First DSLR Camera advice

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Flyfisher

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Im considering geeting my first dslr camera and am leaning towards the Canon 500D although Ive not held one as yet. My budget is £700.

As I prefer to take pictures of wildlife and motorsport Im thinking of getting the body only, buying the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS (Seems the best of the cheap and cheerfulls) and getting a shorter lens later. Does this sound reasonable or is the kit lens worth buying ? I ask because Ive read that its not that great unless Im confusing it with earlier models.


My other chioce is the Nikon D5000 but I cant find a cheap and cheerful equivalent to the Canon lens. Does one exist?
 
If you can ,try them all out ,go to the stores have a play about with them :thumbs:
 
I'd advise to look at secondhand equipment.
The classifieds on here and POTN are great and you'll certainly get more camera for your money.

Personally I would say that unless you want the video function of the 500D then I would maybe look at a 450D or a 40D. Then try to find a secondhand 70-300mm USM IS. I have a 55-250mm and I like it but the 70-300 is meant to have an edge on IQ and the USM focussing and extra 50mm would be of benefit :) I would imagine that lot will come in on budget, maybe a touch under allowing you to grab some accessories, some batteries etc.
 
dont do it, its a downward slippery slope into a lifetime of high expenses.

get out while you still can.

alternatively i agree with the post above :)
 
If you can stretch your budget a little and really do want the video function then WHE are doing a decent bundle at the moment on the 500D with 18-55mm and 55-250mm Lenses

The same lenses with the 450D comes in a little cheaper but not by a great deal.

If you hunt around a little and buy second hand you'll find a 40D for under £500 like this one which should leave you enough to buy the lens you want.

I'd definitely take the advice above and try and handle the camera before you buy as even though I like the Nikon system, I've never handled a Nikon yet that feels right in my hands, the Canons are a little better for me but obviously everyone is different and it's important you get something you feel comfortable holding/find easy to handle when you're using it!!
 
If you want to shoot motorsport, I would be inclined to advise spending a little less on the body and more on a fast lens. I would go for something like a cheap second hand 20d (ideal for sports photography) and then go for a 3rd party Sigma/tamron 70-200 f/2.8 second hand if possible. Should be able to do that for £700 if you are lucky. You don't really need/want IS for motorsports stuff but wildlife you will.
 
Try and get the better lens - you won't regret it. I think buying the most expensive body you can and a cheap lens is the wrong way around to start :) A lens normally keeps its value more than any body - so start with a 2nd hand body if you'd consider it...
 
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