Recommend me an DSLR

[AndyT]

What sort of photos are you planning on taking?

Whats your budget?

 

Canon vs Nikon - comes down to feel of the camera, how you find using it, etc. The way I see it, Nikon has the better DSLR bodies, but canon has a much better lens line-up.

 

I have a D40X and will be upgrading to a D300 shortly. Full frame at a later date

 

Until the Nikon b*ggers got a wide / zoom in there. That's such a good lens.

[grahamc]

theres also the MPE65 macro lens for the canon that nikon has no answer for

[AndyT]

theres also the MPE65 macro lens for the canon that nikon has no answer for

 

Off searching.......

 

Oh yeah. Very slick. Forgot you are very good at Macro too.

[Ian W]

There'll be a good range of shots to be taken, moving shots, portrait, landscapes etc.

 

I'm basically after a good all rounder. Budget wise as it'll be my first I don't want to go overboard so was thinking around the £300 - £400 mark but could go a tad higher if it was worth it.

 

[Snooze]

By the way, if anyone is thinking of investing, be aware that with the recent collapse of the GBP, lens prices will nearly all be shooting up by as much as 20% in the imminent future.

 

I bought a Nikon lens this weekend for £390 which was the remains of last year's stock - stockists getting the same lens in this year are selling it for £480 !!!

[grahamc]

There'll be a good range of shots to be taken, moving shots, portrait, landscapes etc.

 

I'm basically after a good all rounder. Budget wise as it'll be my first I don't want to go overboard so was thinking around the £300 - £400 mark but could go a tad higher if it was worth it.

 

 

Are you looking to learn (not sure if you already know this things) about shutter speed, aperture, iso, etc or would you prefer pre-defined shooting modes?

 

might be worth considering 2nd hand... a D200 would be a good buy Not quite the ISO performance of the newer cameras, but still very good!

 

By the way, if anyone is thinking of investing, be aware that with the recent collapse of the GBP, lens prices will nearly all be shooting up by as much as 20% in the imminent future.

 

I bought a Nikon lens this weekend for £390 which was the remains of last year's stock - stockists getting the same lens in this year are selling it for £480 !!!

 

Very good point! Prices in the UK are ridiculous to what they were 6 - 8 months ago. Both Nikon and canon have been through hefty price rises. Pushing the 2nd hand prices right up as well.

[Ian W]

Are you looking to learn (not sure if you already know this things) about shutter speed, aperture, iso, etc or would you prefer pre-defined shooting modes?

 

might be worth considering 2nd hand... a D200 would be a good buy Not quite the ISO performance of the newer cameras, but still very good!

 

Pre-defined shooting modes aren't much of an interest to be honest as my compact can do those.

 

As you say, shutter speed, aperture, iso etc is what I'm interested in learning about and when and how to use the appropriate settings to their best effect.

 

Second hand wouldn't bother me, but I'd rather it be at least a little future proof tbh.

[Shadow Beast]

i brought a D60 about 2 months ago and have been very pleased with it, i looked at the cannon 450D but decided on the D60 because of feel, i suppose it comes down to personnel preference, it felt better quality than the cannon.

 

i have been very happy with it so far and seems to do all what i need in a camera.

 

Richie

[Ian W]

i brought a D60 about 2 months ago and have been very pleased with it, i looked at the cannon 450D but decided on the D60 because of feel, i suppose it comes down to personnel preference, it felt better quality than the cannon

 

Thing is, I'm more interested in the actual features of the camera rather than the feel or aesthetics just now.

 

That said, the Nikon's do look to be a little less bulky / lighter than the comparative Canon models.

[grahamc]

Pre-defined shooting modes aren't much of an interest to be honest as my compact can do those.

 

As you say, shutter speed, aperture, iso etc is what I'm interested in learning about and when and how to use the appropriate settings to their best effect.

 

Second hand wouldn't bother me, but I'd rather it be at least a little future proof tbh.

 

well then from the Nikon side of things, it would be the D40\D40X\D60\D200. I would go for the D200... Its designed as a semi pro camera so its more robust, more resistant to the weather and it is tested (proven) to a higher actuation than the others. I think (not sure) but believe that the ISO performance is much better.

 

BTW, choose your first lens wisely....

[grahamc]

Thing is, I'm more interested in the actual features of the camera rather than the feel or aesthetics just now.

 

That said, the Nikon's do look to be a little less bulky / lighter than the comparative Canon models.

 

As for features, there will be very little difference between Canon and Nikon (comparable models).... its all about how it feels to you and how easy it is to change the settings, etc.

[Lbm]

So maybe a D40 then Ian?

 

Edit: No matter what you chose, I'm sure you'll take some fine pictures as you sound like the learning type. (I know b*gger all btw)

I guess a few of us look to blame the camera all to easily, because of our poor photos, when usually it's down to a lack of technique and practice. But then, you already know that

[AndyT]

well then from the Nikon side of things, it would be the D40\D40X\D60\D200. I would go for the D200... Its designed as a semi pro camera so its more robust, more resistant to the weather and it is tested (proven) to a higher actuation than the others. I think (not sure) but believe that the ISO performance is much better.

 

BTW, choose your first lens wisely....

 

Interesting. Graham. I'll be checking the D200. I have problems with my right hand which basically means I don't use my index figure automatically.

Look forward to trying some models now. Cheers.

[Ian W]

Quick ressurection here. Can I just gather some opinions between these two?

 

500D

 

D5000

 

Thanks

[Neil-NA]

500d quality camera, my dad has one and i really want to upgrade to it from my 1000d.

 

Not sure on the other one.

[Ian W]

It's a start

 

Thanks, Neil. My other option is to go for something a little cheaper, perhaps 2nd hand and put the money saved towards extra lense/s in the future.

[SupraGirlie]

How about this D40 for £230? Or this D40X for £250? (you will have to be registered on Talkphotography to read thread) Bargains

[Ian W]

How about this D40 for £230? Or this D40X for £250? (you will have to be registered on Talkphotography to read thread) Bargains

 

I've been trawling that site all night and didn't even see those!

 

I really fancied your D40x so may just go for that

[supra_si]

I have just got a canon 400d, love it already although its a cpl of years old now it still cuts the mustard

[jonathanc]

Bumping this topic as I am interested in getting a new DLSR as well. I am currently using the Panasonic G1. It is ok but I don't like two things about it :

1) Flash doesn't pop up automatically and is not powerful enough.

2) It's kind of flimsy when I hold it and I sometimes cover the flash or the bit where it sends a beam for red eye reduction.

 

Here's a few requirements:

1) Light and robust - I would be lugging it around a lot so don't prefer the big DLSRs with chunky lens

2) Easy to use - Honestly I won't be using the S, A or P modes as I would need to snap shots fast and I am not a pro photographer. Just want something simple and produces nice images

3) Something non Canon - been using Canons a lot so fancy a change.

4) Lens wise I would just need an average focus lens. I prefer something wider so maybe a lens with 12 or 18mm focus as standard? I think I would need an external flash anyway for long range zooming so I prefer a lens that works great with the built in flash.

 

Any suggestions very much welcomed! Cheers!

 

edit: I did read through this thread but it is a bit outdated so I am posting to see if there's any new products out.

[Ian W]

http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/645370/SONY-DSLRA450L.CEH

 

That is probably the best value DSLR for the money right now. It may not be a Canon or a Nikon but if I were buying new it would likely be one of these.

 

Also, a little birdy told me that if you use discount code AW5199 at the check out you get £15 quid off

[grahamc]

Bumping this topic as I am interested in getting a new DLSR as well. I am currently using the Panasonic G1. It is ok but I don't like two things about it :

1) Flash doesn't pop up automatically and is not powerful enough.

2) It's kind of flimsy when I hold it and I sometimes cover the flash or the bit where it sends a beam for red eye reduction.

 

Here's a few requirements:

1) Light and robust - I would be lugging it around a lot so don't prefer the big DLSRs with chunky lens

2) Easy to use - Honestly I won't be using the S, A or P modes as I would need to snap shots fast and I am not a pro photographer. Just want something simple and produces nice images

3) Something non Canon - been using Canons a lot so fancy a change.

4) Lens wise I would just need an average focus lens. I prefer something wider so maybe a lens with 12 or 18mm focus as standard? I think I would need an external flash anyway for long range zooming so I prefer a lens that works great with the built in flash.

 

Any suggestions very much welcomed! Cheers!

 

edit: I did read through this thread but it is a bit outdated so I am posting to see if there's any new products out.

 

Whats your budget? For UK prices, have a look at:

http://www.camerapricebuster.com/

 

Being a nikon fan, I would recommend one of them, brilliant cameras and great lenses behind them.

 

A very good lens from the nikon range, is the 16-85mm VR. Its got wide angle and its got a bit of length to it. I used to own one and its a great lens. Sold mine as I now use an olympus for holiday pics and a 24-70 on my D300.

[Lbm]

^^^ Re: the Sony - Wow 7 frames per second is very good at that price.

 

Jonathan, are you wanting the camera for anything particular, ie, family/kids, holidays, landscapes or sports for eg?

 

You may not even need a DSLR

[jonathanc]

Yay! So many helpful replies in such short time lol. love you guys

 

Well, I am using it for family trips. I have kids so I would be lugging things around hence why I want something lightweight and portable. Something that snaps great shots without needing to setup the camera for ages. Also want something I can shoot my car or some creative photography in my spare time.

 

I've tried the compact camera thing and its rubbish

 

Anyway, I think I've narrowed it down to these:

 

1) Nikon D90 This is rather pricey though but I really like it! Is it heavy?

 

2) Sony A700

 

3) Pentax K-x (Mom have a pentax I like how fast it focussed. It even survived a drop from 5 feet onto concrete!)

 

Of course comments welcomed!

 

edit: Budget would be around 700 quid I guess. I would be selling off my G1 if I find the right one. Would prefer a "widescreen" lens. Meaning a lens that would take it a wide view at a close distance. Not sure what's that called in photography terms

[jonathanc]

http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/645370/SONY-DSLRA450L.CEH

 

That is probably the best value DSLR for the money right now. It may not be a Canon or a Nikon but if I were buying new it would likely be one of these.

 

Also, a little birdy told me that if you use discount code AW5199 at the check out you get £15 quid off

 

mmmm nice birdy I'm thinking about Sony myself to be honest. Close call now between the D90 (always wanted a Nikon but not sure if I would even need all the features/weight), Sony and Pentax.