Which DSLR to buy?

Mickwreay

Mickwreay

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Mick
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Hi all,

I have been using a Fuji Finepix S7000, semi DSLR for around 4 years now & have had some excellent results.

I now want to move to a full DSLR, and would like to get some advice as to which camera to buy?
I have around £1000 to spend & would like to get a couple of lenses, again advice on which lenses are the most practical for a keen amateur.

Is it better to buy separately or try & broker a deal on a kit?

Do any particular manufacturers offer a longer warranty than standard 12 months?

Thanks in advance.
:help:
 
Welcome to the mad house :D

The most common advice is to get down to your local camera shop and feel the camera's in your hand and see which feels better, if you would consider 2nd hand have a look atthe cameras in the shop and then look through the classified on here...

A handy thing to know wouldbe what sort of photography your into for advice on lenses etc...

The biggest advice I would give anyone buying a camera and lenses is to be careful when buying a twin lens bundle, the common zoom with canon kit is the Tamron 70-300 which tbf is a naff lens it would be better buying the camera and saving/spending pennies on a decent zoom, if it is a zoom that you require...

If your buying new kit check what you are buying before you buy, buy once and buy properly otherwise you can find your self throwing a lot of money away :D
 
Thanks mate.
I don't stick to any one subject tbh, wildlife when possible. I have some great shots from the Falkland Islands but that particular trip is now off my agenda thankfully :-)

I spend a lot of time in the Lake District & want a lens for general scenes & also a decent zoom.

Ta
 
Consider the Panasonic G1, a bargain at the moment and the kit lens is superb, plus the very affordable 45-200 (90-400 in 35mm terms) performs very well but with limited image stabiliser function. We used one for training and I really fell for it, wonderfully light when out walking and lenses fit in pockets.
 
LOL My bro-in-law has to go to the falklands semi regularly with the MOD and apparently it's the dullest place on the planet so don't envy you on that front...

In terms of camera 1k new would be pushing it to get a good body, wide angle and zoom so would suggest getting a body and the lens that your most likely to use so if wildlife zoom, if landscape wide angle etc...

I was in the same boat looking for a DSLR back in feb, played with the different models and settled on the Canon 500D and have not for a second regretted it, it's a great camera and love what I have learnt with it in the last couple of months. My only gripe with the entry level models is the weight which I have rectified by putting a battery grip on it which gives the camera a more stable feel.

Based on my experiences (so yes I am being biased :D) a 500D would be a great starting point, new from Jessops £549 with the 18-55mm IS lens which although not the best can produce some very good results and the Canon 70-300 IS USM which is an absolutely cracking zoom lens which I got what I think are some stunning results. That would fit under your budget and cover most of what you are looking for with adequate lenses.

There are better lenses out there but at a cost, I've had equipmentitis for the last couple of months and upgraded for various reasons, I got good results before the upgrades but would recommend that setup to anyone looking to spend a grand or less if you shop around :D :D :D
 
If you're not fussed for the video function, and you want to buy new rather than 2nd hand, then I'd go for this to get you started: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B001G5ZBP2/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new

50D is an awesome camera for wildlife, and anything else for that matter, and the included lens is a good all-rounder.....not the greatest lens ever, but it's a very good "all in one" option, which will be great if you're a beginner to DSLR's!

If you do want the 550D and those two lenses you mentioned, then buy it here: http://www.jacobsdigital.co.uk/index.php?target=products&product_id=101505 and save yourself roughly £100!!! ;)
 
Bodies come and go relatively rapidly, lenses are the things you want to use to make your choice.

Look at the photo's you've already taken with your Fuji and find the focal length you use most (and also how long you want to be able to zoom) and then look at the lenses available from the different makes and use that to base your decision on.
 
Mickwreay said:
Cheers mate, I might as well look at the newer models while I can afford it. Would you recommend a different lens set?

Ta.
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50D and the 550D are the latest models in their respective ranges, the 550D while fancier on paper is still an entry level consumer camera body....it might have 3 more megapixels, and the video function, but the 50D is pretty much equal or better in every other way!

