Beginner New Here, looking to buy a new camera

Messages
16
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi new-ish to the forum and seeking advice and help.

We have been talking basic pics on a regular basic camera, some have turned out ok. We would like to be more creative and produce pics of a better standard that are worthy of sharing.
We want to buy a new camera and have our eyes on one in particular - in a bit of a hurry too, as we want to attend an event next weekend and our current camera is broken.

We could probably make do with a basic camera for 80% of our family and work pictures but for the more specialist ones we are looking at a Canon 7D.
We were put off by lens prices specifically used for those long range, high speed race track pics as we won't use the camera frequently to it's full potential.
However having to rely on other people occasionally to take pics for us means we are missing out on opportunities, so it's probably time to step up.

Have seen some deals on Ebay but not sure if we can trust the seller, how it effects issues with warranty? or if the lens supplied are good enough just to get us started?
I know people pay over 1K for a good lenses for the pics we have received. However we can not go spending 1000's to use this as an when... with the other commitments we are involved with
at the moment, it would perhaps be cheaper to hire people?
 
Hi, And welcome aboard TP, "Enjoy".
 
I've moved this to the "gear" forum, as you'd not really get much in the way of technical replies in the welcome forum...

Welcome aboard, and good luck keeping within the budget, everyone here has probably started with a number and ended up doubling/trebling it...
 
I appreciate it's not standard practice Big Yen, but could you open up the for sales section for me to browse?
I understand the rules say a set period or number of posts but the sooner the better. I can confirm my genuine interest quite easy via phone or ..... some other method.

Thanks
 
It's unlikely they will do that. Have a look at MPB photographic - online sellers. There seem to be increasing issues reported with ebay and I have never Bought anything from there. Good luck with your search. Often, replies to this question involve suggestions that you go and try them in a shop and feel what seems right for you.
 
It's unlikely they will do that. Have a look at MPB photographic - online sellers. There seem to be increasing issues reported with ebay and I have never Bought anything from there. Good luck with your search. Often, replies to this question involve suggestions that you go and try them in a shop and feel what seems right for you.

95 Ebay purchases, not one hitch :) Sold a lot, too.
 
I've had 1200+ transactions 100% positive Feedbay on Fleabay. No real problems. That said I only sell good items that I'd be happy to sell to a friend or buy myself.
However I don't ever buy technology or many expensive goods on Ebay. I am also aware of Fake designer goods and this may extend to sellers of Cameras possibly??
I am dubious about buying a new item with 3 years warranty to later have major hassle if I have a problem with it, if it arrives.. Although, I've had hassle dealing with PC World once despite buying lots of kit from them over the years. I'd sooner buy from Amazon these days... I guess you just never know.

was looking at this bundle even if some of it is rubbish, can be replaced at a later date (as said I know very little, so will be learning as I go)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Canon-7D-...837?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item19f7d044bd
 
only thing i will say is dont get hung up on camera bodies first and foremost. if you take canon APS-C range from the 1200 to say the 60D in terms of performance in truth theres not overly much. a few more MP, maybe faster fps, things like articulated screens or certain video features. its the lenses that will truely make the bigger difference. Sure if you are doing a certain subject such as fast motorsport you want a camera that shoots fast frames per second with a decent amount of buffer memory. but without some quality glass on the front you wont find much difference between one camera and the next. Of course some will scream blue murder at me for this , but ive seen several video reviews that have taken a mid-high range camera with standard kit lens and a low end bottom of the range camera with some L glass and the winner in each and every case was the camera with the L glass.
sure theres alot more to it than that but to many people look at the camera body first and glass second then wonder why there pics are average quality.given the choice between a &D and kit lens or a 100D and some L glass id take the 100D each time as bodies are so much cheaper to upgrade later.
depending if you want used or new as mentioned above mpb and ebay, ( also worth checking mifsuds as well. but for new HDEW cameras in the UK are one of the cheapest and give 3 year warranty and worth looking at. obviously the key factor is your budget which you dont mention so i could point you at something for £600 and something for £2600.
for instance around £1000 the 70D with the excellent 24-105L lens.. a pure joy of a lens
http://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/canon-eos-70d--24-105mm-kit-1492-p.asp
 
I've had 1200+ transactions 100% positive Feedbay on Fleabay. No real problems. That said I only sell good items that I'd be happy to sell to a friend or buy myself.
However I don't ever buy technology or many expensive goods on Ebay. I am also aware of Fake designer goods and this may extend to sellers of Cameras possibly??
I am dubious about buying a new item with 3 years warranty to later have major hassle if I have a problem with it, if it arrives.. Although, I've had hassle dealing with PC World once despite buying lots of kit from them over the years. I'd sooner buy from Amazon these days... I guess you just never know.

was looking at this bundle even if some of it is rubbish, can be replaced at a later date (as said I know very little, so will be learning as I go)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Canon-7D-...837?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item19f7d044bd

i wouldnt touch that bundle . simple reason you are paying way over the odds for a load of essentially worthless rubbish to pad it out, the 500mm lens the filters, the extension / wide angle/ magnifier lens, the flashgun, the tripod etc, all cheap stuff worth little more than a few pounds at best.
the 7D body can be got from hdew for £595. when you consider the rest of the gear listed above would likely to be worth all in less than £300 its a loss not a saving.
add int he 70-200 F/4 L lens for 495 from HDEW and you have a top notch piece of glass and a decent camera for not much more than the ebay listing
 
Last edited:
My budget is probably limited to £1000 and yes the cars are very fast, you hear them coming then they are gone, looking to maybe catch one with all four wheels in the air at Cadwell etc.

The cameras speed is huge consideration and as a lot of the info means very little I am looking at a Camera that has been used and produced images we are happy with unfortunately as you mention the Lens used EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM or EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM puts us beyond our price bracket.
We could buy these lens later in the year but not right now with bills pending for several other things.

I only got the idea of buy this bundle due to price, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Canon-7D-...837?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item19f7d044bd

I was only shopping for a point and shoot cam for work and home use at that time but if it gets us started that's fine but if it's a pile of poop I best just buy a basic camera and forget motorsport pics till next year.
 
I've had 1200+ transactions 100% positive Feedbay on Fleabay. No real problems. That said I only sell good items that I'd be happy to sell to a friend or buy myself.
However I don't ever buy technology or many expensive goods on Ebay. I am also aware of Fake designer goods and this may extend to sellers of Cameras possibly??
I am dubious about buying a new item with 3 years warranty to later have major hassle if I have a problem with it, if it arrives.. Although, I've had hassle dealing with PC World once despite buying lots of kit from them over the years. I'd sooner buy from Amazon these days... I guess you just never know.

was looking at this bundle even if some of it is rubbish, can be replaced at a later date (as said I know very little, so will be learning as I go)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Canon-7D-...837?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item19f7d044bd
I am always suspicious when an overseas company (USA in this case) goes to such lengths to appear to be based here. It is lying by omission.
 
Thank you Dean that was my concern... have you looked at those lens I list above? would you change that recommendation? I might just go ahead and order that!
 
ok well an example here may here
the canon 700D with the excellent 18-135IS STM kit lens. its a step above standard kit lens and perfect for everyday shooting ( family , landscapes and the like )
and its £499
http://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/canon-700d-kit-18-135-stm-1277-p.asp
add the 70-200 f/4 L and outstanding lens for wildlife, outdoor motorsports, planes etrains and automobiles ( plus amazing portraits too )
http://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/canon-ef-70-200mm-f4l-usm-247-p.asp at £429
your getting a decent body AND decent kit lens PLUS and exceptional second lens for under £1000.. ( enough change for couple of sd cards and a camera bag )
sure the lenses you mention are out of budget currently. but i think you would be very pleased with both the 18-135 STM and even more so with the 70-200F/4 L.. im sure there are plenty of shots on flickr youc an look at taken with the 70-200 that show how well it performs.
maybe this will help
https://www.flickr.com/search?text=70-200 f/4 L motorsports
 
Last edited:
As others have said have a look at MPB they are very good to deal with .
Just had a quick look on their site and you will get a low mileage 7D for around £500, they have 100/400L IS( Mk1) lenses from around £650 and 70/200 f4 L IS for about the same and if you don't need IS they have the 70/200f4l non is for around £360
It all depends on your budget

happy shopping
 
Thanks everyone for your help, mistake avoided.

