Cannon EOS ? so confused please help
Discussion
My youngest daughter is doing A-level photography at college she is 17 & she wants a Cannon EOS , looking on e-bay & CEX etc it all seems so mind boggling 450d , 50 d 100d i really don't understand a word of it TBh
If someone could explain what any of this means to a point & shoot man i would be very grateful , i have a few months to decide which one would be suitable before i part with my hard earned . my daughter seems to like every model but i would rather wait get advice & make sure i buy the right one
I am however wary about buying such an expensive item off of e-bay
If someone could explain what any of this means to a point & shoot man i would be very grateful , i have a few months to decide which one would be suitable before i part with my hard earned . my daughter seems to like every model but i would rather wait get advice & make sure i buy the right one
I am however wary about buying such an expensive item off of e-bay
Model numbers with 3 or 4 digits (450d, 500d, 1000d etc) are the "starter" cameras. Higher the number typically means the newer the camera, and hence more feature rich. The bodies are smaller and less rugged, but often contain features that would have been pro level a few years ago.
2 digits (50d, 60d etc) are "prosumer". Again, the higher the number, the "better" the camera. Better quality build (typically). Feature set will often be similar to the 3-4 digit models.
Single digit cameras (1d, 5d, 7d etc) are the top line. The 1 series are pro-level cameras. Beyond that, the magnitude of the number is more down to choice with these lines than quality. e.g. a 7D is likely to be better at "sport" photography than a 5d, but "worse" at portraits. These cameras usually have the higher tech first, and will typically have better build quality still, plus things that are often overlooked on "spec sheets" such as better focussing systems.
The lower range cameras are so good now that my advice would be to spend on lenses at the expense of the body (to a certain extent). On this front, 'L' lenses are the best Canon make and are very, very good. But expensive (worth it IMO).
2 digits (50d, 60d etc) are "prosumer". Again, the higher the number, the "better" the camera. Better quality build (typically). Feature set will often be similar to the 3-4 digit models.
Single digit cameras (1d, 5d, 7d etc) are the top line. The 1 series are pro-level cameras. Beyond that, the magnitude of the number is more down to choice with these lines than quality. e.g. a 7D is likely to be better at "sport" photography than a 5d, but "worse" at portraits. These cameras usually have the higher tech first, and will typically have better build quality still, plus things that are often overlooked on "spec sheets" such as better focussing systems.
The lower range cameras are so good now that my advice would be to spend on lenses at the expense of the body (to a certain extent). On this front, 'L' lenses are the best Canon make and are very, very good. But expensive (worth it IMO).
Murph7355 said:
Model numbers with 3 or 4 digits (450d, 500d, 1000d etc) are the "starter" cameras. Higher the number typically means the newer the camera, and hence more feature rich. The bodies are smaller and less rugged, but often contain features that would have been pro level a few years ago.
2 digits (50d, 60d etc) are "prosumer". Again, the higher the number, the "better" the camera. Better quality build (typically). Feature set will often be similar to the 3-4 digit models.
Single digit cameras (1d, 5d, 7d etc) are the top line. The 1 series are pro-level cameras. Beyond that, the magnitude of the number is more down to choice with these lines than quality. e.g. a 7D is likely to be better at "sport" photography than a 5d, but "worse" at portraits. These cameras usually have the higher tech first, and will typically have better build quality still, plus things that are often overlooked on "spec sheets" such as better focussing systems.
The lower range cameras are so good now that my advice would be to spend on lenses at the expense of the body (to a certain extent). On this front, 'L' lenses are the best Canon make and are very, very good. But expensive (worth it IMO).
Terrific , many many thanks 2 digits (50d, 60d etc) are "prosumer". Again, the higher the number, the "better" the camera. Better quality build (typically). Feature set will often be similar to the 3-4 digit models.
Single digit cameras (1d, 5d, 7d etc) are the top line. The 1 series are pro-level cameras. Beyond that, the magnitude of the number is more down to choice with these lines than quality. e.g. a 7D is likely to be better at "sport" photography than a 5d, but "worse" at portraits. These cameras usually have the higher tech first, and will typically have better build quality still, plus things that are often overlooked on "spec sheets" such as better focussing systems.
The lower range cameras are so good now that my advice would be to spend on lenses at the expense of the body (to a certain extent). On this front, 'L' lenses are the best Canon make and are very, very good. But expensive (worth it IMO).
To clarify further: There are 2 lines of starter cameras. The EOSxxxx cameras are the first level followed by the EOSxxx models.
I have an EOS550d and in my opinion you cant go much wrong with that to start with. The new EOS600d is basically the same camera as the 550d with the added feature of a rotatable lcd screen.
I have an EOS550d and in my opinion you cant go much wrong with that to start with. The new EOS600d is basically the same camera as the 550d with the added feature of a rotatable lcd screen.
Black can man said:
Murph7355 said:
Model numbers with 3 or 4 digits (450d, 500d, 1000d etc) are the "starter" cameras. Higher the number typically means the newer the camera, and hence more feature rich. The bodies are smaller and less rugged, but often contain features that would have been pro level a few years ago.
2 digits (50d, 60d etc) are "prosumer". Again, the higher the number, the "better" the camera. Better quality build (typically). Feature set will often be similar to the 3-4 digit models.
Single digit cameras (1d, 5d, 7d etc) are the top line. The 1 series are pro-level cameras. Beyond that, the magnitude of the number is more down to choice with these lines than quality. e.g. a 7D is likely to be better at "sport" photography than a 5d, but "worse" at portraits. These cameras usually have the higher tech first, and will typically have better build quality still, plus things that are often overlooked on "spec sheets" such as better focussing systems.
The lower range cameras are so good now that my advice would be to spend on lenses at the expense of the body (to a certain extent). On this front, 'L' lenses are the best Canon make and are very, very good. But expensive (worth it IMO).
Terrific , many many thanks 2 digits (50d, 60d etc) are "prosumer". Again, the higher the number, the "better" the camera. Better quality build (typically). Feature set will often be similar to the 3-4 digit models.
Single digit cameras (1d, 5d, 7d etc) are the top line. The 1 series are pro-level cameras. Beyond that, the magnitude of the number is more down to choice with these lines than quality. e.g. a 7D is likely to be better at "sport" photography than a 5d, but "worse" at portraits. These cameras usually have the higher tech first, and will typically have better build quality still, plus things that are often overlooked on "spec sheets" such as better focussing systems.
The lower range cameras are so good now that my advice would be to spend on lenses at the expense of the body (to a certain extent). On this front, 'L' lenses are the best Canon make and are very, very good. But expensive (worth it IMO).
This describes the 'connection system' or mount that the lenses and camera use.
All canon eos cameras can use all EF lenses.
All ****D, ***D, **D and the 7D can also use EF-S lenses.
You will also find other lens makers such as Sigma and Tamron that make 'canon fit' lenses.
With a canon eos dslr (and nikon, to be fair) you have a huge range of lenses available at a many different price points.
Hope this helps.
Black can man said:
My youngest daughter is doing A-level photography at college she is 17 & she wants a Cannon EOS , looking on e-bay & CEX etc it all seems so mind boggling 450d , 50 d 100d i really don't understand a word of it TBh
If someone could explain what any of this means to a point & shoot man i would be very grateful , i have a few months to decide which one would be suitable before i part with my hard earned . my daughter seems to like every model but i would rather wait get advice & make sure i buy the right one
I am however wary about buying such an expensive item off of e-bay
What is your rough budget OP ? Do you know what type of shooting she is planning ?If someone could explain what any of this means to a point & shoot man i would be very grateful , i have a few months to decide which one would be suitable before i part with my hard earned . my daughter seems to like every model but i would rather wait get advice & make sure i buy the right one
I am however wary about buying such an expensive item off of e-bay
(btw - I have bought lots of stuff off eBay with no problem - as long as you take the usual precautions
)Black can man said:
I am however wary about buying such an expensive item off of e-bay
I wouldn't worry so much about eBay. A lot of newer s/h camera gear actually come with their original boxes and are very well looked after.My current body (400D) came off eBay for about £235 s/h. Came with its original box, all the manuals, everything it ever came with. It looked nearly new, and I reckon it was only showing around 3,500 pictures.
So I would say that most people tend to look after their kit as it's high value stuff, so don't get overly concerned. See if you can find a seller selling the box and you are probably going to find a very well looked after camera.
Can't advise on what to buy as you haven't said what your budget is. However, put glass over body.
Thanks for all the prompt replies i think the budget would not exceed £400.00
I would imagine she would need it to just learn how to use & get the best out of a digital SLR , She says nearly all her college chums own a canon SLR & obviously i would want the best for her to further her progress in college ,
I would imagine she would use it as a starter camera to get her through the course , then if she goes on to take it more seriously then poor daddy will have to buy a better one
I would imagine she would need it to just learn how to use & get the best out of a digital SLR , She says nearly all her college chums own a canon SLR & obviously i would want the best for her to further her progress in college ,
I would imagine she would use it as a starter camera to get her through the course , then if she goes on to take it more seriously then poor daddy will have to buy a better one
I would be going used, and getting into the xxD range. Here's a nice 30D with a couple of lenses, for example:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Canon-EOS-30D-8-5-Megapixel-...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Canon-EOS-30D-8-5-Megapixel-...
Black can man said:
Thanks for all the prompt replies i think the budget would not exceed £400.00
I would imagine she would need it to just learn how to use & get the best out of a digital SLR , She says nearly all her college chums own a canon SLR & obviously i would want the best for her to further her progress in college ,
I would imagine she would use it as a starter camera to get her through the course , then if she goes on to take it more seriously then poor daddy will have to buy a better one
I would keep in mind that almost all of the cameras are fundamentally the same in operation - skills learned on a 5 year old camera are the same skills you would need to learn on a brand new £1.5k camera. The newer one may have a nicer screen, better auto-focus, lower noise in low-light, etc. The fundamentals of shutter speed, aperture, iso, and artistic skills such as judging composition haven't changed in a very long time I would imagine she would need it to just learn how to use & get the best out of a digital SLR , She says nearly all her college chums own a canon SLR & obviously i would want the best for her to further her progress in college ,
I would imagine she would use it as a starter camera to get her through the course , then if she goes on to take it more seriously then poor daddy will have to buy a better one
As has been mentioned, buying a used camera sounds like a good idea - you'll get a lot more for your money. Buying an EOS dslr means that you can upgrade things in the future. Don't overlook lenses though - a £150 350D camera on a £4000 lens will still take astonishing images
I would check the rough size / weight of the cameras you are looking at - take a look in a shop to get a feel for things. The ****D and ***D tend to be a little bit lighter and have plastic construction, the **D cameras are a bit bigger, have metal construction (apart from the new 60D), and are a bit heavier.
(Personally I think the **D models feature better usablity with common settings assigned to buttons (rather than in menus) for quick access - but the extra weight / size might not be welcome)
Hope this helps.
Murph7355 said:
Model numbers with 3 or 4 digits (450d, 500d, 1000d etc) are the "starter" cameras. Higher the number typically means the newer the camera, and hence more feature rich. The bodies are smaller and less rugged, but often contain features that would have been pro level a few years ago.
.
Probably worth pointing out (so that there's no confusion) that the 1000d is absolute starter in the EOS range, then the 3-digit range comes next..
Black can man said:
Thanks for all the prompt replies i think the budget would not exceed £400.00
I would imagine she would need it to just learn how to use & get the best out of a digital SLR , She says nearly all her college chums own a canon SLR & obviously i would want the best for her to further her progress in college ,
I would imagine she would use it as a starter camera to get her through the course , then if she goes on to take it more seriously then poor daddy will have to buy a better one
£400 gets you easily into 450D country with a kit lens as well (which isn't a bad lens).I would imagine she would need it to just learn how to use & get the best out of a digital SLR , She says nearly all her college chums own a canon SLR & obviously i would want the best for her to further her progress in college ,
I would imagine she would use it as a starter camera to get her through the course , then if she goes on to take it more seriously then poor daddy will have to buy a better one
£414 gets you onto a 500D though
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Canon-EOS-T1i-500D-Digital-S...
In addition to all of that...
I would avoid the 300D, too old and very slow.
I'd also avoid the 10D, bit older than the 300D but also doesnt have the EF-S mount so non of the new crop lenses will work.
If your going used a 20/30/40D would be a great buy, add on a used tamron 17-50f2.8 or even canons new kit lens (18-55IS, not the old non IS one).
Dont need much else but a memory card to get going, and that doe4snt have to be a flash one, a 2 or 4 gig CF card will be fine doesnt have to be whizzy fast.
If You have the budget or if she does get an EF50mmf1.8 too, its a prime, cheap as (for primes , £80-90?) and very usefull
I would avoid the 300D, too old and very slow.
I'd also avoid the 10D, bit older than the 300D but also doesnt have the EF-S mount so non of the new crop lenses will work.
