what to buy?

[hucknall]

hi all, i am looking for advice on what camera to buy for my first dslr? i have around £350 to spend. looking for a camera to take mainly landscape and wildlife photos, should i buy new or secondhand and if so where from, dave

 

[marky_h]

For your budget, buying new, you're in entry-level territory, and quality differs little between the major players. My advice in these cases is always to spend some time in Jessops (other stores are available ), trying the offerings from Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus et al, to see what feels right in your hands. Then, visit www.camerapricebuster.co.uk to check where you can get your chosen model for the best price.

For your budget, you should get a body and a kit lens (usually 18-55mm or thereabouts) which will do fine for landscape 'togging, and as a general purpose 'walkaround'. To shoot (smaller, distant, skittish) wildlife you'll find you need a longer zoom lens. But I would suggest playing with the kit lens first before splashing out on more glass.

Oh, and welcome to TP - post some shots up on here once you've bought

 

[hucknall]

thanks marky,

 

[percymon]

Great advice above - you need to feel comfortable with the camera in hand and the layout of the controls - most makes are similar but sufficiently different to win friends and enemies.

Don't rule out used - a Canon EOS350 or a Nikon D40/50/70 are within reach.

 

[PD_BARBS]

If you like the Canon 400D when you have a look at them, check out the Canon Outlet store on eBay, you will pick up a 400D with kit lens for under £300.

I got one for around £280 and they are a great camera.

 

[jimybell]

Canon 350D, 18-55mm standard, I enjoyed using mine until I upgraded.
Plenty of deals about, big shops, touch, hold, get the feel for your own comfort.
Jim

 

[photon]

Take a peek through the viewfinders, especially a Pentax with a pentaprism.