First DSLR - Advice please

Loopy

Loopy

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Lynda
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Okay, here's the scenario.

My brother and his wife are moving to Mongolia for 2 years (they're teachers) so photo opportunities galore. He wants to buy her a DSLR for her birthday and has asked for my advice.

Mags is a bit like me and wants to be able to switch the camera on and go. She's used a 35mm SLR before so knows the basic AV/TV settings etc. I think that it will mostly be landscapes and people that she's shooting, with the odd interesting plant and pics of my bro climbing.
I'm also guessing that she'll not want to be changing lenses all the time so it has to be a pretty versatile setup.

I'm a Canon user so obviously biased and I think that Mags has used Canon before.
They've looked at the 450D before and to me this seem like a pretty good option. I'm thinking of suggesting a lens of the 18-200 range - Canon, Tamron, Sigma.
I've noticed that Tamron do a 18-250 for about £400. Which is the best option?
Canon 18-200 - £400
Sigma 18-200 - £220-£300 (What does the OS stand for please)
Tamron 18-200 - £160

Or a little extra for the Tamron 18-250 for £400

Then, is it worth paying an extra £200-£300 for the 500D so she will have the video function?

There are so many connotations, I'm getting confused and I really want to give good advice.

Oh, and they live in Hong Kong at the moment so prices might be different and availability might be different. It's also a pain in the but to find the right time to talk to him.

With regards to accessories, does anyone have any 'must have' suggestions?

I'm thinking circular polarizer, UV Filter - what else?

Thanks in advance.
L
:help:
 
get a nice 190 series tripod, a nice camera bag, neccessary filters, also why only use one lens to do it all when you can buy some nice specialist lenses like a basic kit lens and a nice medium telephoto?
 
I'm second guessing the one lens thing.
They're always on the go so I want to keep the kit as basic as possible. If she feels the need to upgrade in year or so's time that's great.

They do a lot of trekking, climbing etc so weight is an issue.
 
Frankly, it's all about her personal preferences, but I think that if they'll always be on the move, then a versatile lens would be better for most occasions.
If you want to see reviews, google "lens name review" (without the quotes and replace "lens name" with the actual lens name).

I'd be torn between the Tamron 18-250 (because of the reach and decent reviews), Tamron 18-270, the Canon (as you're suggesting a Canon) and the Sigma 18-200 OS HSM.
I'm not sure whether the Sigma 18-250 is available already, but that would be one to consider as well.

Don't forget an air blower (the kind you squeeze in your palm to blow air).

I'd recommend a Slingshot, but it depends on how long their hikes are going to be. It's not that good for longer hikes.
Also, if weight and size(?) are an issue, then you might want to consider Olympus - the E-620 seems to be pretty damn small with the kit lens on. A super-zoom lens might feel a bit awkward on it, though. I have personally only held the E-410 (I think, definitely one of the E4x0 series) with the kit lens on and it was so small for me that I had some trouble holding it well.
Then again, if she'll be a raw shooter, a Canon or a Nikon might be better for her.
 
Thanks.
This is where the problem is. It's supposed to be a surprise, but how do you try to second guess all the possibilities that there could be.
With regards to the packpac I'll probably recommend one of the half camera ones.

I might have to say that he takes her to the camera shop and let her choose.
 
Loopy said:
Thanks.
This is where the problem is. It's supposed to be a surprise, but how do you try to second guess all the possibilities that there could be.
With regards to the packpac I'll probably recommend one of the half camera ones.

I might have to say that he takes her to the camera shop and let her choose.
Click to expand...

Well, taking her to a shop could help avoid disappointment, but it really depends on her personality.
If she's a demanding type or a perfectionist, going to the shop with her could be the better option - she might have already done some research for herself and is eyeing a DSLR herself!
If she's more relaxed, likes surprises, learns new things well and doesn't really shoot action, then I'd suggest going for the Canon and one of the zooms. In the end, your brother might have to choose based on their weight.
 
I think that the 2nd is more her.
I'll get him to do a bit of window shopping and see what kit packages are available and take it from there.
Thanks for the replies.
 
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