DSLR newbie, need adivce on which camera

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Name
Adam
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Hi guys and girls,

Firstly been reading up on here for a little while,

Interested in the 500D or 50D

Am I right saying the lenses can't be interchangeable between the two cameras?

I was swaying towards the 500D but having read a few threads rating the 40D more than the 500 I am now tempted to get the 50D

Also what would I need with the camera, is it better to buy the body only and then additional lenses etc..

What is recommeded within a kit please, or what would any of you do please :)

I am new to the DSLR world as you can probably tell :lol: Would like a lens that is a good all rounder hopefully with quite good zoom (wanting to take pics on a racetrack...)

More interested with the 500d if I am honest though..

many thanks
 
lenses are swappable, both cameras accept EF and EF-S lenses.

The only thing you have to watch with canons is that EF-S lenses don't fit full frame cameras like the 5d, 1D etc.

The kit lens (18-55IS) will get you started.

For zooms I think most people go for a 70-200 L (either IS or non IS)
70-300 USM
The budget option is the 55-250, its a good lens for the money.
 
The best resource I have found for sample shots is http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=107 (apologies for the cross post..)

From a money point of view that kit looks to be a pretty good deal, £670 after rebate and you have the filters/card etc. I'm not sure how well that lens stands up against its rivals though, maybe to a bit of research? I have it in my head that the low end tamron stuff isn't that great but the more expensive ones are good, might be wrong though!
 
Have a read of this thread. What Budget do you have in mind for the camera and lens(es)

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=82464

Best advice is try out several camera's at your local shop, take along some cards to look at then images, have a bit of a cooling off period before taking the plunge.

I've found that quite a few camera shops I've visited recently (big chains), the assistants knowledge of camera's and photography generally have been very lacking. All they're really interested in, is you spending large amounts of money rather than getting the right camera setup for you. Thankfully there are still a few independent camera shops worth there weight in gold.

Personally don't always go for the bundled kit lenses, these tend to be cheap, plastic and not great. There are usually better options that won't break the bank balance.
 
Hi

As has been said above, the 500 / 40 or 50D will accept all Ef & EF-S lenses.

If your starting off with a DSLR, your budget will probably determin which you go for, the 450 and 500D models are very good and paired with the kit lens and 55-250IS lens will get you going well.

The 40 / 50D models are an upgrade, but won't necessarily give you better results and there is an increase in cost - it also seems to get the best out of the 50D, you need to have good glass to get the best from it.

What you need to also decide, is what are you going to photograph, this will give you some idea of focal length of lens needed - if your fancying motorsport, the 70-300 IS lens is a good buy.

Good luck with your search and enjoy whichever you purchase :thumbs:
 
thanks for the replies guys, Personally Im not too sure if filters are essential? I've read through quite a few threads, and love the Hoya Polariser filter, but this can be bought in the future. Are UV filters recommended?

As for my budget, I don't mind paying a little more for something if it's going to last and show significant improvements :) I was thinking the tamron and the kit lenses are a good place to start, and obviously upgrade within the future when deemed appropriate.

Im not sure of any lens kits around the same price range as the tamron, seems to go from cheap to mega expensive without many in the middle ground that I could find.

that beginner thread is helping understand alot about your comment regarding kits, thanks
 
70-300 lens is something I would really prefer, not sure where to purchase from or who would you recommend? Canon's own?

Thanks for your help :)

Sorry, yes Canon 70-300 IS lens.

Here is a good place to look http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod60.html

You could also try "Kerso" or Stuart @ Digital Depot - both on here in the classifieds advertisers section, they maybe able to give you a good deal :thumbs:
 
How about 500D with kit lens, 18-55 IS I think and then also buy the Canon 55-250 IS

The latter is excellent for the money and you can cover pretty much all you might want apart from extreme wide angle/telephoto

Once you know what you want its upgrade time, not spent a fortune and should get some cash back especially for the longer zoom
 
i got the 55-250 is lens straight after buying a 500d
cant really fault it for the money
 
As for my budget, I don't mind paying a little more for something if it's going to last and show significant improvements I was thinking the tamron and the kit lenses are a good place to start, and obviously upgrade within the future when deemed appropriate.

Im not sure of any lens kits around the same price range as the tamron, seems to go from cheap to mega expensive without many in the middle ground that I could find.

But that's the problem, a rough budget would help significantly. I spent about £1700 when I started. 20D, 17-85mm (because I didn't know any better) and 70-200mm f4

1
OK say you bought the canon 500D £509 on a budget I would suggest....
You want a walk around lens (18-55mm kit lens is OK but not great), I would suggest the tamron 17-50mm f2.8 £330
You also wanted a zoom for motorsport. 70-300mm would get you started £400, but it doesn't really have the range, so I would suggest the sigma 120-400mm f4.5-5.6 £600

2
OK say you bought the canon 50D £900
You want a walkaround lens canon 17-55mm f2.8 £700
And you want a sports lens so 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 £1100

budget 1 £1400
Budget 2 £2700

Saying
I don't mind paying a little more for something if it's going to last and show significant improvements

Its like chalk and cheese

Peter
 
Thanks guys,

next issue

70-300 IS lens Vs 55-250 IS lens

would the latter be the one to go for?

Down to money really, the 70-300IS is approx twice the price of the 55-250IS lens. Both are very good, the 70-300 is an upgrade on the 55-250, but I don't think you'd be unhappy with either lens. :thumbs:
 
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