I still feel like I should go with a 7d because I don't know enough to buy on spec ref equipment I have not seen the results specific to use.
I will buy a body and lens as separate items or a deal for both and buy quality over quantity.

I may have to talk to someone in motorsport section about taking some pics for me next weekend 16th/17th so I don't rush out and make a mistake...
 
Hi,

Welcome to the forums :)

Personally I'm not a fan of the 7D due to the ISO, that said many are happy so don't let me put you off.

Have a quick look at London Camera Exchange - they have a few 7Ds in and will post of asked and you can often talk them into free postage :) (link)
 
Dean those photos are very good, Canon digital rebel? what model is that... I did see the lens size was 200mm but are they that kind of spec you stated?

I know of two photographers who used the 7D one in 2010 and one in 2013 for the same events we plan to use it for and the results were good, granted they had the lenses I mentioned above
which cost considerably more than the camera. I've seen more pictures taken with a 60D that are not quite as crisp which maybe the lens and other settings but this puts me off a little.

One feature that seems important to me is the rapid fire speed and how effective it works, to catch a car air borne for a split second without blurring must surely be a little tricky?

I know almost nothing about photography and equipment, hence concerned about buying something not as capable... we can get help and advice on how to use it.
I am sure there are many cameras as good if not better, will look into this but will have to learn a little more first so it will delay the purchase now.

We will be looking for someone to take some pictures for us at the weekend as we can not rush out and buy something without further consideration.

I do appreciate all the advice.
 
Last edited:
as i mentioned its as much or more about the glass than the body. i have the 60D and have zero issues with sharpness of images depending on the lens. with my 85mm f/1.8 images are pin sharp. with my old 100-300 ( 20 yr old lens ) then at the 300 end its not great.
for shooting motorsport really your 3 main requirements are a sharp fast lens, a good frames per second on the camera ( or panning technique ) and decent buffer size ( so fast memory cards ). sure there are other considerations to take into account ( weather for instance to be able to get fast shutter speeds ) .

rebel is just the USA name for the some of the canon series of cameras.
the 60D shoots about 6 frames per second, the 70D around 8 frames per second, both use the same digic 4 processor.
shooting moving objects ( even slow ones) requires a certain technique and skill that can take time to learn ( otherwise we'd all be doing it lol ) so regardless of what camera and lens combo you get expect to get plenty of blurred, out of focus and missed shots.
i know plenty of photographers who if they go out and shoot 100+ shots and get one keeper they are happy so you have to look at it from that perspective too. after all shooting digital doesnt actually cost you per shot like the days of film
 
have a look at CEX , if there's something local you can have a look at to judge condition they come with 12 months warranty and a bring it back guarantee for a refund, cant remember if it's same day or next day, people also sell the trade in vouchers at a discount

The 70-200 f/4 and 7D is a very good combination for motorsport
 
Last edited:
I ended up with a canon 60d.. shopping for lenses soon, thanks guys for all your help.. if I could give trophy points I would :)
 
nice choice ( but im biased as its what i shoot with ). whats your budget on glass and what are you looking to primarily shoot. may be able to point you in right direction
 
Nice choice on the 60, personally I preferred it to the 7D (and am well documented here saying so ;)) - its way too cheap now too, you enjoy it.
 
Dean I don't have a budget in mind as such, more of order of importance. Anything I spend comes out of the pot of something else I need.

Ideally I want to get the best I can for the least money (that will do the job).. I have been considering all the advice on here and have read up a little as this is all new to me, lens numbers and letters, iso aperture etc.. I did type all these out but I some how deleted it... I can be quite fussy and want to print and frame pictures maybe A3 size but when skills progress if needed I can upgrade then. Appreciate all the help.

1) A lens to take internal rooms pics like an estate agent and pics of cars in confined spaces with the drivers standing next to them.

sigma 10-22 or, tokina 11-16 (mark 2)

2) A lens to take pics at normal range out and about

50mm 1.8 - 35/50mm prime or 18-135IS STM kit lens

3) A lens to take motor sport pictures probably further away from the action than the pros will get... although some circuits with low fences Cadwell and Mallory a spectator can get reasonably close.

I'd like a EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM or EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM but I won't pay that right now due to how little I will use it.

However I have looked at 70-300 di vc usd or 70-200 F/4 L, NON IS version?
 
You have done your research.

