Help me decide.... please :)

L

Luke_

Messages
265
Name
Luke
Edit My Images
Yes
Id like to start saying I have never owned a DSLR before, I have had/used SLR cameras and over the last few years have been using compact cameras. Now I have enough to upgrade my equipment I am looking to buy a DSLR.

I will be mainly taking landscape shots and then using HDR, but I also attend several car shows and races and also go on my fair share of holidays so im looking for something fairly versatile and that has a lot of flexibility in lens choice.

I have been looking at countless reviews and magazines and think I have come to a choice between two DSLR's (please suggest more if any you know of match my criteria).

First is the canon EOS 500D and the second is the Nikon D5000. I don't really need the video aspect of things, so the fact the two cameras both have video recording is just a co-incidence.

I plan to shoot most of my files in RAW and then process and edit them when im back home, and like I said earlier I plan to-do a lot of landscape photography as well as car shows/races.

I have also been looking and the Nikon D90 and 50D, but I cant really justify spending that much extra at the moment.

Budget, around £650 with a kit lens.

I would rather base my decision on spec, then after I have chosen on a camera spec, go into my camera shop and have a feel/play with it.

I would prefer to buy new
 
What is your budget? What lenses/focal range are you considering? Are you happier buying new or would you consider used?
 
Luke_ said:
I have also been looking and the Nikon D90 and 50D, but I cant really justify spending that much extra at the moment.
Click to expand...

The D90 is priced so closely to the D5000, it would rule out the D5000 for me.
 
Like everyone gets told best thing to do is get down to your local camera shop and have a play with them all. They all have massive amounts of flexibility. I would say Sony are doing the best bang for your buck at the moment.
 
Euan, what models exactly?

The D90 is priced very well at the moment, but will it give a much higher quality image over the D500?

Budget, around £650 with a kit lens.

I would rather base my decision on spec, then after I have chosen on a camera spec, go into my camera shop and have a feel/play with it.

I would prefer to buy new.
 
Have a look on camerapricebuster.co.uk, its a good starting point for price comparisons. Im a Canon user so cant comment to much on Sony but compare the prices between Sony,Nikon and Canon and you'll get an idea.
 
Luke_ said:
Euan, what models exactly?

The D90 is priced very well at the moment, but will it give a much higher quality image over the D500?

Budget, around £650 with a kit lens.

I would rather base my decision on spec, then after I have chosen on a camera spec, go into my camera shop and have a feel/play with it.

I would prefer to buy new.
Click to expand...

One of the biggest issues with the D5000 is that it doesn't have a built-in motor, where as the D90 does. The D90 does pretty much most things better (it is very close to the D300)...

Rather than basing a decision on specifications, why not list what you actually need and then go from there?
 
I dont know what I really need if im honest. Just after a versatile camera, for good landscape and motorsport shots.

Shooting raw.

The D90 is about £150 more new with a kit lens than the D500, so probably really looking at the canon EOS 500D.

I can get a Canon 500D + kit lens for £632.48 -Amazon
I can get a Nikon D90 + kit lens for £769.99 -Amazon

So the canon looks like a better choice for my needs/budget?

Although I am interested in what sony has to offer?
 
What lens do you get with the Canon?

Tbh you're probably going to be looking at a couple of lenses....for landscapes you need a wide-ish lens and for motorsport something up to around 200mm (as a minimum).

EDIT: If it were me, I'd do a lot of research then get a body-only and buy my own lenses.
 
The Kit lens will be a good everyday lens for the shows, i will probably rent for track days.

Can you recommend any wide angle cannon lenses, for around £150?
 
Luke_ said:
The Kit lens will be a good everyday lens for the shows, i will probably rent for track days.

Can you recommend any wide angle cannon lenses, for around £150?
Click to expand...

Nope....I have only ever used Nikon. :)

I'm sure somebody will be able to advise....£150 may be a bit on the low side though.
 
Assuming you mean a 10-20 or 10-22 wideangle i think the cheapest you'll probably get a 10-20 is £300 ish 2nd hand and a 10-22 will be closer to £400 again second hand.
 
I thought so.

I could go for a Pentax K20D or a Samsung GX-20, as I have old SLR lenses, wide angle and 70-200mm zoom.

But The quality from those cameras is no-where near the same as the cannon.
 
Dont get hung up on Canon, get out and have a play with them at Jessops or LCE whatever you have near you. Then make your choice.
 
Camerabox do some good prices as well click.

Thats just about in your budget, or this doesnt look bad either.
 
I think I am going to go for the Samsung GX-20, this deal.

http://www.camerabox.co.uk/product1...-55mm + 50-200mm Twin Lens Kit&ProductID=4747

Samsung GX-20 18-55mm + 50-200mm Twin Lens Kit £599 inc vat.

Plus I can use my old pentax wide angle and pentax vivitar series 1 70-210 zoom lens. Then if I buy any more lenses and upgrade the body if I need to.

Good/bad idea?

Cant go to wrong for that price though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top