Full kit? Your recommendations please [Archive]

CandidCamera

04-08-2009, 09:39

Oh my goodness, I have been lurking on this forum for a few days now (officially joined yesterday) and my head is swimming!

Okay, in brief: I am currently a hobby photographer, mostly capturing family and days out etc, using my Canon Ixus (on auto usually no less). I have been bitten by the photography bug and find myself in a position to be able to buy a better camera and probably some equipment too. I kind of want to 'set myself up' with a kit because I won't have this money again (although don't be fooled into thinking I have won the lottery - just enough to buy a camera, haha) and knowing me, if I don't buy a kit now, the money will be spent on ........ shoes or some other girlie thing that I absolutely have to have :D

So, question is: What would you recommend someone buy as a start up 'kit'? The camera, the lens(es), flash guns etc, tripods. I see all these bits and pieces being discussed and I am lost. Once I get to grips with my new camera, I would hate to find that my journey is limited by missing out on some vital piece of equipment that would make my photos have that 'something' else to them, you know?

Also, Photoshop? I see people talking about this aaaaaall the time. Is this the software I should be looking at getting?

Yes, you are correct in thinking "This girl literally has no clue" :bonk: But I am eager to learn :)

Edited: Budget up to £1,500

Pleeeeease help me. Thank you!

Jamieconverge

04-08-2009, 09:45

roughly how much have you got to spend? £400? £4000? :)

ChrisMClark

04-08-2009, 09:53

Also, Photoshop? I see people talking about this aaaaaall the time. Is this the software I should be looking at getting?

Photoshop covers a wide range of software. Photoshop CS3 or CS4 (creative suite, everything you could possibly ever need) will cost you big time, most people usually go for Photoshop Elements which, as the name suggests, is elements of the full creative suites.

CandidCamera

04-08-2009, 09:59

Have edited original post but in response to Jamie, my budget is up to £1,500 although I would really like to spend a lot less :)

scottduffy

04-08-2009, 10:02

My first tip would be don't buy photoshop. Take a class locally and someone will give you a copy that will save you hundreds of pounds. Depending on what you want to spend you could buy a decent camera body like 400D or 450D or even 40D if you want something a bit better then pair it with a good lens with a decent coverage like a 28-135 IS or a 17-85 IS for all your day's out. Flash could be 430 ex or 430 ex mk11. The guys on this forum seem to like redsnapper tripods so one of them might do you. There is another thread about them just a couple down from yours. The stuff i mentioned on my thread would probably cost you about £500-£600 which means you could be a few pairs of shoes. I use a lowpro bag which if i remember corrrectly is a Lowpro aw 3. It's nioce and everything seems safe in there from bumps and bangs.

alexnail

04-08-2009, 10:07

Firstly on the photoshop front, Elements will do everything you need and a bit more until you get really quite high end.

As for the gear. I think it might be a mistake to spend all your money at once, because you may find that you want to shoot certain things over others. For example if you decide you want to do portraits then you would want fast sharp prime lenses, whilst of you shoot wildlife you would want a long telephoto.

Given that you do have a decent budget, I would buy a 40D as a body, (its way better value for money than the newer 50D in my opinion), and then just pick up a couple of lenses. I would start with a good wideangle zoom in the 17-50 mm range as a standard walkaround lens. The tamron 17-50 2,8 is excellent value. I would also buy a fast prime lens, the 'nifty fifty' canon 50mm 1.8 or 'plastic fantastic' is outrageously good value for money. Even if the build isnt the best and the autofocus could be better it takes wonderful imges.

As for other stuff, I would get a 430EX flash. If you want to shoot landscape then you have to have a tripod. I would go with a 190XPROB with a basic pan-tilt head. You can find these as kits at places like warehouseexpress I think. Then you just need something to carry ti all in. I have a bag for just the camera, and then I throw everything in a hiking rucksack, but thats up to you really.

foodpoison

04-08-2009, 10:09

Go into your local Jessops and have a look.

I'd be looking at the low end Canon 1000d or Canon 450d and the Nikon D60 and the Nikon D5000. If they're competent, they should be able to tell you the pros and cons of each.

Have a feel and see which you like.

That should be around £500.

If it were me, starting out with Canon, I'd go like this.

Canon 450d with 18-55mm IS kit - £500.
Canon EF-S 55-250 IS lens - £230
Bag to hold it all, I have a Centon BP500 - around £50
A decent tripod - £100
A flashgun, probably a Canon 430ex - £200
Memory cards - £30
The book "Understanding Exposure" - £15
The book "450d Field Guide" - £15

That's all you need to be fully started out.
If you have no idea what you want to take photos of, do this:
Canon 450d, memory cards and a case, the books I mentioned.

