Which D.S.L.R. for my criteria-?

[Quizmaster]

Good afternoon...i am new to the forum and looking for some advice into what is the best camera and lens(s) for what i want to achieve...

I have had a bridge camera for a while now...and i would like to purchase my first dsrl as i am finding limitations with my current camera.

I have had a look at different cameras...there are so many...i dont really know where to start...so i thought i would ask on here...to see what people thought would be suitable for me.

I do a lot of eventing photography for horses...and whilst i have 'got by' with my camera at the moment...i need something better to take my photos to the next level.

Have had a look at the Nikon D90 and the Canon 550D as the ones which i have looked at in more detail lately...what do people think of those? for sport and also horse eventing? have also had a look at the Nikon D5000 which looks a nice camera. The Nikon D3000 also seems nice...see my problem now...there are just so many to choose from. Then i have also looked at the Canon EOS 1000D :bonk:

Dont want to spend loads...as this is my first dslr...but want something that will do the job and do it well...

Any views would be great thank you everyone.

 

[Llamaman]

No-one can tell you what to buy, but some considerations;

1. Make a list of features that are a "must-have" for you, and a second list of "would likes".
Look up what cameras have you "must haves" in your price range (your shortlist) and see if one stands out as having more "would likes" than the others.

2. Go to a well-stocked shop and handle as many of your shortlist as you can. You may filter a few out because they don't feel "right".

3. Based upon what you like to shoot, have a guess what lenses you might want in the short and medium term. Price these up to get an idea if one manufacturer is better for you than another.

4. Look out for any good deals.

I'd say that (1) and (2) are the keys steps. (4) is only a tie-breaker - you will ultimately spend much more than your initial outlay, so don't buy into a system you'll regret just to save £100 now.


For what it's worth, I recently (October) bought my first DSLR. I went for a Nikon D5000, 18-105mm VR general lens and 35mm prime lens. Total cost with case, memory cards and a circular polariser was about £1,000. With hindsight I might have bought a second hand D90 instead, but I was in a rush to buy (going on honeymoon) and am happy with what I got.

 

[DemiLion]

If it's specifically for BE, then I'd forget the entry level cameras as you will end up getting frustrated.

In your shoes I'd be looking for a good condition second hand 40 or 50D in a Canon mount or a D90 in Nikon. The best would be a used Nikon D300 or Canon 7D at around £700-800, but that's probably pushing things a bit.

The difference that a so called semi-pro body will make for Eventing pics is fairly significant, as you will often need to adjust your exposure and focal points on the fly. The frame rate is another consideration.

As well as the body, you'll need to budget for a decent lens. A 70-200 is going to be your mainstay lens, preferably in f2.8 but if necessary an f4 at the most.

A decent nick 40D is going to cost around £350:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=285546

and you could pick up a Sigma 70-200 for about the same price.

Don't be afraid of buying used kit. You'd be better off getting a decent used body than a camera that is going to feel stifling within half a season or so. The same thing applies doubly for the lens.

 

[niv2]

I agree with Demilion.......I wanted to take photos of Showjumping so bought and "entry-level" Canon 400d. To be fair, this is a great little camera and I learnt a lot using it.

However, after about a year of ownership I found it a bit limiting, particularly when it came to the indoor jumping season when I needed to use higher ISO so I bit the bullet and got myself a secondhand Canon 50d......having now used the 50d for a number of months now, I realise it is a better camera for me. In particular, the ISO performance (7d is better, I hear though) and speed that consecutive shots can be taken. (FPS). It is also "nicer" to handle I realise now.

You will also need a decent lens for eventing such as Canon 70-200mm F2.8L but that will probably set you back more than the camera!

I suggest you look for a secondhand Canon 50d is sound or a 7d if your budget will stretch that far....(apologies I know nothing about Nikon cameras; they must do similar models)