Looking to get a starter DSLR, any recommendations?

[sensa]

As above really, budget is around £300.


Would be grateful for any advice. Even if it means I should learn how to take nice photos with my Canon S3IS first?

Although I have seen this and am sorely tempted.

Thanks in advance.

[flat-planedCrank]

sensa said:

As above really, budget is around £300.


Would be grateful for any advice. Even if it means I should learn how to take nice photos with my Canon S3IS first?

Although I have seen this and am sorely tempted.

Thanks in advance.

Personally i'd stick to Nikon / Canon, fair to say they are the big names in the dSLR market.

The d40 is a nice camera, its natural rival is the Canon 400D.

Some reviews - D40 , 400D


For me the D40 has a few limitations...

• It will only autofocus with AF-S or AF-I lenses (or 3rd party lenses with their own focusing motor)

(IMO this is the big one, some of those really nice Nikkor primes won't auto-focus with the d40)

• No bracketing (exposure / white balance)
• No DOF preview
• No mirror lock-up

Either way I'd certainly suggest having a look at all the models at a local camera store, some people just prefer the setup / feel from different manufacturers


Hope this helps,

Cheers.

[eightseventhree]

I have a D40 and love it.

Lense wise, i use a 18 - 55 kit and 55 - 200 VR. Both these give me a good range.

This is my flickr site if you want to see quality etc

http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewjamesroberts/

Cheers

Andy

Edited by eightseventhree on Friday 30th May 08:37

[sensa]

Thanks for the advice, I'll nip into town this afternoon and have a play.

I'll let you know what I decide.

[Tycho]

eightseventhree said:

I have a D40 and love it.

Lense wise, i use a 18 - 55 kit and 55 - 200 VR. Both these give me a good range.

This is my flickr site if you want to see quality etc

http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewjamesroberts/

Cheers

Andy

Edited by eightseventhree on Friday 30th May 08:37

I love the Antigua HDR shot. Some really good pics. I 'm thinking os the D40 as well, you may have convinced me.

[Relise]

I've got a Canon 350D (older version of the 400D and 450D) and it's very good. Does everything I want it to and more - from fully automatic through to completely manual. There's a huge range of lenses for it from various suppliers at all budgets, along with great gadgets (Just got a flashgun for my birthday this morning!!)

Some people say the body is a little small but I don't have any problems with it and I'm not exactly a small person (6'2" and 14 stone). The majority of the features I need to access quickly have hot keys rather than having to go through the menu's.

Best advice would be to see if you could try before you buy. Borrowing a 400D (now 450D but you may get good offers on old stocks of 400D) and also the Nikon equivalent (D40) and see which you prefer.

Edited by Relise on Friday 30th May 11:36

[stigmundfreud]

350d over the d40

[kybo]

Can't give any comparisons but I can say that the 350D was my first DSLR and I've not looked back since buying it. It's easy to use, comfortable to hold and does have the ability to give fantastic images.

To see what a complete novice (that's me ) can get out of the 350D, click here. This was only my 2nd attempt at Motorsport photography. Track shots taken with Sigma 50-500mm, pits and paddock with the 28-135mm IS. I really like the 28-135.

Thx,
Scott

[Tycho]

stigmundfreud said:

350d over the d40

Why?

[Steve Evil]

Tycho said:

stigmundfreud said:

350d over the d40

Why?

Mainly the lens limitations I would guess. If you're going to go for the D40 then the consensus seems to be to go for the D40x.

[stigmundfreud]

Steve Evil said:

Tycho said:

stigmundfreud said:

350d over the d40

Why?

Mainly the lens limitations I would guess. If you're going to go for the D40 then the consensus seems to be to go for the D40x.

lens limitations also canon shipped software is fantastic

[Tycho]

stigmundfreud said:

Steve Evil said:

Tycho said:

stigmundfreud said:

350d over the d40

Why?

Mainly the lens limitations I would guess. If you're going to go for the D40 then the consensus seems to be to go for the D40x.

lens limitations also canon shipped software is fantastic

Fair enough. What does the software do? Is it similar to Photoshop etc or does it interface with the camera?

[stigmundfreud]

Tycho said:

stigmundfreud said:

Steve Evil said:

Tycho said:

stigmundfreud said:

350d over the d40

Why?

Mainly the lens limitations I would guess. If you're going to go for the D40 then the consensus seems to be to go for the D40x.

lens limitations also canon shipped software is fantastic

Fair enough. What does the software do? Is it similar to Photoshop etc or does it interface with the camera?

no its not like photoshop but it is excellent nonetheless. Tbh this comes up all the time, you need to go to jessops (dont have to buy there) and try them out to find which fits your hands better as you'll be doing a lot of holding.

[crackthatoff]

I got the new sony a200 for my first, so far so good

[Tycho]

stigmundfreud said:

Tycho said:

stigmundfreud said:

Steve Evil said:

Tycho said:

stigmundfreud said:

350d over the d40

Why?

Mainly the lens limitations I would guess. If you're going to go for the D40 then the consensus seems to be to go for the D40x.

lens limitations also canon shipped software is fantastic

Fair enough. What does the software do? Is it similar to Photoshop etc or does it interface with the camera?

no its not like photoshop but it is excellent nonetheless. Tbh this comes up all the time, you need to go to jessops (dont have to buy there) and try them out to find which fits your hands better as you'll be doing a lot of holding.

Cool, cheers.

[Gold]

I've been very impressed with my first SLR, a Canon 400D, far exceeds my very limited photographic skill. Would definitely recommend it.

I got it for £350 on special offer from tesco.com and a further £45 off with the Canon cashback which is still valid for cameras purchased up until the end of June. (http://canonlensacc2008.onlinerebates.com/?language=BE&country=uk)

[miniman]

I will repeat my previous blatant plug as I seemed to get away with it last time

350D + 18-55 + 3 batteries + cable release + bag = £225 ish.

[sensa]

miniman said:

I will repeat my previous blatant plug as I seemed to get away with it last time

350D + 18-55 + 3 batteries + cable release + bag = £225 ish.

Do tell me more...

[miniman]

Have just upgraded to a 40D. 350D is in good condition, could probably do with a sensor clean but that's all. Has spare batteries and a Canon remote release cable, USB lead, video lead, charger, box, bag, software CDs, only thing I can't find is the instruction manual but there is a CD manual there and I am sure I will find it sooner or later. If you are interested I could probably put it up on eBay with a random description so no-one else sees it. There are lots on eBay around the £200 - £250 mark, without the extras. The cable release was £25 by itself.

[andye30m3]

I recently purchased a Canon 10D second hand along with some extras it came in a under £300 for:

The body
battery
battery grip
all software and charger
28-85(i think) canon lense
70-300 canon lense which seams ok at brands
2gb card.

Took it to brands last week end and was really pleased with the results.