Then come on here when you know something new:
"I want to take photos of landscapes but it's too blurry" and we'd suggest a tripod
"I want to zoom further in" and we'd suggest a new lens
"I want to take photos in low light" and we'd suggest what's called a nifty fifty.

scottduffy

04-08-2009, 10:13

Some good advice there from the guys but one thing i would say is that i used to have the 450d and the 450d book for dummies is far easier to understand for a novice than the field guide book. Also you can get a refurbished 450d from ebay for just under £400 so that will save you a further £100.

CandidCamera

04-08-2009, 10:16

Thanks for your replies so far. Gosh, I can't wait until I actually understand what you lot are talking about :lol:

Seriously though, you've all been very helpful. I will have a look at the types of kits/cameras you have suggested.

I do have a rough idea of what I like to photograph and the way I want to go BUT I totally understand that my 'bug' will develop over time and I may change my field of interest. Currently, I just love to capture what I would call 'beauty' and 'real'. And yes, I know that is very broad. This can range to a bowl of fresh vegetables glistening with water that my mother has just picked and washed from our allotment, or my nieces pulling sweet/crazy faces, or even just a rustic street sign abroad. I'm constantly stopping and snapping (friends think I'm mad). I don't think I'll ever be focused on one thing - just 'life' really :)

Thanks again!

scottduffy

04-08-2009, 10:22

There are a lot worse things in life that photographing everything that moves or doesn't move i suppose. Good luck with your search and remember second hand items will save you a lot of money. Just make sure the people selling have positive feedback.

cowasaki

04-08-2009, 10:26

Go into a camera shop and have a look at several different bodies, have a play but make sure you get to the camera shop avoiding all contact with shoe shops or any shop selling cute bags.

It might be worth looking at Nikon or Canon due to the amounts of cheaper accessories that you can pick up and the number of second hand items.

For Nikon my advice would be to go for a D90 if you are buying new. This would give you a body that would have an on board motor and allow you to use any lenses including older film ones.

So looking for a D90 kit.....

Nikon D90 with 18-105mm ED VR Lens = £825

Now if you buy this from a pro or premier dealer (such as digital depot who are one of our advertisers) you will get free membership to the Nikon plus scheme with will give you the following vouchers....

£20 off a grip
£10 off a battery
£30 off a 35mm f1.8
£75 off 70-300mm
£125 off 10-24mm

So you would have around £650-700 left for other lenses and accessories.

£89 for a AF 50mm f1.8 (Argos)

£80 for a tripod

£375 for 70-300 (with the voucher)

leaves money for a bag, filters, remote etc

There might even be enough money for a pair of shoes.....

CandidCamera

04-08-2009, 10:31

Yay! I am liking the camera AND shoes option very much :clap:

treeman

04-08-2009, 10:36

Yay! I am liking the camera AND shoes option very much

Spose you could then take pics of the new shoes:)

Win, win situation;)

CandidCamera

04-08-2009, 10:43

Oh my goodness! How could I forget??? My absolute all time favourite thing in the world to photograph is ............... feet! No joke. I have quite a large collection of feet shots and my friends don't even bat an eyelid when I point my camera at their feet anymore. I always take pics of people in flip flops, always always. Never closed-toe shoes. I think it's the toes and general shape of feet I like. Contrary to what you probably now believe, I promise I'm not weird!!!

kalibre

04-08-2009, 10:46

Not sure there is a dedicated gallery section for feet.... :)

Like the others said, get yourself to Jessops, have a play with all the cameras.....and then buy a Nikon. ;)

ChrisMClark

04-08-2009, 10:47

CandidCamera

04-08-2009, 11:00

What's not to like? :love:

Barbados
http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu86/stephanieord77/Feet1.jpg

Isles of Scilly
http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu86/stephanieord77/Feet2.jpg

cowasaki

04-08-2009, 11:34

scottduffy

04-08-2009, 13:33

Candit camera are you sure you are not on brighton beach or somewhere? You could have just painted your toes and put milan on the next photo. I used to watch a show on tv called The Shield and there were a gang of Armenians who loved feet too although they chopped them off and didn't photograph them. Your not part Armenian are you? Only joking good luck with the search

david1701

04-08-2009, 13:35

What might be an idea would be buying a 450d (canon) or d60 (nikon) with its kit lens and putting the rest of the money aside to see what you end up wanting in a few months when you understand what you want to do and where you want to go with photography a bit more.

Also where are you based in the southwest as someone who knows whichever camera you buy might run you through how it works. There's a meet being organised for exeter at the weekend (I think) have a look in the meetings section for more details

CandidCamera

04-08-2009, 13:39

Scott - Funny you should say that as I actually come from Brighton originally but I can assure you that the 2nd shot was taken on the Isles of Scilly (Tresco) visiting my sister who was living there at the time. How I wish I had a decent camera during that period - so much to photograph!! And no, not Armenian as far as I know :p

David - Have been looking at the 450d reviews this morning and am thinking along the same lines as you actually. I'm going to take my time with my decision but this camera option (so far) does seem the best for my current needs. Will look into meets for the future but am away this weekend (Brighton in fact) attending a family funeral.

Thanks again for all your replies! I appreciate every response!

david1701

04-08-2009, 13:40

I had a 450d it is a great camera, theres one in the for sale section atm.

Do go play with the 'inferior' (kidding before the flame war hits) Nikon equivalent before spending anything though

CandidCamera

04-08-2009, 13:44

Yes, just saw the thread on the importance of handling a camera before buying so I think that is what I need to do initially. I will go and play with a few, come back here and report on what I thought was best and see what you lot recommend from there. Don't want to end up buying one that I think feels great to hold but then gets a resounding thumbs down from the experts now do I?! Yikes.

PsiFox

04-08-2009, 13:45

Reading "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson will help your knowledge increase rapidly.

treeman

04-08-2009, 13:52

Scott - Funny you should say that as I actually come from Brighton originally

Ahh! that explains it all now:) I should know, I'm a Brighton boy.

on the importance of handling a camera before buying

Very true, if you stick with the big manufacturers, you're unlikely to buy anything duff. Unless you get a Canon of course:razz:

CandidCamera

04-08-2009, 21:57

Hi, me again :)

So if I go for the Canon EOS 450d, what can I expect to get with the standard camera? And what can I do with it? Having only bought basic compact P&S before (one Samsung which I adored but was stolen, and my current Canon), I have no idea whether going into a shop and asking for a 450d will result in the person behind the counter handing me simply the body and then waiting for instructions as to what kit I need etc etc (and no doubt having a good giggle at my confusion). Would I be able to walk out of the shop and start taking pics? Or would I have to buy at least one lens? Don't laugh! I genuinely have no idea.

My thought process is this: I am liking the sound of Foodpoison's package above. Well within budget (would leave me with room to buy more bits in a few months) and seems simple enough to get my head around in time. It has become glaringly obvious to me after reading this forum for 48 hrs that I am definitely not ready to handle a full kit - it would melt my poor blonde brain. But if I was to just start off with the 450d on it's own (minus the package above), what could I do with that? Could I play with that well enough to then know more about what accessories/lenses I want? Or go for the package because - and you guys know more about this than me obviously - that is the basic kit that I will need and I will use it all. Hmmmmm. Confused. And tired. Bedtime.

david1701

04-08-2009, 22:26

you can buy body only or kit with 18-55 IS or maybe other kit lenses depends on shop really.

The box has a body a lens (or not or more depending) and a battery and a charger and some cables and a manual and cds. All you will need is an SD car and you're ready to roll.

Might wanna buy a bag or cleaning cloths but tbh nothing but a card is immediately essential

once you're settled on what you want check out www.camerapricebuster.com for the best price, or if you settle on the canon PM kerso on here for a better price

scottduffy

05-08-2009, 08:21

andyred

05-08-2009, 12:14

To go back a few threads aswell, Photoshop elements is good and will probably do more than you'll need in this early stage - not sure about Nikon, but if you do get a Canon, you also get free DPP software, which although not as in depth / comprehensive as the PE software is still very good and allows a lot of adjustments / manipulations etc.

Good luck with your search, don't think you would be disappointed with either the Canon or Nikon cameras :thumbs:

Arkady

05-08-2009, 12:27

At that price-point there's very little to choose between Canon or Nikon (though of course we're all biased towards our marque of choice)...handling and ease-of-use will be a far higher priority for you at this stage, so handle before you buy, as others have suggested.
Elements is OK, but again as others have suggested, enrol in an evening class for basic digital photography and someone will 'gift' you a copy of CS3 or 4 (I do on the courses I teach)...no-one buys Photoshop...

Memory cards are cheap, so buy at least two decent-sized ones - there's nothing worse than running out of space while shooting...

CandidCamera

10-08-2009, 13:06

Okay, decided on a Canon EOS 450d.

Went into the store this morning and held both the Canon and the Nikon and found that, apart from Nikon being a bit heavier, the 'grip' didn't feel all that different. Maybe I just have average sized hands :shrug: Have gone for the Canon ultimately because I have used Canon cameras before and everyone and their dog seems to have one - might be able to borrow lenses from friends in the future :thumbs:

On that note, I have been offered a second hand 450d which has had very little use and comes with its original packaging and everything that came in the box (inc. IS 18-55mm kit lens) and the person is throwing in a remote shutter release for free, all for under £450.

I have also been offered a Red Snapper tripod and ball head for £100. Again, hardly used so practically new.

Good deal? :)

Now for lenses ...... I have been reading with interest this article: http://gizmodo.com/5331109/the-3-dslr-lenses-you-need-and-2-more-youll-crave

Seems to me that I need/would find useful to have:

1. 55-200mm
2. 10-20mm ultra wide angle
3. f/1.8 50mm OR f/1.4 30mm
4. Possibly a 50mm OR 24-70mm macro

Any comments/advice on the lenses above? Good selection or waste of money? Have a duplicated lens ability anywhere? Remember, I'm a total newbie when it comes to DSLRs but I believe I will be a quick (and eager) pupil :)

Many thanks.

Stephanie

walls

10-08-2009, 13:18

can get a new 450D with kit lens for £479 http://www.rgb-tech.co.uk/product/1576

use camerapricebuster to check out prices although not all shops are on there.

r1skbreak3r

10-08-2009, 14:00

I got the 450D recently and really like it so I'd say you've made a good decision :)

I got a really good deal from ebay, the 450D twin lens kit (18-55mm IS and 55-250mm IS) brand new for £495. Having used the 55-250mm recently at Newmarket, I'd recommend you try it as it seems to be pretty decent for the money (about £160-170 I think).

I also got a couple of books from Amazon that are proving to be very helpful:

Canon 450D for Dummies (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-Digital-Rebel-Dummies-Computers/dp/0470385375/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1249912172&sr=8-1) - very useful if this is your first DSLR, it explains all the functions & buttons in a simple, easy to follow manner.

Understanding Exposure (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Understanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Camera/dp/0817463003/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1249912670&sr=1-1) - as recommended by everyone here as far as I can tell :)

I also bought a Crumpler Muffintop 5500 bag to hold everything, although I'd go for the 7500 if you are planning on buying more lenses. While I still have room in the 5500, I could only fit 2-3 lenses at most in there.

CandidCamera

10-08-2009, 14:12

Hmmmm, interesting. I thought that the price offered was pretty darn good but from what you have both said, I could get a brand new one for around the same price :thinking: Oh the confusion.

r1skbreak3r - You got the camera and the lenses for that price?? Was this an ebay dealer or just a one off sale? If the former, do you have a link for the ebay seller that you could PM me so I can have a look please?

DizMatt

10-08-2009, 14:17

What's not to like? :love:

Barbados
http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu86/stephanieord77/Feet1.jpg

LOL
an acquaintance of mine has two photoblogs...one for his shots and another for sneaks! (http://www.jameyhoward.com/sneaks/)
so you are not alone!

decent choice with the canon kit
I've always been a bit confused by the low end nikon kit needing expensive lenses to have them autofocus!?!

it think starting off slowly is good instead of plunging in head first.
good luck

CandidCamera

10-08-2009, 14:20

DizMatt - Loving your friend's Blog :lol: It's such a relief to know that there are 'other crazies' out there and I am not alone, hehehe.

DizMatt

10-08-2009, 14:28

Okay, decided on a Canon EOS 450d.

1. 55-200mm
2. 10-20mm ultra wide angle
3. f/1.8 50mm OR f/1.4 30mm
4. Possibly a 50mm OR 24-70mm macro

well to start off....
the kit IS lens is pretty good, but depending upon what you like to shoot, the 3rd party f2.8 lenses are nice
I would go kit lens to start with and then see what you really want.
ultra wide...do you do a lot of landscapes or need this width?
f1.8...lovely lens, a bit close up for some. 50mm becomes 85mm ish on a cropped body like the 450D. I have a 50mm and the 30mm which makes a great pub lense but it's more expensive.
macro? a lot of fun. if you can get a macro, a 2nd hand one that does 1:1 stuff would be more fun if you like insects... for feet, any of your lenses will be fine :)
the 55-200 IS is a nice lens too for the money

one last thing, don't get a cheap SD card for your camera. make sure you get a well branded fast card. the speed difference when reviewing your shots is very noticeable. sandisk extreme's are a good start

EdBray

10-08-2009, 14:33

I have also been offered a Red Snapper tripod and ball head for £100. Again, hardly used so practically new.

Stephanie

I would check the model number to be honest, not so sure that is such a good deal, as a member on here you get a 10% discount on Redsnapper stuff and their tripod outfits are not that expensive to start with.

Redsnapper (http://www.aldine.co.uk/redsnapper/redsnapper-quality-tripods.html)

Gold

10-08-2009, 14:38

1. 55-200mm

You want the 55-250mm IS not the older 55-200. You may also wish to consider a flash gun as they are incredibly verstatile and useful.

Before ordering to much gear though I would just shoot, shoot, shoot. You will find the limitations of your gear as you use it and can then adapt your equipment to suit you. :)

CandidCamera

10-08-2009, 14:48

This whole lens business is 10 x more confusing than the actual camera decision. I am so confused about mm and f-this&that.

