What camera to choose?

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RoseBird

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Hi all

Hope you don't mind 'another' newby post!

I'm looking to get my first DSLR (I've used 35mm SLR in the past), but I'm particularly looking for one that is good for full-length self portraits (I'm a style and fashion blogger), macro and landscapes, if possible.

Reasearch I've done suggests I would need these features: image stabilisation, extended dynamic range, colour control and compact macro lens compatibility.

My brother (a Canon man) did suggest a couple of models (I think the 50d was one of them), but I'd like to consider other brands as well as I don't have a huge budget. £400 is my limit so I'm considering pre-owned as well. I plan to go to a camera shop to get a feel for a few models, but would appreciate some help in narrowing down which models to look at.

Thanks
 
Any SLR will be able to do those, it is really the lenses that are important.

I'm not sure what the prices are for 50Ds at the moment, but I'd guess that would eat up all of your budget without any lenses.

With regards to features, a lot of those mentioned are gimmicks, IS is useful in low light situations, but for your self portraits I assume you will have the camera supported/on a tripod so IS will be irrelevant anyway. Extended dynamic range I've never heard of, I think by restricting yourself to cameras with that you might be really narrowing down your options. I'm also not sure what "compact macro lens compatibility" is, has this come from the spec of a certain camera? There are macro lenses available for all the main DSLR brands.

For the type of photography you want to do, I think a tripod and remote release would be very useful too.
 
It sounds like you want a bit of everything, which most DSLR's can do, but you'll need at least 3 lenses to do it.

Full length self portraits will mean a wide lens, macro a macro lens and landscapes can be done with anything really depending on the scene.

The two main brand DSLRs (Canon, Nikon) have IS in the lenses, not in the bodies. Other makes have it in the body. Its only usefull for when you cant get a shutter speed fast enough to get a sharp shot when handholding in low light. If using a tripod, its not needed.

The other things you mention are either marketing fluff from certain camera manufactures or you have just got muddled up.

I would ask the question do you actually need a DSLR? A high end compact, bridge or one of these new small format interchangable lens cameras might suit your needs better.
 
Just a thought, if you get a Canon you can steal your brother's lenses! Also if he upgrades any of his lenses you can always try to get a bargain on his old ones!
 
Maybe go for a Canon 350D or similar (second hand) and a Canon 50mm f1.8 lens (about £50 second hand). It makes a good portrait lens, as the large aperture (the amount of light it lets in) means the background of the subject can be "blurred" (out of focus), which is what you really want in a portrait lens.
 
The a great choice out there, 20D 30D or 40D great cameras (not just cause of below) but you can pick them up for £250-£400 and borrow a lens from your brother if needs be till you are in position to buy! But if you only have 1 lens I would zoom every time just a bit more versatile! 28-135mm is a steady performer for the money! but there are stacks to choose from cheaper and more expensive!
 
All good advice so far and good idea to borrow lenses from my brother (although he does live about 80 miles away!).
 
I was very happy with my 20D if that makes any difference to your choice. Superb body. The XXD series are definitely worth considering.
 
Hi guys

Thanks for your advice. I think I've pretty much decided on a 50d, just got to look out for one at the right price!
 
They go for more than your budget used.

What are you going to so for lenses?
 
Yeah, I know they're more than I wanted to pay really :( I'll just have to save up for longer. I want to go for something that will last me for as long as possible, so I'm not desperate to buy one this minute.
Lens wise I was thinking generally of Tamron/Sigma, but Canon if I can afford them.
 
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