DSLR for parents - advice!

titchard

titchard

titchard

Soldato
Joined
10 Feb 2004
Posts
5,116
Location
Crewe, UK
Hey!

You guys know your stuff - and will have a far bigger range of cameras than I will have so help me out if you can!

My parents have wanted a DSLR for a while - having used mine and wanting to properly learn.

HOWEVER - I am limiting my budget as I can't afford an all singing all dancing model, looking at the entry level models from all brands, Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus etc etc.

What entry level DSLR would you recommend? I have been looking at the Canon 1000D (I have a Canon, would be able to share lenses) and also the Olympus 420, Sony A200 and the Nikon D40.

What would be the best bet? I am slightly worried about going for a Sony / Olympus for the fact of expensive and possibly hard to source lenses compared to a Nikon and Canon - but then I get told by some people that they are actually stunningly good even though they are outside the main two.

Any help would be welcomed!

Thanks in advance

Rich
 
The Canon/Nikon is the best bet if you know they will be upgrading and probably hit the limits of the lens - but in my opinion, I'll say let them try the range of DSLR you've listed and see which they prefer to hold/use.

I've come to trying out the Oly 420 with a pancake lens and WOW! It's small! Yes it's got a smaller sensor e.t.c. but for a DSLR and that size compared to compact and bridge cameras, it's a good in size and practicality.
 
Mr Jones said:
The Canon/Nikon is the best bet if you know they will be upgrading and probably hit the limits of the lens - but in my opinion, I'll say let them try the range of DSLR you've listed and see which they prefer to hold/use.

I've come to trying out the Oly 420 with a pancake lens and WOW! It's small! Yes it's got a smaller sensor e.t.c. but for a DSLR and that size compared to compact and bridge cameras, it's a good in size and practicality.
Click to expand...

I have tried the Olympus 420 - it is nice, the sensor size is not a huge issue as it will be miles above what they have right now.

Rich
 
Sony A200 myself, it's gotten very good reviews, excellent value for money i hear.
 
Being able to share lenses would benefit both you and them, so I'd be inclined to go down the Canon route purely for convenience.

The 1000D is a capable camera, but would you consider going second hand or getting a refurb? A refurb 400D (look on the Canon fleabay store) would be excellent value for money and are basically as good as new.
 
Last edited:
It all depends on whether your parents see themselves not being satisfied the usual wide angle/stanard zoom/telezoom/macro/prime lenses that are euqally available for any and all cameras, and see themselves wanting to aquire highly specialized and seriously expensive lenses (+£4Kea) which may or may not be available on all systems. If you think they would be satisfied with the standard range of lenses which would be adequate for 99% of the population then it doesn't matter which system you buy into and the decision should mainly be down to value and handling. But since you already have a Canon it would make sense to me personally they also get a Canon for the kit sharing aspect. However, are you sure they really want a DLSR such that they are truely interested in the DLSR benefits on multiple lenses etc, or would bridge camera be adequate, if they are just after higher quality snapshots than a point and shoot can give?
 
titchard said:
I am slightly worried about going for a Sony / Olympus for the fact of expensive and possibly hard to source lenses compared to a Nikon and Canon
Click to expand...
certainly as far as the Sonys are concerned there is no problem getting consumer level lenses - in fact there are more available than for Nikon's D40/D40X/D60 series - & prices are comparable especially if using 3rd parties like Sigma & Tamron plus there is a large s/h market of Minolta AF fit lenses. Remember that all lenses will also be stabilised on an Alpha.
The Olympus is definitely not as good in terms of availability of lenses as afaik only Olympus, Panasonic & Sigma make 4/3 mount & there isn't a large s/h market but Olympus certainly make good glass.

If they are going to be looking for additonal glass then there is an obvious benefit to your parents in getting a Canon if they can borrow your glass.

How happy are they with using the viewfinder on a DSLR?
Would the much faster focussing Sony version of LiveView (on the A300 & A350) be any advantage to them?

I'm another advocate of letting them try a range of cameras in a store to see if a) they really want/would benefit from a DSLR & b) if they would then which they are most comfortable with.
 
now the 1000D is below 300 quid even on the highstreet it's a no brainer imo if you already use canon gear, it's a good camera and them being able to share your equipment is a major positive!
 
rG-tom said:
now the 1000D is below 300 quid even on the highstreet it's a no brainer imo if you already use canon gear, it's a good camera and them being able to share your equipment is a major positive!
Click to expand...

I've not seen the 1000D with a kit lens at that price - will have to do some web-trawling tonight.

The Sony A200 I have seen with the kit lens for £299.

Rich
 
1000D is easily available at under £300 because of the cashback offer currently going. 1st 5 places I googled came up with a sub 300 price....just remember the 1000D is kinda like a dumbed down 400D
 
Matthew.M said:
You just missed a killer deal at an online retailer. I got my A200 for £218 delivered with kit lens last week.

I'll drop you an Email with some information you might find useful.
Click to expand...

That would be awesome if you could - although if you do can you email richardhind at gmail dot com, as my hotmail hasn't be used in a decade and a half!

Rich
 
titchard said:
That would be awesome if you could - although if you do can you email richardhind at gmail dot com, as my hotmail hasn't be used in a decade and a half!

Rich
Click to expand...

I sent you some details a few minutes after I posted. If you haven't got it check your spam box or if not grab me on msn with the address in my sig.
 
titchard said:
I've not seen the 1000D with a kit lens at that price - will have to do some web-trawling tonight.

The Sony A200 I have seen with the kit lens for £299.

Rich
Click to expand...

I work for a main high street blue retailer, and after cashback, the 1000D dropped to £299.99 today :)
 
with the current cashback it shouldn't be hard to get an A200 plus kit 18-70mm for £230 (with a bit of work you should manage sub £210), A300 plus kit £310 or A350 plus kit £350.
 
BUFF said:
with the current cashback it shouldn't be hard to get an A200 plus kit 18-70mm for £230 (with a bit of work you should manage sub £210), A300 plus kit £310 or A350 plus kit £350.
Click to expand...

a300 with kit lens is £299 even at my shop :P
 
I guess that you work at a ******* then as afaik it's exclusive to them in the UK.
Their website shows £340...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom