What dslr?

[chimnehp0ts]

Anyone help me out? Budget of £500, looking at nikon and canon but dont know whats best. Anyone able to point me into a good direction?

[stevo67]

I've used canon gear for 30 odd years,are you prepared to consider used gear & your budget does that factor in a lens as well?Ask away mate as apart from cars photography is my other hobby.

[Brettles1986]

I was a complete newb and pretty much still am.

I started with a Canon 400D with 55m lense which has done the job for me. Better to not spend much now and have a bit of a play than to spend loads of money, not get the hang of it or not be happy with your results, get bored then pretty much lose all the money you spent on the camera in the first place.

[Sam]

Try sticking with Nikon or Canon as the second hand market is alot bigger :)
I prefer the layout and setup of a Canon but thats personal preference.
For that budget you could look at a used 450d with a couple of lens. Lens wise I would look at a kit lens - 18-55mm and a 50mm f1.8 they are really good starter lens.

[chimnehp0ts]

The 2 i was looking at (second hand) is the 550D and the D5200. Im swaying more towards the nikon as it has higher MP. Is that a bad idea?

[Sam]

Megapixels arent everything.

The D5200 is a newer camera, I would personally head to a camera shop and have a play with a Nikon and a Canon.

Spec comparison 550D vs D5200 (http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_EOS_550D-vs-Nikon-D5200/specs)

[jokerer]

Buy something like the Canon EOS 1200D, its about £380 and has all the features you need at the moment.

I wouldn't bother buying any lenses, as the one that comes with it is GREAT and don't let anyone tell you otherwise at this point.

Get a bag, a tripod and maybe two decent memory cards. Dont bother with extra batteries unless you are going to be filming.

If you need any extra pointers etc just message me. I work as a wedding photographer so im pretty good at pointing peeps in the right direction ;)

[W103_A5H]

I have a Canon EOS1100D. I think it's a brilliant camera for what I use it for, I am not a pro photographer either yet still gets my photos looking good. Was really easy to get the hang of how to use it and it takes brilliant photos! The photo below is an example of what I get out of it, pic was taken at Castle Combe last year.

https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1234328_10201853099067609_2120738638_n.jpg

[stevo67]

Keep your eye out for a used eos50D.

[Stissy]

Canon is always a winner in my eyes. I’ve always had Canon gear, and always will.

For your budget, you could get a 600d with the 18-55mm kit lens, probably new. This would be perfect for you. The 600d is a nice introductory camera, loads of features to shoot semi-pro, but also has a full-auto mode so you can pass it to your friends to use as a ‘point and shoot’ camera.

The 600d will have a sensor big enough to shoot and print pretty much whatever you're going to want (especially if you shoot in RAW format) and the 600d also comes with a flip out screen, which makes the camera a lot more versatile than lower spec the 500d.

With regards to the lens, the 18-55mm MkII is the standard ‘all round’ lens used by Canon. It has a decent enough zoom, decent enough width and will shoot down to aperture 3.7 (I think), which will let in enough light to shoot in evenings. It's a nice lens to use while you get used to the camera, and if the camera doesn't come with it, it's really cheap to buy too :)

Once your competent and feeling like you want to upgrade, a nice upgrade will be 50mm F1.8 lens, which has a lot better aperture and will allow you to shoot in lower light and also get that bokeh effect (where the subject is in focus, and the background is all blurry) - which is something everyone likes. The 50mm F1.8 is also really cheap, you can buy it brand new for around £90 from Argos. It’s fixed, so it takes a bit more effort than the 18-55mm kit lens, but it’s a nice follow on lens as an upgrade.

Hope that helps.

[devilsadvocate]

Personally I would look at getting a second hand camera, you will get a half decent body for £500 but the stock lenses will only get you so far.

Head over to the TalkPhotography forums and look in the for sale section. I would recommend sticking to Canon or Nikon as the second hand lens market is much better than Sony and the like.

Don't get fixated on getting the latest and greatest body because newer does not always mean better.

I had a similar budget to you and was going to opt for one of the Entry level bodies such as the 550d/600d but I then did some research and found the 'Semi-Pro' models such as the 50D/60D are better and the cost difference is worth paying.

I managed to pickup a second hand 50D (boxed with 21k clicks) with a Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 lens (boxed), both in great condition for £485. I am glad I went for the 50D as it performs slightly better in low light, has a higher frames per second rate and has a magnesium body so feels more sturdy and I would be more confident it would survive a drop or bash etc.

[Stissy]

Personally I would look at getting a second hand camera, you will get a half decent body for £500 but the stock lenses will only get you so far.

Head over to the TalkPhotography forums and look in the for sale section. I would recommend sticking to Canon or Nikon as the second hand lens market is much better than Sony and the like.

Don't get fixated on getting the latest and greatest body because newer does not always mean better.

I had a similar budget to you and was going to opt for one of the Entry level bodies such as the 550d/600d but I then did some research and found the 'Semi-Pro' models such as the 50D/60D are better and the cost difference is worth paying.

I managed to pickup a second hand 50D (boxed with 21k clicks) with a Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 lens (boxed), both in great condition for £485. I am glad I went for the 50D as it performs slightly better in low light, has a higher frames per second rate and has a magnesium body so feels more sturdy and I would be more confident it would survive a drop or bash etc.

I’d be tempted to disagree with some of this. I’ve never been a fan of second hand things, especially when you’re spending a few hundred, but that’s personal preference, if you’re buying a nice camera as a present to yourself, you want to open the box, and have everything inside brand new. As for the amateur vs semi-pro range, there isn’t a great deal in it. Granted, the 50d will perform better than the 600d, but for the sort of thing OP will be using it for, it won’t really make any difference at all. Plus the magnesium body on the 50d is HEAVY, once you’ve spent a couple of hours with that around your neck, you’ll soon be wishing you’d bought the super lightweight 600d instead.

[Prickle]

About a year ago i went for the Nikon D3100. It's alright for what i use it for...

I wouldnt mind a different lens though

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7102/13288535003_cb152d8587_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7407/9703219609_c07f8cbfa7_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5488/14189677321_4bc5eeb5c7_b.jpg

[chimnehp0ts]

Well my search ended yesterday. I ended up with a canon 550D and 18-55mm lens kit and 8gb card included. All for a bargain £295!!! Pic from the eBay listing:

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/23/du7u9uby.jpg

[Sam]

Nice choice of camera :)
Get on to youtube there are hundreds of tutorial videos that will help you out loads in the beginning.

Also Talk photography is a good forum for getting advice and tutorials.

[devilsadvocate]

I’d be tempted to disagree with some of this. I’ve never been a fan of second hand things, especially when you’re spending a few hundred, but that’s personal preference, if you’re buying a nice camera as a present to yourself, you want to open the box, and have everything inside brand new. As for the amateur vs semi-pro range, there isn’t a great deal in it. Granted, the 50d will perform better than the 600d, but for the sort of thing OP will be using it for, it won’t really make any difference at all. Plus the magnesium body on the 50d is HEAVY, once you’ve spent a couple of hours with that around your neck, you’ll soon be wishing you’d bought the super lightweight 600d instead.

Its down to personal preference but you get more for your money second hand and most of the lenses rarely lose value on the second hand market. I bought a camera to take pictures, I don't see what difference it makes as to whether it is brand new other than for warranty purposes? Are all of your cars brand new then?

I see what you mean about what the OP will be using it for but my philosophy is always to future proof anything you buy otherwise you will end up having to upgrade in the near future if its something you want to progress with. I wanted a camera which will allow me to get better at photography without having to upgrade quickly.

One thing that new people into photography struggle with is low light shots and a body which can take better pictures at a higher ISO combined with a lens which can stop down will help to combat this easier.

In terms of weight, I prefer something sturdy to hold and when I travel abroad for work, I am comfortable that the body will be able to take knocks and bashes when required. I regularly hold the camera and lens in one hand by the grip and have never thought it felt too heavy but I guess its down to what others find 'heavy'.

[Stissy]

Its down to personal preference but you get more for your money second hand and most of the lenses rarely lose value on the second hand market. I bought a camera to take pictures, I don't see what difference it makes as to whether it is brand new other than for warranty purposes? Are all of your cars brand new then?

I see what you mean about what the OP will be using it for but my philosophy is always to future proof anything you buy otherwise you will end up having to upgrade in the near future if its something you want to progress with. I wanted a camera which will allow me to get better at photography without having to upgrade quickly.

One thing that new people into photography struggle with is low light shots and a body which can take better pictures at a higher ISO combined with a lens which can stop down will help to combat this easier.

In terms of weight, I prefer something sturdy to hold and when I travel abroad for work, I am comfortable that the body will be able to take knocks and bashes when required. I regularly hold the camera and lens in one hand by the grip and have never thought it felt too heavy but I guess its down to what others find 'heavy'.

What you said about personal preference pretty much hits the nail on the head, and what OP is seeking here is advice. We both clearly have different ideas on what OP should do, but that's a good thing, especially since we're providing two completely different approaches. One thing we both agree on though, is Canon.

None of my cars are brand new unfortunately (as much as I'd prefer them to be) as I'd be able to buy a second house with the amount they'd cost new.

[chimnehp0ts]

What you said about personal preference pretty much hits the nail on the head, and what OP is seeking here is advice. We both clearly have different ideas on what OP should do, but that's a good thing, especially since we're providing two completely different approaches. One thing we both agree on though, is Canon.



None of my cars are brand new unfortunately (as much as I'd prefer them to be) as I'd be able to buy a second house with the amount they'd cost new.


Could not agree more! I was looking for someone more than anything to agree on a make as before this thread I'd twice been recommended Nikon kit and twice been recommended canon for various reasons. I will report back once the camera arrives with some photos!

[AXracing]

nevermind I was to late :P

[chimnehp0ts]

ok so heres a sample of what ive taken!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/v/t35.0-12/10376512_689788117753111_1031438447_o.jpg?oh=ce962 e4b00c443f602bf1d10e0a5c732&oe=5382B37F&__gda__=1401082592_489e56160721584fc4b6d5658f4cac6 a

[devilsadvocate]

ok so heres a sample of what ive taken!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/v/t35.0-12/10376512_689788117753111_1031438447_o.jpg?oh=ce962 e4b00c443f602bf1d10e0a5c732&oe=5382B37F&__gda__=1401082592_489e56160721584fc4b6d5658f4cac6 a

Can't see the images mate?

[chimnehp0ts]

ok facebook links wouldnt work lol

http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u659/chimnehp0ts/IMG_3092_zpsb9c1278f.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/chimnehp0ts/media/IMG_3092_zpsb9c1278f.jpg.html)

http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u659/chimnehp0ts/IMG_3091_zpsbb393e9c.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/chimnehp0ts/media/IMG_3091_zpsbb393e9c.jpg.html)

http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u659/chimnehp0ts/IMG_3087_zps0a9fce61.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/chimnehp0ts/media/IMG_3087_zps0a9fce61.jpg.html)

[Stissy]

What camera did you end up buying?

[Tom5190]

No Sony fans?

[devilsadvocate]

No Sony fans?

I have owned a Sony before (A450) and it was a great camera but the lack of second hand lenses made me sell it and move over to Canon.

[Brettles1986]

ok facebook links wouldnt work lol

http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u659/chimnehp0ts/IMG_3092_zpsb9c1278f.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/chimnehp0ts/media/IMG_3092_zpsb9c1278f.jpg.html)

http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u659/chimnehp0ts/IMG_3091_zpsbb393e9c.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/chimnehp0ts/media/IMG_3091_zpsbb393e9c.jpg.html)

http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u659/chimnehp0ts/IMG_3087_zps0a9fce61.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/chimnehp0ts/media/IMG_3087_zps0a9fce61.jpg.html)

The first photo looks pretty good, the second looks a bit over exposed though.

[stevo67]

You need to go into photoshop & selective the highlight/shadow tool mate.

[SimpleJoee]

This is now making me want to take up Photography as a hobby.
Fucking love snazzy pictures, have a half decent camera (not one of the big boys) but I'm a clown when it comes to using photoshop :homme:

[stevo67]

This is now making me want to take up Photography as a hobby.
Fucking love snazzy pictures, have a half decent camera (not one of the big boys) but I'm a clown when it comes to using photoshop :homme:

Mate I know only the bare basics of photoshop,but enough to get by with.Best advice is to get it right in the camera this saves faffing about in photoshop.:drink:

[SimpleJoee]

Mate I know only the bare basics of photoshop,but enough to get by with.Best advice is to get it right in the camera this saves faffing about in photoshop.:drink:

I'd say I'm okay at getting a good photo, but it's the lighting/colours that screw me over :homme:

[stevo67]

I'd say I'm okay at getting a good photo, but it's the lighting/colours that screw me over :homme:

Duplicate the image in photoshop then work on it,the great thing about digital photography is allows you experiment at no extra cost.:drink:

[SimpleJoee]

Duplicate the image in photoshop then work on it,the great thing about digital photography is allows you experiment at no extra cost.:drink:

That's not a bad idea at all! Actually going to give it a cheeky try now :oops:

[Brettles1986]

If you take the time to learn how to use a DSLR then you will realise you can control a certain amount of the light.

[chimnehp0ts]

The first photo looks pretty good, the second looks a bit over exposed though.


Yeah I'm yet to fiddle but both were taken in manual mode. Second one was a lot worse before I used photoshop but was far too overexposed for me to save. Second was slightly upping vibrance in photoshop and that's it!

What camera did you end up buying?


Canon 550D, can't find whether I mentioned?