Help buying first digital SLR

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rakester

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Hi,

I want to get into photography and always loved taking pictures but I have only ever had a compact.

I have around £400 -£500 to buy everything to get me started. I understand this isn't a huge budget but I'm willing to try and find bargain and even buy used.

I want to get into landscape photography mainly, maybe also some action sports photography also.

Any help would be greatly appreciated,

thanks you
 
Hiya, I would suggest you look second hand as you will obviously get much more for your money. Do you have a particular brand preference? Used, perhaps look for Nikon D70s/D80 or Canon 10D/20D/30D, plus models from Sony and Pentax. The amount you will be saving can go towards a good lens, tripod, cards etc. You would be a little hard pushed to get everything for you budget new. :)
 
Yup defo second hand route, I would suggest a D80 or similar and a second hand wide angle such as a siggy 10-20mm.
 
Thanks for the replies so far :)

I don't really have a preference to brand, my compact is Sony and I've had an Olympus in the past before (never liked the Olympus though).

Where can I learn about different lens' and gear? Would you just recommend one lens to begin with?
 
I would suggest trying to get hold of a couple of cameras and getting a feel for them. Some shops sell second hand bodies and will be happy to let you try them out in the shop if you're serious about buying.

There are a lot of websites and magazines out there that have articles comparing entry level DSLRs too so have a search on google, or the photography magazines in WH Smith.

Personally, if it were me, like the others suggested, I'd try and find a D70 or D80.

As for lenses, for landscape the Nikon 18-55mm VR kit lens is very good value, or something like a Sigma 10-20mm.

As for sports, I'd look out for a Nikon 55-200mm VR.

The other brands have some good options too but I only really know the Nikons well enough to offer recommendations.
 
Hi & Welcome :wave:

Would def agree with the above, get yourself down to a decent shop and have a play with various different makes / models etc to see which feels the best.

This is currently a very good buy - not sure how long it will be on for

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=190197

Comet are selling the 450D & 18-55IS lens for £422 and Canon are offering £30 cashack on it as well so you might be able to find a 2nd hand 55-250IS lens with your remaining budget.

Anyway, good luck with your search :thumbs:
 
andyred said:
Hi & Welcome :wave:

Would def agree with the above, get yourself down to a decent shop and have a play with various different makes / models etc to see which feels the best.

This is currently a very good buy - not sure how long it will be on for

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=190197

Comet are selling the 450D & 18-55IS lens for £422 and Canon are offering £30 cashack on it as well so you might be able to find a 2nd hand 55-250IS lens with your remaining budget.

Anyway, good luck with your search :thumbs:
Click to expand...

This seems like a good deal. Does anyone else have any comment on this?
 
450 is a very competent camera, looks like a decent deal :)

Otherwise, 20D/30D second hand, maybe a D200.
 
dod said:
450 is a very competent camera, looks like a decent deal :)

Otherwise, 20D/30D second hand, maybe a D200.
Click to expand...

Choices... 450D has the better sensor of the pack, but if you need 5fps, and comfortable to hold and operate body it has to be between the latter 3. Rebels are just to tiny for proper hands.
 
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