What camera?

[Ross_328i_sport]

Hi,

I am looking at buying a camera and have a budget of approximately £500 and am hoping to get a bargain in the christmas sales . Any advice on what to look for woudl be gratfully appreciated. I am going to kenya in the spring which has brought the camera purchase on to me as i want to be able to have good qaulity photographs to remind me of my time there. I will also be using the camera for college project.

Thanks in advance

Ross

[Ordinary Bloke]

I think this has been done before, but I'll give you a bit of advice from all the stuff I read and learned.

The lens makes more difference than the camera. Honestly, you're choosing a lens (or lenses if it's an SLR, and a compatible body to stick them on). If it's a small piece of glass, with a high f-stop number (means small aperture) it'll cost less to make and give you fewer options.

I think Canon and Nikon make serious DSLR's. There's no reason why you can't buy another brand, or buy a non-Digital, or buy a compact or super-compact-SLR-like-thing, but for serious photographers that's usually DSLRs.

I prefer Canon because I think you get a better choice of low-cost lenses and slightly better value for money. Nikon is slightly higher on the mug-me stakes too, as they tend to cost more.

I'd recommend a Canon EOS400D or Nikon D-whatever, slightly favouring Canon for the reasons I said before. Spend a year with the standard lens, then next Xmas you can buy something nicer, a Prime lens (non-zoom) or f2.8 zoom.

Have fun.

[GetCarter]

I'd agree - Nikon or Canon. £500 falls between 2 Nikons the D40x and the D80. Although you can get the D80 body for £499 here http://www.warehouseexpress.co.uk/?PHOTO/digicamer... (and maybe cheaper elsewhere)

[Ross_328i_sport]

As an absolute beginner at photography at best would it be wise to spend the extra and get the D80 and can it take photograhs straight away as it is body only or will i need to but a lense too if so how much ?. The other option is to buy thd d40X which is cheaper what woudl your advice be?

thanks

Ross

[Simpo Two]

Not being a Canon expert, I'd suggest a Nikon D40 with 18-70 lens. Don't forget a spare battery, memory cards and case to keep it safe.

This seems pretty good for £25 inc shipping and you get a tripod too: http://tinyurl.com/2hgxqw

[Gingerbread Man]

I thought the Nikon d40x was crap. Get the Canon 400D at that price range.

[jason90]

I have had the Cannon 400D for just over a year, its a great camera. As someone else said invest in decent lenses, and as many memory cards as you can. Its suprising how many picturs you will take, and there's nothing worse than running out of cards

[Ross_328i_sport]

Thanks for all the replies. I am going to have a look in town today so i will see what offers there are so far the choice is between nikon D80, nikon D40X and the cannon

[flat-planedCrank]

Ross_328i_sport said:

Thanks for all the replies. I am going to have a look in town today so i will see what offers there are so far the choice is between nikon D80, nikon D40X and the cannon

Seems to be discussed a fair bit on this forum ...but be aware of the limitations of the D40(x) body:

• It will only autofocus with AF-S or AF-I lenses (or 3rd party lenses with their own focusing motor)
• No bracketing (exposure / white balance)
• No DOF preview

The Nikon D80 / Canon 400D do not have these limitations.

Take a look at the reviews on dpreview:
Nikon D40x review
Nikon D80 review
Canon 400D review

Finally If possible go to a shop and have a proper look at the camera body's, some people simply prefer the way Canon / Nikon handle - button layout, interface, are the common settings like ISO easy to access quickly (preferably on a dedicated button), etc..


Hope this helps


Cheers.

[Simpo Two]

flat-planedCrank said:

...but be aware of the limitations of the D40(x) body:

• It will only autofocus with AF-S or AF-I lenses (or 3rd party lenses with their own focusing motor)
• No bracketing (exposure / white balance)
• No DOF preview

That's correct, but you have to bear in mind:

1) Most entry/middle level Nikon lenses are AF-S anyway (such as the 18-70 I suggested)
2) The D40 is designed for entry/middle level users and so they're very unlikely to be concerned with bracketing WB. If they're that serious, they'll be shooting RAW so they can choose whatever WB they please in processing.
3) Exposure bracketing is easily achieved using +/- EV. It's far more convenient that having to take a preset number of shots at pre-set EV differences, then getting out of sequence, then forgetting to turn it off and wondering why 2/3 of your phots next day are too dark or too light...
4) In the digital age DOF preview (handy on film cameras with bright VFs) is easier to assess by taking a shot and looking at it.

