A few questions

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swains

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Tom
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Hi,

I've found this forum really interesting, and have learnt a fair amount about the range of entry level cameras, although probably not understood all of what I've read.

With a small budget of 350 I really would like to buy second hand, and have my heart set on a Canon.

I think a 450d would be in my budget, and would love to get a decent sized lens if possible that would allow me to zoom in quite far. When traveling I really like taking shots of people (not in a creepy way I promise!)

My questions are:

Where is a good place to get a second hand camera? I have no desire to go on ebay as with little knowledge on cameras I wont really know what to ask/look out for to ensure the camera is in good nick.

Is it worth(if very cheap), or even possible within this budget to buy a lens that would allow me to take pics up close and zoomed in? (sorry, don't really know what this is called). Like this: voigtlander apo zoomar 28-210
 
You can get some good condition used gear in the classifieds but if you don't mind import and paying by Bank transfer (as get 5% off) you could get a new Canon 600D with 18-55mm kit lens for slightly over your budget £370 at Panamoz.

I know you was after bigger range on the lens but i thought with it being a newer body and not too far from your price id point it out :D I haven't had a 600D so can't comment on it but i've had a few lenses from Panamoz using BT to get 5% discount price and had no problems with dealing with them.
 
Look for a 500D with kit 18-55 IS zoom and add a 55-250 IS. You may need to save or add a little more to your budget but with some scouring of ads (try Gumtree locally) you could score some luck. The Classified section on here is an excellent source but you will have to meet the criteria which may take a little time but use the extra time to increase your budget. :thumbs:

Read these

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=119
 
I'm currently shooting a canon 500D and I brought it with an 18-55mm and 70-300mm kit lenses. I quickly upgraded my glass to a canon 100-400mm L-lens purely because I needed the reach and IS.

However... The 500D is a great entry level camera with these lenses and along with YouTube vids I soon got grips with it and I still use it now... Until I upgrade to a pro body that is, even then it will be used as a back up.

A 500D uses an APS-C size sensor which means at 300mm your actually at about 440mm I think? Please correct me if I'm wrong :) which I may well be :/
I've blown up some 30" x 20" prints and they turned out great!

Sorry if none of this helps :lol:

Carl.

Where are based if you don't mind me asking?
 
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Hi,

Thanks for the replies!

Panamoz looks like a good site, and it will also be great to get on to the classifieds on this site once I meet the criteria.

I'm intrigued as to why the 500d has been mentioned over the 450d? I know that it is the newer model, but as I am not interested in taking any video footage I wonder if the extra cost is worth it?

I really like the idea of just having one lens - 18 - 200 or there abouts, rather than owning a 18 - 55 and 55 - 250 merely just for the convenience.

I presume that I could purchase a cheaper lens for a canon that is not made by canon?
Does anyone have any tips on makes or models of lenses that might fit the bill, in all senses of the phrase?

Oh, and I'm based in East London Carl

Thanks
 
swains said:
I'm intrigued as to why the 500d has been mentioned over the 450d? I know that it is the newer model, but as I am not interested in taking any video footage I wonder if the extra cost is worth it?
Click to expand...

Much higher resolution screen on the rear (trust me this makes all the difference when you are zooming in to check a shot for focus,contrast, exposure ........etc)
Much better low light and High ISO performance, an extra 3 mp (less significant) on a newer gen sensor Digic 4 as opposed to Digic 3 (more significant).

Oh and the video is there should you ever need it. You just might be glad you have it one day and it doesnt weigh any more to carry it around . :naughty:
 
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I know you said you are set on a Canon, but at the moment you can get a Pentax K30 with kit lens for £379.99 or body only for £319 after cashback - if you compare the features with other entry level dslrs you are getting a lot for your money: http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/pentax...-18-55-mm-wr-lens-kit-black-15119693-pdt.html
http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-pentax-k-30-black-digital-slr-camera-body/p1531075

Plenty of good Pentax mount lenses that can be picked up cheap second hand as well. You could also get the Nikon D3100 + 18-55 for £275 after cashback last time I checked or the Canon EOS 1100 for £275: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...r&tag=1567&=electronics&qid=1352243032&sr=1-1

The problem with buying second hand is that if the camera is out of warranty and stops working after a month or two, you are knackered basically, whereas buying new you have at least got a 1 year warranty.
 
swains said:
I really like the idea of just having one lens - 18 - 200 or there abouts, rather than owning a 18 - 55 and 55 - 250 merely just for the convenience.

I presume that I could purchase a cheaper lens for a canon that is not made by canon?
Click to expand...

Tamron do an 18-200 for around £140 - there are usually image quality compromises to be made with superzooms though - perhaps also consider the kit lens + a tele zoom (55-200 range) either Canon or third party.
 
swains said:
Hi,

I've found this forum really interesting, and have learnt a fair amount about the range of entry level cameras, although probably not understood all of what I've read.

With a small budget of 350 I really would like to buy second hand, and have my heart set on a Canon.

I think a 450d would be in my budget, and would love to get a decent sized lens if possible that would allow me to zoom in quite far. When traveling I really like taking shots of people (not in a creepy way I promise!)

My questions are:

Where is a good place to get a second hand camera? I have no desire to go on ebay as with little knowledge on cameras I wont really know what to ask/look out for to ensure the camera is in good nick.

Is it worth(if very cheap), or even possible within this budget to buy a lens that would allow me to take pics up close and zoomed in? (sorry, don't really know what this is called). Like this: voigtlander apo zoomar 28-210
Click to expand...


Cameras haven't improved by a huge amount in the last few years - I'd definitely suggest getting the cheapest second-hand body you can find that's fairly recent and the best lens you can afford. The lenses' value remains and they can be used on your future bodies... the cameras depreciate and don't contrubute as much to the final image as you might think.
 
I am a bit wary about buying second hand to be honest although I would assume the classifieds on here are as con free as a second hand market can be.

I came across a site that had a constantly updated list of new cameras on the web but have completely forgotten and lost the bookmark. Don't suppose anyone knows of this, or has heard of something similar.

Have found MPB, an online company which may be a decent compromise between buying second hand and new as they do offer warranties.

Thanks for recommending Tamron, they seem to look decent value.

I think the purchase of better lens over camera body may be a really good point actually, especially as this will be my first dslr, and having read various threads on here people seem to grow out of their first camera relatively quickly.
 
swains said:
I am a bit wary about buying second hand to be honest although I would assume the classifieds on here are as con free as a second hand market can be.

I came across a site that had a constantly updated list of new cameras on the web but have completely forgotten and lost the bookmark. Don't suppose anyone knows of this, or has heard of something similar.

Have found MPB, an online company which may be a decent compromise between buying second hand and new as they do offer warranties.

Thanks for recommending Tamron, they seem to look decent value.

I think the purchase of better lens over camera body may be a really good point actually, especially as this will be my first dslr, and having read various threads on here people seem to grow out of their first camera relatively quickly.
Click to expand...


I think the site you are looking for is camera price buster.
 
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