Beginner Needing Help On DSLR

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Hi

Iam after some advice on which DSLR to buy? as this will be my first one and iam not sure which one would be a good starter DSLR, with my price range around about £350.

I have been looking at an nikion d3000 as a starter, What do people think of these?

Thanks in advance

Richard
 
Canon 450d with kit lens ebay Item number: 290504829656 for example. Don't buy if nervous about recon or grey imports.

We bought 2 of these around a year ago - spot on.
 
You might be able to pick up a secondhand or reconditioned Nikon D5000 for that budget. The D5000 is, as you'd expect from the name, superior to the D3000 - it uses the same sensor and AF system from the D90, and has the fold-down LCD screen that is occassionally useful. There might be a few 2nd hand ones kicking around if people have upgraded to D7000s.
 
there's plenty out there, check second hand photog shops as well as bay etc. Most important, go and feel a few cameras, pretend you are buying new and try a few out. See what features interest you and which you need then search for cameras with these functions. Lenses are a big cost so look for cameras with one included, do lots f
of research and know lots about a camera before you buy.

Also, just my personal opinion, don\t be frightened of older cameras... lower megapixel counts may sound rubbish compared to modern stuff, but unless you are printing out big, its not that bigger deal!

Also, have a feel of modern cameras then buy a cheaper model, that way if you get the bug you can upgrade the body and keep the lenses!

Hope that helps?
 
I did have a similar budget back in October when I was buying my first DSLR and I opted for Canon 20D. I liked XXD series ergonomics as I have quite big hands and I like to have the LCD panel on top with the settings too. It may be pushing 5 years but it still has a very capable sensor and frankly the features it offers are in some cases on par if not better than current entry models although it is at expense of some mod cons such as live view and bigger back LCD screens. I don't personally miss those so it was perfect for me particularly at the price, I also bought myself a Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 and Canon 50mm f/1.8 II and whole lot didn't cost me much more than £350. Infact I been using the nifty fifty so much my Sigma is being neglected so whole setup may even be cheaper if I sell it!
 
Hi

Iam after some advice on which DSLR to buy? as this will be my first one and iam not sure which one would be a good starter DSLR, with my price range around about £350.

I have been looking at an nikion d3000 as a starter, What do people think of these?

Thanks in advance

Richard

D3000 is a decent camera for a starter. I would recommend you look to by a new one with warranty ( you should be able to get one for your budget).

Starting off, you dont wanna buy a second hand camera that goes faulty in a month and put you off photography
 
Thanks guys for your input! Ive been having a good look around and i think i will buy second hand, mybe a CANON EOS 350D, 20D or NIKON D40 with a couple of lenses, What do you guys think?
 
Starting off, you dont wanna buy a second hand camera that goes faulty in a month and put you off photography[/QUOTE]

I know where your coming from, normally i would just buy new, Just seeing if i can get more for my money this way. I will see what happens tho.
 
Well that's a fair point about second hand goods but apart from shutter there's not an awful lot else that can go wrong with a camera so if you're buying it from an honest person and know the shutter count than it's less of a risk.
 
try e-bay a lot of good bargains to be had for your money
try the nikon d40x 10mp gives brill pics also plenty of lens's available at good price's
 
I know where your coming from, normally i would just buy new, Just seeing if i can get more for my money this way. I will see what happens tho.

I didnt mean to put you off buying a second hand camera if you getting one at a bargain price, but rather the advantage of having a product backed by a warranty when you starting off.

SLRs hold their value well and you'd be able to upgrade without much depreciation if in the near future you decide you need a better kit
 
I Bought my EOS350D from Ebay in August and been in love with it ever since. I got the body 18-55mm and 55-200mm lens, battery grip and case a real good starting point one of the major reasons I whent for second hand was multiple lenses this replaced a Fuji Finepix S5800 so was desperate for a second lens with some zoom. Took me 6 weeks to buy and had bid on a few but I know if I hadnt taken to it I could have got my money back a no risk option and when I win the lottery I can keep what I have afforded and use with my new eos :)

Go for it I would recomend second hand just ask the questions speak to the seller and go from there.
 
I have been looking at an nikion d3000 as a starter ...
Noooh! You'll only want something better once you get some experience. I'd advise you to buy a relatively cheap second hand body, spend your money on decent lenses that will survive an upgrade ... then experiment and research to find out what you really want/need. That way you don't squander your budget straight off - and later on you have a second body as a backup/high risk option. Or else, save some more and go for a D5000 (I don't know enough to offer any advise about the Canon options).
 
Well, what camera have you got now and what would you like to do with your photography?
 
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