens, new and second hand? Or just quality of the cameras?
 
rmsd is royal mail special delivery, insured to £500 and guaranteed before 1pm. also tracked
 
saxk said:
rmsd is royal mail special delivery, insured to £500 and guaranteed before 1pm. also tracked
Click to expand...

Thanks.


A bit confused- agood used 400d will cost about the same, maybe a little less, than a new 1000d. And the only advantage i can see of the 400d is 9 AF points over 7. but the 1000d comes with a year warrenty... is the 400d a better camera?

Charlie.
 
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