Need to upgrade camera, advice?

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roxxles

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I have previously studied photography at college and used my trusty Sony a200, which I received as a present, which was good whilst I was studying,

Now I am more advanced and would like to upgrade my camera,
The a200 is only 10mp and although I know its not all about the body I notice the difference in quality and would like a 16mp-20mp. Price range up to £600 (inc second hand)

I've looked at Nikon d2500, Sonys and Canon 650D, etc
But still a bit stuck! I like the sony interface - but I guess thats what i'm used to!
Also not sure which brands have the better value lenses

Video is not important for me. I'm into pet portraiture and also like to photograph equine sports.

Thanks in advance
 
Because I don't want to choose a camera based on it's only its interface,
I'm more interested in whats best in it's category, value for money.. specs best for what I'd like to photograph
 
I am guessing from your attitude that you havent already spent a huge amount of money on lenses. As I come from the Canon camp while respecting Nikon I just dont know much about Nikon.
You commented you have looked at the 650D, have you considered a second hand 50D from the likes of MPB photographic leaving you more money than a 60D would to then get some decent glass in budget too. They do trade in too so you could talk to them about the Sony being traded in if its got the value to do so (I know I wouldnt trade in my 20D now for exactly that reason.
 
Welcome to TP :wave:

What lenses do you already own?

If you're starting from scratch, then a body, and lenses for pet portraiture and equine shots maybe a bit tough on £600, but we can give it a go.

Don't get all hung up on the MP count. One of the first cameras theat came into my mind with your budget was the Nikon D300 - great AF, image quality and affordable , but 'only' 12MP. If you have any doubts look at the work of 'carlos58' on here.

That said, with your budget you are going to need to make some compromises. To shoot equine sports you are going to want a decent length lens with a fastish aperture. Unfortunately, they don't come cheap. If you don't plan on shooting sport inside then you may get a little leeway with the aperture.

Again, the whole nikon v canon debate is mind numbingly boring. I've always found that if you use the camera enough, you will get used to the way it handles. I've often scratched my head at the whole 'it just felt right in the shop' scenario.

Anyway, given £600 to spend, and being prepared no miss out on the indoor equine sports, then I'd suggest the following -

tamron 17-50mm f2.8 - good for the pet portraits, available for about £200 used
canon 55-250mm - a well regarded cheaper priced tele zoom for outdoor sports in decent light, about £100.
That leaves about £300 for a body, giving you the choice of several bodies. You could go for a newer sensor like the one in the 550d, but sacrifice the better handling and AF compared to a slightly older 40d or 50d, it all depends upon which aspect you're prepared to compromise on.

If you feel that you can get away with just one lens, then a canon 40d with the canon 70-200mm f4L or Nikon D300 with a sigma 70-200mm f2.8 (all second hand) might be a workable option.

Not sure if tha helps or not...

Mike
 
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