Newbie needing advice please

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McNyat

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Name
Ciaran
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Hello all, I am currently trying to decide on a new (and my first) dslr and after buying a few magazines and reading various reviews on the net I am currently veering towards either a Cannon 50D or a 550D and can't decide. Based on the following I would really appreciate some experienced advice.

I have always had an interest in photography and have until now just had small compacts from Sony.I have created images on canvas for my home and since ten for various friends and family. The types of photos that I like to shoot are portrait, landscape and maybe even sports (but to a lesser degree).

Am I correct in thinking that the 50D is a better camera than the 550D, even though it is alot older and feel that it would be the better investment. I believe it to be of a better build quality. What would be the main advantages of each camera be when compared to the other?

I would also like to take up an on-line home course to develop more skills at a pace that suits my already fairly hectic lifestyle or even a good book. Does anyone have any suggestions?
 
Better build and probably a better viewfinder for the 50d. The 550d is a later model with more pixels and it seems better noise control. I find the 40/50d nicer to use with better, brighter viewfinders, faster frame rates and just feel more solid. Both good cameras though...
 
As I mentioned on your other identical thread, do you want video capability

If so that will greatly influence your choice
 
The video option would be nice but I would only use it on a very rare occasion and only for simple things. I have read that the 50D has a better ISO, would that not mean that it hndles noise better? Am I correct in thinking that the price difference is minimal.

Really stuck and cant decide which to go for. I will be at a local store during the next week to handle both to see if that can influence my decision but all advice in meantime is appreciated.
 
From reading on the net I gather that the 50D is nearing the end of its production so if you can hang on a bit and shop around you might get an end of line bargain.
 
I'm not trying to sound patronising, but you might want to try something cheaper perhaps secondhand to cut your teeth on
Possibly buy an older DSLR (Canon 400D for example) to get to grips with the different techniques and settings then you will have a clearer idea what you want from your next camera

Might find it isn't your thing and will have saved a good few quid or you will be ready to know just what you want and can make a more informed choice

Terms such as the 50D has a better ISO doesn't sound like you are fully conversant with the basics of exposure and no point buying an expensive camera to leave on Auto

Sorry to sound harsh, but too many people buy an expensive camera and are surprised to find they got better results from a compact
 
i agree. With the price of a real cracker: D70 being about £160 with a kit lens on fleabay... I would buy one of those (get a low actuation one) and learn and learn and learn with it. In a few years, something about it will annoy you, or consistently be a boundary. Then and only then upgrade}

D70 chosen for reasonable image quality, fast off camera flash synch, and fairly intelligent menu's and layout, and all the normal mod cons
 
Thanks guys. This is sound advice indeed. :thumbs:

We have a Cannon 350D with various lenses at my place of work which I can access if req so I would really like to opt fo the Cannon gear. In your opinion would the 400D be the best option? What would the main disadvantages be when compared to the 50D/550D (excluding cost of course)?

As I said earlier, I have always had an interest in photography and will continue to do so but would like to up my game. My thoughts on going for something like the 50d/550d were so that I can keep it for as long as possible without feeling that I should up-grade and that I wouldnt have to suffer the problems that another camera would present after a while as quoted, (making me feel that I should have bought the better camera in the first place).

What do you think? :shrug:
 
Only mentioned the 400D because it has a good number of mp,decent LCD size, excellent reputation for image quality and available for a reasonable price.

Obviously it is older technology, but basically the same controls and with a 10.1 mp count. You will not be getting live view or video capability and lesser mp's, but apart from some small changes they are basically very similar

If you already have a 350D with lenses at work that is a great start and you really need to get well versed with the whole exposure process

Very easy to be seduced by the latest technology, think we all are at some point, but think its best to know exactly what you want and then make an informed choice

Don't know the seller or condition of the camera, but just seen a 400D in the classifieds with two lenses for under half the price of either camera (body only) you mentioned
 
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