D SLR options

[Shabs]

Hi All,

I have decided that I want to start doing more than just P&S as I am never happy with any of the photos I take and it drives me a bit nuts. Can I please have advice on a good entry level DSLR? I tried our good friend google and there are so many options I have no idea where to start. Some advice on brands, models, price ranges would be great. Also, can you reliably eb@st@rdy these things?

Thanks and sorry for the n00b post

Shabs

[y2blade]

Canon EOS 1000 D

i'm very happy


job done

Edited by y2blade on Tuesday 8th December 10:01

[GetCarter]

Canon or Nikon and you'll be fine.

[y2blade]

have a read here
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[andye30m3]

I'm sure there's more experienced photographers on here who will give better advise

but for what it's worth 18months ago I bought a Canon 10d second hand off of ebay and it's been a great camera, only issue I've had with it is that the auto focus can be a bit slow at time but other than that I've been very happy, seams well build and I expect worth as much today as it was when I bought it.

I've just up graded to a 20d but not had a chance to use it yet in order to compare the results but I'm told the auto focus is quicker which I'm hoping will help at motorsport events.

I expect your budget will influence peoples recommendations.

Edited by andye30m3 on Tuesday 8th December 10:13

[the_lone_wolf]

Just been through the minefield myself, ended up buying a Nikon D5000 over the comparable Canon EOS 500D, mainly because I couldn't get a comfy hold on the Canon - the grip was too small leaving the centre section of my 1st finger over the shutter release button and half my pinkie hanging off the bottom, I also found the viewfinder too far to the right for my personal taste. The Nikon is an odd looking shape but fits me much better. Best thing to do is go have a play with a few models and see which ones you like, then head over to somewhere like dpreview.com to see how they perform under expert scrutiny. The differences in image quality between comparable models is likely to be so slight you'd only notice under direct comparison under certain conditions

If you're looking at the two models I was, my looking into it showed the two cameras are pretty equal save for a couple of details:

Canon:

+

• High res screen
• Slightly higher detail capture in JPEG mode
• 1080 video

-

• More noise at higher ISO settings
• More £££ than the Nikon
• 1080 video is only 20fps

Nikon:

+

• Slightly better image quality
• Better AF system inherited from D90
• Slightly faster continuous shooting (but smaller buffer)

-

• JPEG output soft by default
• Rotating screen is a bit gimmicky (but you can turn it round to protect it during transport)
• Menu system is a bit like spelunking (although to be fair all DSLRs are going to be more complex than compacts by their nature and it does make sense the more you use it)

Hope that helps, but definitely go have a play before shelling out the cash


ETA: The Nikon also has customisable maximum ISO and minimum shutter speed settings, which was a plus for me

Edited by the_lone_wolf on Tuesday 8th December 10:26

[Shabs]

thank you very much for the replies all, that is enough to start hunting

[beano500]

Whatever you go for, I'd suggest getting your hands round a few to see that your £££s are being spent on something you're likely to use.

Shabs said:

Also, can you reliably eb@st@rdy these things?

Only as much as anything else. To be honest, if you don't know exactly what your doing I'd go to a Jessops or similar (if they're still trading?) or a John Lewis (since they're "never knowingly gazzumped") for anything in the new arena, or a specialist main-stealer if you want a secondhand offering.

After all, you wouldn't pitch up and buy a used 105E from Ron Weasley without knowing which end the engine was supposed to be would you?

[y2blade]

I brought mine over the counter in my local store, wanted to "feel" them before making my final choice and handing over the cash

I personaly wouldnt buy one online or at least not without handling one in a store first

Edited by y2blade on Tuesday 8th December 12:50

[Dogsey]

andye30m3 said:

I'm sure there's more experienced photographers on here who will give better advise

but for what it's worth 18months ago I bought a Canon 10d second hand off of ebay and it's been a great camera, only issue I've had with it is that the auto focus can be a bit slow at time but other than that I've been very happy, seams well build and I expect worth as much today as it was when I bought it.

I've just up graded to a 20d but not had a chance to use it yet in order to compare the results but I'm told the auto focus is quicker which I'm hoping will help at motorsport events.

I expect your budget will influence peoples recommendations.

Edited by andye30m3 on Tuesday 8th December 10:13

This man speaks sense, older doesn't mean bad!

Edited by Dogsey on Tuesday 8th December 15:33

[58warren]

I've owned a Canon 300D and 400D in the past and have now recently bought a 500D. Each one cheaper and better specced than the previous and I've been very happy with all of them.

I haven't tried out the HD video setting yet, but would probably choose a dedicated camcorder for that.

Excellent value online for the Canon 55-250mm image stabiliser lens - I paid £154 delivered from simply electronics. Argos are asking £350, which is £100 over RRP!

Edited by 58warren on Tuesday 8th December 13:29

[Mini1275]

I have a 450D...Superb camera very, very pleased.
ETA: Just seen you said 'Entry level', 1000D it is then Ment to be a brilliant camera.

Edited by Mini1275 on Tuesday 8th December 13:34

[y2blade]

Mini1275 said:

I have a 450D...Superb camera very, very pleased.
ETA: Just seen you said 'Entry level', 1000D it is then Ment to be a brilliant camera.

Edited by Mini1275 on Tuesday 8th December 13:34

hence I recommended it

[flamez]

Although not a DSLR how about the new PEN or Canon G series? both would give great results. Remember composition makes a good image not camera equipment!

[Shabs]

I currently have this as my point and shoot camera:



but want to migrate on to SLR as I don't feel I have the ability to do anything really with the above other than P&S. I know the equipment won't make good photos, so I plan on doing a course after I buy it

Thanks for the advice on ebast@rdy, advice I will take until I know what i am doing

Shabs

[y2blade]

Shabs said:

I currently have this as my point and shoot camera:



but want to migrate on to SLR as I don't feel I have the ability to do anything really with the above other than P&S. I know the equipment won't make good photos, so I plan on doing a course after I buy it

Thanks for the advice on ebast@rdy, advice I will take until I know what i am doing

Shabs

they are a very good camera actualy, I bought A powershot SX120IS to use alongside my new EOS 1000D (I bought the powershot 2 weeks before the 1000D)

the 1000D is my first D-SLR and i'm very happy with it