DSLR recommendations for newbie.

[bertie]

I'm after upgrading my Panasonic DMC-FZ20 to a proper DSLR.

I tend to do family shots, some sport and some wildlife.

I've been thinking Nikon D60 plus a couple of lenses but I am open to suggestions.

The world as far as I can see seems to fall into 2 camps, Nikon and Canon, I am starting with nothing so I have no legacy kit or loyalty either way.

Budget wise I wanting to spend D60 kind of money but could stretch if there was something much better for a bit more.

I know it's been asked before and I am sorry if I am repeating, but any help very gratefuly received.

[jon-]

Do a search

The best advice is always "Go to a camera shop and decide what feels more comfortable to use, as you won't find much difference on features".

[GetCarter]

Yep... just search DSLR... 3 or 4 threads in the past few weeks.

[grumpy bear]

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... to make the leap into SLR ownership. Help please!

[bertie]

Done a search now, read the other threads, not a lot the wiser.

So if I got a D60 I wouldn't be far wrong???

[mcflurry]

The D60 is becoming harder to find at a reasonable price IME.
I believe it's approaching the end of line, and the replacement will be the D3000

[jon-]

bertie said:

Done a search now, read the other threads, not a lot the wiser.

So if I got a D60 I wouldn't be far wrong???

Apparently Canon still have the edge in the low end SLR market so it depends what your budget is.

My personal order of buying would be D90 > 450d > second hand 400d + glass > D60

[mattley]

I agree with jon, came to pretty much the same conclusion and settled on a 450D and I'm very pleased with it.

[JamesNotJim]

Never been a fan of canons or the newer Nikons... Personally I'd go for the D70s with a few decent lenses. They may only be 6.1mp but you really wouldn't be able to tell new into the world of photography.

Can be had off Ebay for £200.

[HairyBeast]

Hi

both have there pro's and con's but from my experiance get in to a shop and play with either of them

if you are new to DSLR's then all the knobs and buttons aint gonna mean a lot any way.

i know i selected mine the nikon (d50) purly based on the fact the cannon of the same level was physically to small for me to use (it felt like a toy in my hands)

just my opionion

regards

[bertie]

I guess I was hoping there was a swell of opinion as to what the best circa £500 DSLR was, a default choice in that sector.

You know how there is a default choice in cars, small sporty saloon, BMW 3 series, track day toy, Caterham, maybe I'm too used to cars!

So at the weekend I went and bought a magazine too see what they said.

I've read that, tried to digest the buying guides and not I am considerably more confused!!

[ukwill]

Canon 1000d or 450d

[rasputin]

Has anyone suggested Sony yet?

[mcflurry]

ukwill said:

Canon 1000d or 450d

AFAIK the 1000d doesn't have image stabilisation, so would go for the 450D (or the Nikon D60/D3000 at that price point)

[ukwill]

mcflurry said:

ukwill said:

Canon 1000d or 450d

AFAIK the 1000d doesn't have image stabilisation, so would go for the 450D (or the Nikon D60/D3000 at that price point)

The 1000d supports IS glass. In fact, the kit lens is identical to that on the 450d.

However, if you can afford the extra, the 450d has a few more features (arguably, none of which will make any different to you, if you're a newb).

[clonmult]

mcflurry said:

ukwill said:

Canon 1000d or 450d

AFAIK the 1000d doesn't have image stabilisation, so would go for the 450D (or the Nikon D60/D3000 at that price point)

I'm intrigued by what the D60 offers over the (now hardly available) Sony A200. The D60 uses the same sensor (sourced from Sony?), so its only obvious benefits are in post processing and possibly available lenses.

Had a play with a D60 on friday night, but doesn't seem obviously any better than the A200.

[rasputin]

clonmult said:

Had a play with a D60 on friday night, but doesn't seem obviously any better than the A200.

And it's lacking built-in IS and doesn't work with older AF lenses .

And AFAIK it won't meter if it thinks there is no lens attached? Sony does, which allows use of old lenses with M42 adapter.

[bertie]

Trawling further, what do people think about getting a second hand DSLR as a starter? Maybe a D40, D100, or EOS 400D?

As a newb, the thought of picking something up that's maybe not new where the spotlight has moved on might be an idea?

Any other suggestions?

[grumpy bear]

bertie said:

Trawling further, what do people think about getting a second hand DSLR as a starter? Maybe a D40, D100, or EOS 400D?

As a newb, the thought of picking something up that's maybe not new where the spotlight has moved on might be an idea?

Any other suggestions?

Secondhand D80 or D300 if you can afford it.

[jon-]

grumpy bear said:

bertie said:

Trawling further, what do people think about getting a second hand DSLR as a starter? Maybe a D40, D100, or EOS 400D?

As a newb, the thought of picking something up that's maybe not new where the spotlight has moved on might be an idea?

Any other suggestions?

Secondhand D80 or D300 if you can afford it.

And if you can't (the d300 will be miles out of your budget), go back to my original recommendation of a second hand 400d. It's a lot of camera for not much money and gives you a chance to invest in glass.

When the 350/400d was to market Nikon didn't really have a reply for that price bracket and the second hand market still reflects this (IMO)