Looking to switch to dSLR - camera recommendations

mithrandir

mithrandir

Suspended / Banned
Messages
740
Edit My Images
Yes
I have always been interested in photography since the days of 35mm film (still have my Pentax 35mm and an APS camera)
I have been using digital P&S since the Canon A60 and went onto Dimage Xi, then Fuji S5600/Canon A520.
I would like to get into SLR very soon and have been reading reviews and all sorts like a maniac on an entry level camera.

I have narrowed it down to the Canon 450d, Nikon D3000 and Pentax K-m.
The Olympus felt a bit awkward when I held it for a demo in a shop. The Canon/Nikon were nice although not seen the Pentax.

My budget is as low as possible really, but preferably not higher than £400 (although it seems the Canon can be had for around £422).

The camera will be used for almost everything from day trips, holidays, indoors, landscapes, outdoor evenings.

Its seems the live view on the 450d is not really usable so kind of negates one of it's pros.

I would be grateful for advice/suggestions about choices and whether the 450d is worth the extra money to the Nikon, or even the Nikon/Canon over the Pentax which seems to be available for around £330.

Many thanks
 
When I first pick up a DSLR, I went for Canon..I had a look at Nikon too, but just felt the Canon more comfortable in my hands so I went for it..I started with a used 400D so I can save some money to buy extra lenses. It has been a great camera for me and I didn't regret choosing Canon. I think both brands are equally good and prices are not so much of a difference with the cashback and all. So, I'd say it all comes down to which one you feel most comfortable with.
 
What Pentax lenses do you have left over from your film shooting?
 
You budget is a bit low, and although the d3000 is nice n light its also not great for moving up.

You might be able to swing a second hand d80? That would give you more options later on should you want to expand your photography.

I have a d300 and found its been brilliant :) But I think that it is out of your price range.

You also need to consider putting some dosh to one side for new lenses and what you want to take pics of.

This goes for whichever brand you choose :)
Do you have anyone near by you can borrow a camera and lens or two from for a day (go out for a walk with them and try the camera out) ?

Alternatively, I know people dont like jessops, but they had an interest free credit for a year, which means you caould put your dosh as a deposit or in an account to one side, buy what you want and use it now paying into the account and wiping the credit off before the year passes?

Cant comment on the canons but I think the 30d was very good too (depending on lens) so perhaps second hand one of these or a 40d ?

Pentax I dunno, best if you can handle the camera first, as with the others. Is there a second hand camera store near you?

The other thing (why I'm pushing for the mid range) is that you get more options in the camera. I found a d40 to be light and ok, but missing loads of options that I liked in the d300. Guess that happens as you try out the cameras though :)

Good luck
 
My budget is as low as possible really, but preferably not higher than £400 (although it seems the Canon can be had for around £422).
The camera will be used for almost everything from day trips, holidays, indoors, landscapes, outdoor evenings....

I feel your budget is too low - or - you are spending too much on the camera
the kit lens wont cover all your requirements
if you shoot indoors and evenings you will need something like a 35 or 50mm f1.8
and a tripod for sure !! and a bag etc etc

I'm new here, so may be told I'm wrong - but just looking at what I spent over the last 2 months to get started - it was more than £400
 
Thanks for the replies so far guys.

It seems I might have to save up more, although I was looking at the cash back offers too.
 
Pentax K-m has been supersceded by K-x which has a 12Mp sensor as opposed to 10Mp. K-x also has Livewiew and video.

Most people on here are in either the Canon or Nikon camp.

Suggest trying out before buying to see what if any feel better to you.............. also a lot more s/h Canon Nikon lenses etc around than Pentax, due to market dominance.

Consider what you want most from a camera - make a list, and see what has what.....

Personally, i can't be bothered with Live Wiew as the prnciple of a DSLR - is what you see through the eyepiece is what the lens sees.......
 
Don't get too hung up about body choice, all the offerings have pros & cons & will serve you well.

What's more important is lens choice/availability - make sure the body you choose has a range available to suit your needs.

Pretty much all kit lenses are only o.k and you'll probably want to upgrade - this is where the bulk of your cash will go, if you are on a tight budget it's well worth considering a 2nd hand body to leave more cash for a decent lens line-up, you can always then upgrade the body at a later date if necessary.

Simon
 
Go for the body with a kit lens. It will get you started. Then you can start to save for more lenses etc. as you need. No point putting off buying the camera. Buy it use it and worry about the upgrade later. Kit lens is not great, but it has produced some good shots for a lot of people. My first published shot was taken on a 400D and a kit lens. Sure you will want nicer lenses as you start, but you need to learn how to shoot and how to use different camera settings first.

Too many get caught up in needing the newest lenses etc. but still leave the camera stuck on the green button.

I am Canon, Nikon will do the same. Either of those will be a great first camera for you. Enjoy.
 
I bought the Canon 450D with kit lens , added the 70 -300 lens to it , I owned this camera for about 7 months , Hope it was a one of Friday camera ,nothing but problems sent back to cannon twice , costly repair , after sales service lacking in compassion a bit , Not our problem send us some money we will fix it . Problem not covered under warranty , They tell me it had Liquid entry . Puzzled me where it came from never had it out any any bad weather .
My recommendation without any doubt go for the Nikon D90 ,Save your money and hang on till you have enough funds ,the 18-135 kit lens is stunning. If you are willing to hang on a bit longer go for the D300s Outstanding camera worth every penny . Had my D90 for 6 months only camera for me , 10 out of 10 for Nikon
Hope this helps. Good shooting Malcolm .
 
I was hoping to use the kit lens to begin with and maybe get a zoom lens once I can afford it, which will probably be after the summer or so. I recently got the Fuji F72exr for the missus as her fairly old Olympus was limited in some scenarios.

I'm leaning very strongly towards the Nikon D3000 and Eos 450d.

1) Are there any new models coming soon?

2) How reliable are both these brands for SLR? (My beloved Powershot A60 packed up :'()
 
My recommend Nikon all day long ,Two year warranty on camera and lens , superb build quality , excellent all round cameras . Not sure what is about to be released , Whatever it is has to be good to beat the D90 in the £600 price range and The D300s £1000 price range .
 
I bought a 450D on here a few months ago for £280 (body only), so I would suggest you keep a look in the ads.

I've bought 5 things on here including 3 lenses and the 450D and have never had a complaint and saved myself a load of money in the process.

I'd also definitely recommend the "nifty fifty" (50m f1.8) as it's probably the best value for sharpness and money.
 
go for whichever you like the feel of most in 450d vs nikon feel is very important here

don't negate liveview as it's handy for tripod focussing

kit lenses are good for starting on, thats what they're for and you will get a feel for what you want and make a more informed lens choice later on
 
petersmart said:
I bought a 450D on here a few months ago for £280 (body only), so I would suggest you keep a look in the ads.
Click to expand...

something I had forgotten, posting a wanted add for entry level kit is a good shout (might help with the canon vs nikon thing :D) needs a hundred posts though
 
haven't you tried out sony SLR's they are one of the top camera makers and probably the best entry level camera's on the market. i would recommend an a200 which could be had for around £200, i would then buy a sony 50mm f1.8 and a 30mm f2.8 macro, along with a 55-200mm f4-5.6. that sould be enough to get you going.
 
Mald90 said:
My recommend Nikon all day long ,Two year warranty on camera and lens , superb build quality , excellent all round cameras . Not sure what is about to be released , Whatever it is has to be good to beat the D90 in the £600 price range and The D300s £1000 price range .
Click to expand...

just hold on here...............

the OP comes on with a budget of £400 and you are all suggesting Nikon D90 ?
with a new price of £750 or so .....:cuckoo:
and as for the D300............

D90 - something that should come after some experience ? i think
I want one - the best I've seen here recently is £520......:bang:

lets answer the post --- £400 and should include a tripod and bits.....:thumbs:
 
...should you go for the Nikon with 18-55 VR kit lens..

have a look "here" it's a Tamron on sale at Jessops for £99 ATM ....

Tamron 70-300mm F4/5.6 DI LD Macro (Nikon AF)

this will give you a great all-round kit ( + a tripod later)....:thumbs:
 
Thanks for the advice and suggestions guys, but I have to hold off buying a DSLR for the time being as my finance is not looking as healthy as I thought. I was close to buying the 450d from Comet as it was £422 after a vouchercode. I tried the D3000 and was disappointed to learn it is quite a heavy piece. I was quite impressed with the Panasonic G1 although I found out it is quite limited in lenses amongst other things.
The D60 in the classified is a bargain buy although I'd much prefer to get myself a new machine with warranty as it will be my first DSLR.
For the time being, I'm going to try and save up more and keep an eye out for offers on the 450d or 1000d :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top