The type of pics I take are:

1. Top of the list - my family and friends (recent shots from this weekend here: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=155388)

2. I travel quite a bit (raised abroad and have lots of visiting to do regularly) so I am always trying to capture interesting people/places/beach & street scenes/signs/objects etc etc. Basically, I just like to photograph "LIFE" I guess. As some of you know, I lived in Barbados for a while and I have thousands of photos of 'island life'. I just photograph anything and everything that makes me 'feel' something in the hope that other people will get something from it too.

3. My mom loves going for random drives over Dartmoor and I usually grab my camera and go with her because the light and shadows at sunset are gorgeous. So probably quite a bit of those kind of shots. Wide angle? I tend to end up taking photos of interesting gates/walls and such like on these drives too.

4. It looks as though my travelling will be taking me to New York in the near future. Possibly for an extended period so I will be focusing on architecture and people at first until I know my way around and get a bit more 'crazy' with my ideas out there.

5. Feet. We mustn't forget the feet :D

Does this help??

Crocky

10-08-2009, 14:51

It sounds like your best bet is to start with the kit lens. Spend some time playing and you will soon discover if you need anything else. Are you finding that you want to go wider or are you wishing you had more reach.

DizMatt

10-08-2009, 14:56

for money then the kit lens 18-55 IS and the f1.8 50mm. (the 1.8 means that it'll take better photos in lower light conditions)

however, if getting shots of your daughter is a priority I'd try to borrow someone's 2.8 17-50mm sigma or tamron
very handy
also someone mentioned a flash, very helpful, the 430ex is a nice canon unit

Gold

10-08-2009, 14:59

1) For people a lens with a wider aperture is preferable, for a zoom lens f2.8, the longer the focal distance the better people look (less distortion), on a 450d about 50mm is probably better though indoors you may need a wider lens such as 20 or 30mm. Hence I would recommend the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 lens. For the best portraits a prime lens with a large aperture such as f1.8 or f1.4 is useful such as the 50mm or 85mm. A flash such as the Canon 430exii is useful when the light is not perfect (i.e. most of the time).

3) For landscapes you do not have to use a wide angle, if you use a long lens you can pick out different views. The 17-50mm would be a fine starting point although you can move to a 10-22 or similar lens in the future particularly if you enjoy the distinctive style you tend to get from these lenses. A tripod and a circular polarising filter are very useful.

2) + 4) Again the standard 17-50 would be fine, as would the 10-22mm. If you want to pick out individuals in a crowd or architectural details.

CandidCamera

10-08-2009, 15:00

With regards to going 'wider', there have been so many many times in the past where my mind sees what I want to capture (say on the beaches in Barbados) and I'll be showing friends back home saying "Oh but if you could've been there and seen it for yourself ......" and I get frustrated that my shots end up looking like just another strip of sand by the sea :( Bear in mind ***, I am talking about my Canon Ixus 75 which, although I am happy with it as a "shove it in the handbag" camera, I have outgrown it. Would a kit lens to start be sufficient to capture what my eyes can actually see then?

I know what you're all saying about seeing what I need as I go along but I am an impatient little so-&-so and I want all my stuff at once so I can play with it and show off like you lot, teehee :D From what I've read about lenses, I don't think that the choices I have made are that 'far out'. They seem to be along the lines of what most people have so I'm guessing at some point I will want them too. Or is that dumb? Honest opinions welcome ;)

hoseman-ade

10-08-2009, 15:00

Some good advice being passed about on here, if you want to check out good prices and some vouchers, I found this site and it might help you in buying what you need.

http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/

I always look on here before buying anything, just the memory cards alone are a winner !!

walls

10-08-2009, 15:00

there is both the tamron 17-50mm f2.8 and sigma 10-20mm for sale in the classifieds. These will probably satisfy most general photography. I'd investigate the longer end in more detail after you've had the camera for a couple of months and know what you really want.

CandidCamera

10-08-2009, 15:02

however, if getting shots of your daughter is a priority I'd try to borrow someone's 2.8 17-50mm sigma or tamron very handy

Those are my nieces in the photos. I have a son (16 yrs). Alas, you won't be seeing many (if any) shots of him as he a) does not smile on demand or at all, and b) I'm not sure he actually has eyes/a face anymore. He's been hidden behind his hair for about 3 years now :lol:

Edit: Found a couple of recent shots to show him off :)

My boy
http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu86/stephanieord77/Mike.jpg

Me and my boy, back to back
http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu86/stephanieord77/MeandMike.jpg

Thanks everyone for your continued advice - guess I still have some reading to do :bang:

DizMatt

11-08-2009, 14:19

we never stop learning about photography and kit...
that's why the forum is so popular :)

that and freesylte ability to opine about everyone's snaps :)

CandidCamera

11-08-2009, 14:58

What about this as a deal? Any good?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-Digital-Camera-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B00131W8IW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1250002486&sr=1-2

Leedsforever

11-08-2009, 15:26

this is all great advice, and my gosh this forum has opened my eyes i have alot to learn. I was going to go for the 450d before jessops recommended I went for the 1000d and beings I was on a budget it was the better option.

