New to DSLR, budget £500 - which camera for a beginner?

[v15ben]

Apologies in advance as I'm sure this comes up every week, but as usual the PH search isn't working...

Me and the missus are both into our photography using our £80 point and shoots and enjoy editing too. We're realising that a good beginner friendly SLR is the logical step.

The key things for us:

• Budget up to £500.
• The main things we shoot are landscapes, portraits, cars and motorsport (mainly me ), macro and some night shots.
• Not bothered about video.
• Looking for something that is easy to learn with, easy to use and reliable.
• Plan to add lenses and extra kit in the future but to start off simple with a basic 50mm lens and a good camera.
• Looking to keep it for a few years and take millions of shots

I've been looking at reviews and of course there are thousands out there.

My questions then are what models do people recommend to a DSLR newbie? We plan to try out cameras in our local shops to get a feel for using them, the menus, features etc. Secondly, what reviews sites are good for newbs like me to understand without being totally biased? Finally, when we do buy what would you recommend as a good website/book to learn about the camera. I've been taking pictures for years, but I'm a real dunce when it comes to DSLR usage

Thanks in advance

[GetCarter]

As always... if you are considering doing it long term, stick to Canon or Nikon as they have FAR more new and second hand kit available. Other marques are fine - but don't have the huge spread of kit available. Nearly all pros that use DSLRs use Canon or Nikon.

ETA as for which website... this one is pretty good!

Edited by GetCarter on Monday 4th April 09:02

[v15ben]

I've been researching, chatting to friends and reading reviews all day. My thoughts are to go for something a bit better than entry level (Canon 1000D type level) then hopefully I have something to stick with for a long time rather than feeling the need to upgrade.

I'm currently looking at Canon 550D vs Nikon D5000 and I really not sure what to do. I tried both, like both and in terms of what I need from the camera they both seem great.

I can't see us being disappointed by either one by any stretch. How do people rate the Nikon vs Canon in terms of build quality, ease of use and reliability?

[GetCarter]

They are both very good makes. Historically (back in film days) Nikon were more respected, Over the past decade Canon have edged it - especially with entry level cameras. With the current crop there is virtually nothing in it. Nikon grabbed many pros back with the high end D3 but TBH whichever feels good in your hand is probably the way to go. On here, Paul 911, Simpo, George, Andrew and I use Nikon, but I think slightly more use Canon (Rob etc).

Edited by GetCarter on Monday 4th April 09:33

[Gold]

v15ben said:

I've been researching, chatting to friends and reading reviews all day. My thoughts are to go for something a bit better than entry level (Canon 1000D type level) then hopefully I have something to stick with for a long time rather than feeling the need to upgrade.

I'm currently looking at Canon 550D vs Nikon D5000 and I really not sure what to do. I tried both, like both and in terms of what I need from the camera they both seem great.

I can't see us being disappointed by either one by any stretch. How do people rate the Nikon vs Canon in terms of build quality, ease of use and reliability?

Have you got friends with either of them that you could try? Otherwise just go into a store and try them out, see if you pick up one and it feels nicer to you. There's no right or wrong answer.

[pmanson]

I've got a Canon 1000D which suits my requirements to a tee.

I'd suggest trying both Canon and Nikon bodies to see which one you find more comfortable (I didn't find the Nikon comfortable to handle due to the position of the shutter button).

On the other hand you may find it easier!

[dxbtiger]

I chose a D90 over a 550D for that very reason.

Can't really chime in on much tech/spec wise but most places you ask for advice on this subject 'pick them up and hold them, then decide' is going to be repeated.

This is the Canon vs Nikon debate by the way, I wouldn't have bought anything else.

[v15ben]

dxbtiger said:

I chose a D90 over a 550D for that very reason.

...and strangely enough I chose the 550D for the very same reason. Went back to the shop, paid the money and we're having great fun trying it out. The crispness of the photos I've taken even in auto mode is spectacular!

[RobDickinson]

Nice, theres not a lot of real difference in terms of output thesedays but the mechanics of operating it are quite different.

It takes me ages to get used to a nikon and thats if I dont break the mount twisting the lens the wrong way..

[ian in lancs]

As others have said either canon or Nikon. What do your mates have? That could be a source of beg, steal or borrow to try before you buy. In essence at any given price point there's little to choose between Nikon and canon. For me I have single handedly kept Nikon in the black....

[RobDickinson]

Ian he bought the 550d...

[tinman0]

Buy what your mates have. It is probably worth looking at the 1100D now vs the 550D if Canon is your thing.

If you don't want video, there is nothing stopping you picking up clearout 450D and saving a bit of cash for your next lens. At the end of the day, it's not the body that's important, it's the bit of glass in front of it.

And put 50quid aside to go on a composition course as well. Taking a good picture is far more important than kit at the end of the day.

[GetCarter]

He bought the 550D

[tinman0]

doh. didn't see that bit. lol.

[ian in lancs]

RobDickinson said:

Ian he bought the 550d...

I claim jet lag!

[v15ben]

I did consider the 1100D, but friends have said that after a few months they upgraded to a 550D anyway so decided to go straight in at the deep end. Loving it so far