Oh no!...another 'Which DSLR' thread!!

[LuckyP]

Apologies up front guys and gals, but I'm running out of time to do my research here. Wonder if you can help if I give you a steer on requirements??

The girlfriend wants a DSLR. She did photography at A-level so is familiar with the subject matter. Cannon EOS previously and pretty good with technology. We want to take:

Trackday photos
Animals
Portrait
Landscape
Estate agent type indoor shots

MUST have point and shoot ability - no delay in shutter from button.
One time purchase - don't want to upgrade
Kit ideally, with lens(es) and other accessories.
Have to buy before next weekend
Budget upto £750

I think that's it.

Many thanks in advance.

Pete

[andy-xr]

You're looking at probably 2 or 3 lenses there, so I think something mid range on the body is the way to go. Whether you go bundle and get a kit lens or body only and put the difference towards your own choice of lens is up to you.

70-300 for motorsport (albeit not the quickest)
50mm prime
17-70'ish for everything else. There's a few nice F/2.8's kicking around from 3rd party vendors

I wouldnt go for a long zoom (ie 28-200) but thats up to you

I dont think I could offer a manufacturer without being biased. I use Nikon, so I dont have any Canon experience other than a mates 40D. Prefer mine but thats familiarity for you

If you already know what you want then I'd recommend Warehouse Express as a purchase route. If you want to do some touchy feely, Jessops will often pricematch internet prices or get thereabouts. I bought my D80 and D300 from them as I wanted to try before buying.


Edit - I've just realised I've gone horribly over budget there

Second hand?

Edited by andy-xr on Friday 17th April 22:00

[Zad]

Canon Eos 450D Kit lens. Then add lenses as you need them.

[agent006]

Any DSLR on sale today will do everything you require of it.

[flat-planedCrank]

LuckyP said:

Trackday photos
Animals
Portrait
Landscape
Estate agent type indoor shots

Couple of thoughts

Canon EOS 450D - Double Zoom Kit
18-55mm IS
55-250mm IS
- £719 - http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.as...



..but you mention trackday photos, so for the better Autofocus, build quality, burst speed, buffer size (and usability) perhaps also look at..

Canon EOS 40D
18-55mm IS
55-250mm IS
- £898.99 - http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.as...

Though that is a bit over budget


Really need to have a look at these camera bodys in a shop to see how they suit you. The 450D is a bit smaller and a fair bit lighter (the 450D is 475g, the 40D is 740g).

LuckyP said:

MUST have point and shoot ability - no delay in shutter from button.
One time purchase - don't want to upgrade
Kit ideally, with lens(es) and other accessories.
Have to buy before next weekend
Budget upto £750

You also mentioned portraits, so getting a Canon 50mm f1.8 (£80-90) might be a good idea. Very nice image quality for not much £, good for portraits


Hope this helps,


Cheers.

[10JH]

I bought a 1000d for my girlfriend and we are very happy with it! Looked at the 450d but thought that there were few advantages (main +ve seemed to be that 450d was quicker fps in RAW, not that useful for her really and more autofocus points). The kit lens is good, IS helps a lot. I also bought a Tamron 70-300 which is also good, long reach and she is pleased with the sharpness and IQ.

Looking at getting a 50mm prime too, the reviews are great!

[LuckyP]

Thanks all, very informative. Looks like a trip to Jessops is in order.

[sidaorb]

How about a little curve ball......buy s/h

Canon 1D MK1 - £300-£400 (like Kim Cattrall, older but still a great body)
Sigma 70-200 F2.8 Mk1 - £300-£400
Sigma 24-70 F2.8 - £200 (ish)