Do you have the camera yet? you will love it :)

CandidCamera

11-08-2009, 15:29

No not yet :( I'm in such a quandry now. I have been offered a second hand 450d but it seems that it isn't such a good price as I originally thought. And looking at various price comparison websites, looks like I can get a brand new one (obviously with full warranty) for the same price or just a little bit more.

My main confusion however is still over lenses. The thing is - the money I have for this 'kit' is a gift in the form of inheritance. My grandmother died the other week and my mother has said that she will buy me a camera and the lenses that I need. I don't want to have to go back to her in a few months time and say "Hey, you know those lenses ... well I now know what I need so ...". Knowing my mom like I do, the money will have been spent by then LOL

I am not one to look a gift horse in the mouth and to be honest I would be happy just with the 450d and kit lens. I suppose I could buy any lenses I will need in the future on a 'need' basis BUT it is too good an offer from my mother to pass up getting it all now.

Oh what to do, what to do!!!

I get more confused the more I learn in all honesty ...........

Leedsforever

11-08-2009, 15:37

I bet, I am like you and it took me months to decide what to go for and whether I was doing the right thing (costing for me) but now Ive done Im still umm and arring over whether I should have got the 450D! Someone mentioned the refurbished models on this thread from ebay, and I was thinking about them but had quite a lot of people advise me against it, but now Im not so sure.

Were women I think its in our nature to be indecisive!! Im still completely in the dark about what lens to go for next?!?

Could you not take the money off her or get jessops gift vouchers with the rest so then you can get a lens when you know what you want?

x

CandidCamera

11-08-2009, 15:49

Good idea about the vouchers. Might just do that so I can get this camera bought! lol :thumbs:

All I am pretty sure about is that I will need something that will reach further than the bog standard kit lens and that I will also need 50mm f1.8 plus a 10mm-20mm ......... or at least I think that's what I'm sure about lol

markelliot

11-08-2009, 16:22

Hi

My fiancee... now wife as of three weeks ago recently moved from her compact camera to a digital SLR... I think because photography was my hobby she has just picked it up from me.... She was happy with her compact and I taught her much about composition etc until I felt it was the camera more than anything that was holding her back. The compact does not let you develop your photography creatively... ie selective focus... motion blur... depth of field etc.

So really she was in the same situation as you... and to be honest from your earlier post where you mention trips in the car with your mum and traveling... she takes a similar style of photo and was at the same level as you where at!

She got the 450d... and I have to say it's a cracking little camera... too small for me being a 5d user... but I feel ideally suited to a womans hand. It has all the features you need... and even to be honest I need... but I just opted for full frame when I moved over to digital two years ago due to its compatability with my lenses... but dont worry about that... for you a crop sensor camera would be ideal.

She got the 18-55 kit lens and its a great player and produces great results.

One thing i'd add to other peoples coments is that you should posibly consider a superzoom lens... there are some good and not to heavy ones about... something in the 18-200 range. The reason why I say this is based on two factors... the first being travel... traveling with this sort of lens is just so much easier... As a girl... now im generalising here I know... and you dont look like a butch german weightlifter you really wont want to be carring a huge camera bag about with you... or do you???

The second is simply less hassle... as you wont need to change lenses so much... as your subject varies so much when travelling... and in the general nature of your photography... you will want to shoot one thing in wide angle then you will find your next shot wants to be zoomed in on a detail... or someone candid in the distance... hence the superzoom means you are not changing lenses all the time which you unfortunately would do in your situation with other peoples recomendations... and trust me you would... I'm a travel photographer and you at least need the 18-70mm range covered in one lens or you will be changing all the time... but the superzoom of 18-200 will be even better.

The superzoom is a comprimise in quality... but at your stage of photography not one you need wory too much about. And use your kit lens for most things if you can get away with it... but if your are travelling you will soon find constant lens changing a real hassle.

Then other travel and general essentials do include... a good comfortable bag... If you are travelling i'd go for a kata or lowe pro one which gives you space for the camera and other stuff like sun cream, guide book etc.

Then a cable release... tripod and hotshoe spirit level if you want to do any landscape or low light stuff.

Erm what else... if you wanted another lens then go wide... but to be honest the 18mm on crop sensor is wide enough for most landscape applications... anything wider can get wackey and takes a lot of practase to master.

To be honest... If you get the camera and your lenses... anything else is not too much to buy later...

So as my advice get the 450d and then look at something like a 18-200... or see if you can get a kit with the 450d body and an 18-200mm.

Oh and finally... I'd always buy new... but that's me... I like the security of a guarentee!

