Recommend me a DSLR
Discussion
I know this question has probably been asked around here gazillions of times.
I think it's time to move on from my Lumix DMC compact. Want to start looking for a good DSLR in the next few weeks. My knowledge is limited , i know bugger all about what is the best lense to use in limited light conditions etc. But i want to learn ( Hands on )
Must be good for snapping Moving cars for events like CPOP and planes at airshows.
Budget upto £500
Thanks in advance.
I think it's time to move on from my Lumix DMC compact. Want to start looking for a good DSLR in the next few weeks. My knowledge is limited , i know bugger all about what is the best lense to use in limited light conditions etc. But i want to learn ( Hands on )
Must be good for snapping Moving cars for events like CPOP and planes at airshows.
Budget upto £500
Thanks in advance.
Edited by NismoGT on Sunday 16th January 19:53
You need to look at both Canon and Nikon. The reason being is accessories are so much more readily avaIlable then other makes.
I can't comment on Nikon however consider the 450D and 500D from Canon, you won't go wrong with either.
Also look at second hand, your money will go MUCH further.
I can't comment on Nikon however consider the 450D and 500D from Canon, you won't go wrong with either.
Also look at second hand, your money will go MUCH further.
Theres very little fundamental differences between the entry level bodies now.
They all take a great pic, you have to push them quite hard to see any real difference. All seem to have similar autofocus, screen, viewfinder, fps and meetering etc. Video still divides them a little.
Its more down to lens choice and ergonomics.
They all take a great pic, you have to push them quite hard to see any real difference. All seem to have similar autofocus, screen, viewfinder, fps and meetering etc. Video still divides them a little.
Its more down to lens choice and ergonomics.
The answer is it doesn't really matter which one you buy just at the moment, whichever you buy will be fairly similar to its rivals, lens included. There isn't a bad camera out there to be honest.
For low light you need "fast" glass, this means a wide aperture (low number).
For motorsport you generally need a long lens, because you'll be stood quite a distance away from the actual track. Nowadays you really need 250-300mm or more.
For your budget you'll get a DSLR and a kit lens, which wont be much use for motorsport, it wont be long enough. It will probably do low light at its minimum focal distance (for example the 18-55 lens that comes with canons will do f3.5 at 18mm).
What is more important is the camera is comfortable to hold.
Next I would look at lens availability. Canon and Nikon have the widest lens range, maybe Canon just pips Nikon in this respect ? The "others" like Sony/Pentax etc don't have wide ranges and they are less common - which means fewer secondhand lenses about.
Be aware that not all Nikon lenses have full functionality on the entry level bodies, because the entry bodies don't have the auto focus motor in them, which means the lens has to have it (or you focus manually). Any Canon EF or EFS lens will work on their entry level bodies with full functionality.
You are buying in to a system, you mention motorsport so will want a long lens, take a look at lens prices for that - no point having a camera that you can't afford lenses for.
Go to Jessops and get hands on, hold them, look through viewfinders, see whats comfortable. Ask questions and then walk away, use the photography forums to check the questions out again (unfortunately Jessops can be a bit variable in terms of knowledge).
Use http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk to check for prices of kit.
For low light you need "fast" glass, this means a wide aperture (low number).
For motorsport you generally need a long lens, because you'll be stood quite a distance away from the actual track. Nowadays you really need 250-300mm or more.
For your budget you'll get a DSLR and a kit lens, which wont be much use for motorsport, it wont be long enough. It will probably do low light at its minimum focal distance (for example the 18-55 lens that comes with canons will do f3.5 at 18mm).
What is more important is the camera is comfortable to hold.
Next I would look at lens availability. Canon and Nikon have the widest lens range, maybe Canon just pips Nikon in this respect ? The "others" like Sony/Pentax etc don't have wide ranges and they are less common - which means fewer secondhand lenses about.
Be aware that not all Nikon lenses have full functionality on the entry level bodies, because the entry bodies don't have the auto focus motor in them, which means the lens has to have it (or you focus manually). Any Canon EF or EFS lens will work on their entry level bodies with full functionality.
You are buying in to a system, you mention motorsport so will want a long lens, take a look at lens prices for that - no point having a camera that you can't afford lenses for.
Go to Jessops and get hands on, hold them, look through viewfinders, see whats comfortable. Ask questions and then walk away, use the photography forums to check the questions out again (unfortunately Jessops can be a bit variable in terms of knowledge).
Use http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk to check for prices of kit.
RobDickinson said:
(b) buy the canon or nikon that feels the best
And then buy the make your friends have.If you buy something different to your friends or family you have zero in common. Watch a Nikon person talk to a Canon person, it's a stilted conversation at best. It's like a date gone wrong, with awkward silences.
I've got an Olympus E-450 which I'm quite keen to part with. Practically brand new with all the bits and a 4gb CF card. Has a 14-42mm Lens (28-84mm 35mm equiv) which wont be great for motorsport but is a perfectly capable lens in its own right.
You can pick up an Olympus 40-150mm (80-300mm 35mm equiv) for under £100 which would be spot on for shooting cars.
Great entry level DSLR.
Looking for £270ish.
You can pick up an Olympus 40-150mm (80-300mm 35mm equiv) for under £100 which would be spot on for shooting cars.
Great entry level DSLR.
Looking for £270ish.
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