Newbie - Advice pls on camera purchase

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claireclaired

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CLAIRE
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Hi all, Im completely new to photography but am looking at purchasing a DSLR in order to take better pictures of my baby son.

Im currently borrowing my fathers Canon 400D and have taken some lovely shots but want to buy my own camera.

Could anybody please advise me what DSLR is best for a beginner that whats it mainly for shots of children. Not too worried about budget.

Thanks in advance
Claire x
 
Best bet is go to a retailer and get your hands on a few different cameras.
You WILL get advice on here but some will say Canon (me for instance) others will say Nikon etc! Try a few for size, feel, weight etc then come back and ask what other Togs think of them.

Welcome to TP too!
 
To be honest if your Fathers got a Canon already then I'd be looking to buy into that marque too, that way you'll be able to borrow his lenses ;)

I've always done it with my Father and hence ended up being an Olympus user.
 
First off - welcome to the forum :wave:

As far as beginner's cameras go, you can go for an entry-level camera from either Nikon or Canon [p.s. this is how to start a heated debate, but the answer is - neither is "better" - they're just different] - With canon, it's the 400d you know [or at least it's modern version, the 550d], and Nikon have something too [what can I say, I'm a canon man...].

If you are genuinely interested in photography, and developing your skills, I'd recommend going for the most expensive body you can - the durability and quality increase equally with price!

Also worth considering, and growing in popularity are the Sony's of the world. Realistically, the Nikon and Canon have the force of many years as the top-end digital SLR manufacturers, but don't rule out the sony.

As to which is for you, the answer is easy - which feels right? Go into a shop, and try holding the two cameras - they will feel very different in your hand, so go for the one that feels most comfortable.

Lens-wise, you probably want a good "walkabout" lens - if budget is not an issue, and you're going Canon [which might be wise if your Dad already has one - you can swap lenses!], then consider the 24-105L - it's a lot of money, but worth every penny!

Hope that helps, but if it raises more questions than answers, just shout! :)
[p.s. I use http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/ for prices, but stick to "reputable" retailers - look/ask on here if you're not sure]
 
Although I love Nikon, I would say that Nikon and Canon are much of a muchness at the 'lower end'. Its only when you need certain things that one appears much bigger than the other.

All depends on budget and what you want to do. I started off with the basic Nikon D40, found it great but got the hankering for better lenses and then went to the D90 (motorised body) which was even better and then I wanted a more 'pro' camera so got the D300 which I love.

Think about what you want out of your camera - if you are thinking about becoming serious or doing paid work with it then you will need a better camera than if you just want it for family snapshots!
 
As said above it's probably a good idea to go with canon as you have used it already and you can borrow lenses from your dad. I previously had a 400d which I sold and now own a 50d which I much prefer, feels much more solid and the thumb wheel is much better for changing settings. Get yourself down to your local jessops etc and see what feels nicer in your hands.
 
don't rule out the bridge camera - it's a bit more than a compact, and a bit less than a DSLR. You can't swap lenses, but it will have a decent zoom lens on it.

The Fuji HS10 is the latest, massive zoom, DSLR functions, less than £400, does HD video as well as photo.

I'm biased as I have a bridge, but took this today with it and a couple of cheap flashes: OK not perfect, and I am learning PP, but I like it, and my camera was £180.


All of my gallery is shot with a bridge.
 
Great shot!

To the OP...I'd suggest going with Canon or Nikon because of the availability of lenses and accesories.The second hand market for those two brands is much bigger than for others.

I wouldn't buy a top end body or L lenses as suggested above. I'd buy a 550D (Canon) or D90 (Nikon) with a kit lens and a fast prime until I really know what to do and what are my needs.
 
Hi & Welcome :wave:

If you've used your fathers 400D and been happy with it and found it easy to use, then I would suggest buying a Canon, you've a father who will be able to help with advice and the poss of sharing lenses.

The 1000D is a good starter body, but depending on budget, the 450D is a cracker of a camera :thumbs:
 
Hi Claire, I'd also recommend a canon 450d with kit lens plus a 50mm f1.8 (nifty fifty) for those low light indoor candids of the lad. Both very good value at the moment and not too much techno garbage to befuddle you.

We use the 450d for training and I even did a kiddy photoshoot with one when I took the wrong camera case!

Look after the kit and keep the boxes and if the bug bites you can ebay 'em and grab yourself a 1DS Mk 3 and a bunch of L lenses ( you said you're not too worried about the budget!!

Good luck John
 
1D mk2 and a decent f/2.8 zoom to get you started. They are real bargains now in the used market, with great AF and IQ when you need it. From Nikon it would be D300 / d700 or D3 to get the best out of it.
 
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