My first DSLR - new entry entry level or used higher end?

My first DSLR - new entry entry level or used higher end?

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Discussion

Snails

Original Poster:

915 posts

165 months

Friday 26th June 2015
quotequote all


Hi,

I am looking to buy myself a DSLR, however I can't decide if I should be looking for a entry-levelish camera or getting a used higher end camera. I am looking to spend around ~£500 and would prefer a Canon, based on little previous experience. I have been looking at the Canon 5D mark 1, but I don't know if some of its features will be wasted and should instead look to buy something like the canon 750D?

Cheers for any advice or recommendations.

AndrewEH1

4,917 posts

152 months

Friday 26th June 2015
quotequote all
A Canon 5D Mk1 is getting a little dated now to be honest. Plus it is full frame, very very slow shutter rate and no video and no potentially cheap EF-S lenses will fit.

Going used is a better idea really, as you can possibly get a much better camera for your money but I wouldn't recommend a 5D for a first DSLR.

Edited by AndrewEH1 on Friday 26th June 17:58

nellyleelephant

2,705 posts

233 months

Friday 26th June 2015
quotequote all
Have you got lenses (or lens!) in your budget?

.....also, what do you want to shoot? The 5D1 isn't exactly a feature laden camera, even compared to modern day "lower end" bodies.

JustinP1

13,330 posts

229 months

Friday 26th June 2015
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Tech moves quickly.

I'd go new, get the kit lens, use that for a bit and then see what you'd like to do next.

The next thing would likely be the Canon 50mm prime lens at £65 from Amazon.

PorscheGT4

21,146 posts

264 months

Saturday 27th June 2015
quotequote all
Snails said:
Hi,

I am looking to buy myself a DSLR, however I can't decide if I should be looking for a entry-levelish camera or getting a used higher end camera. I am looking to spend around ~£500 and would prefer a Canon, based on little previous experience. I have been looking at the Canon 5D mark 1, but I don't know if some of its features will be wasted and should instead look to buy something like the canon 750D?

Cheers for any advice or recommendations.
70D from Hdew for £599 its a mega thing

Snails

Original Poster:

915 posts

165 months

Saturday 27th June 2015
quotequote all
Thank you all for the replies, I hadn't really thought about the potential lens cost by going having a full frame.

I had been looking at the Canon 70d and 60d this afternoon. Are there any massive differences between them?

jmorgan

36,010 posts

283 months

Sunday 28th June 2015
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In my search I used DP review and Imaging resource, the compare camera feature (Imagine resource) was handy to check features off against another especially as I was buying second hand.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/cameras/compare/ and http://www.dpreview.com

There are many others I suppose.

fido

16,752 posts

254 months

Sunday 28th June 2015
quotequote all
I just gave away (or it felt like that) a Canon 70D with very low shutter count for £400 - and that's one of the best crop cameras.

Snails

Original Poster:

915 posts

165 months

Monday 29th June 2015
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I think I have narrowed it down to a Canon 70D or Nikon 7100, I just need to find one at the right price now.

Snails

Original Poster:

915 posts

165 months

Thursday 2nd July 2015
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I have ended up with a Canon 7D mark 1, however I need a lens. I have about £150 and again I am happy to buy used. Do anybody have any recommendations?

Tony1963

4,699 posts

161 months

Thursday 2nd July 2015
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I'll repeat what somebody posted earlier: what do you think you be photographing? General 'stuff'? Motorsport? Landscape? Portraits?

Snails

Original Poster:

915 posts

165 months

Thursday 2nd July 2015
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it will probably be majority landscapes, scenery, urban exploring, occasionally cars.

Tony1963

4,699 posts

161 months

Friday 3rd July 2015
quotequote all
Well in that case I'd say take a look at the canon 10-18mm. That's the equivalent of 16-29mm and is ideal for your needs unless you want to photograph motorsport. I'd put off buying something cheaper, if needs be.

NewNameNeeded

2,560 posts

224 months

Saturday 4th July 2015
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Snails said:
I think I have narrowed it down to a Canon 70D or Nikon 7100, I just need to find one at the right price now.
Now you're also looking at Nikon don't take the plunge until you've looked at the D300/D300s. They have a few nice features over the D7100. That would be where my money would go. 'Only' 12MP but wonderful cameras.

Tony1963

4,699 posts

161 months

Saturday 4th July 2015
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He has already bought a 7D.

LC2

253 posts

172 months

Sunday 5th July 2015
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Tony1963 said:
Well in that case I'd say take a look at the canon 10-18mm. That's the equivalent of 16-29mm and is ideal for your needs unless you want to photograph motorsport. I'd put off buying something cheaper, if needs be.
This... Plus put some budget aside for a decent tripod. If you're looking at urbex and landscapes, the tripod will be of more use than the IS.

jmorgan

36,010 posts

283 months

Sunday 5th July 2015
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I suppose it is no secret to many but I also use my tripod as a monopod.

wack

2,103 posts

205 months

Monday 6th July 2015
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Save up more money, you've bought a good body, new lenses in that price range will be disappointing

My advice would be to buy a canon 50mm f/1.8 , it won't be wide enough for landscapes but it's a lens that should be in your bag because the picture quality for what it's costs is excellent

If you buy a cheap zoom you'll be disappointed.

I used a 7d and 70-200 f4 shooting Motorsport but had to sell it when I lost my job, I bought a cheap DLSR and lens to get back into it but compared to the shots I was taking I was really disappointed and it put me off completely