Recommended Camera for a beginner

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Pistolpete

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Hello. I've decided to buy a dslr and have narrowed the choice down to three models. I'm pretty much a complete beginner (have a couple of point and click digitals) and will be mainly shooting photos of my kids and holiday photos. I don't intend to do any sports or wildlife photography. The choices are:

1) Nikon D90 with 18-105mm ED VR Lens (£750)
2) Canon EOS 40D with 18-55mm IS and 55-250mm IS Kit (£900)
3) Canon EOS 450D with 18-55mm IS and 55-250mm IS Kit (£630)

I'm favouring the Nikon to be honest but can see the extra versatility the 2 lenses will give. Having said that, I can't see that I'll exhaust the capabilities of the Nikon in a hurry so am inclined to go for the one lens option.

Anyone got any particular opinions about the choices or recommendations? Any help gratefully received!

Thanks

Pete
 
For what you are planning to use it for, can't go wrong with any of those...
 
If possible it is a good idea to go to a shop and handle the different cameras, you may find that one fits you a lot better than the others.

It is also important to realise that (usually) you end up locked into a 'type' of camera as you start building a lens collection.

For what it is worth I would go with the 450D, as it is least cost, but will give you all the functionality of an SLR to learn on. If you like it you can then extend with more lenses due to the cost saving you have made. (I am sure there is a Nikon in the 450D price bracket that may be worth investigating) and eventually a new body (which change a lot faster than lenses in the digital age)
 
All I can add is go for the best you can afford as you will have it a long time so preferably spend as much as you can on the body as your lens lust will follow and dont take any advice as to wether its a Nikon or Canon go for what feels right in your hand as I am a Nikon man and love the way the dials are set yet also love the Canons but cant get used to the dials on them try both see which is more natural for quick setting changes:thumbs:
 
I agree with Fragglerock - I bought the 450 with the intention of learning without spending a fortune. Not been disappointed so far! It's definitely worth handling them first - the 450D without the grip is actually quite small.
 
to put the cat among hte pigeons have you considered the new 500d?

Also from that list I think cost could be a significant factor ;)
 
david1701 said:
to put the cat among hte pigeons have you considered the new 500d?

Also from that list I think cost could be a significant factor ;)
Click to expand...

Cost is definitely a factor - "happy" to go to around £900 but breaking the £1000 barrier would probably be too much for me at this stage. With a 2 year old daughter and another due in July I don't think I'll have the time to dedicate to becoming a committed amateur photographer! However, I'll certainly spend the time to get the benefit of a dslr so I think it will be a matter of visiting a shop and deciding which one of the 3 feels the most comfortable.
 
Pistolpete said:
Cost is definitely a factor - "happy" to go to around £900 but breaking the £1000 barrier would probably be too much for me at this stage. With a 2 year old daughter and another due in July I don't think I'll have the time to dedicate to becoming a committed amateur photographer! However, I'll certainly spend the time to get the benefit of a dslr so I think it will be a matter of visiting a shop and deciding which one of the 3 feels the most comfortable.
Click to expand...


The best way to go if it feels right its right but if something just doesnt sit right in your hand its not the one, cameras are probably the mose ergonomic item you can buy so choose wisely I started with canon film cameras and hand on heart they beat nikon to a pulp but in my hands canon dslr just dont work but nikon do its all down to how it feels .... the results are up to you:thumbs:
 
Geez, you can't go wrong with any of those options. Between the D90 and the 450D there isn't much to swing it either way, unless being able to shoot video is something you see doing, then the D90 wins out. Having the two lenses gives you versatility, but the 18-105 with the D90 should fit what you plan on shooting. However, once you get a camera in your hands it might change your perspective. I didn't think I would be doing wildlife/nature shots when I bought mine but I really enjoy it now.

Between the 450D and the D90 it would come down to feel in your hands and how you like the controls I would imagine. Keep in mind that you will need other kit such as memory cards, bag, cleaning supplies, etc and so if you have an absolute max then you need to factor those costs in as well. Also, if you plan on doing lots of portraits of the family then a good prime lens for portraits might need to be considered.
 
Thanks everyone - I'll go to a shop at the weekend and get a feel for them then make the decision!
 
Hi Pistolpete, reminds me of when people used to come in the shop asking for a bespoke computer for little Johny, I just want one for him to do his homework and surf they would ask. Six months later, little johny cant play the latest computer games :lol:
I would go with the one of the Canon`s with the versatility of the xtra lens, that should stand you in good stead for a while then. Be warned though, taking pictures will not just stop with the kids :D
 
I've got a 30D and my folks have a 350D. Glad I started on the 30D because my big clumsy mitts struggle around the tiny little 350D :) You may have the opposite problem though. Go try them all out in Jessops :)
 
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