Returning to a DSLR... will I find the 1100D too basic?

snotfactory

snotfactory

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Hi there, new member here with a question I'm hoping someone can help me with.

A few years ago, I bought a Canon 450D and thoroughly enjoyed using it, bought a couple of second hand lenses (50mm and a Sigma zoom) and spent a couple of years messing about with it and learning how to take a decent picture.

Unfortunately, my other 'interest' is old cars, and when the engine of my Golf went bye-bye I had to make a sacrifice and sell the Canon to fund a replacement. I had a nice little Lumix LX3 to see me through, and it takes great pictures - snappy little thing.

However I've always regretted selling my 450D as the Lumix is great for holidays and family do's, but not the sort of thing I can nerd-out over and go for walks with etc. I'm not a brilliant photographer, I'd consider myself above the average man in the street, I have a keen interest as a hobby - I love taking pics at car shows, nature/architecture stuff, and family etc.

With life being a bit more settled these days, I've decided to invest in another DSLR. I'm keen on sticking with a Canon as I loved my 450D and a friend of mine has a 50D and loads of gear I know I can borrow.

Onto my question then. Would I find the 1100D too much of a 'beginner' camera?

After reading several reviews online, and having a look in person at my local Jessops, two current cameras have caught my attention and fit in my tight budget range (in different ways).

Either a brand new 1100D or a second hand 450D or 550D. My only concern is that I might find the 1100D a step down from my old 450D, either in terms of quality or features? I'd prefer a new camera, and if I bought the 1100D it would leave me a little left over to invest in a second lens. Or the alternative would be a second hand 550D (or even another 450D...) with probably a few extra bits and bobs bundled in with it.

Any opinions on the 1100D from owners etc would be massively appreciated. Like I say I'm no expert and the benefits of much higher models than the 550D would be lost on me... but would this entry level DSLR be similarly an issue?

Appreciate your time (in advance)! :clap:
 
Build quality of the 1100D would take a hit compared to your old 450D as well as features and handling. Since you're starting again from scratch, also check out Nikon and Sony models. But if I was set on a Canon I'd look for another 450D or 550D.
 
eccles said:
Build quality of the 1100D would take a hit compared to your old 450D as well as features and handling. Since you're starting again from scratch, also check out Nikon and Sony models. But if I was set on a Canon I'd look for another 450D or 550D.
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I did think this, I had a hold of it and it felt nice and everything, but there did seem to be a noticeable... basic-ness compared to the 550D next to it.

Reason I do want to stick with Canon is because I know I can try out lenses and gear that my friend owns already, that and I liked my 450D so much.
 
happygolucky said:
I'd be looking at a 40D second hand in your situation.
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Not even considered that, prices on eBay are very good actually... although I know very little about them. Just wondering why you suggested the 40D? The headline figure of 10mp isn't necessarily an issue though is it?
 
The 40D will allow you to either cruise at your present level or it will give you the flexibility to advance and try new things. 10mp is ample resolution for am A3 size print.
Get the best you can afford, if you buy cheap you will buy twice.
 
Al Brum said:
The 40D will allow you to either cruise at your present level or it will give you the flexibility to advance and try new things. 10mp is ample resolution for am A3 size print.
Get the best you can afford, if you buy cheap you will buy twice.
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I've done a bit of reading and a few searches on this forum for the 40D, and I think my mind is completely made up.

40D + a decent lens to get me started again. It's the same camera my friend has, so I'm going to try and have some hands on time with it.
 
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I got a 500D, looked at a 1000D, but wasn't as good as a mates 450D. was always aware that "the wreckage" (I bought an old car from under a tree in a field a few years ago) will always need something
 
Hi, from your initial post, if new, I would be looking for the 550D / 600D rather than the 1100D as you've had the 450D previously I think you'd notice the difference between the 2, if 2nd hand, you could always get another 450D or 500 / 550 etc etc.

The 40D is a good upgrade - I love mine, it's a bigger and heavier body, higher FPS etc etc

Obviously budget plays a part, if you can stretch to it the 60D is very nice, a friend upgraded last year from his 450D to a 60D and loves it - the manin reason he upgraded was for a higher FPS, but its a bigger body, which he likes, has video function (he's not really used it), it also has the new swivel screen which he has found to his surprise he really likes, he had reservations about it, but makes reviewing shots a lot easier, can be turned round so LCD protected when packed away etc...

Hope this is of some help, good luck with your search and don't forget, the lens can make the world of difference
 
Yeah it's been really helpful seeing how good the feedback on the 40D has been - I've never really read reviews or comments on the bigger, more serious cameras until now, as I'd always considered them out of my range. I'm actually quite excited at the prospect of owning a 40D, even if it is relatively old by now.

I think a 60D is way out of my budget tbh. Now I know the second hand prices for a 40D I'm finding it hard to even consider another camera :D One of my big regrets from owning the 450D was skimping on the lenses, so if I get a 40D it would allow me to choose a nice lens that would really suit my needs straight away. I spent quite a while cursing the limits of the kit lens on my 450D as it didn't let me take the pictures I wanted when I was rambling about in the outdoors.
 
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Sigma EX range are good if you can stretch to them. If not a Canon 28-135mm makes a really good walkout lens. Capable of being very sharp, well built and on the 40D it has plenty of reach.
 
Al Brum said:
Sigma EX range are good if you can stretch to them. If not a Canon 28-135mm makes a really good walkout lens. Capable of being very sharp, well built and on the 40D it has plenty of reach.
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Yeah that's the sort of range I'm after. Been reading up on a few with even a slightly longer reach too.
 
The trade off with too great a zoom range is in the quality, e.g. the sigma 28-200mm DC is not good at all. Buy right, buy once.
 
Al Brum said:
The trade off with too great a zoom range is in the quality, e.g. the sigma 28-200mm DC is not good at all. Buy right, buy once.
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Ah right yeah. That would make sense. I think the one you mentioned before would be about right for what I want to begin with anyway (would need a second hand one though...)
 
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I've had the 28-135IS lens and it was for me a great focal length and I really liked the lens.

Do miss it on occasions
 
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