New to Photography but looking for the ideal Camera!

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How charming!

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Okay, the first time I became interested in Photography was after seeing a picture on wikipedia, in my opinion, one of the most stunning I have ever seen:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hdr_parliament.jpg

So yes, I feel ready to buy a camera but I don't have that much of a huge budget, in fact I'd prefer not to spend more than £400.

On the wikipedia page it said the picture had been taken with a:

Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL 34mm, ISO 100

Which camera should I buy? I want something robust, not too expensive and that delivers stunning pictures! Thanks :)
 
Have a look in the classifieds on here. You can get a good camera with kit lens for that kind of money. The main thing about that picture is it uses a technique called HDR, where you take several shots of the same image at different exposures, then combine the results.

You should be able to do that with any DSLR - though some have better bracketing features to help automate the process.
 
Thank you grum, is this camera a good choice? Or do you have any recommendations? Where can I find out more about photography? :D
 
If it's possibly go try a couple of cameras out.

Personally, in that price range, I'd also consider the nikon D40 and a sony A200.

It might be difficult to get your hands on the older models, but it's worth trying, then picking the one you like the feel of most.

Remember to leave money for a lens and a tripod as well.

An 18-55mm IS (make sure it's the IS version, it's optically better than the older 18-55mm II) and redsnapper should do nicely.
 
How charming! said:
Okay, the first time I became interested in Photography was after seeing a picture on wikipedia, in my opinion, one of the most stunning I have ever seen:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hdr_parliament.jpg

Which camera should I buy? I want something robust, not too expensive and that delivers stunning pictures! Thanks :)
Click to expand...

Most DSLRs today can deliver good pictures but it's the one BEHIND the camera who can make the difference between good and STUNNING - in other words - it's all up to you!

Good luck!
 
There's really 4 choices out there new that would suit your budget, but please bear in mind when choosing that you will be buying into a system, so what you buy now you will likely stick with for at least some time if not for good brand wise as the lenses will fit any newer model you may upgrade to later.

The choices.

Canon 1000D - good camera, good system, make sure you get it with the IS lens as anti shake is built into the lens, compatible with all canon EF and EFS lenses.

Nikon D3000 - An excellent beginners camera that was designed with beginners in mind,Anti shake again (called VR here) built into the lens, the one draw back is the autofocus motor is not in the body but the lens, so any lenses must have a motor built in.

Pentax Kx - Similar specs, lens fit no problem any pentax mount lens will fit, even those 30 yrs old or more. Anti shake built into the body not the lens so lenses are cheaper, better weather sealing the the rest, downside is they are heavier and not to every ones taste.

Sony A 390 - Another nice camera, highest resolution,14 mp compared to the others 10mp, Anti shake in the camera not the lens, tilt and swivel rear screen with live view, downside is the most expensive of the four and just under your budget limit

I would try and find a shop that has all four in stock and give them a try, see how they feel to hold etc, then choose.

NB: I priced them all at cameraworld, each comes in at under £400 new with its kit lens.
 
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Thanks! I thought about it and well, yes I thought about it and realized that if I was going to spend that kind of money I would want a camera that lasts a lifetime. I could expand my budget were I to buy the Pentax K-7... Should I go for it?
 
How charming! said:
I thought about it and realized that if I was going to spend that kind of money I would want a camera that lasts a lifetime.
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Once you're in this game, you will very quickly realise that no camera will last a lifetime. And that's not because of their build quality; but your own greed for the bigger and better.

Welcome to a world of spending.

:D
 
gnom said:
Once you're in this game, you will very quickly realise that no camera will last a lifetime. And that's not because of their build quality; but your own greed for the bigger and better.

Welcome to a world of spending.

:D
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best bit of advice yet....

you're basing your love of photography on the back of seeing one certain photo, and there's nothing wrong with that, we all aspire to something...but to spend a grand on your first camera? madness.

Spunk a grand on a K-5, and i'm sure in a couple of years you'll be lusting after something else! Start low....after all, you may not even like photography after you've had a proper dabble.

If £400 is you're limit...i'd be tempted to go for something like (i've only been Nikon, so people feel free to post a Canon equivalent :)) a Nikon D40X with the 18-55 kit lens and a decent tripod.
 
Buy a used camera to start with. Unless you get ripped off, you will be able to sell it again in six months if you decide photography isn't your thing, for a negligible cost.
 
iancandler said:
There's really 4 choices out there new that would suit your budget, but please bear in mind when choosing that you will be buying into a system, so what you buy now you will likely stick with for at least some time if not for good brand wise as the lenses will fit any newer model you may upgrade to later.

The choices.

Canon 1000D - good camera, good system, make sure you get it with the IS lens as anti shake is built into the lens, compatible with all canon EF and EFS lenses.

Nikon D3000 - An excellent beginners camera that was designed with beginners in mind,Anti shake again (called VR here) built into the lens, the one draw back is the autofocus motor is not in the body but the lens, so any lenses must have a motor built in.

Pentax Kx - Similar specs, lens fit no problem any pentax mount lens will fit, even those 30 yrs old or more. Anti shake built into the body not the lens so lenses are cheaper, better weather sealing the the rest, downside is they are heavier and not to every ones taste.

Sony A 390 - Another nice camera, highest resolution,14 mp compared to the others 10mp, Anti shake in the camera not the lens, tilt and swivel rear screen with live view, downside is the most expensive of the four and just under your budget limit

I would try and find a shop that has all four in stock and give them a try, see how they feel to hold etc, then choose.

NB: I priced them all at cameraworld, each comes in at under £400 new with its kit lens.
Click to expand...

I totally agree with Ian's choices. :clap: These cameras are within the range of £400 already comes with 18-55mm lens.

If you have a little bit of extra budget, I would suggest choosing the Nikon D3100 instead of D3000 or the Canon 450D at £415.95 instead of the 1000D.
 
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