First DSLR Purchase...

[whoami]

Inspired by a recent trip to the Arctic, I realise that my photographic options were somewhat limited by only using compact camera (albeit a fairly decent one).

Most of my fellow travellers were equipped with DSLR cameras of various types and a selection of expensive lenses. Many of the results were pretty spectacular.

So, I've decided to take the first steps into getting a little more serious and need a new camera.

Having done a bit of research, I've narrowed my choices down to two options; a Canon EOS 700D or a Nikon D5200.

Both have very similar price tags and seem to be pretty highly rated.

Questions then:

Any comments of the choice of camera for a beginner?

Any other sensible options that I have overlooked?

Would you buy the cheap'ish lens that comes as part of the bundle or buy the body only and get something better instead (if so, what)?

Do you think that lessons, both in terms of the use of the actual camera as well as more general photography, would be a good investment, or is it better to start off by having a play about with it first?

Do feel free to chip in anything else you feel is relevant too.

Thanks

[Lukhash]

Depends what budget have you got If you`re looking for amazing landscape photos, I`d buy lens arround 10-20mm + found some camera to attach

[whoami]

Budget is flexible'ish.

I'd like to keep it to c£1K initially but would stretch it if it made sense to do so.

[DibblyDobbler]

whoami said:

Inspired by a recent trip to the Arctic, I realise that my photographic options were somewhat limited by only using compact camera (albeit a fairly decent one).

Most of my fellow travellers were equipped with DSLR cameras of various types and a selection of expensive lenses. Many of the results were pretty spectacular.

So, I've decided to take the first steps into getting a little more serious and need a new camera.

Having done a bit of research, I've narrowed my choices down to two options; a Canon EOS 700D or a Nikon D5200.

Both have very similar price tags and seem to be pretty highly rated.

Questions then:

Any comments of the choice of camera for a beginner?

Any other sensible options that I have overlooked?

Would you buy the cheap'ish lens that comes as part of the bundle or buy the body only and get something better instead (if so, what)?

Do you think that lessons, both in terms of the use of the actual camera as well as more general photography, would be a good investment, or is it better to start off by having a play about with it first?

Do feel free to chip in anything else you feel is relevant too.

Thanks

Both good choices - I'm a Canon man, but Nikon are ok I suppose They are the two big players and will give you the widest choice of lenses so I would try and get hold of them physically and see which you prefer.

The kit lenses are ok - I would just stick with that until you get into it a bit further. It really depends what you want to shoot and what the budget is.

Personally I wouldn't bother with lessons - just play away and ask on here when you are stuck

Remember to leave some budget for a tripod, memory cards, a bag to keep the bits in, maybe filters, Photoshop elements etc etc - there's a never ending list

[2slo]

Good advice above to which I'd only add, join your local photography club and get out on a day or two with them. Bound to be a variety of different cameras in use and experienced users who can go through the pros and cons of the various models and point you in the right direction.

[FunkyNige]

whoami said:

Having done a bit of research, I've narrowed my choices down to two options; a Canon EOS 700D or a Nikon D5200.

I don't know that much about the latest Canon models (or anything about Nikon) but would the 600D represent better value for money for a beginner? A quick look on Wex shows the 600 £130 cheaper (after cashback) which would go a long way towards a new lens, bag, tripod, etc. and I can't see much on the spec that would mean it takes better photos (in fact the only difference I can spot after a quick scan is the auto focus system).

[DibblyDobbler]

FunkyNige said:

I don't know that much about the latest Canon models (or anything about Nikon) but would the 600D represent better value for money for a beginner? A quick look on Wex shows the 600 £130 cheaper (after cashback) which would go a long way towards a new lens, bag, tripod, etc. and I can't see much on the spec that would mean it takes better photos (in fact the only difference I can spot after a quick scan is the auto focus system).

Good shout Nige - if I was starting again I'd probably have the 600D

[whoami]

FunkyNige said:

whoami said:

Having done a bit of research, I've narrowed my choices down to two options; a Canon EOS 700D or a Nikon D5200.

I don't know that much about the latest Canon models (or anything about Nikon) but would the 600D represent better value for money for a beginner? A quick look on Wex shows the 600 £130 cheaper (after cashback) which would go a long way towards a new lens, bag, tripod, etc. and I can't see much on the spec that would mean it takes better photos (in fact the only difference I can spot after a quick scan is the auto focus system).

