Recommend a DSLR and Lens(es)

[digikal]

Right this is almost embarrassing really! I have no detailed knowledge about cameras and lenses etc so need some good advice on what camera and lens(es) to get.

Camera wise I was thinking of getting the Canon EOS550D, due to the good reviews I have seen and the price point for the camera is about where I want to be. Open to suggestion for similarish priced models.

I am going to New York shortly and want to capture the "atmosphere" and "grime" of the city, would also if possible like to get some wide angled shots too. I appreciate the image is as much down to the cameraman as the camera itself but at least if I have the right equipment, I will be half way there. Lens wise I would like to stick under £500 so in total I have a budget of £1K to get the best combination of camera and lenses as a starting point.

Help!

[markmullen]

With that kind of budget you could get your 550d (have a look at the Canon outlet on ebay) and something like a 10-22 which is an ultrawide lens.

[Gold]

Canon 550d with the kit 18-55mm IS lens, a 55-250mm IS and as said an ultra wide such as the Sigma 10-20 should just squeeze under budget, particularly if you look for used.

[350Wedge]

Gold said:

Canon 550d with the kit 18-55mm IS lens, a 55-250mm IS and as said an ultra wide such as the Sigma 10-20 should just squeeze under budget, particularly if you look for used.

Agree completely, you wont get much better than this. Recently recommeded this outfit to a friend (less the 10-20) and they absolutely love it. The kit lens and the medium zoom are perfect starter lenses and are good quality too, you should get nice sharp photo's.

If you're not worried about an ultrawide use the money and buy the matching grip. If you've got bigger hands this makes handling a lot better and much easier to use the camera in 'Portrait' type shots. You gain the extra shutter button and control dial etc.

[digikal]

cheers for all the device. Another stupid question what are the Kiss and Rebel models I keep seeing about eg

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Canon-EOS-Kiss-X4-550D-K...

[350Wedge]

digikal said:

cheers for all the device. Another stupid question what are the Kiss and Rebel models I keep seeing about eg

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Canon-EOS-Kiss-X4-550D-K...

They are generally name changes for either the american, japanese or other markets. Essentially they are the same camera as you can buy in the UK but just a different name. Another example Minolta Dynax in UK is Minolta Maxxum in America.

One of these would generally be in Import though, best off sticking to a UK example for warranty reasons.

[CommanderJameson]

As I discovered whilst shopping for my 550D, Americans like their cameras to sound hard (Rebel T2i) and Japanese like theirs to sound cutesy-poo (Kiss X4). Here in Blighty, we have no truck with that sort of nonsense (550D).

[torres del paine]

I went from a compact camera to a 550d + kit lens and it has been terrific for my mainly outdoor photos and large prints.

Regarding lenses, I decided to swap the kit lens for a 15-85 and it is pretty much perfect for my needs. I'd say excellent IQ and a great focal range from proper wide to useful zoom. It pretty much stays on my camera for outdoor/landscape stuff.

I then added a cheapo 50mm 1.8 prime lens to my kit bag and I can now see what a dslr is capable of - image quality is amazing. It's also possible to use it for stitched panoramas. I'd like to get a wide angle prime lens at some point in the future.

[AWG]

Another guy here thinking of purchasing the 550D afer hearing some brilliant reviews for it.

The lens I have been told is a must is the 70-300mm F/4-5.6? Anyone got one?

[Crafty_]

^^ 70-300 is a good lens, but the 55-250 is less than half the price and is blinkin' good too, I only sold mine to go to a 100-400.

OP: Get the kit lens with the camera, add a 55-250 and rent a 10-22 (to keep within budget) for NYC.

[marcosgt]

I've got a Pentax SLR and it takes great pictures, but even I'd get a Canon if I hadn't had a shed load of decent lenses for the Pentax mount

M.

[AWG]

100-400! Does that have image stabiliser? Bet thats a cracking lens!

[DIW35]

Yes it does, and yes it's a cracking lens.

[AWG]

Just seen the £1k price tag! Wow what a jump from the 70-300mm!

[Starfighter]

AWG said:

Another guy here thinking of purchasing the 550D afer hearing some brilliant reviews for it.

The lens I have been told is a must is the 70-300mm F/4-5.6? Anyone got one?

Stay clear of the plastic mounts. A little soft as it was designed for full frme film but the worst softness is around the ddges so you lose that wih a crop, same with the vignetting. Try DPreview and also check the 55-250 IS.

[hazzel_frazzel]

Crafty_ said:

^^ 70-300 is a good lens, but the 55-250 is less than half the price and is blinkin' good too, I only sold mine to go to a 100-400.

OP: Get the kit lens with the camera, add a 55-250 and rent a 10-22 (to keep within budget) for NYC.

Was just about to say why on earth would he need to rent the 10-22 to keep in budget, and then I looked at the price of 10-22 lenses!

Would it be stupid to suggest maybe picking up a canon refurb 500d from their ebay store, in order to facilitate the purchase of the 10-22 lens and stay in budget under a grand?

[Synchromesh]

torres del paine said:

• 550d
• 15-85
• 50mm 1.8

Exactly the same combo as my father, and quite a good set IMO