newbie advice on EOS550D

O

oldgit st

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Hi everyone, and congrats on a great forum.
I am a newbie and apologies for any silly questions etc etc in advance, but suppose we
all have to start somewhere
Just after a little advice first, any help good or bad much appreciated.

As the title suggests, i was thinking of a Canon EOS550D as a purchase.
I am a complete novice and my usage would be as follows:-

Mainly family orientated happy snapper plus video images quite often.
If i enjoy it as much as i think / hope , become slightly more of a hobbiest.

Now, should i be looking for two seperate cameras, ie
an entry level SLR for photies and a entry level camcorder OR
should i be looking at a combined (like the EOS550D) to try to do the lot ??

Also, do i buy body only or the EFS lens package ?!??!??!

As you can see i have no idea which is why i hope you guys can help.

thanks ever so much for any posts and I hope to one day be able to contribute tioi the
forum.

cheers
og
 
Hi OG,

Have the same thoughts and the 550 was one of my considerations. However, I do not want or need video, so its possibly the 50D for me, but yet to clarify. There is a very good video presentation on the 550 on the DSLR Tips site. You can also get video reviews on several other cameras, but do compare as there are lots to choose from.

In order to learn more and get up to speed on digital photography, I have also just joined a local Club and went on my first club 'shoot' this week. I would suggest that you consider doing likewise.

I am retiring end of this month and not far off 70, so from one OG to another...... best of luck with your search!

Just noticed that Nikon have announced a new D3100. worth a look as the body is a lower price and video upgraded?

Malcolm
West Midlands
 
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  1. Welcome to the forum :)
  2. If your buying a Canon EOS 550D - your going to need a lens, so buy the EF-S Lens Package / Kit
    (Or you wont be able to shoot any video or photographs - a lens is REQUIRED)
  3. DSLR's with video are starting to take off - but if you do end up opting for the 550D - make sure you get a highspeed memory card. or else the video you shoot with it may be laggy / bad quality due to it not being able to write to the memory card quickly enough (this also applies to camcorders)

Hope that helps :)
 
Hi & Welcome :wave:

The 550D is a cracker of a camera and certainly worth purchasing if your budget allows. I would def rec buying it with the kit lens - you will need a lens (as has been said above) and the kit lens will save you another dilema of what lens should i get -> that will come in a month or so when you want a telephoto lens (the 55-250IS is a cracker) :lol:

The 550D has video function on, which is becoming the norm and has very mixed feelings from people - some love the idea, others hate it.

Not sure if you're aware of this site http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/cat1.html but is a good place to get an idea on prices.

Good luck with your search :thumbs:
 
As a further note, get across to YouTube and type in canon 550D. You will get more advice and information than you can shake a stick at, Reviews, comparisons, handling tips, advice on how to shoot in whatever mode takes your fancy, it really is a great learning tool.

Mark.
 
i think the op knows they need the lens to use the camera but is questioning the quality of the kit lens.
 
the 550d is a great camera. i owned the previous incarnation and can say without hesitation that as a first dslr, it's a great choice and will do everything you want it to.

as far as buying a dedicated video camera vs using a DSLR goes, it depends in the end what you want.

the 550D will give you a great deal of creative control, but as far as i know (just like it is on my 5d2), focus is manual only in video mode and you'll definitely need an external mic. even with the quietest usm lenses, lens noise picked up by the internal mic is LOUD. the sound of you focussing and zooming is also transferred.

so, if you're a creative, the 550D is a great choice in video camera. If you want something you just point and shoot with, then i think there are probably better options out there.

as far as the quality of the kit lens goes, some people swear by it. i think it's lousy and if you've got the budget then better options include 70-200 f4, 17-55 f2.8, 50 f1.8 to name but a few.... but if you're starting out then perhaps the kit lens is the best option and then you can progress from there.
 
I don't really know your needs, but if video is important Nikon D3100 has something that others don't. It can autofocus during video. It is not clear how good it will be, but you see the trend. Canon will be releasing something very shortly and you might like it. I wouldn't get a camcorder now.
You should obviously want decent glass, not the cheap and soft kit lens. If you are serious you will be getting rid of cheap glass very soon. If you don't care, you won't use the camera anyway.
 
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