CandidCamera

11-08-2009, 18:35

Thanks Mark :) It's been really helpful hearing your views on it and how your wife came to her decision. I feel a lot more comfortable about my choice now :thumbs:

markelliot

11-08-2009, 20:37

Thanks Mark :) It's been really helpful hearing your views on it and how your wife came to her decision. I feel a lot more comfortable about my choice now :thumbs:

Glad to be of help... what did you finally end up with regarding lenses?

M

CandidCamera

11-08-2009, 22:18

No purchases made as yet but hopefully tomorrow.

Am looking to get the 'nifty fifty' as so many people seem to mention that one :) And the 17-50mm 2.8 Tamron (is that right?). Only ones I am confused about are: 28-135mm, 55-200mm or 18-200mm. What's the real difference as they all seem pretty close in range (well, to my newbie eye anyway). Oh, and considering the 10-20mm which, again, I've heard a lot of people mention.

So that would be 4, plus the kit lens as well. Too many? Oh wait, I suppose I could just buy the body of the camera and ignore the kit lens entirely, utilising the Tamron and one of the longer range ones above that I haven't managed to decide on ...... :thinking: Oh dear. See? I just can't get my head round this.

If my choices are correct, anyone want to point me in the direction of links? If any of you lived in my street, honestly at this point I would be handing you a wad of cash and saying "Please just do it for me because my brain has melted" :lol:

lawrie29

11-08-2009, 22:19

Don't forget a memoy card so you can start snapping, and these are much cheaper online than in the shops.....

If you ar ebuying this kit all in one go, from one shop, thn get the best online prices to take with you and haggle haggle haggle........

CandidCamera

11-08-2009, 22:26

I have 3 or 4 SD memory cards already for my Ixus, randomly collected over the years. I presume these are compatible?

lawrie29

11-08-2009, 22:30

If the camera takes SD you will be fine, just check

CandidCamera

11-08-2009, 22:44

Canon 450d. Will this take SD??

Re: Lenses - Off to bed now but hoping some night owls might jump in and advise me before my trip to the shops tomorrow :) Night everyone! :wave:

Meeten

11-08-2009, 23:15

I started with a 300D and the kit lens.
Next lens i got was the Sigma 10 -20mm
After that I really noticed that I needed a zoom lens and a flash,
so went for the 430EX flash and
50 -150mm Sigma 2.8 - my fav lens.
Of course a bag to put it all in,

since then i have changed the camera body to a 40D, bought a tripod and am on the hunt for a fast prime lens (50mm 1.4 perhaps)

And then a tripod as I found myself taking more and more pics at sunset (and even sunrise)

So, I think you are along the right lines, but for 'life' photography, i normally use the kit lens on the 40D, or my zoom.

The 10-20 was great at first, but i find that i use it less and less now. Still not selling it as it is great when the right opportunity arises.

I borrowed a 50mm price (1.8) and was impressed by it, but have plans to take more indoor shots and so am planning on stumping up the extra for the 1.4 (£300 vs £80).

Dunno if that really helps? But if it is a case of buying as much as you can in one go, then my preference would be for the 40D kit, a good zoom lens and a bag and tripod.

walls

11-08-2009, 23:24

If you're going for a replacement for the kit lens there's little point buying the kit lens! buy the body only and a decent walkaround lens.

You haven't considered the sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5 - many people on here like it and it's a solid performer. The other is the tamron 28-75 f2.8 - very sharp if you get a good one. These two lenses have a good range so you probably won't want anything else for a while, until you become familiar with what the limitations of the lenses/focal lengths are.

If you find you don't need a wider angle lens as 17mm is wide enough (it will be for most things) then you'll have more cash to splash on the longer end, like one of the canon 70-200 L lenses or sigma 70-200 f2.8.

hailinguk

12-08-2009, 08:20

I'm sooooo glad I read this post - It has saved me asking the exact same question!

Looks like the Canon 450D is the one for me too. My main purpose is to capture family and work events and hopefully to photograph my sisters wedding in 2011 if I'm good enough by then.

This is going straight into my favourites!

Stephanie, I know what you mean about the shoes! I got married 2 weeks ago and the hubby bought be 2 pairs of Louboutins as a wedding pressie - I was supposed to get a camera but couldn't resist the shoes!!

x

markelliot

12-08-2009, 08:24

450d does take an SD card.

If you go out today looking for a specific lens in a specific shop... be prepaired to be disapointed... especially with Tamron or Sigma lenses esp... that's been my experiance... they will order it for you etc... but rarely will they have what you want in... that said you might be lucky!

I'd look at these lenses in your position...

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-tamron-af-18-270mm-f3-5-6-3-di-ii-vc-ld-aspherical-if-macro-canon-fit/p1028429

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-canon-ef-s-18-200mm-f3-5-5-6-is-lens/p1028041

You should stick to lenses designed for the crop sensor camera... that is with a wide angle focal length of about 18mm... honestly that will be wide enough initially. Then if you feel you want wider get the sigma 10-20mm which is a cracker. And if its a money issue later you could always put the money away now and spend later if you find you really do get into SLR photography... which at this stage you only think you will and you dont know!