Having said that everyone uses their camera differently - there is no 'right' answer - and you have to start somewhere and grow into it. If you can afford the D80 then get one, I was just thinking of your budget.

[Dogsey]

I would have thought that given the OP's want to use the camera on safari then the best option would be one of the entry level DSLR's couple with a lens with good reach, maybe a 300 or 400mm zoom.

[Ross_328i_sport]

Went as said and bought the cannon 400D with 2GB smart card, tamron lense 70-300mm, the lense it come with carry case and flash light.

Happy with my choice thanks for all the advice

Regards

Ross

[Dogsey]

Ross_328i_sport said:

Went as said and bought the cannon 400D with 2GB smart card, tamron lense 70-300mm, the lense it come with carry case and flash light.

Happy with my choice thanks for all the advice

Regards

Ross

Sounds like a good choice ... now get practising and post the results!

[RobDickinson]

Simpo Two said:

flat-planedCrank said:

...but be aware of the limitations of the D40(x) body:

• It will only autofocus with AF-S or AF-I lenses (or 3rd party lenses with their own focusing motor)
• No bracketing (exposure / white balance)
• No DOF preview

That's correct, but you have to bear in mind:

1) Most entry/middle level Nikon lenses are AF-S anyway (such as the 18-70 I suggested)
2) The D40 is designed for entry/middle level users and so they're very unlikely to be concerned with bracketing WB. If they're that serious, they'll be shooting RAW so they can choose whatever WB they please in processing.
3) Exposure bracketing is easily achieved using +/- EV. It's far more convenient that having to take a preset number of shots at pre-set EV differences, then getting out of sequence, then forgetting to turn it off and wondering why 2/3 of your phots next day are too dark or too light...
4) In the digital age DOF preview (handy on film cameras with bright VFs) is easier to assess by taking a shot and looking at it.

Having said that everyone uses their camera differently - there is no 'right' answer - and you have to start somewhere and grow into it. If you can afford the D80 then get one, I was just thinking of your budget.

1) No primes. I'd be gutted if I couldnt use my 50mm f1.8 , super sharp super cheap.
2) I dont bracker WB, raw for me...
3) Bracketing allows me to take 3 spread shots for HDR in a second without touching the camera , do that with +/- EV.
4) I use DoF preview a lot.
5) Where is mirror lockup? ? ???
6) Where is ISO 100? (on one anyhow)

[flat-planedCrank]

Simpo Two said:

flat-planedCrank said:

...but be aware of the limitations of the D40(x) body:

• It will only autofocus with AF-S or AF-I lenses (or 3rd party lenses with their own focusing motor)
• No bracketing (exposure / white balance)
• No DOF preview

That's correct, but you have to bear in mind:

1) Most entry/middle level Nikon lenses are AF-S anyway (such as the 18-70 I suggested)
2) The D40 is designed for entry/middle level users and so they're very unlikely to be concerned with bracketing WB. If they're that serious, they'll be shooting RAW so they can choose whatever WB they please in processing.
3) Exposure bracketing is easily achieved using +/- EV. It's far more convenient that having to take a preset number of shots at pre-set EV differences, then getting out of sequence, then forgetting to turn it off and wondering why 2/3 of your phots next day are too dark or too light...
4) In the digital age DOF preview (handy on film cameras with bright VFs) is easier to assess by taking a shot and looking at it.

Having said that everyone uses their camera differently - there is no 'right' answer - and you have to start somewhere and grow into it. If you can afford the D80 then get one, I was just thinking of your budget.

I forgot, no mirror lock-up as well...


All imho but the deal-breakers for me are number 1 (autofocus on AF-S or AF-I lenses), and the lack of mirror lock-up. I'd hate to be forced to manually focus with those lovely nikkor prime lenses.


I accept that people want different things from a camera , the d40(x) certainly delivers some great results. Just (hopefully ) helping people make an informed decision as to what camera will suit them best



Cheers.

[flat-planedCrank]

Ross_328i_sport said:

Went as said and bought the cannon 400D with 2GB smart card, tamron lense 70-300mm, the lense it come with carry case and flash light.

Happy with my choice thanks for all the advice

Regards

Ross

Sounds like you got some good kit

Have fun



Cheers.

[RobDickinson]

Have to say I love the images the d40(x)'s produce, just as above theres some deal breakers for me, I couldnt shoot what I do with one.

Mebe the D90 will be great..

)(btw it also lacks a battery grip too..)