my first D-SLR.......any recommendations please?

[y2blade]

as you will know I have recently bought a new compact (Canon SX120IS, very impressive for a little compact) and now looking for my first D-SLR

I have always had Canon EOS SLRs in the past (I still have my old EOS 1000FN but it hasn't fired a shot in about 4 years) but have never had a D-SLR before so very excited about getting a "proper" camera

am I right in thinking Canon are up at the top?

prompt replies appreciated as i'll will be ordering today as I want it for the NEC bike show on friday


thank you in advance

[Nick M]

Budget ?

[y2blade]

how much do I need to spend?

I have in mind a MAX budget of £500 with lense

I was looking at these, but not i'm blinkered to Canon ONLY, although they are my personal preferance from past experiances (with D-compacts and non-Digital SLRs)
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Dig...

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Dig...


I will either order today online or buy one the way home from work to give me time to play about with whatever I go for ahead of Friday

thank you

[Robert C]

Canon users will say Canon is the way to go and Nikon users will say Nikon!

So that doesn't help.... !!!

You tend to get tied into a brand when you buy additional lenses and other accessories which often outlast the camera!

Most importantly if you are able to get into a store try to handle the cameras, looking at the Canon and comparable Nikon see which feels better in use to you.

Of the two Canons you have quoted I would go for the 450D, but do try to handle them before buying.

Robert

[nick_bbb]

I'm sure you'll be fine with either of those.

Don't expect to get great photos at the NEC though it's one of the worst venues to take photos. The light is appauling and there are three different colour temperatures.

[Mr E]

Robert C said:

Canon users will say Canon is the way to go and Nikon users will say Nikon!

I run Canons, and I'd say buy whatever your friends have so you can borrow/steal their lenses....

[jon-]

I'm canon too, and I'd say if you had a LOT of cash to spend get a D3 (or d3x) as they're just dreamy.

Given your budget i'd agree with the 450d, cracking IQ for the price. I'd even consider a used 400d as then you'll have some budget for glass.

[GetCarter]

Robert C said:

Canon users will say Canon is the way to go and Nikon users will say Nikon!

Nope! I suggest either Canon or Nikon. As mentioned they feel different in the hands. Quality between the two is virtually indistinguishable.

[y2blade]

thank you guys
just a thought, will I be able to use my EOS 1000FN lenses on either of the Canon D-SLRs?


might be a stupid question but I honestly don't know

also how many shots should I expect from the D-SLRs batterys? I usually take about 300pics

[jon-]

y2blade said:

thank you guys
just a thought, will I be able to use my EOS 1000FN lenses on either of the Canon D-SLRs?


might be a stupid question but I honestly don't know

also how many shots should I expect from the D-SLRs batterys? I usually take about 300pics

As long as the lenses are EF mounts, you'll be able to use them. You might not have AF etc though.

A 400/450d will do 300 pictures on a single battery depending on flash, temperature, chimping etc. An unbranded second battery is a cheap purchase and should be the first thing on the shopping list.

[Mr E]

jon- said:

A 400/450d will do 300 pictures on a single battery depending on flash, temperature, chimping etc. An unbranded second battery is a cheap purchase and should be the first thing on the shopping list.

My 400D would do something like 600 on the canon battery, and 300 on the ebay special backup battery.

[jon-]

My 400d must be getting tired then I do flash / chimp a lot though and have had it for years.

[Jag-D]

Ebay
Canon 10/20D
Lens
Battery grip
Memory
Extra Batteries
Backpack
Tripod
£500 well spent

[y2blade]

on thinking about it my lenses should fit (they are EF mount) no problem but will now be a bit old hat i'm sure, I haven't touched the EOS 1000FN in about 4/5 years and the lenses are prob 10 years old!!! doesnt time fly!

tbh i'll prob just mothball the old 1000FN and Lenses and buy new Lenses as and when I need them


thank you for the battery life info I will pick-up a 2nd battery at some point but shouldn't need one for Fridays use

[y2blade]

thank you ALL for the replies

I will be picking up my new camera tonight on the way home from work, I will decied which of the two Canons once i've handled them both

[onomatopoeia]

y2blade said:

on thinking about it my lenses should fit (they are EF mount) no problem but will now be a bit old hat i'm sure, I haven't touched the EOS 1000FN in about 4/5 years and the lenses are prob 10 years old!!! doesnt time fly!

Just because a lens is old doesn't mean it's outdated - if it was a good lens ten years ago it will still be a good lens (fungus etc notwithstanding). Some Minolta lenses made in the 1990s are highly sought after by people with Sony DSLRs. Even some older MD/MC (Minolta manual focus) Rokkor lenses command hundreds of pounds, as do some old M42 fit lenses.

[andy-xr]

One of my mates is selling a used 30D with grip and 18-50'ish for not much money. Less than your max budget

Let me know if you want me to put you in touch

[Marc W]

I've got a Canon Lens from the 80's that was originally for a film camera and it works fine Af and everything. I don't use it much anymore as its a bit worn out!

[Killwilly]

Marc W said:

I've got a Canon Lens from the 80's that was originally for a film camera and it works fine Af and everything. I don't use it much anymore as its a bit worn out!

Marc, the lens you refer to is I presume an FD lens, if so what DSLR do you use it on?

I am just about to purchase a Canon 450d and have a number of FD lenses, including a macro.

It would be brilliant if I could use them.

[Marc W]

I'm pretty sure its actually an early AF lens. I'll check when I get home and let you know.