What beginner DSLR?

[squarepants]

Hi there fellow PHers.

Im 14 and im really into my photography, (aswell as cars) and at the moment, im sharing a digital camera with the rest of the family. Now my dad has gone away on his jollys and has taken the camera with him, and honestly, im really starting to miss it. Let me explain. I watched a programme on channel 4 last night and was taking in some, well all, of Harry Borden's tips, and thought i'd go have a mess around with the camera, until i realised it was with my dad. So since last night ive been trawling through the Argos catalogue, the currys website and youtube trying to find the best DSLR for a beginner.

These are some prices from the Argos catalogue (even though its not the best place to look, they do very reasonable bundle/package offers):

Camera: Olympus E-450
MP: 10MP
Lens: 14-42mm
Plus: Carry case and a 2GB memory card
Price: £329

Camera: Canon EOS 1000D
MP: 10MP
Lens: 18-55mm
Plus: Carry case and 4GB memory card
Price: £400
OR
Canon EOS 1000D
Plus: Canon EF 75-300mm III lens (£210)
Price:£480

Camera: Pentax KX
MP: 12MP
Lens: 18-55mm
Plus: Carry case, 4GB memo card and adjustable tripod
Price: £460

Camera: Nikon D5000
MP: 12.3MP
Lens: 18-55mm
Price: £480

Camera: Sony a290
MP: 14MP
Lens: 18-55mm
Price: £369

Camera: Sony a390
MP: 14MP
Lens: 18-55mm
Price: £400

The thing i like about the sonys is that they have the on screen help guide. Basically when you hover over different settings, a little box pops up telling you about what advantage that setting has, and when it is best used. Also, the sony is very simple - good for beginners. The only difference i see between the two sonys is that the more expensive one has the tilting screen. Im not sure of the benefits of having it, though.

So can any of you give me any advice on these cameras? e.g. which ones to stay clear of etc. Basically an overview of the cameras, what they can and can't do and why one is better than the rest. Also if you voted 'none of the above', could you please tell me which you would go for?

Almost forgot, i would be looking to spend around the same price of the cameras i gave some prices on up there ^^^. So £500 absolute max...bearing in mind the money will be coming from birthday/xmas money and any pocket money i can rake up. Or if im strongly recommended a camera, it could be my actual xmas present. But thats a while away yet so i'll focus on working out which camera i actually want first!!

Thanks,

SP.

[Scott330ci]

Hi

With all due respect - photography can be quite a financial burden buying all the new kit etc. For someone your age who doesn't have a job yet I would recommend a decent bridge camera.

It can offer most of the functionality of an SLR without the need for new lenses.

I used one for 2 years. They are great. You won't need a top of the range camera when you start and you can learn about light and composition with one.

Scott

Maybe something like this. I had an older version - http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-fuji-finepix-h...

You can also get quite a large focal range without the need of new lenses.

Edited by Scott330ci on Wednesday 15th September 13:23

[squarepants]

Scott330ci said:

Hi

With all due respect - photography can be quite a financial burden buying all the new kit etc. For someone your age who doesn't have a job yet I would recommend a decent bridge camera.

It can offer most of the functionality of an SLR without the need for new lenses.

I used one for 2 years. They are great. You won't need a top of the range camera when you start and you can learn about light and composition with one.

Scott

Maybe something like this. I had an older version - http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-fuji-finepix-h...

You can also get quite a large focal range without the need of new lenses.

Edited by Scott330ci on Wednesday 15th September 13:23

Thanks for the reply .

On the other hand, the olympus package is only a few quid more. Also i wouldnt necciserily (excuse my spelling) be buying lenses galore, i would quite happily settle for which ever lense came with the camera.

Thanks again,

SP.

[Scott330ci]

squarepants said:

Scott330ci said:

Hi

With all due respect - photography can be quite a financial burden buying all the new kit etc. For someone your age who doesn't have a job yet I would recommend a decent bridge camera.

It can offer most of the functionality of an SLR without the need for new lenses.

I used one for 2 years. They are great. You won't need a top of the range camera when you start and you can learn about light and composition with one.

Scott

Maybe something like this. I had an older version - http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-fuji-finepix-h...

You can also get quite a large focal range without the need of new lenses.

Edited by Scott330ci on Wednesday 15th September 13:23

Thanks for the reply .

On the other hand, the olympus package is only a few quid more. Also i wouldnt necciserily (excuse my spelling) be buying lenses galore, i would quite happily settle for which ever lense came with the camera.

Thanks again,

SP.

But what does the olympus offer that the fuji doesn't?

I only picked the fuji as a guide. You can get them from £160.

Trust me, you wont be happy using a 14-42mm lens constantly. That I can guarantee.

[dibbly dobbler]

What about summit like this with summit like this to go with it ? Proper kit for <£300...

These guys come well recommended - a lot cheaper than buying new and without the lottery of going to eBay

[ramz]

Beat me to it dibbly

I was in the same position as the OP a few weeks ago, decided to buy second hand and I managed to find a 450d in great condition with 3 lenses for under 400 euros! Good piece of kit for a bargain price, and if I decide photography isn't my thing I can sell everything on without taking a big (or any) financial hit.

[onomatopoeia]

Sony A450 with 18-55mm lens, £313 from Comet, which is a steal as it's higher spec than the 2xx and 3xx. CMOS sensor, 5fps, in body image stabilisation, massive range of lenses available second hand thanks to all the old Minolta AF stuff fitting plus support from Tamron and Sigma. Plus it has a body motor, unlike some entry level cameras from other manufacturers which require lenses with their own motors.

http://www.camerapricebuster.com/Sony_Alpha_A450_+...

[james_tigerwoods]

Not that I'm biased, but how's about a second hand Nikon D40?

(No, I'm not selling mine!)

[TuxRacer]

I'd go with a Nikon or (if you must ) Canon.

That way you can buy lenses for it that you'll be able to keep if you choose to upgrade the body to something more earnest further down the line.

[Kermit power]

I went for "none of the above".

The only one on the list I've tried is the 1000D, and whilst it's OK, you should be able to get a second-hand 450D for well within budget. Add in a couple of cheap second-hand lenses and get started on learning with it.

It doesn't matter if the lenses are cheap and nasty (although the EF-S 18-55 IS kit lens is cheap but not nasty) so long as you recognise that and compensate for it when you're being critical of yourself, as you can always upgrade them later.

[flat-planedCrank]

I'd probably 'none of the the above as well'.

Not cos they aren't good cameras, but from what you've said I'd see if you could locate something that would do 99% of what the new camera would (though it probably won't do video if that sways it) for a fraction of the price.

I'd stick to Canon / Nikon as they will provide you with the best range of lenses and accessories from themselves and other manufacturers.

Something like a Canon 400D will take stunning images, plus with left over budget you might be able to afford another lens, bag, filters, memory card, etc.


Hope this helps.



Cheers.

[BigAlinEmbra]

I've just got a D5000, so if you were interested in a D40 I'd be willing to flog it.
Get you in the game for about half what new kit would cost you.

[tinman0]

In terms of manufacturers, buy whatever your friends/family have.

I wouldn't go bridge camera to be honest as I just don't think they give you that control that you are really looking for.

[squarepants]

Thanks for all the replies guys!

I like the Sony a450 as it looks like a good beginner camera and also a good camera overall. Its £329 at Comet but with no accessories e.g. carry case etc.

I think the Nikon D5000 is a bit to much at £479 for beginner photographer. Having said that, if i buy a better camera to start of with, it would mean i wouldnt have to replace it as i get to know about all the settings and i want to start doing my own 'setups' if you like.

So i guess its between the Sony a450 at £329, the Nikon D5000 at £479 and the Canon EOS 1000D.

Have a look here at some of the pics i took with the digi camera i currently use.

SP.

[squarepants]

BigAlinEmbra said:

I've just got a D5000, so if you were interested in a D40 I'd be willing to flog it.
Get you in the game for about half what new kit would cost you.

Thanks for the offer but i doubt i'd have enough money for a while yet. Like i say, the camera would be a xmas gift or would be bought with xmas/birthday money in the sales!

Whats the D5000 like then?

SP.

[-Pete-]

Canon or Nikon, look on eBay for factory refurbs with warranty. 6Mpix is more than enough, the lens is more important. I'd recommend an EOS 450d

[flat-planedCrank]

I'd have a look at the range of lenses available for each system (canon / nikon / sony) and make sure there lenses available at an acceptable price point. Its not just the camera you are buying, but you are also buying into that lens system.

E.g. Say you wanted a 30mm prime lens and the only options turn out to be £700 or £1k...


That's part of the reason I suggested sticking to Nikon or Canon, lots of lenses are made for their systems, so probably the maximum choice at different price points.

(I'm not suggesting that some Nikon and Canon lenses don't cost a fortune though )



Cheers.

Edited by flat-planedCrank on Wednesday 15th September 22:48

[vtecstu]

onomatopoeia said:

Plus it has a body motor, unlike some entry level cameras from other manufacturers which require lenses with their own motors.

Probably a stupid question, but do cameras without a body motor have to have lenses with motors? My assumption was that motor-less lenses could still be used but would require manual focussing - is this correct, but a lot more effort to get a good shot, or am I just totally wrong?

[NiceCupOfTea]

Second hand.

I bought a s/h Nikon D70s 3 or so years ago and it still serves me well. Ok, it's old hat, but it takes great pictures, pretty fully featured, easy to use. I bought it over a new D40 as I believe it's a better camera.

Later you can upgrade the body and still have good lenses.

I can't see myself getting rid unless I upgrade to a D200.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Nikon-D70S-Digital-SLR-camer...

[Xaero]

I'd be looking at a higher rated camera 2nd hand too if I was you. I have a Canon 500D and it's great, I know Canon have upted the price of all cameras recently (due to exchange rate) so a slightly older one makes even more sense.

Go for a 400D or 450D, should be able to get one well within budget, and you'll have more room to grow and learn with it than your suggestions above.

try to dpreview.com website to check out specs and see what you fancy.