1st DSLR

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Gonga

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Kelvyn
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I'm sure this question has been asked several times, but I've got a budget of about £650 for my first DSLR. I've read plenty of reviews of many cameras only for me get even more confused!:shrug:
I've been very interested in the canon 550D but I've read that trying to stretch that extra bit to a 7D will be a much better option!?
I don't mind something secondhand but would like something that is going to last me for several years before needing to upgrade.
I'm mainly interested in landscapes & macro but intend to use it diving.

All your suggestions will be greatly appreciated.:help:
 
Two pieces of advice.

1. Go to a shop and handle different brands and see which one feels right for you, handling is a very important factor. possibly narrow down to one camera from each brand and make the deciding factor on that.

2. Lenses are the best investment, not the bodies. Sure you can spend a bit more and get a 7D with basic lens or you spend that money on a Canon 500D and spend the money on some good lenses which will give you much better IQ.

hope this helps.
 
If you are completely new to photography, then I think a 7d is a step too far. Thats a prosumer camera for experienced amaters
You will be much better off with a 550d, or maybe even a 450d and spend the money on better glass.

If you intend to use it diving, you will need a watertight case, which are pretty expensive if I recall.

My point made..
http://www.bristolcameras.co.uk/p-ikelite-underwater-housing-for-canon-eos-7d-6871-07-.htm

http://www.bristolcameras.co.uk/p-ikelite-underwater-housing-for-canon-eos-550d-6871-55-.htm

Sure you can get them cheaper, but just soemthing to consider.
 
Thanks for the advice, I'm new to DSLR but got a canon 300v (1st SLR) several years ago which I thoroughly enjoyed but when I started experimenting it was costing me a fortune in film & getting them developed.
Hence I would like a camera that I could use the lenses (which I understand 550D will)

Also DSLRs have progressed hugely since then hence why I'm considering the 7d so I can "grow" in to it!

I know that underwater housing is pretty expensive but it'll be worth while compared to the results from my sony point & shoot!
 
if you have the budget have alook a 5D Mkii - excellent for landscapes not to shabby at macro and the high ISO's will work well with poor light underwater.

Sample......
 
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I have a 500D (for now, may be selling due to financial situation) and it is a brilliant first DSLR
 
Gonga said:
I know that underwater housing is pretty expensive but it'll be worth while compared to the results from my sony point & shoot!
Click to expand...
Not necessarily...

With a point & shoot you can dive as you would normally, and take photos if you like. But with a DSLR in a housing, the camera completely takes over the dive. If you're an experienced diver and you're happy to dive with the sole intention of taking photos, then fine. But otherwise it's not a good idea.
 
I've been diving for 7 years & used a point & shoot for 5 of them & couldn't agree more that any underwater photography is only really for experienced divers for safety & any decent shots.

Thanks again for all the advice, unfortunately the 5D mk2 is a little out of my price range for the moment!
 
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