Good point.

This compares the two.

[DibblyDobbler]

For what it's worth I'd have the 600 - the touch screen seems gimmicky, and the in-camera HDR thing is sh*te.

The extra £££s would be better spent on lenses I think.

[whoami]

DibblyDobbler said:

For what it's worth I'd have the 600 - the touch screen seems gimmicky, and the in-camera HDR thing is sh*te.

The extra £££s would be better spent on lenses I think.

When you move more upmarket, what improvements in the body do you actually get?

For instance, what does the Canon 70D give you for twice the cash?

[DibblyDobbler]

whoami said:

When you move more upmarket, what improvements in the body do you actually get?

For instance, what does the Canon 70D give you for twice the cash?

Arguably not that much - the 70 has a few more pixels and a slightly better sensor, better ergonomics etc. I went 450D to 60D to 6D - the 6D is full frame (which has a full size sensor) but the others are fairly similar.

This link is quite handy http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras

[2slo]

DibblyDobbler said:

whoami said:

When you move more upmarket, what improvements in the body do you actually get?

For instance, what does the Canon 70D give you for twice the cash?

Arguably not that much - the 70 has a few more pixels and a slightly better sensor, better ergonomics etc. I went 450D to 60D to 6D - the 6D is full frame (which has a full size sensor) but the others are fairly similar.

This link is quite handy http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras

I'd suggest that if you split the image making process into 3 components: photographer/ lens/ camera and put them in order of importance they would be listed like that, i.e. camera last. You can always upgrade from one DSLR to another when you feel you're ready to move on and the less you spend on your first one, the less you'll lose in depreciation. If your budget is limited why not consider a good second hand body from one of the reputable dealers and spend the rest on good glass which holds value far better than camera bodies do?

[JDRoest]

whoami said:

Any comments of the choice of camera for a beginner?

Buy whatever manufacturer your friends already have. Or whoever you know has one who you are likely to ask questions.

It's much easier to get help if you are on the same platform, and so much fun to swap lenses later on as well.

Canon users and Nikon users don't really get on, it's a bit like a straight (Canon) guy walking into a gay (Nikon) bar. There's an awkwardness. Not saying Nikon users are gay, but many have man bags, and that's just not right.

[DibblyDobbler]

JDRoest said:

Canon users and Nikon users don't really get on, it's a bit like a straight (Canon) guy walking into a gay (Nikon) bar. There's an awkwardness. Not saying Nikon users are gay, but many have man bags, and that's just not right.

Very true - if you go for Nikon you'll be lusting after man-trumpet in no time at all.

[2slo]

DibblyDobbler said:

JDRoest said:

Canon users and Nikon users don't really get on, it's a bit like a straight (Canon) guy walking into a gay (Nikon) bar. There's an awkwardness. Not saying Nikon users are gay, but many have man bags, and that's just not right.

Very true - if you go for Nikon you'll be lusting after man-trumpet in no time at all.

[whoami]

DibblyDobbler said:

Very true - if you go for Nikon you'll be lusting after man-trumpet in no time at all.

[Golaboots]

Have you thought about getting a cheaper body and more expensive glass? Bodies go out of date quickly but good lenses are always good.

If going canon you could get a 5d full frame body for less than £400 and blow the rest on some great lenses.

[whoami]

Golaboots said:

Have you thought about getting a cheaper body and more expensive glass? Bodies go out of date quickly but good lenses are always good.

If going canon you could get a 5d full frame body for less than £400 and blow the rest on some great lenses.

I've got no problem spending more on the lens than the body. The 18-85mm Canon lens recommended on another thread seems like a good addition.

[DibblyDobbler]

whoami said:

I've got no problem spending more on the lens than the body. The 18-85mm Canon lens recommended on another thread seems like a good addition.

15-85? Would be a good step up from the 18-55 kit lens. You should easily be able to get that and a 600D for your budget.

A big part of it is what do you think you're likely to want to shoot - ie landscapes, wildlife, macro, portrait etc ?

[whoami]

Sorry typo; 15-85mm.

I'm mainly interested in shooting landscapes and wildlife.

Another hobby is watch collecting and it would be interesting to get some great shots of those too.