Dipping a toe in the DSLR waters...
Discussion
...and the internet (which is always right, as we know) says that it's pretty much a toss-up between the Nikon D60 and the Canon EOS 1000D for a "getting started with a proper camera" camera.
Am I on the right track? At first, should I think of getting any additional equipment? They both come with an 18-55mm kit lens. (I have a camera bag)
It seems like you can get one for £300-350 - is there anything else in this price bracket I might consider?
Am I on the right track? At first, should I think of getting any additional equipment? They both come with an 18-55mm kit lens. (I have a camera bag)
It seems like you can get one for £300-350 - is there anything else in this price bracket I might consider?
It depends on whether you want latest and greatest. I've only used Canons when my o/h or friends have lent me theirs, I started on Nikons
The 2 models you've listed seem a bit old though, I'm not sure if they're still for sale new and if your plan was to buy used. If Canon, the 1100D I think is the starter point. I found it too light and plasticky when I was shopping with the O/H, the 550D seemed to be a better camera and have a better feel
In Nikon world I started on the D40 a few years ago, which again is tiny. There's a Gotcha on Nikons with some of the lenses that you should be aware of, as you need AF-S lenses (which there are plenty)
Realistically you're going to run into this problem across the recent Nikon entry level ranges, which depending on your viewpoint can be a bit of a downer. You might not care.
The 2 models you've listed seem a bit old though, I'm not sure if they're still for sale new and if your plan was to buy used. If Canon, the 1100D I think is the starter point. I found it too light and plasticky when I was shopping with the O/H, the 550D seemed to be a better camera and have a better feel
In Nikon world I started on the D40 a few years ago, which again is tiny. There's a Gotcha on Nikons with some of the lenses that you should be aware of, as you need AF-S lenses (which there are plenty)
Realistically you're going to run into this problem across the recent Nikon entry level ranges, which depending on your viewpoint can be a bit of a downer. You might not care.
Second hand Canon 30D for around £200, and a second hand Tamron 17-50 f2.8 for around £150-£200. The Talk Photography classified forum is a good place to look, but you have to have 25 posts before you can see the classified section, so introduce yourself, start a thread similar to this one, comment on some photos that you like and job done.
There's currently a 40D on there with 18-55 IS kit lens for £360. The Tamron is a nicer lens though.
There's currently a 40D on there with 18-55 IS kit lens for £360. The Tamron is a nicer lens though.
Edited by JulianHJ on Monday 23 January 09:18
I'd recommend a 2nd hand Canon EOS 350D/400D/400D as a good starting point, along with a decent zoom lens f4 or better across a zoom range of up to 3x. In my opinion, Nikon bodies feel better, but lenses are not quite as good value for money. If you have friends who are into photography, see if you can borrow their gear for an hour or two, and see how they feel in your hands.
The body's the easy bit, unless you need high frame rate or insist on spot metering, most enthiusiasts end up spending their money on lenses...
The body's the easy bit, unless you need high frame rate or insist on spot metering, most enthiusiasts end up spending their money on lenses...
The Canon Outlet seems to have gone to a 'Buy it Now' model at the moment.
Interesting prices but you need to knwo what you are looking at in terms of kit lenses.
500D. Non IS lens. £330.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
Have a look at the 'See other items' option for 1100D and 1000D offers. One of the 1000D kits listed has an IS lens, the other not.
Interesting prices but you need to knwo what you are looking at in terms of kit lenses.
500D. Non IS lens. £330.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
Have a look at the 'See other items' option for 1100D and 1000D offers. One of the 1000D kits listed has an IS lens, the other not.
Your best bet is to try both Canon and Nikon, one will suit you, the other won't. I tried Nikon digital (having had Nikon film SLRs in the past) and didn't get on with it (to (be honest I never got on with my Nikon film bodies!), Canon just suited my hands better, nothing in particular but just a feel.
markmullen said:
Your best bet is to try both Canon and Nikon, one will suit you, the other won't. I tried Nikon digital (having had Nikon film SLRs in the past) and didn't get on with it (to (be honest I never got on with my Nikon film bodies!), Canon just suited my hands better, nothing in particular but just a feel.
I do like the Canon menus better, having had a brief play with a Nikon a while back. My current camera is an elderly PowerShot S3 IS.Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff