New and seeking advice...

[Superlarks]

Hello,

I'm new here and looking for some advice. I've been doing photography for a while now as a hobby, but never had an SLR before.
I recently got some money and am now looking into buying one. At first I was planning on getting a secondhand one but now have noticed that some stores have quite good deals on their cameras.
My problem is that I don't exactly know what camera I should buy, as I have read several reviews and recommendations and there are just so many to choose from.
At first I was quite taken by the Nikon D40, but now I'm in love with the Canon EOS 450D...
I would use the camera to take shots of animals, usually running or jumping, but sometimes also portraits.
I was also told that with the Canon you can put lenses from other companies like Sigma on, but you can't with the Nikon, is that true?
Sorry if I come over as a little stupid I'm not that experienced with SLRs.
I don't want something too complicated, because I probably won't understand it, but it doesn't have to be completely simple either.
I do have a budget, but as I said I can always try and find it secondhand.
I have about £400 - £500 to spend at the most. The deal I found in the store was for the Canon EOS 450D for £519, including the 18 - 55mm lens, the 75 - 300mm lens and a carrier bag...
I hope that wasn't too complicated, and appreciate any help.


Thanks in Advance

Superlarks

 

[EdBray]

Hello,

I'm new here and looking for some advice. I've been doing photography for a while now as a hobby, but never had an SLR before.
I recently got some money and am now looking into buying one. At first I was planning on getting a secondhand one but now have noticed that some stores have quite good deals on their cameras.
My problem is that I don't exactly know what camera I should buy, as I have read several reviews and recommendations and there are just so many to choose from.
At first I was quite taken by the Nikon D40, but now I'm in love with the Canon EOS 450D...
I would use the camera to take shots of animals, usually running or jumping, but sometimes also portraits.
I was also told that with the Canon you can put lenses from other companies like Sigma on, but you can't with the Nikon, is that true?Sorry if I come over as a little stupid I'm not that experienced with SLRs.
I don't want something too complicated, because I probably won't understand it, but it doesn't have to be completely simple either.
I do have a budget, but as I said I can always try and find it secondhand.
I have about £400 - £500 to spend at the most. The deal I found in the store was for the Canon EOS 450D for £519, including the 18 - 55mm lens, the 75 - 300mm lens and a carrier bag...
I hope that wasn't too complicated, and appreciate any help.


Thanks in Advance

Superlarks

No, you can use non-oem (independant) lenses on most manufacturers cameras but with the lower end Nikon bodies you are limited by those with the correct focussing mechanism!

Personally I would buy secondhand, perhaps from someone on here, you will get a good deal at the moment on either a 40D (circa £350-400) or a Nikon D200 is also a great camera at about the same price.

I would start off with a decent'ish standard zoom, learn to use it and get to know the camera, at the same time this will give you time to buy slightly better quality lenses when you are ready. Buying too much too soon could actually be detrimental to your learning process. Budget for a couple of good storage cards too!

When you buy your camera, take lots of pictures, use different settings and learn what the settings do and how changing them will affect your images.

ask questions, post photos for critique (don't get arsey when someone doesn't like them) take the crit and use it as experience for the next time.

Good luck and good shooting!

 

[ajj1001]

Hi, I got a secondhand dslr off here and am very happy with it. Not recommending what to get as i know next to nothing but make sure its something you can take everywhere so you get lots practice.

 

[mrtoad]

hi and welcome

the world is your oyster i think with £500
that should get a decent dslr...if thats what you need..

good luck with your search...try ebay and local loot and perhaps gumtree
this will give you market prices...

i dont like ebay as i usually lose out in the frenetic last seconds when people bid up to nearly new prices

private sales like TP would seem more civilised and gentlemanly in bid and acceptance...and a decent appraisal and backup