I want to start in the world of photography! [Archive]

View Full Version : I want to start in the world of photography!

Trifid

25-05-2008, 21:44

I have been wanting to get a DSLR for a a couple of years now but have not had the money to buy all the equipment needed. This hasn't changed. :( What has is I have decided to start getting the equipment in stages. This is where I need your help.

I have £200, possible stretch to £250 to buy a DSLR and a lens to get me started. Where is this best spent? A Cannon 350d with a kit 55mm lens? I wish to shoot flowers (gardens), landscapes, cars (still) and family and friend shots. When I get a lens with some reach planes and cars in action (air shows and races). So pretty much everything except insects!

Thanks. :)

rasmusrok1

25-05-2008, 21:46

I'm in the same boat as you...good luck! Oh and from what i have read the 350d is a great entry DSLR! It's what i may buy soon!

Monkey

25-05-2008, 21:51

the canon 350d/400d is quite a small camera, as is the Nikon d40 / d60.

you would be better with a more advanced s/h body.

A friend of mine is about to buy a D200, so his nikon D70 is up for sale, body only, but with mem card and a remote control and spare battery.

You would still need a lens, but he wants £200o.n.o. for the above. you could source a kit lens (18-55) for less than £50

Impartial-Witness

25-05-2008, 21:52

Brand new Nikon D40 with kit lens for £271 delivered :

http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod267.html

:thumbs:

8utters

25-05-2008, 21:53

A Canon EOS 350D is a good starting point. Any from the entry level Canon range are fine for starting in photography.

The 350D is about £250 with kit lens, although you might be able to get a 400D with kit lens for that much. Especially since the 450D has just come out.

Also when thinking of Nikon or Canon - there's nothing to choose between them really, they do the same thing for about the same price. The difference is how it feels in your hand, how the user interface feels to you personally and in general, which feels right for you. Basically go into a camera shop and test them both out. Don't buy in store as you can get much better deals online.

25-05-2008, 21:55

As an alternative to a canon, I would suggest a Nikon D70 [or D70s], which a great piece of kit and you should get an early one s/h within your price range.

specialman

25-05-2008, 21:57

Trifid, I'd say a 350D is a pretty good starting point. A kit lens is no bad thing - they always have shortfalls, usually in overall focal length, but you learn to live with it and make the most of what you've got. You'll soon get the bug and start saving for a long zoom or a kit lens with a wider focal range. :)

Warehouse express (http://www.warehouseexpress.com/Home/default.aspx) is doing the Nikon D40, also a very good beginners camera, on its own for £269 (after £30 cashback from Nikon) or for £315 with a bag, memory card and some extras. Why not also look into the pentax K100D? That's got good write-ups and has just beeen phased out by the K200D so will be cheap.

Have you thought about a used DSLR? Ebay is the obvious choice, but places like Mifsuds (http://www.mifsuds.com/acatalog/ActChange.htm), MBP (http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/) and Camtech (http://www.camtechuk.com/) all do used gear at pretty good prices.

Misty

25-05-2008, 22:21

You should send a pm to Kerso (a trader on this site) quoting your post on this thread. He should give you a good deal as he has given to me on a Canon EOS 40D (cheaper than anywhere else) which I am expecting in the post shortly. Best of luck & good hunting. Misty

Trifid

26-05-2008, 10:03

Thanks for the replies everyone. I will start researching the 350d, 400d, D70 and D70s with their respective kit lens.

One thing that I am slightly concerned on his protecting the camera. Should I get a bag as well?

Monkey

26-05-2008, 10:06

deffinatly get a bag, and make it a good one.

It is worth getting a bigger bag than you need so you dont have to buy another bag when you buy a flash, extra lenses, filters etc.

Impartial-Witness

26-05-2008, 15:04

Trifid

26-05-2008, 15:07

He PM'd me. I didn't want to rush into buying one so said I'll hold off for the minute. Will probably start buying in a week though. :)

What are the real world differences between the 10D and 350D?

DinoS

26-05-2008, 15:24

10d is much older and 6mp, although build quality is probably better

Slvrbck

26-05-2008, 15:37

Thanks for the free advertising Impartial-Witness :lol:

Just put it up in the "For Sale" section here (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=63265)

dogfan

26-05-2008, 21:04

i think i got a bargain on here d70 immaculate and a decent nikon lense for within your price range. I have already had a play and now bought a 70-300 lense to play further. I was very very lucky. What i would say is keep checking the For Sale forum on here and if you gradually add a little to your budget each week you will get some very nice kit where people are upgrading.

Outlaw

26-05-2008, 21:47

I would'nt buy secondhand body unless you can trust were you getting it from and some warrenty. Pentax K100D Super at Argos £250 with kit lens and loads can be had secondhand dirt cheap. For a first Dslr its got alot going for it and it preforms very well. The only thing missing is live-view if you want/need it follow the link.

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5608043/Trail/C%24cip%3D1500011801.Photography%3EC%24cip%3D15000 11810.Digital%2BSLR%2Bcameras.htm

Trifid

27-05-2008, 18:42

I've had my first play on a DSLR today, a Nikon D80 with a 18-135mm lens and I liked it a lot. :D It was, unfortunately in a poorly lit room and not for very long but I got a feel for it.

First impressions were that there was plenty of buttons which make holding it difficult with my large hands. Definitely could do with a battery grip.

The lens was very versatile in the large room but could imagine it being limiting outside. Definitely think I could do with a 200/300mm one asap.

But I can happily say I really want one and can't wait to start taking pictures. :D

Trifid

01-06-2008, 10:18

Just got back from Jessops. Bought the kit 400D, Sigma 70-300mm APO macro lens, a UV and a Skylight filter (didn't have 2 UV's even though register said they did...), a free 3 year accidental and manufacture fault warranty and a bag. Came to £560 in the end which is a really good deal.

Just need a CF card. :D

marky_h

01-06-2008, 10:24

They didn't throw in a CF card? Rotten lot! :razz: Look forward to seeing some shots with your new toy :thumbs:

Trifid

01-06-2008, 10:29

Sheep

01-06-2008, 10:36

Wow your budget increased dramatically in 6 days :lol:

I would go back and ask for a free card even if its only 512kb after spending that in the store...would at least get you started whilst sourcing cheaper and larger ones on the web.

Enjoy it and in 6 months time you will want the next step up :)

Kevin

marky_h

01-06-2008, 10:48

I wanted the SanDisk 4GB Extreme III anyway and there price for it was slightly high to say the least. Searching for it online as I was going to get it from OcUK but they went out of stock on Saturday. :(

:(. Best place to search for prices online is here (http://camerapricebuster.co.uk/). PCWorld will price match (http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/editorial/price-match-promise) Amazon, so if you have one local to you, you may be able to take advantage of that.

Trifid

01-06-2008, 15:04

PCW don't seem to have a decent stock collection. Think I'll order the Extreme III from play.com :)

Wow your budget increased dramatically in 6 days :lol:

It happens far too much but used 400d prices are not very good for what they are new after rebate.

Breaker

01-06-2008, 15:15

Coulda picked up a second hand pristine 20D (or even a 30D on a good day), the sigma glass and a Tamron 17-50mm for that kind of money....

Take it back :D

Trifid

01-06-2008, 15:17

Coulda picked up a second hand pristine 20D (or even a 30D on a good day), the sigma glass and a Tamron 17-50mm for that kind of money....

Take it back :D

stop raining on my parade! :annoyed:

:D