HELP PLEASE - WHICH CAMERA?

M

Mr P

Suspended / Banned
Messages
3
Edit My Images
No
Hi I'm looking to purchase my first DSLR in the next couple of weeks. I have a budget of £600 and would love to receive any advice you can provide on which camera's to consider?

I'm mainly looking to take lots of pictures of the kids and wildlife.

Cheers

Mr P
 
Hi Mr P and welcome to the forum.

Go to a camera shop and try different models to see which ones feel comfortable and have a menu system and button layout that you like. dont forget to factor into your budget the little extras that you may want/need also :)

Gary
 
That may get you in the door but once you get it you will realize there is so much more you need. That may get you a body but you will need lenses & other essentials. I waited almost a month before I plunged into it.
 
When you buy a DSLR you're potentially buying into a system, and it might be worth looking at the strengths and weaknesses of that system.

Look at the ergonomics of the cameras and which one seems more intuitive to you. I personally wouldn't pay too much attention to the size / shape / weight because all the manufacturers do a range of bodies and your second one won't be the same. But things like the control layout and menu structure do persist from one body to the next. It's a personal thing. I have a Canon 350D and a Nikon D70, and I find the Canon much more intuitive; some other people would have the opposite view.

As a beginner I personally would not worry too much about the specific capabilities of any given body. They're all good these days. Again, your first DSLR is unlikely to be your last, so buying a "Brand X" camera because it has some specific feature that the equivalent "Brand Y" camera doesn't may be short-sighted. (The exception to this would be system-wide features; for example Canon and Nikon favour lens-based image stabilisation and the others favour body-based image stabilisation. That won't change any time soon.)

Look at the range of accessories and lenses available. Canon and Nikon have much broader ranges than the other manufacturers, and bigger second-hand markets. That may change over time as the other manufacturers (particularly Sony I think) gain market share, but it won't change fast. The two big manufacturers will continue to dominate the market for years yet.

Look at the capabilities of the lenses and other accessories such as flashes. Comparing Canon and Nikon (the only two I know about), I'd say that:
* they both make some stunningly good lenses and some not-so-good ones;
* Canon have a better range of telephotos;
* Canon have a better range of fast prime lenses;
* Nikon's build quality is better for 'consumer' lenses (though both have excellent build quality for 'professional' lenses);
* Nikon lenses tend to be (but aren't always) a bit more expensive than their Canon equivalents;
* Nikon's flash system is easier to control than Canon's.

And finally ... look at what your friends / family / colleagues have. It's much easier to borrow / swap bits of kit if you have compatible systems!
 
Hi welcome to the forum.

When you have palyed with various bodies have a look at some of the used stuff available here. Will enable your budget to go further, if you don't mind used dtuff of course.
 
Thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it. I took a trip to the local camera shop this evening after work, I found two camera's that I'm interested in - Canon 40D & the Nikon D90.

Not having much experience to date with DSLRs, which camera would you recommend to a beginner? The Canon felt a better build quality, yet the Nikon seemed to feel better to hold and take photo's.

Its a big decision buying my first DSLR and I appreciate any advice....

MTIA

Nick
 
Hi,
It is very confusing at first and you have received lots of good advice. Don't forget to allow for lenses! They can be very expensive and this will be your second dilemma!
Once you have made your mind up don't forget the second hand market, lots of people sell on good quality kit [see the for sale section here!] You could also talk to Kerso who is an internet dealer and a member here for new stuff. Well thought of and cheap!!
Good luck,

Duncan
 
Dont forget the lenses i got myself a canon 350d and spent so far more on flashes (strobist gear) than the camera cost me. Mind you i did get a bargin at work £200 for a brand new 350d :D also if you do end up going for a canon get yourself a nifty fifty (50mm 1.8 prime) Its amazing lens and can be had for about £50 on here or ebay its always on my body! Good luck and dont rush into anything take your time
 
Some great advice above esp stewart's.

Once you do decide what you want to go for then this website is good for finding the best new prices available www.camerapricebuster.co.uk

e.g D90 for 559 delivered at the moment from Jacobs
 
Mr P said:
I found two camera's that I'm interested in - Canon 40D & the Nikon D90. Not having much experience to date with DSLRs, which camera would you recommend to a beginner?
Click to expand...
Either. They're both good. Anyone who says you'd definitely be better off with XXX or that YYY is definitely better is probably just a fanboy.

So how to go forward? Here's a suggestion:
  • Re-read my previous post and the other advice you've been given
  • Out of all the issues that people have raised, make a list of what's really important to you, what's nice to have and what you don't really care about
  • Check off which camera and/or which system meets most of your needs
  • Don't agonise over it too much.
 
Hi and welcome.

I totally agree with Stuart both cameras you have listed are good the feel and ease of use is one of the most important factors.
 
This is an exciting time for a camera buyer and it is a shame that it happens before you know enough to make sure you don't make mistakes. Buying either camera you have mentioned will get you a fantastic "platform" that you can then hang your new lenses on.

You really need to look at the lenses that you will want to use. Most of the lenses by companies such as Sigma etc are available in either of the two main fitments and often the less popular fitments such as Sony. However the deal breaker or makers are the lenses that are made by the actual manufacturers for their own cameras. It depends on what you want and other people have mentioned which areas Nikon and Canon are best. I particularly liked the Nikon 105mm macro lens with the other 2 lenses having virtually direct replacements from Canon's range! It was a close thing in the end but I am sure I would also have been happy with a Canon!

If your budget is tight you can buy a dirt cheap tripod £10! (or do without) and buy a dedicated flash later. Also filters etc can also be added later.
 
i recommend a nikon D80 - see your PM's

Steve
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top