Which starter DSLR ?

S

Sesame

Messages
101
Name
Sesame
Edit My Images
No
Hi Guys,

Thanks for taking the time to look at my thread.
I'm afraid its another newbie question about which DSLR to buy.

I am a complete beginner & this will be my 1st DSLR.

My shortlist includes the following (in price order I believe):
- Nikon D3100 (Fast falling of the list - no body motor & res of LCD)
- Canon 550D
- Canon 60D
- Nikon D7000
NOTE I haven't included the D90 as its a little older & the above have newer tech)

As I've said I'm a newcomer and want to initially get into Digital Photography as a serious hobby.
I'd like to photograph Sports, Family incl. kids, landscapes, pretty much everything.

I'm going to buy from a High Street store rather than the internet due to service & 0% Finance so price isn't an issue with the above list.
(i wasn't sure if naming shops was allowed)

I've been into a store to have a feel, the D7000 & Canon 60D felt nice and fitted well into my larger hands.
The 550D felt a little small and a little uncomfortable but could be acceptable too.

I'm hoping the one I choose will last me a couple of years at least to get a greater understanding of photography moving forward.

So what do we think? I'm sure you'll have questions for me too.

Thanks again,

Sesame.
 
Last edited:
Sesame said:
.....
I've been into a store to have a feel, the D7000 & Canon 60D felt nice and fitted well into my larger hands.
The 550D felt a little small and a little uncomfortable but could be acceptable too.............
Click to expand...


Firstly hi:wave:

You have done the best thing and got your hands on some kit and narrowed it down to what feels best

To be honest either of the brands will suit you well and are comparable in their respective upgrade paths and capabilities once you get hooked:D

When i first started i ended up with Canon as that is the one that felt best to me.

At the end of the day it's personal choice, go with the one that felt the best and was easiest to use as it is you that will have to use it:thumbs:
Once you have made your choice get out there and enjoy it.


Don't forget that 2nd hand can also be a good option, plenty of nice kit comes up for sale on the forums, thank you have to be here for a while though.
 
Last edited:
Hi,

I went into a couple of shops today and a couple of other cameras were put into the mix:

- Canon 7D
- Nikon D300s

I'm just getting more confused....

Please help !
 
Nowt wrong with a D90, it may be a bit older, but it can still stand up on its own.

The D300s is a semi pro type camera, and has a price to match. You may find the choice of options bewildering, it doesnt have any auto modes apart from Program auto as far as Im aware.

My vote would be a Nikon D90, or if you have the cash a D7000.
 
Another vote for the D90.

Its a step up from the entry level cameras but still very easy to use. Also the prices seem to be quite good on them at the moment with a lot of people trading them in for a D7000

Plus I might be wrong but i'm not sure if any of the Canons you listed have an in body motor either!
 
All canon lenses have the motor, so its not needed in body.
 
Sorry can the noob ask a quick question?

Does that mean old secondhand lenses will be out the question for Canon ?

Sounds like we have alot of backing for the D90. Even though it is a little older technology...would you consider the 550D too ?

&

Are the warranties transferable?
 
Last edited:
Any Canon EF or EFS lens will work with a crop sensor Canon body, so thats all Canons except the 5d, 5dMkII and some of the 1 series. You wont have a problem findng lenses!

The 550d is nice, but quite small and not as well built as the D90.

Nikon warranties are not, Canon warranties technically arent, but they seem to be quite easy going about it.
 
I'd probably prefer a D300s to a D7000 as it's much more ergonomic with much better control layout, even though it is not as "high tech" as the D7000.

The difference is that the D300s is a "compact pro" form factor vs the D7000 which is more of a "enthusiast consumer" body.
 
Another vote for a D90 here unless you can afford to D300s :thumbs:

The D90 has the same sensor as the D300, but a plastic body rather than a magnesium chassis, and is top end consumer rather than lower end professional. I can't see me changing mine until I can afford (or justify) a full frame D700 or something.
 
Since you already felt the camera on your hand, the 550D is too small for you and you did mention not as comfortable as D7000 and 60D.

The 60D is selling for its vari-angle LCD screen and video mode, while the D7000 has the newest technology. If you are comparing the two, D7000 looks like a winner here. If you haven't felt the Nikon D90 yet, you should compare it with the D7000 before making the purchase.

What lenses are you going to get?
 
What lenses are you going to get?
- kit 18-105 for starters...

I do liike the feel of the d90 too, but am mindful that others have newer tech.
 
If you are a newbie- before you spend a shed load of money it may be an idea to start with a cheaper camera and kit lens , see if you like it and learn how to use it properly!
Some of the Cameras you are listing are not newbie friendly - I know from experience.
 
Overexposed said:
it may be an idea to start with a cheaper camera and kit lens , see if you like it and learn how to use it properly!

Some of the Cameras you are listing are not newbie friendly
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same as this!

I have just bought a second hand Canon 450D and Sigma 18-50 F2.8 lens and although I have been using a bridge camera for over a year I am still learning about setting up the camera correctly. I still find myself doing 'test shots' in scenes modes to see what the camera would take, and then tweaking it for my 'actual shot'. I know some may view this as cheating but I find this as a good way to learn about setting up the camera.

From discussions with others I understand that the D3100 has very good IQ and scenes modes, this may be a good route for you.
 
Overexposed said:
If you are a newbie- before you spend a shed load of money it may be an idea to start with a cheaper camera and kit lens , see if you like it and learn how to use it properly!
Some of the Cameras you are listing are not newbie friendly - I know from experience.
Click to expand...

Thanks for taking the time to reply...

Which ones are you referring to?

&

What cheaper one would you suggest?


DaveKing said:
From discussions with others I understand that the D3100 has very good IQ and scenes modes, this may be a good route for you.
Click to expand...

Thank for your reply, are these discussions online?
 
I'm not sure where I read it, but from the Nikon website:

"Taking photos like these is easy with D3100's Guide Mode - in-camera guidance that shows you step-by-step how to change camera settings. Just select a Guide Mode setting that matches the scene then let Guide Mode assist. Not only will you obtain the desired results, you'll understand how you achieved them. Guide Mode even displays sample photos so you'll know what to expect from each setting"

http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/lineup/digitalcamera/slr/d3100/
 
TCR4x4 said:
The D300s is a semi pro type camera, and has a price to match. You may find the choice of options bewildering, it doesnt have any auto modes apart from Program auto as far as Im aware.
Click to expand...

Two and a half year's ago I was in the same position as yourself - a complete newbie as far as DSLRs were concerned.

My advice would be to avoid the D300S and 7D. They are aimed at experienced enthusiasts rather than newbies.

Buy a camera which has plenty of auto modes. Start out with these, until you get the basic feel of the camera, and then progress to program and shutter priority modes.

One of the huge advantages of modern, consumer DSLRs is that they scale their complexity very well. You can take it out of the box, slot in a memory card and charged battery and then take decent photos in one of the auto modes. As you gain in experience, then you can explore all the other complexities of the camera.

I've found the John Wiley digital field guides very helpful. Have a root around Amazon to see if there's one for whichever camera you decide to buy.

Good luck!
 
Sesame said:
Thanks for taking the time to reply...

Which ones are you referring to?

&

What cheaper one would you suggest?




Thank for your reply, are these discussions online?
Click to expand...


The 550d and the D3100 are most suitable even dare i say it a D3000
Remember the weight too - if you dont want to carry it about you wont want to take pictures. Ask yourself too ,do I really need a flexible LCD and is the LCD resolution that important ( where do you view your photos most?) unless you want to use live view and I guess you won't for a good while.
I swapped back from a D90 to a D3100 - it was the best thing I ever did- smaller lighter ,easier to undertsand - I was seduced by a load of techno babble - it will take a long time to outgrow a 550d or a D3100 , the 550d is probably more flexible in terms of lenses, the Nikon is nicer to use (My opinion)
and by the time you have you will want something better , thats the time to really drop the cash, byt then you'll know exactly what you want and why - if you just end up using it for snaps, travel you dont need a D7,60d D7000 a 550. 3000/3100 wont disappoint and you won't lose the same sort of money when you want to upgrade as there will always be someone who will buy them
 
Rather than spending loads of money you obv don't have as you are looking at finance options, I'd go for something cheaper, secondhand, then buy some more lenses when you know what you want and can afford them. I started off with a D40, which was great because I got to know the camera and how to use a DSLR, and now I really appreciate the upgrade!

You will probably be able to pick up a D7000 secondhand in 6-12 months for a lot less, and you'll know how to use it by then.
 
If you like it you will grow out of the camera fairly quickly and want for mooooooore :)

D7000 (colleague here has one) seems to be a cross between the easy to use (scene mode) and the enthusiast (P, A, S and M Modes). Handles well and seemed to be well built, plus you can grow into it as the high iso and megapixels should keep you using it for several years.

Then again, its pricy for a starter and you still need lenses... So how about a d70 or d80 second hand. No movie mode, but should be decent. Get yourself a walk about lens if it doesn't come with a kit lens and perhaps one or two of the following:

18-55mm (kit lens?)
70-300mm (100ukp) f4-f5.6 I think... (long zoom)

50mm f1.8 (100ukp) portraits
30mm f1.4 sigma (300ukp - slightly wider)
90mm tamron (not sure of pricing but can do macro and 3x optical zoom...)

All depends on budget and what you like to shoot, which you might not know yet... ;)

the 50, 30 and 90 will probably be a lot crisper on the pictures, and I say the d70/d80 because they have the motor in the body for the AF lens, new and old...


Just a thought tho :)
 
I would probably get one with the video, because its useful to have for family stuff when you are just carrying the dslr around.

I prefer Nikon to Canon only because I started with one and they feel nicer.

Personally I would aim for the D300s as it builds upon an outstanding camera the D300. The D7000 is more enthusiast consumer as said above.

What I don't know is that if you are comfortable spending this much money on a starter kit whether you should just bite the bullet and get a FX instead of a DX body

sam
 
Do "newbies" actually find the "scene" modes on consumer DSLRS genuinely useful or do they simply use them because they are on the dial?