Go to your local camera shop, handle them both and feel the difference!! :thumbs:
 
If i were you and had £1000 to spend i would look at a second hand 450d body from the classifieds (£250-300), a canon 70-200 f4 L zoom lens (£400) and possibly a good general walkabout lens like the sigma 17-70 f/2.8-45 macro or the tamron 17-50 f/2.8 which are both fantastic lenses and very versatile (and will cover landscapes to portaits).

The only thing you would be missing from that lot is an Ultrawide, but the 17mm focal range is still useful for landscapes here. The canon 70-200 f4 L is a top quality zoom and will blow your socks off for wildlife pics!

this would put you at about £900-£950.
 
Slimbert said:
Both links show a D700? :thinking:
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thats really weird...

click dslr bundle kits and go to either cannon or nikon to view the bundles... they have a 50d bundle with 3 lenses for 999, or a nikon d90 with 3 lenses for roughly 950.

if i copy and paste the links it brings up the d700 for some weird reason :bonk:


right, found reaosn why, they have a strange url redirect going on from my bookmark.

here is the d90 kit:

http://hdewcameras1-px.rtrk.co.uk/a-nikon-d90-with-5-lens-pro-starter-kit-431-p.asp


here is the canon kit:

http://hdewcameras1-px.rtrk.co.uk/canon-50d-with-5-lens-pro-starter-kit-404-p.asp
 
Although great performers for the money the 18-55 and particularly the 55-250 have very poor build quality with lots of lightweight plastic- mounts included. Maybe not the best for the outdoor life.
 
phototuition said:
Although great performers for the money the 18-55 and particularly the 55-250 have very poor build quality with lots of lightweight plastic- mounts included. Maybe not the best for the outdoor life.
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OK, now I am dissappearing up my own ignorance!

I have looked at the EOS 550D & the Nikon D90, both seem to get good reviews. The main reason for buying new is the warranty.

If the standard lenses are poor quality, I take it I'm better getting one good quality lens that will cover most situations.

Could you recommend a couple to go with either of the above?

I can up my price range a couple of hundred, but as I am only a keen amateur I don't want to go crazy!
 
D90 plus 16-85mm? or 550d plus 17-85mm ? Certainly consider a 50mm f1.8 for low light indoor portriats both Nikon and Canon do a very plasticky xlnt optically cheapie. I'd hold off on longer lenses until you eally need them.
 
If you buy a new camera body then all you will be able to afford are (not-so) cheap plastic lenses. My advice still stands to buy a second hand body from the classifieds. Most people are happy to provide a shutter count which gives you a good indication of how much a camera has been used - 100,000 clicks is the average shutter life. I got my 400d with under 5,000 clicks and the plastic cover still on the LCD!

People on here tend to look after their stuff. You might even get a camera body that's still within its warranty.

That way you can afford an L class zoom lens and a good walkabout lens. Think about it! Why spend all that money on *****e glass?
 
bomberman said:
If you buy a new camera body then all you will be able to afford are (not-so) cheap plastic lenses. My advice still stands to buy a second hand body from the classifieds. Most people are happy to provide a shutter count which gives you a good indication of how much a camera has been used - 100,000 clicks is the average shutter life. I got my 400d with under 5,000 clicks and the plastic cover still on the LCD!

People on here tend to look after their stuff. You might even get a camera body that's still within its warranty.

That way you can afford an L class zoom lens and a good walkabout lens. Think about it! Why spend all that money on *****e glass?
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Thanks mate; I'm listening to all advice & looking around the web.

I live near Durham, just wondering if there is a good independent camera shop anywhere near, which the members would recommend.

I want to go into a shop & speak to someone who knows their poop, as opposed to the main stream shops who simply want your £££.

Sorry if I'm asking a lot of dumb questions, but I have the artistic side of photography but not the Tech knowledge to match.

Would the members recommend joining a club or taking a night class?


