What DSLR for total beginner

[Jonny1984]

Hi all,

I'm looking at getting my first camera, with a view of getting into photography as a hobby. I've kinda narrowed it down to two cameras. First one is a Canon EOS 1100D, and the second is the EOS 1000D (both with the standard 18-55 lens, I think). Is the 1100D worth the extra £40.00 I would be paying over the 1000D for a beginner?

Feel free to share any experiences at being a beginner, or using any of these cameras. I'm also open to suggestions for alternatives around the £300.00 price range. I don't mind if they are refurbs as I'm currently looking in the Canon Outlet store on eBay.

Cheers.

[Gemm]

I'm not that familiar with either models but I think the major difference may be the video mode? If so, it may be a handy feature to have it for some.

[Jonny1984]

Thanks for the input Gemm, I'll compare the specs (no idea what I'm looking at yet). Just had a look at your site and that's exactly why I want to get into this hobby

[dibbly dobbler]

try this

I would definitely find the extra for the 1100

[flat-planedCrank]

From memory, I think the ISO range is slightly higher on the 1100D as well?

Few more mega-pixels - wouldn't really base my decision on that though.


I'd try and budget for a 50mm f1.8 lens as well if possible - it's cheap way to try ' fast' lenses

[Jonny1984]

It's looking like the 1100D at the moment then. I've just been reading another thread about that lens, so I'll try to squeeze that in with the purchase of a case and a memory card too. The missus is expecting a ring this month for her birthday, so it will have to be a good squeeze

[tenohfive]

flat-planedCrank said:

I'd try and budget for a 50mm f1.8 lens as well if possible - it's cheap way to try ' fast' lenses

I've been toying with the idea of getting one of those myself (given how they're raved about on here.)

Cheapest I've found is here - £78. Or £3 more on Amazon.

[AWG]

What benefits does a fast 50mm offer in terms of macro photography?

[itsnotarace]

AWG said:

What benefits does a fast 50mm offer in terms of macro photography?

None? Macro photography implies the subject will be very close to the front element of the lens and non-macro lenses will have a minimum focus distance

Unless you are talking about using it in conjunction with extension tubes or a reversing ring?

[Gemm]

tenohfive said:

I've been toying with the idea of getting one of those myself (given how they're raved about on here.)

Cheapest I've found is here - £78. Or £3 more on Amazon.

Well it really depends what you use it for. I bought one to take pictures of a new-born baby (natural light without flash) and it was good for that, but it wasn't even useful as a paper weight for the rest of the time until I sold it!

[AWG]

itsnotarace said:

None? Macro photography implies the subject will be very close to the front element of the lens and non-macro lenses will have a minimum focus distance

Unless you are talking about using it in conjunction with extension tubes or a reversing ring?

Just curious as I am looking at a 70-300 for distance and wondered whether the 50 would be any good at more close up work.

[Otispunkmeyer]

Gemm said:

tenohfive said:

I've been toying with the idea of getting one of those myself (given how they're raved about on here.)

Cheapest I've found is here - £78. Or £3 more on Amazon.

Well it really depends what you use it for. I bought one to take pictures of a new-born baby (natural light without flash) and it was good for that, but it wasn't even useful as a paper weight for the rest of the time until I sold it!

I havent used mine for a while either now I have wide angles and a fast 17-50mm (F2.8) and a flash gun.

I just keep hold of it because, well, its cheap and small! But I only found a use for it when I didnt own a flash gun and my ISO abilities were poor and I needed to take low light photos. There were in close quarters too so 50mm on a crop body wasnt exactly nice to use, but it was the only lens I had that I could use!

Like I say, I now dont find myself in a situation where the few extra stops over 2.8 really come in useful and the Tamron is pin sharp anyway so you dont gain there either!

[tenohfive]

Gemm said:

Well it really depends what you use it for. I bought one to take pictures of a new-born baby (natural light without flash) and it was good for that, but it wasn't even useful as a paper weight for the rest of the time until I sold it!

My first is on the way (justifying the DSLR purchase) and that actually sounds quite useful. Although (for unrelated reasons) I really fancy the 55-250 IS II

[flat-planedCrank]

I just suggested getting the 50mm f1.8 as it's a cheap look into wide aperture lenses

Lets you know if you might want to start saving for crazy-expensive gear in the future

[FunBusMk2]

Jonny1984, I posted a thread a couple of weeks back regarding me 'getting into' photography and buying something decent. £300 for a refurbed 1100D seems like a good buy - I might blame you for me buying one now!

Anyone had any experiences with buying a refurbished camera from the manufacturer?

[Bibbs]

When I was looking I had a hunt about an found someone who had just upgraded their body, and got a 2nd hand 500D for the price of a new 1000D ..

It was a risk, but the seller seemed genuine (I think they were actually on here).

Got two lenses, the std 18-55 and a 55-250. Will look for a macro one at some point.

[Gemm]

FunBusMk2 said:

Anyone had any experiences with buying a refurbished camera from the manufacturer?

As far as I know, Canon outlet on ebay is supposed to be reliable and comes with complete 1 year warranty just as their new products.

[LongQ]

Gemm said:

FunBusMk2 said:

Anyone had any experiences with buying a refurbished camera from the manufacturer?

As far as I know, Canon outlet on ebay is supposed to be reliable and comes with complete 1 year warranty just as their new products.

Have bought a number of cameras, a printer and a flash from Canon Outlet and never had problem. Recently communications seem sparse but the products have arrived in good time - usually faster than the guide lines and before anything arrives to say they have been despatched.

I have tested the warranty process. The lens on an Ixus stopped extending correctly after about 6 months. Fixed by service agent under warranty (loose connection) with 3 day turnaround.

[djt100]

Hi OP,

I was in the same position as you 2 weeks ago, I ended up paying a little more and going for a 600D, its a newer camera and has a lot more features to get on with once you gain more experience with the camera, plus will save you having to upgrade the body as quickly in the longer term, just add lenses.

[ajame5]

I use our Canon 1000D at work and my own Sony A200k at home. I'd take the Sony any day over the Canon though. The more expensive Canon models are really good but for entry level, I'm not impressed with the Canon at all. If you can afford a bit more for a better spec'd Canon I'd go for that otherwise I'd seriously look at Sony and Nikon as alternatives.