If your going used a 20/30/40D would be a great buy, add on a used tamron 17-50f2.8 or even canons new kit lens (18-55IS, not the old non IS one).
Dont need much else but a memory card to get going, and that doe4snt have to be a flash one, a 2 or 4 gig CF card will be fine doesnt have to be whizzy fast.
If You have the budget or if she does get an EF50mmf1.8 too, its a prime, cheap as (for primes , £80-90?) and very usefull
In the interests of 'cheap' body, pricey lense ethos - I use a 400D which I bought new around 4+ years ago? (Memory fuzzy lol)
This is similar to the kit I have but with a nice versatile 70-300 lense, two memory cards and two batteries! And will probably be half you budget so you can get her some more specific accessories once she has started the course and knows more of whats required?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Canon-eos-400d-twin-lens-kit...
It's a great camera and takes incredible pictures, it is light (significantly lighter than equiv Nikon!) but strong and durable, I have dropped it twice and bashed it a few times but it always survives!
She's now taken over 20000 pictures and is still going strong - I have no plans to change any time soon!
This is similar to the kit I have but with a nice versatile 70-300 lense, two memory cards and two batteries! And will probably be half you budget so you can get her some more specific accessories once she has started the course and knows more of whats required?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Canon-eos-400d-twin-lens-kit...
It's a great camera and takes incredible pictures, it is light (significantly lighter than equiv Nikon!) but strong and durable, I have dropped it twice and bashed it a few times but it always survives!
She's now taken over 20000 pictures and is still going strong - I have no plans to change any time soon!
I absolutely love my 40D, does more than I could ask of it and aside from not being full frame (I'll probably upgrade to one eventually), ive offset that with a 10mm lens.
I ditched the kit 17-85mm lens and picked up a newer 15-85mm which is a great bit of kit. Lovely and sharp and has a good bit of range. I've not gone top end with any of the lenses but done a fair bit of homework to pick up some excellent value stuff.
My Kit:
Canon 40D
Canon 15-85mm
Canon 50mm 1.8
Sigma 10-20mm
Canon 70-300mm
I think the 40D is pretty affordable however, it is a larger body than the XXXD so your daughter might find the XXXD range a better fit in the hand. All personal preference at the end of the day
I ditched the kit 17-85mm lens and picked up a newer 15-85mm which is a great bit of kit. Lovely and sharp and has a good bit of range. I've not gone top end with any of the lenses but done a fair bit of homework to pick up some excellent value stuff.
My Kit:
Canon 40D
Canon 15-85mm
Canon 50mm 1.8
Sigma 10-20mm
Canon 70-300mm
I think the 40D is pretty affordable however, it is a larger body than the XXXD so your daughter might find the XXXD range a better fit in the hand. All personal preference at the end of the day
Simpo Two said:
Bah, make 'em do it the hard way
They should really. A friends daughter is just finishing her A level and for her course they specified that she had to have a film camera (maybe that's also true for the OP's daughter, but could understand if she wanted a digi as well), I sourced her a nice FE2 with a shutter speed dial where it should be, an an aperture ring around the lens, complete with DOF scale!Much better for learning the basics, digital cameras are just to complicated with a gazillion menus and modes, which just adds confusion and complication.
I can only hope the OPs daughter's course is better than the one my mate's daughter has been on, where they have failed miserably to teach her much at all on the technical side. It just seems all pictorial and taking pictures to a theme.
Having decided she wants to pursue photography further, she has just been accepted on a 3 year BA (Hons) Photography Degree course. But I can't say I'm that hopeful of a much better education. Looking at staff profiles, it's all run by people who clearly have loads of qualifications, but have also clearly never worked in the real world. Their lives are just stuck in academia where they use terms like 'lens based media', 'reality based visualisation', teaching and learning strategies' and 'the photograph becomes visible as an object containing an array of decisions, variables, and alternative narratives' etc....
So she has 3 years of that BS, followed by debt... before she starts stacking shelves at Tesco.
Edited by Bacardi on Monday 9th May 04:20
Note that with a dSLR you can ignore the metering, switch off autofocus, stick it onto jpg and single shot and it works like any SLR from the 70's
Some even prefer it that way :scratches head:
If she needs a film camera (too) then you should be able to get a cheap canon EOS film slr for peanuts, and say a 28-80 kit lens.
Some even prefer it that way :scratches head:
If she needs a film camera (too) then you should be able to get a cheap canon EOS film slr for peanuts, and say a 28-80 kit lens.
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