Newbie looking for advice.

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So at the moment im using a nice little Canon Powershot S3 IS. Its usefull for macro, and photography that my photography teacher wants m to do for my A level. However, my upcomming 18th I'd like to get my hands on a nice SLR to help me with my hobby of gig photography.
At the moment im contemplating either a Canon 350D or a Nikon D50. Aside from that i need any advice anyone can give about lenses.
Any help would be appreciated, thanks in advance.
 
Both the Canon 350D and the Nikon D50 are fine cameras, either will do you well.

For gig photography you'll need a lens that works well in low light and this means one that's fast (i.e. the aperture opens wide to let in as much light as possible). The best value low light lens is generally the 50mm f1.8 (aka in TP circles as the Nifty Fifty), this will get you low light shots for well under £100. Unfortunately that's the end of the low light bargins, most f2.8 lenses are significantly more but the best value & quality combinations are sigmas and you should find a Sigma 18-55mm f2.8 or 24-70mm f2.8 for about £250-£300 IIRC
 
If you can, try and get a 400D, it offers some significant improvements over the 350 (that is if you go for Canon over Nikon).
 
i was thinking that, however my friend has a 400D and she says it occasionaly 'lags' when you wonna take a photo, wich is something i'd rather not have when photographing at concerts...
 
SimonTALM said:
The best value low light lens is generally the 50mm f1.8
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The only thing with that woul be that because its a 50mm lens i wouldn't be able tozom, right?

Ignore that comment if its wrong, i know very litle about lesnses hence the creatio of this post in the first place.
 
That is correct, its a prime lens, a single focal length. As has already been mentioned, a short range zoom that is also a quick lens, eg, an F2.8, tends to start getting expensive. Ultimately it will boil down to what you can afford, and of course its always worth shopping around reputable stores for good s/h equipment too. Sigma lenses will serve you well at considerably less then their Nikon/Canon equivalents.
 
As the others have said, but phrased differently.

If you want to take photos in gigs / in dark places / in doors then start saving. f1.2 will be what you really need, but then dont we all.

Either Nikon or Canon will do, buy the one that suits your hand and style. Try em out first.
 
-J- said:
i was thinking that, however my friend has a 400D and she says it occasionaly 'lags' when you wonna take a photo, wich is something i'd rather not have when photographing at concerts...
Click to expand...

If there is any 'lag' it will be down to the lens getting locked on a good focus and nothing to do with the camera.

If you want good pictures in low light you need a big piece of glass to let the light in (low f number). As explained above a zoom lens with that big glass is expensive. 50mm f1.8 gets you big glass but without the big cost.

Use the kit lens in low light and it will struggle to focus and give you delays or even not focus at all.

If you have enough light to get the shot but still have auto focus problems you can always switch autofocus off and focus yourself - instant response guaranteed.
 
Thanks, you've all been great help. I guess once i am the proud owner of whatever it is im going to buy i'll be thanking you all again.

And perhaps even show off a few images of what my soon-to-be new gear can do =D
 
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