Is this best for me.

X

XT8i

Messages
65
Name
Graham
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi all, After reading on the forum and having been down to the local store, I have decided to go for the Canon 600d 18-135 IS.

However, i would just like some of your thoughts?

This will be my first DSLR and i will be mostly using it for general purpose, i.e holiday, kids, dog, HD movie. The HD movie i would expect to be used around 10% of the time.

One of my concerns is about the choice of lens, would i be better with the body only and get a different lens (new or second hand) or is the 18-135 a good choice for a beginner?

Thanks,
Graham.
 
Sorry mods, should i have put this in Talk Basics section?
 
I'm not aware of the current price with and with out the lens on the body, but if was using it for general use I would be looking at something like a tamron 18-200 for £170 (new)

I should think buying the body and this lens separate would be cheaper and you could cover a bigger range if you find yourself needing it.

Hope this helps :-)
 
Aaron said:
I'm not aware of the current price with and with out the lens on the body, but if was using it for general use I would be looking at something like a tamron 18-200 for £170 (new)

I should think buying the body and this lens separate would be cheaper and you could cover a bigger range if you find yourself needing it.

Hope this helps :-)
Click to expand...

Thanks Aaron, that looks interesting. Is this a better lens?

Graham.
 
For a beginner the 18-135mm is very useful, as it covers a range from wide angle to moderate telephoto

The 1.6 crop factor comment is only useful if you were previously a user of 35mm film cameras. If you were not a user of these cameras, just ignore it.

If you are really interested, the camera you're thinking about has a sensor that measures approx 23mm x 15mm. In film days, the exposed area of film was 36mm x 24mm, ie 1.6 times longer. This is what is known as the crop factor. This means that to get the same angle of view on your camera, you need to use a lens 1.6 times shorter than you would have used on a film camera. So if you bought a camera with 18 -135 mm lens this is the equivalent of using a 28- 215mm lens on a film or "full frame" camera.
 
Last edited:
I would also suggest having a look at http://camerapricebuster.co.uk/ to get an idea of average and lowest prices for the kit you are looking at.

The saving you might make over the price you have seen it for in your local store may give you the funds to buy a second lens to compliment the first one.

However, do consider supporting your local photography store if their prices are not too far off whats shown on that website. Provided it is not one of the retail giants such as currys, they generally give you a better service and can be an invaluable resource, a resource that will disappear if locals do not support it :thumbs:

Also, do not forget other essentials such as memory cards, a sensible protective bag, a tripod if you have a need for one etc. Whilst they do not cost much separately, when put together they soon add up.

Don't do what my friend did, which was to buy a camera, get home, get it all charged up and ready to go only to realise he didnt have any memory cards. He had to call me asking to borrow one till he had the chance to go and get one. Admittedly, I found it very amusing but he wasn't best impressed. :lol:
 
mortimerhill said:
The 1.6 crop factor comment is only useful if you were previously a user of 35mm film cameras. If you were not a user of these cameras, just ignore it.

If you are really interested, the camera you're thinking about has a sensor that measures approx 23mm x 15mm. In film days, the exposed area of film was 36mm x 24mm, ie 1.6 times longer. This is what is known as the crop factor. This means that to get the same angle of view on your camera, you need to use a lens 1.6 times shorter than you would have used on a film camera. So if you bought a camera with 18 -135 mm lens this is the equivalent of using a 28- 215mm lens on a film or "full frame" camera.
Click to expand...

Thanks Simon, you have explained that just at my level. :thumbs:
 
faddius said:
Also, do not forget other essentials such as memory cards, a sensible protective bag, a tripod if you have a need for one etc. Whilst they do not cost much separately, when put together they soon add up.

Don't do what my friend did, which was to buy a camera, get home, get it all charged up and ready to go only to realise he didnt have any memory cards. He had to call me asking to borrow one till he had the chance to go and get one. Admittedly, I found it very amusing but he wasn't best impressed. :lol:
Click to expand...

Ahh. Alex, yes, memory cards. This must be a minefield for a new starter like me.

However, i have been looking at the 'SanDisk 32GB 30MB/s Extreme HD Video SDHC Card' from Amazon at £37. Would this be a good choice for this camera?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top