I'd go with the Sigma 10-20, the canon 50mm 1.8 and the Tamron 70-300 vc.

Can I also throw into the mix the Sigma 17-50 2.8 OS
 
ok lets go through the list

first the ultra wide angle. for internal and cars in confined you have to be aware of perspective distortion using wide angle lenses. something that cant be helped much as its the nature of the lens but some of that can be overcome in post processing.
i would suggest looking at the canon 10-18 STM IS. its a cracking little lens. its 1 stop shorter being f/4.5 but with image stabilizer built in plus the ultra fast and quiet STM motor and key factor. over £100 cheaper than the sigma and £200+ cheaper than the canon 10-22 , it costs around £190 new. ( and yes i have one and works great.

the second lens. the nifty 50 is a great little lens most people say. i found it a little to plasticy and cheap and image quality good ( but not exceptional ).
the 18 -135 STM kit lens. produces some amazingly sharp images and is a great all rounder with the nice focal length , and is a cut above standard non STM kit lens but a little pricier
though i would look at slightly more expensive options ( second hand these options are well worth considering . look on mpb for best second hand lenses)
so alternatives
the canon EF-S 15-85 IS USM.
slightly wider but shorter, but optically sharper than the 18-135.
and more expensive but def keeper lenses
the canon 24-105 f/4 L... everyones fave general purpose lens with quality L glass.. not cheap ( but not expensive for an L lens either )
Sigma 24-105mm f/4.0 DG OS HSM Art Lens . again not cheap but another keeper.. great for portrait work too ( same as the above lens )
if you wish to go prime. alt choice to the 50mm is the canon 60mm MACRO lens ( 1:1 macro feature giving you an added bonus as well as good for portraits and general purpose )
the canon 85mm f/1.8... pin sharp portrait lens that i also use for some general purpose
tamron 90mm macro ( again 1:1 and excellent )
sigma 105 MACRO. excellent again but may find a little limited for general use ).


now the telephoto. for motorsports and the like , its a tricky one. big lenses you generally want IS on them however if shooting sports most would turn that off as they will be most likely panning the shot.
ive had several 70-300 lenses and tbh most have been below average ( sigma 70-300, tamron 70-300, canon 70-300 )

so for budget options the 55-250 canon IS STM lens really cant be beaten . its not the surdiest being plastic body and mount but very light, its a little slow only being f/4.5 but image quality is nice and sharp and 250 focal length is a good compromise over the next options
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens. fast, pin sharp, top quality.. for an L lens its relatively cheap ( but expensive compared to pretty much all NON L lenses ). fixed 2.8 across the focal length so very fast . yes 200 may be short but works very well with a 1.4x tele ( giving you 280 mm ( and on aps-c 60d thats ff equiv focal length of 448mm ) and you only lose 1 stop of light so still at f4 at the end.
cracker of a lens but if you hunt around you can get the NON IS version the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L USM for £500 second hand

if you dont mind a stop of light loss look at the 70-200 F/4 L... sh hand these can be got for around £300
if 200mm is to short
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens or
canon ef 100 400mm f4 5 5.6 L IS USM
Second hand looking at around the 650-700 mark for both of these though some people dont like the push pull zoom on the older 100-400 as it can be a dust trap

also worth looking at the brand new tamron 150-600. superb long range tele great for wildlife ( not sure on motorsport as its heavy beast ( around £700 new )
also the sigma 150-500, , 50-500, 120-400 ( second hand all around 300-400 ) several different versions of these def look for the OS versions ( image stabilized ).

im sure others will add there suggestions but thats pretty much my pick of the bunch that wont require you to remortgage the house or break the bank.
 
Thats a great write up Dean and I'd not heard of the 10-18 STM (probably came out after I swapped to full frame) but that does sound like a great lens and certainly an alternative and by some of the images in this (link) Flickr group it does look pretty nice and at £190 (link) new its a steal.

Personally I didn't like the 24-105, it just did nothing for me at all, but many others like it - the art lens could be good though, Sigma have done some great stuff with that range.

The 85mm is very good, although the 135L is IMHO much better, but could be too long on a crop.
Nice idea throwing macro into the mix, a second hand 100mm 2.8 (non-L) is very affordable and almost as good as the L version (certainly not worth the price difference) - that could open up all sorts of interesting shots as well as being a decent portrait lens.

