Help choosing first DSLR please

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shawry

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Gary
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I have a budget of about £400, but this has to get everything I need.

What would be peoples recommendations?

I have looked at both the 1100D and the D3100 and could see myself using both happily.

Please spend my £400 wisely ;)
 
Gary,

Do you have any experience at all?

What do you see yourself taking pictures of?

Will you be editing your images, in which case have you got a PC?

All of these will impact on how best to use your budget.

Andy
 
I have absolutely no experience at all.

TBH, subject matter will be ranging from family day trips to the beach, scenery, to motor racing and air shows.

I have a decent PC, and will be able to edit if required, though will also need advice on software (though this I should be able to aquire through work as long as its not too expensive)
 
jetpackjack said:
I always say this but you can pick up a 550d with 18-55mm kit lens for £430 and although you are a novice it will inspire you to get out there and shoot. Do it!
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I kinda see what you are saying, however, adding on a memory card, and a bag, knocks it up to nearly £500 I guess?
 
Maybe a 500d and 17-85 would come to around that, more range and better iq than the kit
 
funky_sam said:
Maybe a 500d and 17-85 would come to around that, more range and better iq than the kit
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I would agree on the 500D, but not on the 17-85. While the 17-85 has more range it is not as good optically as the IS kit lens. Read both tests at photozone.de for more info. The 17-85 is pretty horrible for distortion and vignetting.

A 500D body can be had under £300, (as an example, I have my 3 month old 500D for sale on AV Forums at £275), an 18-55IS kit lens around £50.

That would leave £75 for a memory card, bag and maybe even a 50mm lens making it a well rounded kit.
 
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If you want to get everything for £400 and are taking family/general shots but also motor racing and air shows you will need at least two lenses. One large zoom and one small zoom or prime.
Assuming you are happy buying used and using Canon as example;
£100 55 - 250 lens would be good as has good reach and good IQ for the price
£50 18 - 55 lens
£50 Memory card(s), bag and other
£200 1100D if you are happy with them or 30d (bit old now) or 500D
 
Ok, took possession of a d3100 today, now to read the manual :)
 
jetpackjack said:
Commiserations mate...

Only joking, good choice.
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Haha, tbh have quickly realised what a learning curve I have, and I darent take my first pic :)
 
shawry said:
Haha, tbh have quickly realised what a learning curve I have, and I darent take my first pic :)
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Get snapping, honestly I've got pictures of leaves and path in my back garden that I took when I first got a dslr and although they aren't the greatest I'm proud of them because I can see where I was and where I'm at now.
 
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