What Camera?

[MrStorm]

Hopefully this sort of thread is appropriate for this section, I'm having major difficulties deciding on a camera to replace my current FujiFilm HS20EXR.

Ideally I'd like to buy something used to try and get more bang for my buck so mpb photographic will most likely be getting my business.

Currently have a budget of around £300-£350 to buy a body and have also side budgeted enough to acquire an 18-55mm kit lens and a 50mm prime f1.8.

I was considering buying something along the lines of a Nikon D40 or D80 then using them whilst saving up for either a Canon 5D Mk2 or Nikon D700.

I'm in no way a pro tog so the easier to use D40/D80 appealed as it would give me a chance to properly master a DSLR before venturing into the more pro orientated 5D or D700.

So, long story short, am I better buying an entry level camera first and developing my skills that way or should I be buying the pro user camera straight away and skip the entry level altogether?

Either way, can anyone recommend any used bargains within my current budget or even some not in my budget that I should be saving for as with so many cameras on the market I'm finding it nigh on impossible to decide which one is right for me from either range?

Thanks in advance.

 

[rjbell]

You have a manual control camera now. There is nothing you can learn on the d40/d80 that you can't learn on your hs20. I would keep saving.

 

[ernesto]

Whether the camera is entry level or pro will have no bearing on the skills you learn. The pro level cameras do a better job (higher IQ, faster, more features, better built etc,.) but still use the same basis of shutter, aperture and ISO to get exposure.
They also do the better job slightly differently so until you know which one best suits, after getting to grips with a lower model and knowing the shortcomings that matter to you (if indeed there are any), it would be better to start lower - unless you have money to burn in which case buy whatever you like, it is only money

 

[MrStorm]

You have a manual control camera now. There is nothing you can learn on the d40/d80 that you can't learn on your hs20. I would keep saving.

thanks for the reply, I should have said, I'm wanting to change to DSLR over the HS20 as I'm noticing the limitations of picture quality and feel I will be able to get clearer and sharper images by changing.

 

[MrStorm]

Whether the camera is entry level or pro will have no bearing on the skills you learn. The pro level cameras do a better job (higher IQ, faster, more features, better built etc,.) but still use the same basis of shutter, aperture and ISO to get exposure.
They also do the better job slightly differently so until you know which one best suits, after getting to grips with a lower model and knowing the shortcomings that matter to you (if indeed there are any), it would be better to start lower - unless you have money to burn in which case buy whatever you like, it is only money

thanks for the reply, yeah the reason I had asked was I noticed that the likes of the D40x and D80 has little helpers built in that would meter the scene before you take the shot and give advice of things that may need changed therefore teaching me a few tips and tricks whereas the pro cameras would give technically better shots but no advice if I'm doing it wrong lol.

budget is very much an issue but im hoping better images from a DSLR could maybe earn me some money towards the pro camera that will hopefully follow.