What does the “L” Class zoom mean?
:bonk:
 
Mickwreay said:
So, a Cannon 500D, plus a Canon 70-200mm EF f4L USM and a Canon 50mm EF F1.8 Mk II for everyday?
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Sounds a good starter set-up to me, but I'd definitely recommend getting a wider zoom lens....if you buy a brand new 500D, buy a "kit", with the 18-55mm "IS" lens included, like this one http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy...8_1273771679_ffd566d13099e9398fca9474eb1339f5 As a wide zoom lens, it'll be good enough to get you started, way better than the non "IS" lens which is a bit :gag:
 
Mickwreay said:
Define a wider zoom lens please?
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We are getting in to the real basics of camera equipment, this link will explain it far better than I ever could! ;) I'd recommend you take a few minutes to read all of it, but post 6 is titled "Lens Focal Length" which will explain what wide and long angle means!

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=99841

It might all seem a little daunting at first, but stick with it, read it as many times as you need, and it'll soon start to sink in properly! :thumbs:
 
Only thing to add here is if you go the Nikon way, Stick with the D90 rather than the D5000, it will save you a fortune in the long run with future lens upgrades :thumbs:

Im really happy with my D5000, just miffed with having to buy motorised lenses at huge price over non motorised. Not sure if it's the same on Canon gear.
 
Slimbert said:
We are getting in to the real basics of camera equipment, this link will explain it far better than I ever could! ;) I'd recommend you take a few minutes to read all of it, but post 6 is titled "Lens Focal Length" which will explain what wide and long angle means!

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=99841

It might all seem a little daunting at first, but stick with it, read it as many times as you need, and it'll soon start to sink in properly! :thumbs:
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Thanks mate, there is a load of good gen there, and I WILL take the time to read it.

As I said earlier, I am a keen amateur & want experienced advice on good equipment. I realise there is a lot to learn, but that's why people like me come to ask the advice from experienced photographers.

I will probably never fully understand the in-depth nature of the photography world, but do I need to? That’s not meant to sound pompous or rude, but it’s the truth in my situation.

I just want a good outfit to make the most of my “eye for a picture”
 
Mickwreay said:
but that's why people like me come to ask the advice from experienced photographers.
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And there is no better place for that than talkphotography! :thumbs:

Mickwreay said:
I will probably never fully understand the in-depth nature of the photography world,
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Nor me :eek:

Mickwreay said:
but do I need to?
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No! ;)

Mickwreay said:
I just want a good outfit to make the most of my “eye for a picture”
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Honestly, in my very humble opinion, that list of kit is a very very good starter set....and unless you get the upgrade bug, or start to take things more seriously, then it'll last you ages! Aside from a tripod, bag, memory card etc, that list is all you really need to get going...!! :thumbs:
 
So, a Cannon 500D, plus a Canon 70-200mm EF f4L USM and a Canon 50mm EF F1.8 Mk II for everyday?
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No, because you won't be able to take any landscape shots. You will be covered for wildlife with the 70-200 zoom, you will be covered for portraits with the 50mm, but you will not be covered for any shots where you need to "fit it all in". (Hills/mountains).

Put your hands together and point them forwards. Now keep your wrists together and open your hands as much as you can to make a "v" shape. This is a WIDE as they will go - it's the same concept with a lens. The wider the lens, the more you can see. 10mm is VERY wide. 17mm is where most standard zoom lenses start. This is quite wide and will suit you for landscapes just fine.

If you just get a 70-200 and a 50mm, then 50mm will be as "wide" as you can go. No good for landscapes whatsoever. This is why a sigma 17-70 or a tamron 17-50 (or indeed the canon kit lens 18-55mm IS) is essential. This should be your priority lens as its the one you'll use in the most situations.

The package slimbert linked to is a great deal, and with the money left over from your £1000 budget, you will have £400 to get the amazing Canon 70-200 f4 L. That is the best lens you can afford for wildlife on your budget.
 
bomberman said:
No, because you won't be able to take any landscape shots. You will be covered for wildlife with the 70-200 zoom, you will be covered for portraits with the 50mm, but you will not be covered for any shots where you need to "fit it all in". (Hills/mountains).

Put your hands together and point them forwards. Now keep your wrists together and open your hands as much as you can to make a "v" shape. This is a WIDE as they will go - it's the same concept with a lens. The wider the lens, the more you can see. 10mm is VERY wide. 17mm is where most standard zoom lenses start. This is quite wide and will suit you for landscapes just fine.

If you just get a 70-200 and a 50mm, then 50mm will be as "wide" as you can go. No good for landscapes whatsoever. This is why a sigma 17-70 or a tamron 17-50 (or indeed the canon kit lens 18-55mm IS) is essential. This should be your priority lens as its the one you'll use in the most situations.

The package slimbert linked to is a great deal, and with the money left over from your £1000 budget, you will have £400 to get the amazing Canon 70-200 f4 L. That is the best lens you can afford for wildlife on your budget.
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Thanks again for the “layman’s” description; it really helps when stuff is put into descriptions like this.

I took all the above advice & went to my local camera shop, I spent a while listening to the fella describing the pros & cons of many cameras. However he now has me very interested in the Canon EOS 50D + 17-85mm IS USM Lens.

I must admit, it’s a lovely feeling camera & seems streets ahead of the 550D & the Nikon D90.
 
Its on a par with the nikon d90 but it is a very good camera.
If your budget will go that far then i cannot see that you would regret it... dont forget though that extra to your budget you will need to consider things like a flashgun, a bag, cleaning equipment, a decent strap, possible a tripod, filters and so on...
 
Mickwreay said:
I must admit, it’s a lovely feeling camera & seems streets ahead of the 550D
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Love to say I told you so!! :lol:

I don't think you'll go far wrong with that kit, apart from being a little "soft" sometimes, the 17-85mm lens is a decent place to start. You might need to add another longer lens though as 85mm doesn't give you much reach and you might find yourself wanting to get closer to your subjects.....

On a side note, did you get the hard sell from your local camera shop? A good relationship with a good local shop can be a very valuble thing.....and quite rare these days! :thumbs: It's usually worth paying a few quid more and having a local point of contact should anything go wrong.....distance buying is fine, but distance warranty claims etc can be a right PITA!! ;)
 
Slimbert said:
Love to say I told you so!! :lol:

On a side note, did you get the hard sell from your local camera shop? A good relationship with a good local shop can be a very valuble thing.....and quite rare these days! :thumbs: It's usually worth paying a few quid more and having a local point of contact should anything go wrong.....distance buying is fine, but distance warranty claims etc can be a right PITA!! ;)
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You certainly did tell me!!

The shop owner was far from a “hard sell” salesman, he spent around 30 mins talking to me.
The price was in-line with all the prices I have found £978 plus £65 cash back from Cannon. And as you say, I will have a point of contact for any faults.
 
Well, I got the deal done.

Cannon EOS 50D, 17-85 IS USM Lens kit.

Got Currys to price match Jacobs £939.99
Got their 5 year "whatever Happens" for £150 from £187.

Plus the £65 cash back.

Total £1020.99

Here's to finding them winning pics now!

Cheers for all the advice lads/lasses

Mick :clap:
 
I moved up from a Finepix 7000 to the Sony A350 because of the live view. The Sony A550 is well within your budget.
 
Don't discount the Sony range. The A450/500/550 are by all accounts excellent cameras.

It's understandable that most recommendations lean towards Canon and Nikon, as they have the largest user base. It's really not true that there is no "pro-grade" kit available for the Sony system. The assumption made by equipment fanatics is that you will upgrade all the way to professional kit, which most people certainly won't. Even if you did, there are 2 Sony FF bodies available at the moment, and it's likely that there will be more soon. They have previously had a reputation for poor high ISO performance, but this has also now been rectified.

Lots of very good Sony, Minolta and 3rd party lenses available, in body stabilisation and supposedly the best live-view system out there ATM.

EDIT: Sorry, just seen you have bagged a 50D - great choice - now to get out there and take some pictures!
 
warhouse express are doing £65 cashback on the canon 50d which makes it£630 plus get the canon 70 200 like a lot of folk are saying save up for a tamron 17 50 2.8 £262 from one stop .i brought cheap lenses to start with but i soon out grew them
 
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