First DSLR £500

[Pothole]

Jessops have Canon EOS500D at £489 and Nikon D3100 both with 18-55mm Lens, although Canon says it's IS and Nikon VR, whatever that means.

Any others I should be looking out for?

[RobDickinson]

Either would be good.

IS and VR are the same thing, image stabalisation, helps combat handshake/camera movement, doesnt help too much with moving subjects tho.

Go try them out see which works best for you its the most important aspect thesedays.

[Simpo Two]

RobDickinson said:

IS and VR are the same thing, image stabalisation, helps combat handshake/camera movement, doesnt help too much with moving subjects tho.

And really not necessary except on long lenses.

[Pothole]

Thing is I've only used my point and shoot compact digital really so I'm not sure what I'm looking for. I'd like it to be ready to shoot quickly and be fully auto but with some overrides so I can play about when I have time.

ETA: thanks for the input and no bickering about minor technicalities, please!!!

Edited by Pothole on Wednesday 10th November 19:19

[RobDickinson]

Simpo Two said:

RobDickinson said:

IS and VR are the same thing, image stabalisation, helps combat handshake/camera movement, doesnt help too much with moving subjects tho.

And really not necessary except on long lenses.

There I disagree, its certainly less usefull but being able to handhold longer or lower ISO or shoot stopped down a few stops more at any focal length is always handy.

[Speed addicted]

That's a really good price for the 500D, mine was about that used 3 months ago!
The 500D is my first SLR and I picked it because I preffered the way it felt in my hand and the menu systems. The 18-55 is the lens I use the most by far and on full auto it's as easy as any point and shoot camera, just with much faster auto focus and more choices.

[jimmy156]

Speed addicted said:

That's a really good price for the 500D, mine was about that used 3 months ago!
The 500D is my first SLR and I picked it because I preffered the way it felt in my hand and the menu systems. The 18-55 is the lens I use the most by far and on full auto it's as easy as any point and shoot camera, just with much faster auto focus and more choices.

The bit ive highlighted is the important bit really, You cant go wrong with either a Canon or a Nikon SLR, both will have good auto functions, and both will have full manual control when and if you get more into photography. Buy the one that feels the best in your hands/works with the way you think. If all else fails, buy the cheapest!

[Pothole]

Thanks guys, hope the offers hold till the cheque clears!

[bradders]

Have you checked the CameraPriceBuster website, to see the latest best deals on offer?

You may find either for a bit less. The don't sell, just list the best deals available.

Just had a look while typing - they list the Nikon kit at £459 from RGB Photo, Curry's $465 using a discount code, but the best deal on the Canon kit at £499 - more than Jessops directly. Hmm!

[vtecstu]

Spotted that you can get a 450d from 'Argos' on Ebay for £470 delivered, with the 18-55mm kit lens. To be honest as a Nikon owner I've no idea whether the 450 is better or worse than the 500 mentioned above! Anyway, linky:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

Have used them before - is genuinely Argos, most likely clearing the previous catalogue's stock. They also offer the 450d with a 'twin lens' kit - 18-55mm and 55-250mm for £630. Again, not sure how good this deal is relative to others that have been posted, but linky anyway:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

[LongQ]

vtecstu said:

Spotted that you can get a 450d from 'Argos' on Ebay for £470 delivered, with the 18-55mm kit lens. To be honest as a Nikon owner I've no idea whether the 450 is better or worse than the 500 mentioned above! Anyway, linky:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

Have used them before - is genuinely Argos, most likely clearing the previous catalogue's stock. They also offer the 450d with a 'twin lens' kit - 18-55mm and 55-250mm for £630. Again, not sure how good this deal is relative to others that have been posted, but linky anyway:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

The 450D 'refurbs' (full Canon warranty) on eBay at the Canon Outlet are selling for around the £300 mark at the moment. The Argos price looks high for something that is good but 2 model replacements old.

[vtecstu]

LongQ said:

The 450D 'refurbs' (full Canon warranty) on eBay at the Canon Outlet are selling for around the £300 mark at the moment. The Argos price looks high for something that is good but 2 model replacements old.

Had wondered if that was the case, as they often sell pretty quickly when put up by Argos (I got my D60 plus 18-55 lens for £270 through them, but think they all went in under 24 hours).