Entry level DSLR recommendations??

[DS3R]

Hello PH,

I'm looking for a first "decent" (ie non-compact) camera. Picked up a magazine (Digital Camera- imaginative title) which ran a group test and reckoned the Nikon D5000 is pretty handy (they rated it above the EOS 450D and Pentax K-x).

Wondered if anyone had one/ opinions as to it or the near rivals? One magazine test is not a true reflection.

Will be used for some sports photography (wakeboarding, from shoreline & in a boat) so the image stablisation the stock lens the Nikon comes with seems a good start (18- 55mm VR), with the odd video (it has 780p HD) and generally trying to learn about cameras (so a general mix of everything).

Am tempted to wait til a 550D gets cheaper, it seems PH like them (http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=109&t=864118&mid=209625&nmt=Canon 550D info wanted) but like all things tech, by the time it's sub £500 with a lens there will be something else better!

[nick heppinstall]

I was in the same position a few months ago and after much research went for the Kx. My shortlist was Nikon 5000, Canon 500 and Kx.

I picked up the Kx kit which included 18-55mm and 55-300mm lens for £570.

I'm delighted with the Camera and think that, for me, it was the correct choice.

Review and comparison with Nikon and Canon here :

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxkx/

[K12beano]

DS3R said:

Hello PH,

......

Will be used for some sports photography (wakeboarding, from shoreline & in a boat) so the image stablisation the stock lens the Nikon comes with seems a good start (18- 55mm VR), with the odd video ....

Hiya!


I might not be in a majority here, in fact I may just be in a very, very small minority, but I am immediately thinking "...build yourself a kit around a Nikon 70-300mm VR Jobbie...." The latest incarnation of these may not be cheap, but I can vouch for how good the previous ED version was and (although these days I am on a secondhand 70-200mm) it would be my starting point for the glass, given the comments on what you want to use it for.

I am not sure what I might mate it up with, but D80/90 secondhand or new, D200/D300(s) secondhand or new, all come to mind as really really good starters depending upon your desire for moving-picture-video-ness. I would be inclined to the DXXX range for being a bit more rugged/waterproof - but hell! buy a cheapie secondhand - then you can learn and trash it and, who cares, buy the next body in XXX months.

'Course, go and handle the Nikon. 'Cos if a Canon feels better in the palm of your hand you'll need one of them instead.....

[mcflurry]

I have a D5000 and am happy with it. However, if I were to "do it again" then I would have paid the extra £100 for a D90 as you aren't as tied to AFS lenses later

[DS3R]

Thanks all,

I'm getting the impression pretty much all camera bodies will be far superior to my abilities for a little while- and interesting points about a D90- particularly second hand. I guess I need a crash course in understanding lenses!!

[Simpo Two]

DS3R said:

wakeboarding, from shoreline & in a boat

I'd second Beano's suggestion of the Nikon 70-300VR, which I got to replace the ED version, and find it better with fast focus (AF-S) and less CA (colour fringing). The ED also got quite soft at 300mm.

However you'll also need something for the shorter lengths as 70mm is rather too long for everyday use.

[spanishchocolate]

Hi,

Does anyone have the Canon 1000D (my budget doesn't stretch to the 500D)? How about the Nikon D3000, or Olympus E420 (the latter of which is more within my budget)?

I'd prefer to spend a bit less than the 1000D, given I will be using Auto most of the time. The main concern for me is shutter speed, and the number of photos that can be taken in quick succession (after taking my Panasonic Lumix to Le Mans, and finding it couldn't keep up with the speed of the cars!)

What are 'bridge' cameras, and would they be better?

Thanks

Edited by spanishchocolate on Sunday 20th June 20:38

[tinman0]

spanishchocolate said:

Hi,

Does anyone have the Canon 1000D (my budget doesn't stretch to the 500D)? How about the Nikon D3000, or Olympus E420 (the latter of which is more within my budget)?

I'd prefer to spend a bit less than the 1000D, given I will be using Auto most of the time. The main concern for me is shutter speed, and the number of photos that can be taken in quick succession (after taking my Panasonic Lumix to Le Mans, and finding it couldn't keep up with the speed of the cars!)

What are 'bridge' cameras, and would they be better?

Thanks

Used a 1000D a few times. Nice camera, but very plastic compared to the 400/450/500/550D range. Feels like a more basic camera as well, but doesn't do anything worse than a 400D which i still think was (/is) a reasonable camera.

Don't use Auto (green mode - I call it idiot mode) though, use P(rogram) mode for general stuff, and use Idiot mode when you are indoors and using the flash.

Bridge cameras are not really replacements for a proper DSLR though.

[spanishchocolate]

Thanks

Anyone any comments on the Olympus E420? Reviews are positive except for the slow auto focus in live view

Edited by spanishchocolate on Monday 21st June 06:54

[Hub]

spanishchocolate said:

The main concern for me is shutter speed, and the number of photos that can be taken in quick succession

What are 'bridge' cameras, and would they be better?

You will need a DSLR, as shutter speeds, the number of photos that can be taken on continuous shooting, and the reaction of pushing the button and taking a photo are massively better than a standard digital equivalent!

[D4VE 3LL]

I use the latest 70-300m VR on a Nikon D80... Honestly, for the money your laughing IMO.

Some examples







I know it's not what you said you'd use it for but if it can handle fast jets and cars you shouldn't have any problem shooting on the sea Active VR will come in handy, it's designed to minimise the "up, down" vibrations as oppose to the "left-right" which the normal mode is for.

[DS3R]

Awesome pics, thanks! A girl at the lake today had a Canon 550D with the standard 18- 35mm lens & said as much as she loved the camera, it really didn't zoom as much as she needed.

Basically I've fallen for the age-old trick- the headline figure is about £600 for a body, stock lens, a few memory cards & case. I'm thinking great, all done. Actually, it's just been the start of my education!!

[HellDiver]

spanishchocolate said:

Hi,

Does anyone have the Canon 1000D (my budget doesn't stretch to the 500D)?

Yeah, I'm very happy with mine, it replaced an Olympus E510. The Canon was technically a downgrade, but it takes fantastic pictures, is a lot lighter than the Olympus, and lenses are dirt cheap.

I mostly use mine with the EF 50mm MkII, it gives far better pictures than the standard kit lens. It's a little long for everyday use, so I'm thinking of picking up a 30mm prime.




Both taken using the 50mm prime, both untouched.

Edited by HellDiver on Thursday 24th June 11:27

[spanishchocolate]

^ Brillo pads to read this. I bought one yesterday. Good to hear that it was a good choice. Can't wait to have a play - especially at Le Mans Classic