Now the long Sigmas I do know a bit about and were my main lenses for a very long time, I've had both the 150-500 OS and the 50-500 OS - both great lenses which I preferred over the 100-400 and I believe they've now been superseded by the 150-600's since I left Canon, but both are very good but very very heavy - I used to hand hold them but would ache at the end of the day. On a crop these will get you right where you need to be (in fact the did on a full frame :)) Now if you want to get into expensive but good for the money theres the Sigma 120-300 2.8's personally I've never used one but the images out of them look very very nice, but again stupidly heavy.

Edit: I'll throw my flickr account out there as I've tested a fair few lenses you're looking at over the years so you can see how one person fared with them (yes, I do suffer from GAS!) - Link
 
Last edited:
have you tried the sigma 120-400 John. i know its a little older and shorter ( but also a bit lighter and certainly cheaper on the SH market, plus it has OS too ). im in the market for a tele for wildlife and the 120-400 is cheap enough for my budget to allow me to treat myself to a tamron 90mm or sigma 105 macro. otherwise im looking at the bigma sigma 150-500 or tamron 150-600 ( the canon 100-400 is kinda off putting in the sh market because of the dust issues and the crop of not so good ones out there ). ( sigma 120-400 around 300-350 sh the 150-500 about 100 more.)
what did you prefer with the sigmas the 50-500 or 150-500
 
Sadly I never got round to trying the 120-400 so cannot comment.

I've not tried either of the other macros but I've seen wonderful images out of both in the macro section here - if I recall correctly I think LordV over on POTN uses the Tamron 90 when he's not using the MP-E65 so thats a fair recommendation.
The dust issues on the 100-400 aren't as bad as some made out, but I found the big white "look at me" colour to be a bit off putting.

Regarding the 50-500 vs 150-500 I found the 50-500 the better lens, but there is a bit of a price jump and I did happily downgrade the the 150 when I needed to free up some cash.
 
I can not take the credit for the list some are from Deans previous list, others were suggestions via message from a member called Adam who has been answering some of my questions.

I have just tried to make sense of it all. There will be differences of opinion and I appreciate some guys will have more experience than others but remember you are talking to a
complete newbie. Our camera to date has been little better than a phone camera, so lots to learn. This is a new language with technical aspects.

I can see you guys are very knowledgeable. It looks like I am making some reasonable decisions, I hope.
 
For the crop camera, the 15-85 is a great suggestion. I bought on for my lads 600D as a walkabout lens and it's really good.
He has my old 10-22 canon lens, which is significantly faster to focus than the sigma equivalent, but the canon 10-18 STM IS is also good.

For motorsports I'd suggest getting a secondhand 100-400, so good I have two (one for me one for my son). Never had an issue with dust. The push pull zoom is brilliant for things coming towards you fast.
 
I have bought the below:

Canon 60D (shutter count 1239)
boxed with all the original accessories including the strap, battery, charger, USB cable, manual and software.

New -
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
Hoya 67mm Pro-1 Digital UV Screw in Filter
Maxsimafoto® Compatible EW-73C Lens Hood for Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens

New-
Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II Lens
Hoya 52mm UV(C) Digital HMC Screw-in Filter
ES-62 Lens Hood fits CANON EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens


Used - very low use "mint" condition
Tamron A005 70-300 mm f/4.0-5.6 LD VC Di AF USD Lens Canon
Comes with a Polaroid UV filter and petal type lens hood.

4x Protective Neoprene Lens Pouch for Canon Lenses S+M+L+XL


total £871,98
Saving £128.02 on the £1000 bundle of rubbish I posted originally.

To get me going with a view to possibly replace the wide angle if it's not so good in lower light, also aim to buy a 18 -135 STM kit lens and one of the more expensive lenses I listed either a EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM or EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM once I learn how it works..
 
Last edited:
you wont have to many problems with low light with the 10-18. even though its only F/4.5 with the image stabilizer you can pretty much hand hold shots down to about 1/10th sec or less .
UV filters are ok for protecting the lens, but dont do much for digital cameras as most lenses these days have multi UV coating on them. def worth looking at getting a polarizing filter at some point especially for those epic ulta wide landscapes on the 10-18.

look forward to seeing you first shots
 
Back
Top