Good entry level DSLR?
Discussion
Looking to take the leap and finally buy a dedicated camera, had enough of relying on my iPhone camera (lol!)
Anyone got any recommendations? I've had a few lessons in enrichment at my Sixth Form learning to use manual focus, do light drawings with extended shutter speed etc... So I'm not entirely new to the concept of such a camera.
I don't mind buying second hand, though I will obviously be careful buying in this sense. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Anyone got any recommendations? I've had a few lessons in enrichment at my Sixth Form learning to use manual focus, do light drawings with extended shutter speed etc... So I'm not entirely new to the concept of such a camera.
I don't mind buying second hand, though I will obviously be careful buying in this sense. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
DibblyDobbler said:
Two main things to clarify - what is your budget and what do you intend to take pictures of ?
General photography I suppose? Be it pictures of cars, natural images and family holiday moments :PAs for budget, would I be getting anything worthwhile with a lens for under £400?
SP0TIFY said:
DibblyDobbler said:
Two main things to clarify - what is your budget and what do you intend to take pictures of ?
General photography I suppose? Be it pictures of cars, natural images and family holiday moments :PAs for budget, would I be getting anything worthwhile with a lens for under £400?
Hi
Just be careful about wanting a DSLR. I used to enjoy photography, general snaps, family pictures, shots of cars or whatever happened to be going on at the time. My camera used to go everywhere with me and I enjoyed using it - I was an early digital adopter and had a 0.5 MegaPixel Camera to begin with.
Overtime I upgraded the cameras until one day I thought I needed a DSLR (I was going on safari in Kenya which was the trigger point). My 400D was great for this trip and I learnt a lot from other keen amateurs on the trip. When I got back, I was taking fewer and fewer shots, as the bulk of the DSLR (lens, bags, flash, battery, etc.) meant it was a special effort to take everywhere. I lost my enthusiasm for photography (at the level I was at....)
Eventually I sold all the kit and went for a compact camera again (Canon SX220) - but have recently upgraded to a Canon EOS M. This camera, I believe, is the compromise that suits my needs perfectly. It offers the control, quality and portability that I lusted after.
The reason I say this, is the fact you are using an iPhone which presumably you are enjoying - adhoc shots as and when needed. DSLR are great but from my perspective require planning - which removed the fun....
Mike
Just be careful about wanting a DSLR. I used to enjoy photography, general snaps, family pictures, shots of cars or whatever happened to be going on at the time. My camera used to go everywhere with me and I enjoyed using it - I was an early digital adopter and had a 0.5 MegaPixel Camera to begin with.
Overtime I upgraded the cameras until one day I thought I needed a DSLR (I was going on safari in Kenya which was the trigger point). My 400D was great for this trip and I learnt a lot from other keen amateurs on the trip. When I got back, I was taking fewer and fewer shots, as the bulk of the DSLR (lens, bags, flash, battery, etc.) meant it was a special effort to take everywhere. I lost my enthusiasm for photography (at the level I was at....)
Eventually I sold all the kit and went for a compact camera again (Canon SX220) - but have recently upgraded to a Canon EOS M. This camera, I believe, is the compromise that suits my needs perfectly. It offers the control, quality and portability that I lusted after.
The reason I say this, is the fact you are using an iPhone which presumably you are enjoying - adhoc shots as and when needed. DSLR are great but from my perspective require planning - which removed the fun....
Mike
Edited by mike9009 on Monday 19th January 22:41
Buy a 2nd hand Nikon D3100 with the 18-55 VR kit lens.
The camera will cost you £135.00 from a very reputable retailer:
http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/us...
The lens will cost you £39.00 - I kid you not and it's a perfectly decent lens:
http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/us...
That leaves you change from £200 with which to buy a couple of memory cards and a bag. With that gear alone you will be able to take some very good pictures, but more importantly learn about exposure and composition.
Better still, whack that lens and camera on eBay in a year's time and you'll probably see £130.00 of your money back.
The camera will cost you £135.00 from a very reputable retailer:
http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/us...
The lens will cost you £39.00 - I kid you not and it's a perfectly decent lens:
http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/us...
That leaves you change from £200 with which to buy a couple of memory cards and a bag. With that gear alone you will be able to take some very good pictures, but more importantly learn about exposure and composition.
Better still, whack that lens and camera on eBay in a year's time and you'll probably see £130.00 of your money back.
There are a vast array of options - Nikon and Canon are the main two. I'd recommend trying to get hold of a good example of each and see what you like the feel of.
I bought a split new 100D for £270 (body only) on eBay recently and it's a cracking *little* DSLR - £130 would get you a 18-55 'kit' lens and probably also a 50mm prime - sorted
I bought a split new 100D for £270 (body only) on eBay recently and it's a cracking *little* DSLR - £130 would get you a 18-55 'kit' lens and probably also a 50mm prime - sorted
I would say you can't go far wrong with a decent second hand Nikon or Canon.
Personally I would recommend a 2nd hand Nikon D7000 and then see if you can stretch to both the 18-55 kit lens and the Nikon 35mm f1.8 DX
You could live without the kit lens and just get the 35mm for a start but you will be more limited (especially at the wide end).
This is a combo you'll be unlikely to outgrow for some time.
Personally I would recommend a 2nd hand Nikon D7000 and then see if you can stretch to both the 18-55 kit lens and the Nikon 35mm f1.8 DX
You could live without the kit lens and just get the 35mm for a start but you will be more limited (especially at the wide end).
This is a combo you'll be unlikely to outgrow for some time.
Lynchie999 said:
.... is "Nikon D3100" the Photog. subforum "MX5" response ?!
I think it answers the question of a good entry level DSLR. An MX5 on the other hand seems to get rolled out by anyone without really thinking about whether that's in any way relevant to the person asking what car, humourflavoured or notPut another way, it's a much better answer than "how about a 'blad"
In all seriousness, there are really no bad choices with modernish DSLR's. The concept is very well refined these days and I can't remember the last time I read a negative review of any new SLR. It doesn't make your choice easier but it does mean you'll not go far wrong.
I know Nikon well so hard for me to recommend anything outside of that but there are some Nikon models that stand out as particularly good value. D3100 and D5000 seems absurdly cheap now (both seem to be around £100 used). The D200 is a superb bargain if you're not bothered about all the latest tech.
I know Nikon well so hard for me to recommend anything outside of that but there are some Nikon models that stand out as particularly good value. D3100 and D5000 seems absurdly cheap now (both seem to be around £100 used). The D200 is a superb bargain if you're not bothered about all the latest tech.
Simpo Two said:
Lynchie999 said:
.... is "Nikon D3100" the Photog. subforum "MX5" response ?!
And your contribution is...?
how about this >>>
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-20-1MP-Cameras-18-55m...
Lynchie999 said:
Simpo Two said:
Lynchie999 said:
.... is "Nikon D3100" the Photog. subforum "MX5" response ?!
And your contribution is...?how about this >>>
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-20-1MP-Cameras-18-55m...
The Sony's cheaper cos it has to be, they still dont have market perception. Neither, or rather none of them, Nikon, Canon or Sony have any real high end stuff anyway, it's all to play for in the low to mid market that takes in amateurs and pros where availability, upgrability and ease of use are the main things
Nikon D90 nikon 70-300 VR nikon 18-70mm
A bit over £400 secondhand but all bases covered
Plenty of choice with warranty at MPB
http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/us...
A bit over £400 secondhand but all bases covered
Plenty of choice with warranty at MPB
http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/us...
Edited by wack on Tuesday 20th January 21:17
Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff