Picking a DSLR: Choice of 3

chaz46

chaz46

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Charlie
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Hi,

Sorry to start another "I don't know what camera to buy thread" but im having some trouble deciding and not sure really what to go for.
Basically im really enjoying photography and currently using a bridge camera which is a fujifilm S1500 but im looking to move to a DSLR.
As im just starting out im looking at sort of entry level DSLR's and have seen 3 in my sort of price range. Nikon D3000, Canon 1000D and Sony Alpha 230, any reccomendations between those 3? Or should I look to pick up the likes of a second hand Nikon D40?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks, Charlie.

Edit: I have also just spotted a Sony a330 from jessops in that price range, so I'm going to be including that in the choice.
 
Personally, I think it's hard to beat a second hand D40 / D40x for VFM.

Leaves you more to put towards lens/es :)
 
Hi

One of the first things to do is pop down to a local camera shop and see what you like the feel of best, which cameras functions come most natural to you as well, and can you get a better deal on one ??

Do you have any friends or family that have DSLR's - can sometimes help (although not always) to try theirs and maybe the possibilty of trying / sharing lenses.

Good luck with your search :thumbs:
 
chaz46 said:
Hi,

Sorry to start another "I don't know what camera to buy thread" but im having some trouble deciding and not sure really what to go for.
Basically im really enjoying photography and currently using a bridge camera which is a fujifilm S1500 but im looking to move to a DSLR.
As im just starting out im looking at sort of entry level DSLR's and have seen 3 in my sort of price range. Nikon D3000, Canon 1000D and Sony Alpha 230, any reccomendations between those 3? Or should I look to pick up the likes of a second hand Nikon D40?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks, Charlie.

Edit: I have also just spotted a Sony a330 from jessops in that price range, so I'm going to be including that in the choice.
Click to expand...

What's you budget and what do you want to take photograph's of. Forget the kits, they'll get you started, but the lenses are rubbish......but it all depends on your budget. A Digital photography ain't a cheap hobby.......

All the entry level camera's are very much similar in performance, it really depends what you want to do, have a look at the selection of lenses and other bits offered by the brand manufacturer and 3rd party manufacturers to see what is offered and also price.

Personally I would steer clear of the Nikon D40/40x/60/3000/5000 range of camera bodies because of the lack of an inbuilt focus motor, reason why, limited selection of decent prime lenses that would work on these bodies and would rather go for a D80 or D90 body, but that's my own personal opinion
 
Just to confuse matters, but have you looked at a Pentax K-x

Nice little camera and seen them at decent prices lately
 
I have just bought my first DSLR today; a Nikon D3000. Been playing about with it and it seems like an amazing starter camera; and image quality is excellent too!

You can get a decent deal in Jessops at the moment too; including the D3000 kit, Tamron 70-300 lens, Sandisk Ultra 4gb SD card and 40 free prints! All for £469! Great deal :)

Go to your local Jessops and test out the cameras you like the look of. I tested a few and the D3000 is a nice size, and feels great in your hands!

Hope this helps,

Rob :)
 
You will always get a unanimous verdict on this forum... Select buy something with "Nikon" on it and you will not far wrong.



:whistling:
 
I was in the same position as you when joining this forum a few months ago.

2 bits of advice popped up lots:

- Going to a shop and seeing what 'feels right - weight, shape and ergonomics

I didnt go to a shop as I felt a bit embarrased going in there, knowing I wasnt going to be buying from them but its definitely worth doing.
In the end I bought a Canon 40d because my friends have Canon throughout and didnt even touch a Nikon. Since then I have held a few Nikons and do sometimes wonder if i'd get into them with hindsight.

- Saving more of your budget for glass.

Once I had my heart set on a Canon I opted to buy second hand to save money. Best thing ive done, as the previous owner kept it clean as a whistle and offered money back if I wasnt happy.

It really is about spendin the money on the lens, I struggled to see why at first, but after 4 months im already wanting to sell my 2 lenses to fund a 'faster' walkabout lens.

James
 
I think I have decided that for me its got to be a nikon, so im looking at the second hand D40/D40x or a new D3000, both are going to cost me around the same money once lenses are added.
Would you reccomend the D40 over the D3000 or is the D3000 going to have a better sensor/features because it is a newer model?

Many Thanks, Charlie
 
I'd not recomend the entry level nikons atall - they are too disabled IMHO
 
Ian W said:
Personally, I think it's hard to beat a second hand D40 / D40x for VFM.

Leaves you more to put towards lens/es :)
Click to expand...

Agreed;frequently appear for sale here & in AVForum's classifieds,plus you shouldn't lose much (if any) money if/when you upgrade!
 
I've just started a thread on buying Nikon's, I bought the D5000 and although it's a great camera, if you want to build up your kit, limited glass options will cost you dear in the long run. If your budget will stretch, get a D90!
 
Ian W said:
Care to elaborate here?
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I'm assuming POAH is referring to the AF-S only issue (unless you are happy to focus manually with non AF-S lenses) which as long as you are aware of before you buy isn't really that much of a hinderance.

OP - I'm very happy with my D60 and there isn't much to distinguish it from a D40. There have been a few D40 kits in the classifieds here recently and I think it would be a great starter camera for a relatively cheap price. More money for lenses = GOOD.
 
Daysleeper40 said:
OP - I'm very happy with my D60 and there isn't much to distinguish it from a D40
Click to expand...

Other than the D40 has a stop or so's better ISO performance (which is pretty lousy on the D60 - not as bad as the Sony A200 though) so given the choice between the two I think I would go for the D40 (although I do actually have a D60).
 
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