What should my first DSLR be for £700??

[neilwood]

Im thinking about buying a DSLR to replace the Canon Powershot A710 IS that i have atm (well not replace entirely as i will still use it for parties etc.)

Can anyone suggest a good DSLR for a beginner as i have some spare cash from the sale of my current house burning a hole in my pocket:D?

My budget will be around £600-700.

The kit will ideally include lenses (18-55 and 55-200 possibly?), bag, spare battery( will i need it?:confused:) and flash unit (again unsure if needed:confused:).

As a photography newbie, i dont have a particular area of interest atm so i would probably want an all rounder. Dont think i will need a high FPS though as i very seldom do any sports photography.

Cheers in advance

[NaturesPixel]

hmm no idea on how much cameras and gear cost in uk sooo you willl have to wait for someone else.. things to ask your self...

what media does your lil P&S use? SD, compact?

cause that's one less price you need to worry about .. Nikons D40 D40x and D80 all use SD.. Canon uses Compact...

have you gone down to your local store and picked up these cameras.. don't forget to hold the Oly's or pentax they can still be great cameras..

to me its all in the feel .. how comfy are these cameras in your hand..
Asking which camera to buy is asking for trouble.. Nikon lovers will say nikon. Canon lovers will say canon, and even tho i will never make the switch from my loved Nikon to a canon there is nothing wrong with them... or any other camera.. my original D50 fitted in my hands like second skin.. as you carry around something all day you wanna make sure its comfy...

[wulf]

Leisa is spot on about most people recommending what they have, so go for a Nikon D40 ... ;)

More seriously, suspect you would probably be better off at the "entry level" end of the market. It might also be sensible to just get one lens to start with unless you find a good deal with a couple of lenses thrown in. Put the rest of the money on one side because, as you explore what your new camera can do, you are bound to want accessories - new lenses, filters, tripods, a camera bag, etc.

The reason for suggesting that rather than getting everything in one go is that you will be able to make better decisions at each stage rather than getting a bundle of gear all at once, some of which proves to be unnecessary for you.

Oh, and have fun!

Wulf

[matthewchj]

I'd suggest you get the Canon 400D aka Rebel XTi. It's small and compact, lightweight, has many features for a relatively low price and is easy to use. A review can be found here. (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-400D-Digital-Rebel-XTi-Review.aspx) On the Nikon side, their consumer slrs are the D40 and D40x, if I'm not wrong, but I'll let someone with more experience talk about that.

If you purchase your camera from a reputable shop, or if there is a promotion, you can normally get a free camera bag with your camera. I suggest that you do not get an external flash yet, but play around with the built-in flash of the camera first before deciding. As for the battery, get it. You can never have too many batteries.

[jdepould]

D80 or 400D, whichever you're more comfortable with. The kit lens on the D80 is (IMHO) better than the kit offering with the Canon.

[mangia]

D40 is not good option. You can't use old Nikon lenses because mount system has been changed.

Better option is Canon 400D or maybe add few bucks and buy Nikon D80. It is excellent machine .. :)

[jdepould]

D80 is well within a 700 pound budget. It's only $850US for the body.

Also, the lens mount hasn't changed at all. The D40 requires lenses with SWM autofocusing, because it doesn't have an AF motor in the body. Older lenses work, they just don't focus or meter.

[kirbinster]

I just love my D40 -give one a try if you can.

[sunsetter]

Take a look at the Olympus E330 or new E510. They have some advantages over the top two. Live view and sonic cleaner for sensor. I have a E330 and wouldnt trade for anything else. Lots of luck and anything you get will be a lot of enjoyment.

[ELAY]

D40 is not good option. You can't use old Nikon lenses because mount system has been changed.

Better option is Canon 400D or maybe add few bucks and buy Nikon D80. It is excellent machine .. :)

Not quite right on the D40. The Nikon mount remains the same, and actually the D40 accepts more lenses than some earlier Nikon DSLRs. But the D40 does not have an internal focus motor. This means that only lenses with their own autofocus motor will autofocus on a D40 -- generally AF-S lenses in the Nikon lineup, and HSM from Sigma -- you need to use manual focus for the other lenses.

Older lenses work, they just don't focus or meter.

Also not quite right. Like the D50, D70 and D80, the D40 will meter with AF lenses, but not with AI or earlier lenses. My 50mm f/1.8 AF meters just fine with my D40 thanks.

Now, the no-autofocus with earlier lenses is a limitation, no doubt, and one that makes me look forward to the day i can upgrade.

I do agree that if you are looking at a D40 you have to consider carefully whether you think you will want to dip into the older line of Nikon lenses (of course, when I asked myself this question before I bought the D40 my answer was one thing, and now it is quite another...).

EL

[jdepould]

It's not even lenses that are all that old, some of the lenses currently made by Nikon and various third parties don't have AF-S

[wulf]

It's not even lenses that are all that old, some of the lenses currently made by Nikon and various third parties don't have AF-S
However, equally, autofocus and autometering are not essential. It is fantastic to have some lenses that will allow those options but, if you rely on auto all the time, perhaps (flame-proof undies on!) sticking with a point and shoot camera would be sufficient.

Having fairly recently entered the world of serious photography, I don't regret my choice of a D40. When I look at lenses, I see that a lot of the ones I would love to have (AF-S or not) cost more than the camera body. If I continue to develop my photography skills it is quite likely that I will upgrade to a new camera at some point but I will be able to look back on the D40 as an excellent tool for having got me started without having to make such a large initial investment.

If you want to get everything you will need for the next ten years, that kind of solution won't fit (and, probably, neither will a £700 budget) but, if you prefer to do things incrementally, I think it is worth considering.

Wulf

[McNicks]

I went through this process at the beginning of the year and the general weight of opinion seemed to suggest that you are better of spending big money on lenses rather than bodies. I ended up buying a Nikon D40 and I do not have a bad word to say about it. The move up from my old Canon Powershot S3 IS was nothing short of a revelation. Whatever you buy, you are going to notice the difference!

My own feeling is that you would be better off avoiding the D40x because you do not get that much more in the camera body for the extra money. So, I would say: go with a D40 and put the rest of your money to one side to save up for a Nikon 18 - 200 VR lens.

Of course, that is exactly what I am doing, so I may be a little biased...

[jdepould]

However, equally, autofocus and autometering are not essential. It is fantastic to have some lenses that will allow those options but, if you rely on auto all the time, perhaps (flame-proof undies on!) sticking with a point and shoot camera would be sufficient.


I rely heavily on AF because my eyes aren't all that great, it's rather frustrating. It's also essential in some situations (action, low light).

[ELAY]

I rely heavily on AF because my eyes aren't all that great, it's rather frustrating. It's also essential in some situations (action, low light).


You can live without AF on some lenses -- I do OK manually focussing my 50, and so did everybody else until AF was developed.

But, it is inarguable that having the option is better -- there are definitely times when I wish I could just snap and not have to deal with focus.

EL

[jdepould]

Yeah, when I was shooting studio stuff I tended towards manual focus, but light was abundant and nothing was moving.

[Sime™]

You have a Canon, if you're happy with Canon, stick with them?

Canon 30D with the 18-55mm kit lens is £649 at warehouseexpress (here (http://www.warehouseexpress.com/?photo/digicameras/Canon.html&gclid=CNe82rCKyI0CFRAFEgod6VT7Lg))
I love my 30D and highly recommend them...

Sime

[kirbinster]

I rely heavily on AF because my eyes aren't all that great, it's rather frustrating. It's also essential in some situations (action, low light).

I believe (I'm 98% sure - so double check) that the AF lenses without a motor will not only work on the D40 but that the little green light in the view finder that indicates focus will light when you manually have the right focus - so you reduced eye sight should not be as significant as you think.

[jdepould]

i have a D50

[ELAY]

I have used a friend's D50, and it has the same green focus dot function on manual, viewfinder bottom left.

EL

[wulf]

Don't imagine that I never use autofocus. It is often very handy and I can appreciate that some people might have particular reasons for relying on it (plus it is essential if you want to pass your camera to a non-photographer and get them to take a picture of you!).

However, it has been liberating for me to realise that (a) as noted above, even the lowly D40 does still give some focussing aids that will work with a lot of lenses and (b) it is possible to focus on things manually.

The D40 kit lens is not great for manually focussing because the ring to twist is narrow and a small turn makes a big difference; my 50mm manual lens is much easier to operate (although I admit that I often take several shots to "focus bracket" - another handy trick).

Wulf

[neilwood]

Wow - the amount of feedback is amazing!!!

As a newbie with very little experience it is tremendous to come to a forum like this and get opinions from as many people (with much more experience!)

I think from reading that there isnt much to choose between the bodies (Canon vs Nikon) and it comes down to feel. Would i be right?

I am tempted to go for a 2 lens deal as i do occasionally go to motorsport events and would like a telephoto zoom to use.

I understand the comments about the flash - i probably wouldnt use it enough initially to justify buying it. I do have a tripod though (i actually found it dumped in my garden!) so thats one less purchase i need to make.

I think next weekend i will probably go to a shop and try them out for size and then let you guys know what i decided.

[ike]

I think next weekend i will probably go to a shop and try them out for size and then let you guys know what i decided.

If your after a good deal, try going to a more independant store with your money (cash is better) tell them what you want, your willing to buy it there and then, if the price is right. Ask how much it is, and ask for it all at say £100 less. they will say no, ask for the best price they can offer and go £20-£30 below that, if they say no again, try not to push it anymore, but tell them you want a lens cleaning kit and blower for your sensor or something.

They normally will give you it at a lower price. But make sure you do purchase it all no matter what the offer is if it is the price you are after because the camera guy in the store will be angry and think you have wasted his time.

I did this a few months ago before i got my P&S when i purchased a film SLR, shop price was £140, got them down to £99.99 with replacement batteries, and 5 rolls of Kodak film.

Also, (not sure about this one) if it is the last model (ex display) you should be able to get some knocked off the price no matter what bartering you do because it is technically classed as second hand although never used as it is out of its packaging.

Best idea for price research is to get a few brochures from places like Jessops (if you have one) Comet, Currys, Dixons, and independant stores. [dont use online retailers for comparison as they dont count those prices as you are paying a little extra for the customer service]

Compare the prices to find the best deal.

Something else, if you go to jessops and ask if they have what you want in stock to take away, find out the price, go to currys (if you have one) and get it from there. Tell them jessops have it at £XX and you want them to beat the price. (they will do it, my brother in law works for currys) they will ring the store to check. you get a better deal.

In short: Retailers always have a lower price, they just want more profit.

ike,

[ELAY]

Two more cents from me (think that brings it up to six or eight cents now).

I plunged in and bought a 55-200 zoom to go with my D40 and kit lens, all at the same time. Looking back, I wonder if i should have waited. The 55-200 is slow, both in terms of focus and in terms of aperture, and sometimes i wonder if maybe I should have saved the $200 and applied it toward a better tele-zoom down the road.

Now in the scheme of things that is not a huge amount of money, and I have got serviceable use out of it, even if it has been disappointing for some of the things i was hoping for from it. You're way ahead of where I was already -- I was quite ignorant when buying -- but just beware of accumulating too much stuff early, before you have straightened out what your requirements are.

EL

[neilwood]

Two more cents from me (think that brings it up to six or eight cents now).

I plunged in and bought a 55-200 zoom to go with my D40 and kit lens, all at the same time. Looking back, I wonder if i should have waited. The 55-200 is slow, both in terms of focus and in terms of aperture, and sometimes i wonder if maybe I should have saved the $200 and applied it toward a better tele-zoom down the road.

Now in the scheme of things that is not a huge amount of money, and I have got serviceable use out of it, even if it has been disappointing for some of the things i was hoping for from it. You're way ahead of where I was already -- I was quite ignorant when buying -- but just beware of accumulating too much stuff early, before you have straightened out what your requirements are.

EL

Thats probably very good advice - i might just try to hold off on the spending urges at the moment and save for a faster zoom. Hopefully later in the year i will have more cash (also i am going to Canada so i might have a look at a few retailers over there).

I can feel an obsessive hobby coming on!!!:D

[RexK_Cozumel]

careful about buying the display model. I dunno about in the UK but in the states a lot of times camera stores will let potential customers shoot with the camera which means that your "slightly used/new" camera can in fact have several thousand shots already. Also people like to remove the lenses and whatnot and then you have to worry about a sensor cleaning etc.... etc... Oh and I strongly advise against getting everything at one time. You will find that what you think you need currently and what you will actually need are completely different.

Oh and there are some slight differences between nikon and cannon. Cannon has bodies that offer full frame sensors so if in the future you might want something like that you will not have to throw away all your old glass. Cannon also has a little better focusing system IMO. But nikon is better with flashes and I think that nikon glass is better but then again I am a nikon user. Also another thing to think about is if you have any friends that have either a nikon or cannon. I know this was a factor when I bought my DSLR because both my brothers have nikons so we could share lenses. I got my 24-120VR from my brother and gave him a 50mm 1.8 for it. I am sure that a friend would probabbly not go for that trade however you could borrow a lens from time to time as the need arises and that will save you a lot of money in the long run.

[neilwood]

I went to have a look at a few cameras today and i think im gonna go for the EOS 400D. It felt best in my hand and tbh i cant really justify going for a more expensive model atm (although some were tempting!)

Now all i have to do is to find the best deal for it! Will probably splash out on a tripod as well as i want to shoot a few landscapes while i am in Canada (I can remember a few views and areas where i am almost certain to get a good set of shots).

I think i have been well and truely bitten by the bug though - i could have spent hours talking with the guy in the shop (even though he knew i wasnt buying it today he was still extrememly helpful). All that saved him was the shop closing!!!!!:D

[neilwood]

:D Well i've gone and done it - now the proud owner of a Canon EOD 400D.

Ended up buying the 18-55 Kit and also a 70-300mm sigma zoom for £719 (not counting the cashback deal £50). All i need now is some CF memory (ordered from Amazon and on its way), a bag and a tripod! So i guess im gonna blow another £100 before im done.:D

Ah well i guess i knew this was gonna be an expensive hobby!:p

[Saralonde]

:D Well i've gone and done it - now the proud owner of a Canon EOD 400D.

Ended up buying the 18-55 Kit and also a 70-300mm sigma zoom for £719 (not counting the cashback deal £50). All i need now is some CF memory (ordered from Amazon and on its way), a bag and a tripod! So i guess im gonna blow another £100 before im done.:D

Ah well i guess i knew this was gonna be an expensive hobby!:p

Congrats! Can't wait to see some of your first shots:D!