Entry to mid level DSLR - what do you pro's recommend :-) ?

[6BMW]

Looking to buy a DSLR but this is all totally new to me. Nikon, Sony, Cannon, Pentax so much choice!

The main use for this would be to take photos for a professional website (e-commerce) venture and also recreational photography.

Budget is crica £500.

Not sure if I should buy new or pick up a higher spec but used bundle off ebay?

Thanks :-)

[Synchromesh]

Canon or Nikon is where I would start. Personally I'd go and look at the Canon 1100d first.

[RobDickinson]

For website ecommerce stuff which body you buy is almost irrelevant .

Lighting and setup is more the key.

Web sized images under controlled lighting at what 800x600 or so was a problem solved aeges ago.

Get a cheapo used body (canon 400d say) a nice cheap prime (50mmf1.8 , unless your shooting very small things)
Then add a tripod, couple of lights & diffusers ( cheapo flashes, desk lamps etc) or light tent etc.

Its more about how you use the gear than what camera you have.

[mattdaniels]

For your budget you are looking at entry level DSLR if you are buying new. They are all much of a muchness in terms of features what matters is knowing how to use the camera and what is most comfortable for you. Nikon and Canon are the two big players in the DSLR market, which means you get the most choice of lenses, accessories and support, and they attract their own fanbases with subsequent polarised opinions. Neither is better than the other apart from the fact you can spot a Canon user at 100 yards by the way their knuckles drag on the ground . Seriously, you'll find you either "think" like Nikon or like Canon so the buttons / layouts / functions will make more sense to you on one than the other. So go to a shop and have a play and see what you get on with.

As mentioned above though, for studio type shots its more about lighting than anything else. (Well, all photography is about lighting but you get my drift).

Edited by mattdaniels on Sunday 31st July 10:36