First Time DSLR

dentonkarl

dentonkarl

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Name
Karl
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Hi,
I currently have compact camera but really getting into photography and would like a DSLR.
Budget is around £500 with a lens.
I mainly take landscape photos and would like them to come out nice and crisp. Some of my examples are in the landscape thread.
I have been looking at the Canon 450d and the Nikon D5000.
Should there be other ones I should be looking at? I would mainly use AEB, aperture priority etc. Would the entry level ones be good enough for me ?
Thanks for the advice.
 
An entry level camera should be fine for starters providing you stick a decent lens on the front. As a general rule avoid the kit lens if possible.

If it was me, I'd go for an older 2nd hand camera to free up extra cash for the lens, and don't forget you may need to get a tripod as well at some point
 
A second hand body and a used tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 (the non VC version is sharper) would be my choice. Depending on what body, that would also leave just enough budget for a redsnapper tripod and a Circular polarising filter.

As to which body, that's harder. They all perform very similar really, especially for landscape where high ISO performance is irrelevant. Try and find some bodies to try (might be difficult if they are old bodies only available second hand though), and pick the one that feels best in your hands.
 
I agree with Mike. Go for a second hand body ( say 450D,500,550D) and stick a good lens.Since you are into landscape you may look at Canon 15-85mm.Its a sharp lens with a good IQ.

Cheers
V
 
Thanks guys. Second hand body it is.
I read that the lens only works with APS-C sensors. Does that mean it will work with the 450D, 500D and 550D. The reviews on that lens look really good.
Incidently, which of the above cameras would be best? I heard that Canon images tend to be over exposed where as Nikon reduce exposure slightly.
Thanks
 
See if you are doing landscapes, the Nikon 18-55 kit lens is actually pretty sharp at smaller apertures, and you wouldn't want shallow DOF for landscapes anyway, so I don't see the point in forking out for the tamron 17-50mm f/2.8. You would be better off using a decent tripod and slower shutter speeds than a wider aperture in low light situations.

So I would suggest the D3100 or D5000 and a tripod - Manfrotto make some good ones, or Redsnapper on here, although I have no personal experience, seem to be well received and cheaper. http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=280215&highlight=redsnapper

They are very good starter cameras and start saving your cash, because when you have a bit more experience you will want to be buying some more glass :D
 
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I have a Canon 500D and I'm very happy with it.It has the edge of HD cliping and a 15MP sensor over 450D.
 
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