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Detritus

Detritus

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Rick
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OK.

I have about £300 and I need a camera.

I'm almost new to (serious) photography. I did have a 35mm SLR about 25 years ago and took a lot of B&W pics which I developed and printed myself.

That's not to say I had any idea what I was doing.

I've always wanted to go back and try again and now find myself in the right situation.

I enjoy photographing most things but enjoy people and scenery most. With people I particularly liked my telephoto lens as it allowed more natural shots.

What camera would you recommend for a digital virgin?

I don't mind second hand as I understand my budget is a little restrictive.
 
There is a recent interesting topic about one forum member who got a 400D from ebay for £340. That is a very good starter camera thats new with a lens.

Click Here

If you wanted to go for a Canon 350D, I'm certain you can get one around the £200-£250 price bracket.
 
What makes the 400D better than the 350D?

As I'm looking to be an amateur do I need lots of fancy equipment?

I don't want to go overboard then find I never use half the features. Conversely I don't want to find I have to upgrade in a few months because I can't do what I want.

Aarrgh, I hate being confused.:bang:
 
Best thing you can do to start with is go to Jessops or similar and have a good fondle :naughty: of all the cameras in your price bracket, you'll probably prefer one over the others, just by the way it feels in your hand. Generally speaking, if they're around the same price, they'll offer a similar quality photo, plus half of the quality is in the Lens itself.
 
As suggested I've been to Jessops today.

I was a little disappointed as they only have 6 cameras on display, 3 Canon, including the 400D, 2 Nikon and one Sony.

I explained that I was considering which camera to buy and I'd looked at the Jessops website but needed to feel the weight of the cameras etc. The guy told me that he didn't want to be used as a shop window for the internet and although he unlocked the cabinet and let me hold a couple of the cameras, he wasn't overly helpful.

He's a fool because I prefer to buy from a local store but it certainly will not be that one.

I like the feel of the 400D though, it's not as heavy as I thought it would be and seems to have as many functions as I'll need.

I'm still having trouble with the price though. Over £400 for the camera and another £230 for the 55-200 lens.

Seems a lot to pay for a first camera.
 
Brand new Olympus E-410 twin lens kits go for around £330 on ebay.

10.1mp, two lenses covering 28-300mm.

fantastic value, and a great stealth camera due to its relativley small size.
 
did you not look at the link john put up?? there are some good price ones on there , for me the bottom one with lens's ect is a real bargain
 
Detritus said:
What makes the 400D better than the 350D?
Click to expand...

It has a larger LCD (2.5" vs 1.8"), 10.1MP vs 8MP, plus it has built in sensor cleaning. Probably some less important stuff also.

350D is still a good camera though, and you can get them cheap now.

Jeff
 
Gotta love her for that.

Great starting point:thumbs:
 
Detritus said:
OK

Thanks for all the help.

Wife :love: just told me she's bought me one of these

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....om=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=260203368956&fvi=1

early birthday pressie.:woot:

Looks like a good deal. Brand new for less than £200.

Just need a zoom now.:D
Click to expand...

I hate to put a downer on your excitement but from the sellers feedback I really don't think you'll be getting your camera any time soon:'( From what I can make out he sells them for a third party who has yet to supply one to anyone who's ordered one so far:thumbsdown:
 
From the guys listing:

All previous problems with suppliers have now been rectified and orders are guaranteed to be dispatched within 5 days. You receive the following day after dispatch via courier.
Click to expand...

I know it's only his word... I'd give him 6 days, then get on his case. On the 7th day open an item not received dispute, give him a futher 7 days then get your credit card company to issue a chargeback.

Thats assuming that it doesn't turn up safe and sound. I really hope it does :)
 
If you look at the feedback, he has refunded immediately when requested.

When I deal with a business I don't judge them on their problems or mistakes but on how they react to them.

This man appears to have had a problem with a supplier but has refunded peoples money if they refused to wait for a later delivery.

We'll see what happens, but I used Paypal anyway so I'm covered.:thumbs:
 
mattyh said:
Not to be funny, but please don't believe that Paypal will look after you if something goes wrong, Paypal are only interested in themselves and making as much money as possible :)
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Of course,:thumbsdown: they're a bank.

But I have used their services before and they can be completely ruthless towards sellers, freezing accounts and grabbing money from their personal bank accounts. It's usually enough to persuade a seller to refund.

Besides I don't expect to have to go that far. Where's your faith in human nature?
 
:lol: I have no faith in human nature.. expect the worst and you're rarely disappointed.

my partner was recently a victim of Paypals ruthlessness... buyer had received our goods, signed for them then denied it.

Only took a threat of court action and another threat of a police visit to the buyers house to get it resolved. Paypal took our money quick as a flash and wouldn't refund it, even after the buyer told them she had received the item!

Don't take paypal now ;)
 
I have to admit, Paypal aren't exactly flavour of the month with me either.

i recently sold some books on e-bay, nothing special and most sold for 99p. Paypal charged me 39p per item. needless to say, I will not be accepting it again.
 
Canon is always a safe bet!

In my opinion i reccomend a 400d... that's what i started with and its brilliant! Its able to do everything for a novice... the lens that is availible with it is just a lens but its better than nothing and for a begginner it lasts until your ready to take it to the next step!

However retail price is at least £400 so best to look on ebay or another auction site!

If you can't find any 400d's then another bet would be the 350d... its older but it does what you want!!!!
 
Well after all that the sceptics were right it seems.:'(

My promised Canon 350D hasn't arrived and is looking increasingly unlikely to materialise.

My wife :love: must be feeling really sorry for me because she's told me to get a 400D instead.:clap::woot:

(Dances around the lounge singing) I'm getting a 400Deeee, I'm getting a 400Deeee. Only concession is I can't buy any Pratchett 1st eds for a while.:shrug: Oh well.

I'm getting a 400Deeee, I'm getting a 400Deeee......
 
Just wondering if you have bought the 400D yet, as if you look on the bay you may be able to get a 400D (with Kit Lens) for under £300 in the film section if you know what i mean ;).
 
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