Which DSLR for a long term option?

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Carlm90

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Carl
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Hello,

I'm looking to get a new camera but I don't want an entry level DSLR or a top of the range one. I want one that is going to help me progress but also be one that I can keep for a while. I'm looking for a macro lens to go with it as I want to concentrate on macro photography :) I only want to look at Canon cameras to, not really interested in other brands after owning previous Canon cameras.

Many thanks,
Carl
 
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Hi Carl and welcome, I would say the 60d would be perfect I have one and am a complete amateur upgraded from the 450d!
But you haven't said about budget so dong no if this suits!
The 550d is more entry level but still a very good camera!
If your looking to do macro then best off getting just the body and then buying a lens separate!
I'm sure all that reply will say go to a shop and see what suits and to look at second hand 40d or 50d's!!
That's my 2 pence worth
 
Thanks for your reply, I used to have a 450D which was a fantastic camera but am looking for something a little newer with a bit more oomph. :lol:

Anyone recommend any macro lenses? I haven't done much macro photography before.
 
Budget is everything.

If it's possible to commit to a "and I'll never sell this camera" I'll never let go of my 5DII, nor of my very low mileage 1DII either. Give it three years though...
 
I have a budget of around £600-£700. That would probably help! Just don't see myself wanting to upgrade in the future as it will purely be a hobby.
 
If you want to concentrate on macro, then I'd go for the 550d, which might lack in some areas such as AF compared to others but has a top sensor. If you plan on broadening your choice of subject at a later date then maybe one of the xxD range will be a better choice.

You'll want a dedicated macro lens probably around the 100mm mark. Canons own 100mm macro is top notch, but take a look at the 3rd party lenses as well such as sigma or tamron.

Add in cards, artificial light and a tripod then you're really looking at second hand for your budget.
 
If your budget is for a body only you should be able to get a good second hand 7D which is Canon's best crop sensor body and with the new firmware update makes it a very attractive camera.

If the budget has to include a lens then have a look for a second hand 60D. They sell for around £450-500 for a very good, little used body and it would give you around enough to get a second hand Canon 100mm macro lens (not the L version though) which will give you some fantastic shots.
This is from a 60D and 100 L macro at f8, 1/100sec and ISO100. SOOC with no PP apart from a crop.
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Personally, I think it's extremely short sighted to only consider Canons. I have no axe to grind (I have and use a Canon, albeit a specialised [waterproof, D10] compact as well as a Fuji bridge) but would still recommend you also look at the other manufacturers, they do make some rather fine cameras!
 
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If I consider other options, what do you think I could look at? The D3200? D5100?
 
As is often said it is not really beneficial asking us which is best, we recommend the one we bought. Now whilst that is fine for us, it may not be the one for you.

The only way to do it is to go to the shop and handle different cameras. Then buy the one that fits

Your budget

That you find most comfortable to use, after all you will be holding it, not us, and had sizes differ as do camera sizes.

Also take into account how easy you find it to adjust settings and the layout of controls and menus.

Buy the one that fits most of the above and you won't go far wrong, whichever brand it is.

Remember all the cameras take good photographs, it is you however that make them great.
 
There is no best or worst long term camera. Budget is one of the factors but consider this, usually the more costly models (when new) tend to be built from better materials. These cameras generally tend to have more buttons as features tend to remain the same.

If you plan never to upgrade body then I would suggest something a little newer. As to what, your choice. :)
 
Carlm90 said:
If I consider other options, what do you think I could look at? The D3200? D5100?
Click to expand...

Best advice is go and try a load of camera's out at your local camera shop.

Nikon, Sony, Canon, Panasonic, Olympus, Pentax all have offerings.

It depend what you want to photograph, do you want a crop factor for wildlife, action photography (motorsport / aviation), do you want full frame for capturing landscapes and studio work. Do you want lots of mega pixels to crop into a image or better ISO performance for low light / indoor photography. Do you want an enhanced autofocus system or a standard one, lots of questions. Each model is different.

Nikon D3200 or D5100 are entry / beginner level camera's like the Canon 1100D / 600D models.

You could also look at the 2nd hand market and pick up an older model, but might have more of what you require.
 
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