Recommend a DSLR

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Lissa

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Hi guys,

I currently have a fuji finepix s9600 and although I really like the camera. I feel I would get more out of photography as a hobby if i upgraded to a DSLR which would allow me to use different lens and do more on the whole.

The OH is planning on getting me the new camera for my birthday so the budget is going to be £800 and under.

Thanks.
 
Exactly the camera I've just moved on from recently. Served me really well, but I felt the need to move on too.

I got a used Canon 400D and it is sooooo different to the bridge camera. Steep learning curve and settings that got me good pics on the bridge need a lot more thought on the 400D. Moving from the compact to the Bridge was as big a leap as from the Bridge to the DSLR.

With a budget of £800 the world's your lobster in the entry level DSLR area.
 
Does no one on here have any recommendations? The few I had in mind atm were the Canon 450D, 550D and the Nikon D3000, D5000 and the D90.
 
hi.

I bought the D5000. great piece of kit in my opinion.
solid build and quite easy to remember where the options are within the menu's.
got the battery grip as well, really made the balance of the camera miles better.

hope this helps a bit. :)
 
Lisa, what do you enjoy photographing in particular ? What would you like to progress to photographing ?
 
It's hard to give a recommendation since in the end it comes down to personal preference. I hear good things about Nikon D90, though I've never used Nikon myself. Another one to look at might be Canon 50D.

Best thing is to head down to local store and try them out and see which one you are more comfortable with.
 
If it were me, I'd be very tempted by the D90 (can get it for £600 new) and a couple of decent starter lenses like the 18-70 and the 35 1.8. All you need to get going!
 
For me its D90 or D5000 . . . I down sized from the 90 to the 5000 . . . lighter and the animated screen is a help with low and odd angle shots, I have knee problems and grey hair:lol:

Others will say Canon, at the end of the day, its what feels comfortable and how the image presents on the computer screen. Trip to the local camera emporium, a handful of SD cards, feel the balance, size and weight of the ones you fancy. Take a few test shot out side with each, I would suggest in dual JPG/RAW format, be sure the shop assistant resets the camera to 'factory default' before the test shots. There has been every one and his brother twiddling the knobs before you;) come home, put the pictures up and discuss . . . Dont forget to mark the cards:thumbs:

CJS

PS, the Nikon 18-105mm kit lens is a good starter! The 18-70mm is even better, pinsharp, I'm not sure if still in production . . . have to look used? Its what I use all most exclusivly.
 
pinktrainers said:
If it were me, I'd be very tempted by the D90 (can get it for £600 new) and a couple of decent starter lenses like the 18-70 and the 35 1.8. All you need to get going!
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Where have you seen it for £600 new is that just the body or with a lens? I seen it in Jessops today for £779 with the 18-105mm lens.

The things I mainly like to take pictures of are people, animals and scenery.
 
I started with a Canon 400d two years ago, then upgraded to the 500d so that I had the option of taking short movie clips. This together with a couple of good L lenses gives me everything I need. It's hard to keep the upgrade bug away though:D
 
Lissa said:
Where have you seen it for £600 new is that just the body or with a lens? I seen it in Jessops today for £779 with the 18-105mm lens.

The things I mainly like to take pictures of are people, animals and scenery.
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http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-D90-Body-UK-Only/dp/B001EO6W8A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1276346700&sr=1-2

Just over £600 on Amazon, and I believe there is a cashback offer on at the moment for about £60 back on top (offer ends very soon).

An 18-70 would be perfect for landscapes, maybe a 35 or 50 1.8 for people/candids/animals that are nearby. For more wildlife nature shots you'd probably be looking at a zoom lens like the 70-300 (though that is probably a tad over budget!).

EDIT: Sorry, forgot to say that's body only!
 
With your budget, I'd consider the following:

Camera body - low end to begin with as this is only half of what gets you good photos. For example, Nikon D3000 or D5000

Lenses - you will quickly find that you need more than one for what you like to do. For example Nikon 18-105VR kit lens is a good all round starter.

Memory cards - at least 2 4Mb cards (nothing worse than filling a card and not having a spare).

Batteries - at least one non-OEM spare (again nothing worse than running out)

Photo editing software - Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop Elements 8. You will want/need to process your photos to get the best from them.

A few good books - to help you learn and get the best out of an SLR.
 
If you go for the Nikon it's got to be the D5000 - way better than the '3k...

The Canon-users will tell you which Canon is the better option...
 
Lissa said:
Does no one on here have any recommendations? The few I had in mind atm were the Canon 450D, 550D and the Nikon D3000, D5000 and the D90.
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How big are you hands (and your handbags ;)), Lissa :shrug:?

The D90 is (slightly) bigger than the others on your list, which might help you with your decision. Personally, I find that anything smaller than a D90 very fiddly and hard to use, but if you have more petite palms :D, you may actually find the reverse.

A camera should feel at home in your hands, if you're going to using it often, IMHO :).
 
The ergonomics of the canon 50d over the xxxd series is worth considering, but perhap a good second hand body will allow you more option for better lenses and fall within your budget.
 
I recommend the D5k too - its brilliant. :)
 
three great entry level cameras i recommend are;

canon 550d/500d - either ones good enough, largest lens line up and autofocus motors built into the body unlike entry level nikons, however has IS in the lens and so can be expensive to purchase.

sony a550 - this is a super sexy beast and get excellent reviews, IS in body and so it will work with any lens you attach, also has CZ optics and miinolta lenses available however sony's lens line up can mean that some lenses that are sought after aren't available.

nikon d5000 - possibly the best entry level camera nikon have made, has excellent reviews and is the best choice if you want to go nikon however there is no autofocus motor and IS is in the lens.
 
450d-Soon to stop production if they have not already.
500d-
550d- both great cameras that benefit from having video. 550d has the same sensor and metering system as the 7d!

Nikon d90- apparently a great camera, similar to 500d and 550d

Pentax K-x, similar price to 500d and is suposed to be a really good camera. Huge lens selection also.

Or if you want small and prism/mirrorless then the Panasonic Lumix G2 micro four thirds camera is a blinder!!
 
Lissa - I suggest going into the shop and playing with the d5000 550d and the d90 for your price range. Go with your gut instinct about how they feel. The other tip I would give you is to think about what you want to photograph and what lenses you want or may want in future. I have a 550d and its great. However I still think the d90 was better all round .
 
just noticed you thought the d5000 was too heavy - in that case either a panasonic G2 or G11. If they are too heavy lots of people love the panasonic fz38
 
I actually got my new camera last week I ended up getting the Nikon D5000 I love it so much been snapping away like a crazy person:thumbs:
 
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