Canon EOS 500D - alright for a beginner?

[AMacA]

Morning folks,

For the past few months my fiancee and I have been talking about getting a digital SLR camera to take on our honeymoon.

I got an email from Amazon this morning with a lot of deals on cameras, money off and cash-back type stuff.

The one that caught my eye was the Canon EOS 500D. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-Digital-Camera-incl-...

Is this a good price for the camera, and would it be suitable for a first-time SLR? Hoping the PH photographers will be able to help!

[arej]

I've got a 450D (the previous model to the 500D) which is a great SLR to learn on or even if you already know how to use one and does everything you would expect.
Camerapricebuster is a really good website to find the cheapest camera kit. Amazon are second cheapest after Comet with a discount code:
http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod1018.html

HTH

[plg101]

As a beginners SLR, yes, it won't disappoint. Start on full auto and progress from there.

If you want something a bit smaller, with 80-90% of the control, and still good picture quality, look at a Canon G11. Go into a good camera shop and try both would be my advice.

I'm a keen photographer with muchos Canon gear. For specific photo shoots or days out, I find the SLR is ideal.

On my honeymoon the Canon G9 (2 models older than the G11) got far more use - was just less hassle, and they are capable of taking really excellent shots.

[plg101]

arej said:

I've got a 450D (the previous model to the 500D) which is a great SLR to learn on or even if you already know how to use one and does everything you would expect.
Camerapricebuster is a really good website to find the cheapest camera kit. Amazon are second cheapest after Comet with a discount code:
http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod1018.html

HTH

If you ever want to return it due to a fault, etc, choose Amazon (and Amazon rather than a shop within Amazon) from the online retailers.
If you want the cheapest, Comet may provide that, but suggest that Amazon has a better customer service. (and I'm not naming and shaming)

[arej]

plg101 said:

arej said:

I've got a 450D (the previous model to the 500D) which is a great SLR to learn on or even if you already know how to use one and does everything you would expect.
Camerapricebuster is a really good website to find the cheapest camera kit. Amazon are second cheapest after Comet with a discount code:
http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod1018.html

HTH

If you ever want to return it due to a fault, etc, choose Amazon (and Amazon rather than a shop within Amazon) from the online retailers.
If you want the cheapest, Comet may provide that, but suggest that Amazon has a better customer service. (and I'm not naming and shaming)

I agree for the price difference Amazon seems worth it. Also Comet doesn't include P&P.

[RobDickinson]

500D is an exceptional camera to start with, it does everything you could want, though its 15mp files are going to be quite hefty ...