Advice wanted please

[ndtman]

Just looking at this...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-SONY-ALPHA-DSLR-A230-DIG...

Is this a good budget package for someone rekindling an interest in photography? Over and above a compact digital I would like to be able to manipulate depth of field and shutter speed.

Any good?

[miniman]

The 2 extra lenses you get with that kit are junk, can be had for pennies on eBay. Nothing wrong with the Sony per-se but IMHO you are better off with a Canon or Nikon as the range of lenses and extras is much larger and thus there are bargains out there.

[ndtman]

miniman said:

The 2 extra lenses you get with that kit are junk, can be had for pennies on eBay. Nothing wrong with the Sony per-se but IMHO you are better off with a Canon or Nikon as the range of lenses and extras is much larger and thus there are bargains out there.

Thanks for the reply.

Any particular model of Canon or Nikon (circa £400) you care to recommend?

[miniman]

Personally I prefer Canon, and at that budget you are probably looking at a 1000D with the 18-55 kit lens and I would spend another £60 on the 50mm f/1.8 to go with it. Or you could go used and pick up a 30D (just about within your budget). I think on balance you will enjoy the better screen of the 1000D and if you are just starting out the extra quality of the 30D is probably not a big priority.

[ndtman]

miniman said:

Personally I prefer Canon, and at that budget you are probably looking at a 1000D with the 18-55 kit lens and I would spend another £60 on the 50mm f/1.8 to go with it. Or you could go used and pick up a 30D (just about within your budget). I think on balance you will enjoy the better screen of the 1000D and if you are just starting out the extra quality of the 30D is probably not a big priority.

Many thanks. I think I'll find a camera shop and try one for size. Nothing worse than finding out after you have bought something that your fingers are too big to operate it!

[jon-]

A used 400/450d is also a great option. Well built and surprisingly good IQ given their targeted segment. Will also have plenty left over for some glass.

[rasputin]

Last time I was in Jessops and Jacobs, they both had the A230 plus 18-55mm lens for £300 including £50 cashback (so £350 without).

The "extras" you get with that eBay kit are close to worthless. Especially the 8GB card - it'll be the cheapest, slowest and least reliable card possible. Not a good idea when you consider how many pictures you could store on 8GB.

I also wouldn't recommend buying the A230 before you try it in a shop. It has "odd" ergonomics. In my hands it felt awful.

Edited by rasputin on Monday 16th November 12:28