Even when I was a total noob with my D70s & 18-70 kit lens back in 2006 I don't remember ever using the "scene" functions, and mainly used the aperture/shutter priority modes till I had understood more and gone fully manual.

I think they are really just a marketing gimmic more than anything else.
 
boliston said:
Do "newbies" actually find the "scene" modes on consumer DSLRS genuinely useful or do they simply use them because they are on the dial?

Even when I was a total noob with my D70s & 18-70 kit lens back in 2006 I don't remember ever using the "scene" functions, and mainly used the aperture/shutter priority modes till I had understood more and gone fully manual.
Click to expand...
I'd have to agree with this, when I picked mine up I went straight to full manual and started twiddling dials. Worked out ok :)

I just got a Canon 500d and this is great for me at the moment. If you can get 0% why not look at better glass as it makes a huge difference in IQ and get a slightly cheaper body? (provided you can get 0% on lenses I suppose)
 
Thanks for all the replies guys....I'm getting more and more confused to which way I should go... I kinda enjoy the feeling though...

I spent some time in another shop today having a play...with a few cameras...mostly D7000, D3100, 550D & 60D.

The more I have these cameras in my hands the more I am warming to Nikon ergonomics, button layouts & Menus.
A simple layout feature where the ISO switch is pressed with your left hand and the dial to change the setting is with your right hand felt better than having them both on the right hand on the Canon.

I also keep hearing people saying to but 2nd hand to learn D40, D60, D70 & D80 all mentioned.
& I am mindful that as I am a TOTAL noob, I may try it and not really get into it fully - doubt that though.

I have said I'm not too bothered with video capability as primarily I want to just take pictures, should I say learn how to take great pictures.

If I were to look down the used route where would be the best places to look?

Once again thanks for all your input and assisting me in my journey into Digital Photography.

Sesame
 
Last edited:
1st stop, the forum boards... If you scroll down on the main list there is a trading section, nikon and canon. Have a browse as bodies and lenses are there.

Shops wise, possibly London Camera Exchange or some other second hand camera shop. If you are near Reading there are loads to browse there. Or look for Park Cameras or Grays in London.

If you dont mind taking a chance there is Ebay, once you've decided on a camera and approx price...

If you buy new, then check with jessops on the 0% finance. Think they do a year for items over 400 or something.

Also perhaps check a magazine, adverts throughout and at the rear.
 
Not trying to confuse you more but I started out just over a year ago and am now on my fourth NIKON body :gag:

I stupidly bought a D40 (without seeing or trying it first) and if felt very light and dare I say cheap to me. I sold it the same week and replaced it with a D200 and this was bliss, everything about this camera oozed quality and my photos were (to me) a major step up from the D40 and excellent, I was totally justified in my panic switch to the D200. I used this one for many months and was very happy till I convinced myself that I needed higher ISO, 100% viewfinder etc. This was how I justified my D300 upgrade (300s is the video version) to me anyway. I must say I didn't enjoy the D300 as much as the D200 and I am not even sure why. It was in effect a beauty and took stunning photos but unhappy I was. Now I have a D700 and probably it's more camera than I can handle (before anyone else says it) but I love it. I have none of the small questionable problems of the D40 or the D300 and am fighting to come to grips with ALL the options available to me now.

My advice is to take a little extra time to think about the amount of use you will get from your camera and if you think you will be giving it some heavy use get a semi pro/pro body and grow into it. I use mine every day and haven't looked back, if you get stuck there are people on TP only too happy to help you out and although this is not the advice that most here would give, I would if given it again go straight for a D200 semi pro body second hand as you will not lose too much if anything on resale and if after a couple of months you fall in love with your hobby upgrade. I haven't lost money on any of my body sales when upgrading. YET. This will mean you can spend more on the Oh so important glass too.

EDIT - MPB the forum advertiser in the top right of the banner on this page have D200 D300 and D700's for sale at the moment.
 
Last edited:
boliston said:
Do "newbies" actually find the "scene" modes on consumer DSLRS genuinely useful or do they simply use them because they are on the dial?
Click to expand...

I do, I dont learn very well from a book as I am a touch / experience learner. Therefore by using the scene modes I can see exactly what the camera is doing from the scene mode from the EXIF data. Using this data I can then set up my camera and use this setting as a base point. Ie I recently took a portrait picture with the sun setting, I used the portrait setting on the camera and took the exif data from it. I then extended the shutter time and kept the flash on and this gave a great photo with the sun setting behind. I wouldn't of been able to do this before as I had only had the camera a few days and didnt know what setting I should use!
 
Some advice based on my ridiculously long search for my 1st SLR! :)

  1. Set a budget
  2. Go to camera shops and handle the cameras within your budget made by brands you are interested in (Canon and Nikon obviously, personally I'd include Pentax now as well, but many here wouldn't)
  3. Buy the one you like the feel of most! They are all so good it really doesn't matter which you pick - there isn't really a wrong decision!
  4. Go out, shoot lots, and enjoy your new camera!
I hope that helps!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top