Canon DSLR Virgin
Discussion
To celebrate my return to work after an 8 month spell of unemployment i am going to treat myself with my first months wages.
I have wanted a DSLR ever since i realised the limitations of our Fuji Finepix S8100FD. I love the 18x optical zoom but hate everything else!
I understand 'its all about the glass' - but i thought ill just get the standard lens kit while i get comfortable with the camera and practice.
I don't really want to spend more than £500 on the initial kit (body and lens) and was thinking with my extremely limited understanding of getting a EOS 600D
my question is - would the 600d be too much for a first camera, will i be over whelmed with options and settings or will i be ok to grow into it?
any other suggestions / experiences / advice ?
I have wanted a DSLR ever since i realised the limitations of our Fuji Finepix S8100FD. I love the 18x optical zoom but hate everything else!
I understand 'its all about the glass' - but i thought ill just get the standard lens kit while i get comfortable with the camera and practice.
I don't really want to spend more than £500 on the initial kit (body and lens) and was thinking with my extremely limited understanding of getting a EOS 600D
my question is - would the 600d be too much for a first camera, will i be over whelmed with options and settings or will i be ok to grow into it?
any other suggestions / experiences / advice ?
Most DSLR’s in that price range are much of a muchness. It’s a good starting point (this from a Canon owner).
You should be able to grow as a photographer in terms of, perhaps starting out in an automatic mode and gradually learning the different aspects of the camera as you gain experience and confidence.
Remember digital is a “cheap” way to learn – as opposed to a film camera.
You should be able to grow as a photographer in terms of, perhaps starting out in an automatic mode and gradually learning the different aspects of the camera as you gain experience and confidence.
Remember digital is a “cheap” way to learn – as opposed to a film camera.
If you look on flickr to see which cameras people have used to create the images you like most, I bet you'd find a variety from the old and cheap to the expensive and great. I'd get a basic dslr, a couple of nice lenses, primes if possible and a good book like Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. See what MBP have to offer.
Canon or Nikon make a really good starter DSLR. (Anything's better than Fuji 
Body maybe about 50% of the argument but I agree you are only as good as your glass. If you stick with the standard 18-55mm lens that would come with the Canon EOS system, you will regret not going better.
I liked the Canon Reble t3 series because they are very easy to pick up and learn. You can leave it in auto and still shoot great and then eventually you will learn the settings to shoot even better.
The lens I loved to shoot with is my (and they still make it for digital) Canon EFS 17-85mm. It's got image stabilization and a fast focus motor which helped me get some great scenery shots for a large sized photo canvas.
Good luck!
Body maybe about 50% of the argument but I agree you are only as good as your glass. If you stick with the standard 18-55mm lens that would come with the Canon EOS system, you will regret not going better. I liked the Canon Reble t3 series because they are very easy to pick up and learn. You can leave it in auto and still shoot great and then eventually you will learn the settings to shoot even better.
The lens I loved to shoot with is my (and they still make it for digital) Canon EFS 17-85mm. It's got image stabilization and a fast focus motor which helped me get some great scenery shots for a large sized photo canvas.
Good luck!
Firstly, congrats on the new job 
As with all these choices I'd always recommend going to a local camera store and seein which you prefer. Also gives the opportunity to barter a bit towards the online price, always worth supporting your local shop if you can imo
Wouldn't worry about a particular model being 'too much' - they will all have similar core features (control over aperture, shutter speed, iso, etc) but some models will have more proficient autofocus, video modes, etc.
Also worth keeping in mind that some models can me more 'consumer' than others - so often used features may be in a menu rather than a dedicated button. If it's a camera for general holiday photos then it's probably not a huge issue, but if you start using it for, say, motorsports then it can be a godsend
The Canon 18-55 IS is not a bad kit lens, believe some deals also bundle with the 55-250mm too. Quite a bit of zoom for not a (relatively) huge outlay. If you like portraits then people normally suggest picking up the (relatively) cheap (like £83) 50mm f1.8 - also gives you an opportunity to try out a 'fast' prime lens
As much as it pains me to say (
) if you don't have any particular tie to Canon (like a friend who already has gear) then I'd look at the Nikon offerings too. They have a great range of cameras, if I were starting all again I'd certainly consider them
As with all these choices I'd always recommend going to a local camera store and seein which you prefer. Also gives the opportunity to barter a bit towards the online price, always worth supporting your local shop if you can imo
Wouldn't worry about a particular model being 'too much' - they will all have similar core features (control over aperture, shutter speed, iso, etc) but some models will have more proficient autofocus, video modes, etc.
Also worth keeping in mind that some models can me more 'consumer' than others - so often used features may be in a menu rather than a dedicated button. If it's a camera for general holiday photos then it's probably not a huge issue, but if you start using it for, say, motorsports then it can be a godsend
The Canon 18-55 IS is not a bad kit lens, believe some deals also bundle with the 55-250mm too. Quite a bit of zoom for not a (relatively) huge outlay. If you like portraits then people normally suggest picking up the (relatively) cheap (like £83) 50mm f1.8 - also gives you an opportunity to try out a 'fast' prime lens
As much as it pains me to say (
) if you don't have any particular tie to Canon (like a friend who already has gear) then I'd look at the Nikon offerings too. They have a great range of cameras, if I were starting all again I'd certainly consider them Janetvroom said:
Canon or Nikon make a really good starter DSLR. (Anything's better than Fuji Body maybe about 50% of the argument but I agree you are only as good as your glass. If you stick with the standard 18-55mm lens that would come with the Canon EOS system, you will regret not going better.
I liked the Canon Reble t3 series because they are very easy to pick up and learn. You can leave it in auto and still shoot great and then eventually you will learn the settings to shoot even better.
The lens I loved to shoot with is my (and they still make it for digital) Canon EFS 17-85mm. It's got image stabilization and a fast focus motor which helped me get some great scenery shots for a large sized photo canvas.
Good luck!
You can use the 60D in full auto as well. It really is down to which body you prefer. I started with a 350D and moved on quite quickly to a 40D, as I found the heavier larger body more comfortable to use. I too have the 17-85 lens and it is a very flexible lens though isn't the sharpest in Canon's toolbox. Body maybe about 50% of the argument but I agree you are only as good as your glass. If you stick with the standard 18-55mm lens that would come with the Canon EOS system, you will regret not going better. I liked the Canon Reble t3 series because they are very easy to pick up and learn. You can leave it in auto and still shoot great and then eventually you will learn the settings to shoot even better.
The lens I loved to shoot with is my (and they still make it for digital) Canon EFS 17-85mm. It's got image stabilization and a fast focus motor which helped me get some great scenery shots for a large sized photo canvas.
Good luck!
A lot of the time I used fixed lenses as it makes me think a lot more with regard to composition.
But you can also take landscapes with a Fuji!!! Taken with a X100 yesterday. (fixed lens).
[/url]dinas001_sm by Mr Perceptive X100, on Flick
We bought a a Canon EOS 350 several years ago and it has performed flawlessly ever since in the hands of several users - it is the 911virgin works camera! The rubberised covering is wearing away, the lens has a few dents but the old girl just keeps on going. Oh, I had it cleaned about 3 years ago so to say we've not treated it with love is unfair
About a year ago I got a 600 D and have been very impressed. The flip out screen has been particularly useful allowing high and low level images.
A good choice with a large selection of lenses available and a known quantity.
Henry
About a year ago I got a 600 D and have been very impressed. The flip out screen has been particularly useful allowing high and low level images.
A good choice with a large selection of lenses available and a known quantity.
Henry
thanks for all the comments and opinions guys and thank you for the congrats on the job 
I do intend to buy a good lens and money won't be an issue (within reason) so i think best camera i can afford now, and then best lens i can afford later - hopefully then i should have the best of both worlds.
The flip out screen does appeal to me, i take some 'laying on the ground' photos now (cats through the grass kind of thing) so the twisty screen may save my jeans from grass stains lol
I don't know why i feel a tie to Canon, but i do, maybe i'm just a sheep.. but i feel comfortable with the brand. I have always had Canon Compacts (anyone remember the IXUS?) and my first digital camera was a Canon powershot 2MP jobbie .
Sadly our local independent camera shop which had been there 30 years and that did most of my dads developing back in the day has closed down recently so other than a Comet (in the next few days) Jessops or argos i don't really know where to go.. I'm near Romford so if anyone could recommend an indie i would appreciate it.
I do intend to buy a good lens and money won't be an issue (within reason) so i think best camera i can afford now, and then best lens i can afford later - hopefully then i should have the best of both worlds.
The flip out screen does appeal to me, i take some 'laying on the ground' photos now (cats through the grass kind of thing) so the twisty screen may save my jeans from grass stains lol
I don't know why i feel a tie to Canon, but i do, maybe i'm just a sheep.. but i feel comfortable with the brand. I have always had Canon Compacts (anyone remember the IXUS?) and my first digital camera was a Canon powershot 2MP jobbie .
Sadly our local independent camera shop which had been there 30 years and that did most of my dads developing back in the day has closed down recently so other than a Comet (in the next few days) Jessops or argos i don't really know where to go.. I'm near Romford so if anyone could recommend an indie i would appreciate it.
flat-planedCrank said:
Firstly, congrats on the new job
As with all these choices I'd always recommend going to a local camera store and seein which you prefer. Also gives the opportunity to barter a bit towards the online price, always worth supporting your local shop if you can imo
Wouldn't worry about a particular model being 'too much' - they will all have similar core features (control over aperture, shutter speed, iso, etc) but some models will have more proficient autofocus, video modes, etc.
Also worth keeping in mind that some models can me more 'consumer' than others - so often used features may be in a menu rather than a dedicated button. If it's a camera for general holiday photos then it's probably not a huge issue, but if you start using it for, say, motorsports then it can be a godsend
The Canon 18-55 IS is not a bad kit lens, believe some deals also bundle with the 55-250mm too. Quite a bit of zoom for not a (relatively) huge outlay. If you like portraits then people normally suggest picking up the (relatively) cheap (like £83) 50mm f1.8 - also gives you an opportunity to try out a 'fast' prime lens
As much as it pains me to say ( ) if you don't have any particular tie to Canon (like a friend who already has gear) then I'd look at the Nikon offerings too. They have a great range of cameras, if I were starting all again I'd certainly consider them
These are exactly the three lenses I have for my 1000D that I bought a few years ago, and is all you really need to start out on. Still got a lot to learn, particularly with processing the image. Going to get either Lightroom or Elements for Xmas As with all these choices I'd always recommend going to a local camera store and seein which you prefer. Also gives the opportunity to barter a bit towards the online price, always worth supporting your local shop if you can imo
Wouldn't worry about a particular model being 'too much' - they will all have similar core features (control over aperture, shutter speed, iso, etc) but some models will have more proficient autofocus, video modes, etc.
Also worth keeping in mind that some models can me more 'consumer' than others - so often used features may be in a menu rather than a dedicated button. If it's a camera for general holiday photos then it's probably not a huge issue, but if you start using it for, say, motorsports then it can be a godsend
The Canon 18-55 IS is not a bad kit lens, believe some deals also bundle with the 55-250mm too. Quite a bit of zoom for not a (relatively) huge outlay. If you like portraits then people normally suggest picking up the (relatively) cheap (like £83) 50mm f1.8 - also gives you an opportunity to try out a 'fast' prime lens
As much as it pains me to say (
) if you don't have any particular tie to Canon (like a friend who already has gear) then I'd look at the Nikon offerings too. They have a great range of cameras, if I were starting all again I'd certainly consider them paulw123 said:
Im in exactly the same position as you and with the current £40 cashback from Canon the 600D looks very tempting. Looked at the Nikon d3200 but didnt like the feel.
Any more 600d users?
If you've looked at the other options then I can't imagine that a 600D will disappoint Any more 600d users?
Nothing major on the 'Cons' list - http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos600d/19
gangzoom said:
... so far I have found the limiting factor to taking a good photo has always been my skill rather than the camera
I found that restricting yourself to fixed (rather than zoom lenses) helps an awful lot, it forces you to think much more about composition and physically move, rather than just twiddle a zoom! If you don't already have the 50mm f1.8 Canon lens, then buy it, put it on your camera and don't remove it for a month, your photography will improve.gangzoom said:
... so far I have found the limiting factor to taking a good photo has always been my skill rather than the camera
I found that restricting yourself to fixed (rather than zoom lenses) helps an awful lot, it forces you to think much more about composition and physically move, rather than just twiddle a zoom! If you don't already have the 50mm f1.8 Canon lens, then buy it, put it on your camera and don't remove it for a month, your photography will improve.I started with a second hand 350D to see if photography was something I would actually stick with and then upgraded to a 550D. I really recommend the 550D or obviously the 650D for your budget. I've been meaning to upgrade to a 7D for ages but I just keep spending the money on glass as the 550D is capable enough to produce practically the same quality pictures as any of the other crop sensor Canons.
DavidY said:
gangzoom said:
... so far I have found the limiting factor to taking a good photo has always been my skill rather than the camera
I found that restricting yourself to fixed (rather than zoom lenses) helps an awful lot, it forces you to think much more about composition and physically move, rather than just twiddle a zoom! If you don't already have the 50mm f1.8 Canon lens, then buy it, put it on your camera and don't remove it for a month, your photography will improve.On a separate point, I'm surprised that people are suggesting "start learning in automatic mode". Why would you do this?
The best recommendation I had was to start learning in AV mode. It's hardly a difficult concept to grasp, and it's far more satisfying to get the shot you actually wanted, rather than the one the camera thought you wanted. it also leads very naturally into when you'd use shutter priority, and when you'd use manual.
I've never really understood why camera manufacturers put all the various automatic modes on their low to mid-range cameras.
Agree with the last poster about using one of the semi-auto modes like AV or TV mode. The idea of getting a DSLR should be to learn photography, so using one of these modes allows you to pick up skills and not ruin the shots totally as you might with full manual mode from the first time you use the camera.
I started with TV mode as I do wildlife photography and it allowed me to ensure the speed was fast enough to freeze the action. The rest was pretty much taken care of, though with the 350D I was using, ISO had to be managed too.
It's more fun then too, as you can experiment with settings and see what works and when. I moved over to AV mode after a short while as I wanted to have control over the appearance of the shot more, and have for the last couple of years been using manual mode only. I love the complete control you have in this mode - can force the camera to take shots that the Auto mode (and AV / TV) would refuse to take.
Anyway, the cameras Canon churn out from even the basic ones are great bits of kit. Get what you can afford, same with the glass and enjoy. It's an absorbing hobby.
I started with TV mode as I do wildlife photography and it allowed me to ensure the speed was fast enough to freeze the action. The rest was pretty much taken care of, though with the 350D I was using, ISO had to be managed too.
It's more fun then too, as you can experiment with settings and see what works and when. I moved over to AV mode after a short while as I wanted to have control over the appearance of the shot more, and have for the last couple of years been using manual mode only. I love the complete control you have in this mode - can force the camera to take shots that the Auto mode (and AV / TV) would refuse to take.
Anyway, the cameras Canon churn out from even the basic ones are great bits of kit. Get what you can afford, same with the glass and enjoy. It's an absorbing hobby.
Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff