Probably the Most Asked Question in Photography

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Flash

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Jamie
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I am looking to buy a new DSLR camera, and I was wondering if anybody can give me a few ideas and where to get them from. I am only 14, and am on a tight budget! I am looking at the Canon EOS 400D, or any camera's of a similar price range (up to £400)

Here is a bit about my photography:

  • I have been doing photography for about a year now
  • I use a 'ponsumer' camera, a Fuji FinePix S6500fd, and I am hoping to upgrade to DSLR
  • I would like the camera to grow with me as my skills develop

Any ideas are welcome,

Regards,
Jamie
 
A good offer, but they have sold out. I'll just take a look on the website, see if there is anything good on there.
 
If you are willing to take a chance on secondhand (no warantee) then there are some good 400D offers on the personal ads here that would allow you to start saving the extra from the £400 towards additional glass.

Oh, and I'm not selling one - I've just bought one! :)
 
Your situation sounds similar to the one I was in a few months ago Jamie (although I am not 14, regrettably!)

Although budget wasn't a problem, I just knew that I'd be so precious about a shiny new thing in a box that I'd be too terrified to use it in case it got spoiled or broken.

I went down the second-hand route and purchased a DSLR and some lenses/filters/remote control etc. from a friend I trust for £225. For that price if my clumsiness or lack of experience results in a breakage, it isn't the end of the world.

I love it, I'm not afraid to use it and think it'll last me a lifetime in terms of "growing with me as my skills develop". That camera is smarter than I'll ever be! I discover new things about getting the best out of it every day.

My advice would be pre-loved from a reputable source, but that's just a personal view. Good luck and have fun whatever you decide! :)
 
Alison said:
Your situation sounds similar to the one I was in a few months ago Jamie (although I am not 14, regrettably!)

Although budget wasn't a problem, I just knew that I'd be so precious about a shiny new thing in a box that I'd be too terrified to use it in case it got spoiled or broken.

I went down the second-hand route and purchased a DSLR and some lenses/filters/remote control etc. from a friend I trust for £225. For that price if my clumsiness or lack of experience results in a breakage, it isn't the end of the world.

I love it, I'm not afraid to use it and think it'll last me a lifetime in terms of "growing with me as my skills develop". That camera is smarter than I'll ever be! I discover new things about getting the best out of it every day.

My advice would be pre-loved from a reputable source, but that's just a personal view. Good luck and have fun whatever you decide! :)
Click to expand...

I eventually bought secondhand aswell, admittedly I am after doing underwater photography but the price difference between new and second hand was a huge consideration.

The big thing you read on sites like this is the biggest thing that improves your pics is know how. Then quality lenses.

I'm happy with the D70 i got, I've got a well looked after second hand 60mm macro lens to go with it, and I have a setup for a good price that I'm not afraid to take out.
 
To get you started, second-hand is a good way to go. Look for a 350D/400D (or even a 20D?)if it's Canon you're after, or any of the Nikon stable in your price range (D40/40x/50/70/70s)

Use it to learn about apertures and shutter speeds, ISOs and all the other bits and bobs, and develop your skill. All the above mentioned cameras will produce great pics, it's the photographer, not the camera;)

For ~£400, you should get something, plus the kit 18-55mm-ish lens, and a 200 or 300mm zoom at the very least:)
 
spend the minimum amount on the camera and as much as you can afford on a good lens.

A good lens will last you for years and any camera is capable of taking a picture.

Nothing is more depressing than having a potentially great shot ruined through softness, distortion or other defects.

I know this from bitter experience.

As for cameras.......

nikon and canon both equally good and readily available secondhand, I would avoid the more esoteric brands like sony or olympus or pentax. Even though they may be as good as canon or nikon or even better in some cases, the accessories and lenses are not as common so tend to be more expensive secondhand/new.

I'd look for a cheap body and try and get the glass seperately. The nikon kit lenses are miles better than the canon ones so bear that in mind. If it was me I'd rather have just have one really good lens to start off with and learn to use that properly rather than have 2 crap ones.

If you have any possible access to both systems from friends or shops then go and try them out. the ergonomics are quite different in both systems and what suits one person wont necessarily suit another. I can't use canon cameras as I find them clunky and unintuative, but others find the same with nikon.
 
reddeathdrinker said:
To get you started, second-hand is a good way to go. Look for a 350D/400D (or even a 20D?)if it's Canon you're after, or any of the Nikon stable in your price range (D40/40x/50/70/70s)

Use it to learn about apertures and shutter speeds, ISOs and all the other bits and bobs, and develop your skill. All the above mentioned cameras will produce great pics, it's the photographer, not the camera;)

For ~£400, you should get something, plus the kit 18-55mm-ish lens, and a 200 or 300mm zoom at the very least:)
Click to expand...


At the moment, I am using a 'ponsumer' camera, which is a digital camera, but with some extra features on SLR's, and a very similar body to one. On the Fuji FinePix S6500fd (my camera) I can adjust aperture, shutter, ISO etc all manually, so I will be using this camera to brush up on my skills, and then i will upgrade to DSLR. I want to get a Canon.
 
Amazon and 7dayshop both do the 400d + 18-55 lens for less than £400.
Maybe worth a look, if you really want a Canon? ;)

Allan
 
Yes, I want a Canon.
 
Flash said:
Yes, I want a Canon.
Click to expand...

Have you actually held one yet.

You should go and try all the options in your price range Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus, and Pentax and see which feels most comfortable to you.

Any camera can take a good shot it is you that makes it great.,
 
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