As for other now purchases... def a tripod and cable release... nice rucsac type bag... a polarising filter... a few books and then spend your time using your equipment rather than getting gear sickness like I get sometimes and spend too much time wishing for this or that!

Hope that helps... honestly dont rush into buying all this kit at once!

Mark

hailinguk

12-08-2009, 08:34

Just thought I'd let you know I found this on Argos:

It includes the Canon 450D camera, 18-55mm lens, 8 GB card and a camera bag for £550. Not sure if that's the best deal but thought I'd let you know.

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5562165/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CPhotography%7C14419436/c_2/2%7Ccat_14419436%7CDigital+SLR+cameras+and+lenses% 7C14419497/c_3/3%7Ccat_14419497%7CDigital+SLR+cameras%7C14419500. htm

P.S. Please let me know what package you end up going for as I want to get one too!! Ta

david1701

12-08-2009, 16:32

have you got it yet, if you're buying kit once i'd be tempted to get a 40d tamron 17-50 canon 70-200 f4L either a 50mm f1.4 or a
50mm f1.4 and a 430ex
a bag, a few filters (cokin stuff) a spare battery and a few cf cards

you should be set untill you find you need something more in a few years

just an idea sorry for derailing you

acs

12-08-2009, 22:59

I'm a Nikon shooter so I'll vote for a Nikon :)

The D90 is a good high-end body that sits just below the professional lines and I'd suggest one of these if you plan on getting serious. The Nikon kit lenses are pretty good so with any Nikon grab the body+lens kit.

Probably the first thing to get would be a fast normal prime lens. On the consumer bodies a normal lens is below the 'conventional' 50mm -- so, go for the new Nikon AF-S 35/1.8.

For a flash an SB-600 will give you plenty of power and control. An alternative would be to initially go for a more compact 'mini'-flash such as the SB-400. ... less power and control but easily fits in pretty much any pocket.

Bags: Two I like are LowePro Mini Trekker AW backpack and the LowePro Rezo 180AW shoulder bag. Both would give you room to grow your kit. There is a Micro trekker backpack, smaller and still ok for a D90 though it doesn't have the all weather (AW) cover.

Tripods -- I'd go for a Manfrotto 190XPROB Pro Tripod and a good quality ball head.

I'd maybe wait on the tripod until you can afford an Arca-Swiss type ball head (e.g. a Markins Q3), they are expensive (~£260) but far, far better than anything else -- a joy to use. You will need a plate for your camera that slots onto the type of ball head you pick (~£40).

Other things to look at: a good circular polarizer, a rocket blower, a lens pen, an OpTech camera strap.

acs

13-08-2009, 05:48

...I'd resist the temptation to buy more lenses until you've got used to the above. Wait until you know what you want to do... Landscape, portrait, wildlife. You can then get a good lens (and maybe accessories) for that rather than lots of lower tier lenses to cover everything. By then you'll also have a far better idea of any trade-offs you're making.

davidh6781

13-08-2009, 09:15

For software, Gimpshop is pritty good. designed to replicate the feel of Photoshop. Its free also.

I have tried this on my spare pc. GIMPshop 2.2.4 for Windows, and it handles images well. http://www.gimpshop.com/ use the download link at the top. no ads. no spam either.

Photoshop and Lightroom can also be had in the underground ways. but i am not suggesting it can be downloaded for free, of course, hehe

realspeed

13-08-2009, 11:55

What hasn't been mentioned is how one changes the settings, on the Nikon D200 for example most of the main settings are in the menu, in other words you have to go into menu-find the setting you want- alter it -then come out of menu. The Nikon D300 has most of the major settings are situated on the body via switches or dials. I am not a Canon expert so can't say about them, but no doubt some Canon owner can advise on this better.

THis is one big advantage the Nikon D300 has over the Nikon D200 .

Realspeed

misterbassman

13-08-2009, 12:00

My 450d (bottom end canon) has dedicated buttons for most things, WB, ISO, AF type, Picture style, Shutter mode, metering mode etc

themightyjuice

23-08-2009, 10:47

Reading "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson will help your knowledge increase rapidly.

:plusone:

I'm a complete novice with these camera thingys too and have been unfortunate enough to get the 'photography bug' (costing me a bloody fortune :nuts: :bonk::bang:)

Anyway, do as the quote above says... reason being, I used to poop myself at mere the thought of using manual mode on my D60 and after getting this book a couple of days ago, my camera is never off manual. It makes you want to get out and experiment with all the different combinations regarding shutter speed and aperture... results are terrific :clap:

I'm by no means a competent tog but even I can see a difference in the pictures I'm taking now :thumbs:

Happy snapping :thumbs: