In a few weeks I'll be purchasing my first DSLR woo hoo and I'd like some advice.
I'm instinctivly drawn towards canon and I don't know why (perhaps it's because I've used canon video cameras).
My first choice based on value and features I want was to try and get a canon 40D and until last month it was quite easy to get one at a fantastic price. However everyone else seems to have agreed and they all seem to have gone.
The 50D is £200 or so dearer than I could get the 40D for and I'm unsure I want to go as high as £1050 for a camera and kit lens just now. I was thinking of getting a 450D and getting a decent lens (any recommendations) but I have large hands and was worried that it would be awkward to handle.
I've now looked at the Nikon D90 (video doesn't interest me on a dslr although I have no doubt I'd use it) and have issues with the size of the body and would I be paying a premium for video.
It strikes me that canon and nikon cameras are hard to compare, in that they seem to sit between their competitors models ie. d90 sits between 450D and the 50D and the 50D sits between the D90 and D300.
If anyone can give me suggestions on the way to go (Sony even) on a Body that would sit comfortably in my hands and is of good quality and if the kit lens is any good or if I'd be better buying the body and my own lens
Thanks
So you've got no SLR lenses from the film era lying about that might sway your viewpoint? Thing is you can't go wrong, there's not a bad DSLR or VDSLR out there. If you gave your mum the £1000 and let her choose, it would still be down to you and those big hands of yours as to what got stored on the card. And whatever she bought you would be miles better than anything made 3 years ago, regardless of cost.
The Sony Alpha range is indeed interesting, but then so too is the upstart Panasonic 'four-thirds' system. Olympus seem to be doing ok with a smaller chip, though the big boys (Canon and Nikon) both tout full frame as the king's crown.
I like the 'big chip' approach because of the dof possibilities and options, and because a 17 mm lens is actually a 17 mm lens, but you have to accept the bulkier and dearer full frame optics that go with it.
tom.
If anyone can give me suggestions on the way to go (Sony even) on a Body that would sit comfortably in my hands and is of good quality and if the kit lens is any good or if I'd be better buying the body and my own lensThanks
I'm out of touch with latest models. I bought my Canon EOS350D to replace my old analogue friend the Canon EOS 300 3 years ago.
It was noted for being suited for being more compact than other DSLR's (but awkward for those with big hands).
If its still the same in general, body only is typically only £20 less than kit with std lens, so worth getting so if it's sold on (to buy body with upgrade) you have a lens to go with it.
I had analogue compatible lenses to use with the digital, but I'd factor in cost of different lenses for different m/f's - you presumably want 2 or 3 lenses, though many favour a single mid zoom lens even though 'slower'.
My 350D was replaced in shops about 3 months after purchase and this trend will no doubt continue, so perhaps view it as a medium term purchase, before 3D cameras come along with built in toaster.:rolleyes:
Maybe even haggle for a discount if buying a digital compact at same time (if you don't already have one). Many occasions it's handy to carry one, but don't want bulk of DSLR and accessories.
HTH
Thanks for taking the time to reply guys.
Tom-you make a good point about the camera's producing a good picture so I may well go for the 450d or 500d and use the extra cash to buy some lenses as ultimately they are the most important parts. I'll see what's available when I go to get it as you never know what will hapen in the mean time. I'm kind of hoping that Canon will announce the 60D and then discount the 50D but I doubt it.
I have my eye on a wee 50mm prime lens that you can pick up for £80ish. It gets rave reviews and even a couple of togs I respect say how good it is especially for the money.
I'd love a nice wide angle lens, but due to the crop factor I'd need a really wide lens to get anything what I'd like. Finally I'd like a decent zoom maybe 50 to 200mm for everyday use, so to speak.
Thanks again guys
The EF 50 1.8 "nifty fifty" is a fantastic lens. Great for portraits. You're right to think about the glass. Often a more expensive body will offer faster shooting, more weather resistance etc and won't necessarily produce better photographs.
One walkaround everyday lens worth considering is the Sigma 24-70 f2.8
Sigma 24-70 f2.8 example test pictures
It's my favourite lens. Great bokeh and great sharpness.
You should be able to pick up a nifty 50 second hand for around 50 quid, and it is excellent for the money. Second hand 40D will be about £450, and with the new 7D now out (and it's a stunner, by the way) more 40's will be about I suspect.