Newbie help on camera selection

[Fetchez la vache]

Hi all!
After years in the wilderness (last time I used an SLR was probably 25 years ago) I'm looking for my first DSLR.

A photoblogger I regularly comment on (& love their landscape work) is selling their Olympus E-1 body for £250 and this got me thinking as to whether...
The E-1 Body @ £250
+ a 14-42 lens (£60)
http://www.parkcameras.com/ProductD...yID/70/v/0d2a4d5b-8764-4445-a509-ba11ac5d331c

...would be a good starting point, rather than going for something newer.

To me it seems like a good deal for the money, but would welcome any opinions as to whether I am off my trolley, as I have been bad and using happy snappers for the last x years!

Would be for mostly landscape work (I live near the beaches in Pembrokeshire) and shots of the kids.
I'm assuming I'll need a zoom in the near future but not for starters.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
(& looking forward to posting loads in the future )

 

[theMusicMan]

Nope - not off your trolley at all. Olympus have just announced £100 cashback on any purchases of their E-510 model from now till Christmas. You'd get a great deal there.

For those new to DSLR's, the Olympus range offers a great deal. you might like to take a look at the E-410 as well. Perhaps contact Kerso on here for a best price...

Welcome to tP by the way.

 

[mav]

e buyer were doing good deals on the 410 a while back

 

[JG777]

Like you but earlier in the year I got my first DSLR and that is the E1. You would already have seen what this camera is capable of achieving in the right hands. For me I love the control layout it feels perfect. Big learning curve though the E1 is a beast but lovely to handle and built like a tank. Spec wise compared to todays cams its a bit long in the tooth but more than enough to cut your teeth on.

Before you buy and commit to 4/3 standard have a good read up and make sure you are happy with the pros and cons. £250 seems reasonable for the body as long as it is fully working and not too far into its life.

If you like I can give you the instructions on how to find out the shutter count, firmware version etc. E1 life is for 150,000 actuations so do not buy it if the number reads 149,999 !!

One thing about Zuiko kit lenses is that they are of very good quality and turn in a respectable performance. The better lenses are a tadd expensive as are most Olympus extras. If you buy the 14-42 at £60 you will not have lost too much money if you do not like the E system and want to try another make.

After about 3 months of E1 use I became comfortable with it and more confident. Had a few disasters on the way though. White balance is very reliable, it has the external sensor. Remember though you will need to buy a flash for this model., it does not have one built in. Just invested in a 14-54 lens and the speed difference is very noticeable. Hope to crack out some pictures next week.

All in all a great first camera, book a few days off work to read the manual......

Good Luck

John.