ISO, IS, f-, ES what?? help! Drowning in a sea of jargon!

C

charfield

Suspended / Banned
Messages
3
Edit My Images
No
Hello there everyone. Not only am I new to this forum, but also new to photography itself. Am thinking of getting serious with a hobby I have been dipping in and out of for a while now. Fuelled with Adobe CS2 and Elements 5, I have been blown away with the possibilities, but now want to get a serious camera! Have been reading numerous reviews online- even bought a magazine which set me back £4!- about DSLRs (which i've decided is where i want to go camera-wise) but am even more confused! What's the best (if there is such a thing) for an amateur who has started out with a fuji finepix worth about £120? My budget? Hmmm around £500-£700, but I'm only basing that on what I've been reading so far. Help!
 
Well, not an expert myself. But I suppose the first 'big' choice you need to make if going for DSLR is which camp you'll be joining.. Canon or Nikon (Don't ask for my views on that..I'd just recommend what I use..*smiles*)
Suppose what you hear people say is that Canon is easier to get to know quickly..
And with your budget I would say something on the lines of the Canon 400D could be a nice springboard to the DSLR cameras.
In the beginning you could either get the 'kit' and go with the lens on that one and perhaps invest some into a zoom lens as well.
You wouldn't get the top of the range lens, but (not knowing UK prices at the moment) I would guess a 400D kit plus maybe a Sigma 18-125 or something should be affordable to you.
It should give you a nice set to get exploring the DSLR world and see how you like it.

So, that's my two cents worth of advice on this matter to begin with.
 
I would suggest you search the Talk Equipment forum as I think people ask this question a lot. You will get loads of advice but as I understand it the best thing to do is make a shortlist of cameras that fit into your price bracket and do what you want them to do, then get yourself down to Jessops and see how they feel.

I've been doing loads of research and the one conclusion I have come to is that all of the main players entry level cameras are good, all also have their slight downfalls, and ultimately it is going to be down to personal preference as to which one you pick.

Good luck! :thumbs:
 
hello and welcome

As said the best thing to do is go to a shop and handle the cameras to see which one feels best. there is not a lot of difference between makes they are all pretty good now
 
Welcome to the forums.

Advice as above :) All the current DSLR's will produce quality results. Some will say brand N is better than brand C, S, P, O etc but the reality is they are all good so get what feels right in your hands.

If you are really unsure then you could consider a used camera as you would be able to resell it for little financial loss if you don't get on with it (which is unlikely).


Oh and here is a link to make all the f-stops and stuff a bit easier to understand..

http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/the_basics
 
Yeah, I've been going in that direction thought-wise (that is going to Jessops and handling some cameras) but am thinking it would not be a bad idea to have some models in mind- as there are so many! I can imagine walking into said retail outlet and saying 'yes please, I'm looking for a digital SLR camera' and spending a weekend there, my head so pumped with information after the experience that it will explode! I now have some models in mind- one that keeps 'popping up' in various reviews, forums etc is the Canon 30d. I've been reading about it in comparison with other canons (20d, 350d and 40d- the latter being a little expensive for me) as well as other makes and everyone seems to be raving about it. The 30d has extra 'bits'- which one would expect for the money- but how important these are, I'm not sure. My philosophy is 'get as much as you can afford and if you can't afford it just yet, save until you can'. For eg, how important is image stabilisation in a camera? I love taking night shots- I really want to get into storm photography. Does one particular make have a greater range of lenses available so I can gradually add to my kit? Thanks for the advice- this is one buy I want to absolutely sure of and happy with- I'm prepared to take my time, although I am champing at the bit somewhat! I'm going to join a photography evening class so I can get to grips with the basics, find out what I want to achieve before I part with any money- a good plan? Any tips?
 
Stop thinking and go hold some cameras :)

That may narrow your search (or make it worse).

A new improved model is always round the corner. Buy what you can afford now. Lenses are where you could spend more than the camera cost. At least lenses don't devalue in the same way as cameras because they will still be useful after upgrading the camera to a new model.

All you need for night shots is a tripod. Any camera can do it.
 
It is so confusing, you are right, photography is new to me too. My first and only SLR is my canon 400d. I picked it for a variety of reasons, one is because a friend of mine who works in a camera shop recomended it, I have looked at results of taking pics with one and they look stunning, the price, and the feel of one! But like people say, different cameras suit different people. Go and tlk to people, pick up the cameras and if poss, try one!! Good luck
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top