First digital SLR - where to start?

[andy400]

Well, I used to be an SLR man, back in 35mm days. Then, when I went digital, I started with a compact with the intention of learning more then upgrading later. I fell in love, however, with having a small camera I could take anywhere and not have to lug a big, heavy SLR around anymore.

Currently reconsidering, as my friends and relatives with SLRs do get some very good photographs that I know I couldn't get with my compact. Thinking to have both, and only lug the big 'un around when appropriate.

Problem is, I have largely ignored all things SLR since going digital, and don't really know where to start. Any thoughts or tips greatly welcomed.

[y2blade]

andy400 said:

Well, I used to be an SLR man, back in 35mm days. Then, when I went digital, I started with a compact with the intention of learning more then upgrading later. I fell in love, however, with having a small camera I could take anywhere and not have to lug a big, heavy SLR around anymore.

Currently reconsidering, as my friends and relatives with SLRs do get some very good photographs that I know I couldn't get with my compact. Thinking to have both, and only lug the big 'un around when appropriate.

Problem is, I have largely ignored all things SLR since going digital, and don't really know where to start. Any thoughts or tips greatly welcomed.

same as me this time last year

I bought a EOS1000D and a SX120is late last year (I was SLR man for years until digital cameras came out then always bought Canon compacts)

the D-SLR is never used, everything I shoot and post is taken with the SX120is

think long and hard before you buy a D-SLR

[andy400]

y2blade said:

andy400 said:

Well, I used to be an SLR man, back in 35mm days. Then, when I went digital, I started with a compact with the intention of learning more then upgrading later. I fell in love, however, with having a small camera I could take anywhere and not have to lug a big, heavy SLR around anymore.

Currently reconsidering, as my friends and relatives with SLRs do get some very good photographs that I know I couldn't get with my compact. Thinking to have both, and only lug the big 'un around when appropriate.

Problem is, I have largely ignored all things SLR since going digital, and don't really know where to start. Any thoughts or tips greatly welcomed.

same as me this time last year

I bought a EOS1000D and a SX120is late last year (I was SLR man for years until digital cameras came out then always bought Canon compacts)

the D-SLR is never used, everything I shoot and post is taken with the SX120is

think long and hard before you buy a D-SLR

Funny, I've just been looking at the EOS1000D. What's the SX120is? Must check it out.

Will be thinking very hard - still not sure, just noticing the quality differences....

[y2blade]

andy400 said:

y2blade said:

andy400 said:

Well, I used to be an SLR man, back in 35mm days. Then, when I went digital, I started with a compact with the intention of learning more then upgrading later. I fell in love, however, with having a small camera I could take anywhere and not have to lug a big, heavy SLR around anymore.

Currently reconsidering, as my friends and relatives with SLRs do get some very good photographs that I know I couldn't get with my compact. Thinking to have both, and only lug the big 'un around when appropriate.

Problem is, I have largely ignored all things SLR since going digital, and don't really know where to start. Any thoughts or tips greatly welcomed.

same as me this time last year

I bought a EOS1000D and a SX120is late last year (I was SLR man for years until digital cameras came out then always bought Canon compacts)

the D-SLR is never used, everything I shoot and post is taken with the SX120is

think long and hard before you buy a D-SLR

Funny, I've just been looking at the EOS1000D. What's the SX120is? Must check it out.

Will be thinking very hard - still not sure, just noticing the quality differences....

Canon SX120is





since buying the pair of cameras the D-SLR has been used TWICE...the modern compacts are so good with all the menus and user adjustment in full manual mode I really don't see the need for a D-SLR unless you want/need and massive lens


the 10x optical along with a very good steady shot system make the SX120is perfect for pretty much every situation including trackday and motorsport photography

[y2blade]

I'm sure the "experts" on here will flame me for the above oh well

just giving my opinion as your situation reminded me very much of mine at the end of last summer

[-Pete-]

If you're ex 35mm then it's like SLR vs Compact back then, but the compacts now have super zooms (albeit with a small aperture). The main difference is the sensor size, SLR's are much bigger and therefore much better at catching whatever light is available. As an analogy, think of compacts being ISO 100 whereas SLR's can go to ISO 400 without detrimental effects.

I'd say go for a Canon or Nikon SLR with 6Mpix or more, use the kit lens and start taking pictures. Something like an EOS 350D would be a good start.

[pmanson]

I brought a 1000D earlier this year and love it.

Picture quality is much higher than the (old) Pentax Optio S5 it replaced. I love the flexbility of being able to change lenses altough I am considering an 18-200 to complement the 18-55 kit lens and Tamrom 70-300 I have.

[RobDickinson]

y2blade said:

I'm sure the "experts" on here will flame me for the above oh well

Hardly flame you , whatever works for you, no doubt the SLR is the better camera but if you never have it with you....

I bougth a prosumer (minolta A2) was ok but I quickly felt I should have bougth the canon 300D in stead. Shifted to a 350D and havnt looked back.