Canon 550D - Good as first DSLR?

PistolPete

PistolPete

PistolPete

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Hi Guys,

Been looking through this forum for a bit and I've decided I want a DSLR.
I've had a Canon IXUS 900ti since launch date and I've been really happy with it. I get reasonable results considering my skill and the limited nature of the camera. It's now spends most of it's time in an underwater housing and I take it diving.

My father-in-law has a 500D and I've had a good play with it and I've like it so I might take the plunge. I've had a couple of friends suggest getting a
50D instead, but it seems a little too "pro" for what I want plus the video on 550D is a bonus.

If this is a suitable camera, then the next question is lenses.
I've got the option of the 18-55IS + 55-250IS or the 18-135IS.

Part of me says 1 lens would be better so I can get used to it before getting another, but part of my says different lenses for different uses.
Plus I've read that whilst the 18-55 is OK, the 55-250 is a bit of a let down.


Any thoughts?
 
Video on these SLRs IMO, is a total gimmick unless you are going to learn to MF properly as these don't do AF in video mode, and I can tell you from using my 7D it's bloody hard!!!

My mate got a 550D a few days ago and compared to even my 40D it feels like such a toy camera in construction.

My advise is this:

Buy a 40D + Tamron 17-50 and a Canon 70-300 USM IS (I suggest the Canon 70-300 because it's a bloody good lens, my tack sharp version went for £320 recently, if you cant afford it in one go then save up, well worth it).

As I say, I have a 7D and the lack of AF in video mode makes it a total and utter gimmick that should NOT be taken into account when buying a stills camera :p

40D: £350ish
Tamron: £260ish
70-300: £325ish

As a 550D new is £650 I think that is well the way forward!

Remember user > glass > body. Buying a 40D saves you a few quid to spend on better glass as the 18-55 IS is ok for it's price, relatively it's total cack :p
 
I was looking at spending about £1,000 on the 550D plus + lens(es) + grip so that's pretty much smack on budget.

Anyone else agree / disagree.
 
totally agree

the 40D is a great camera and for the price that you can pick them up second hand for, you would be hard pushed to find something as solid and capable

i also agree about video. unless you have a specific need for it, dont worry about it. concentrate on taking good photos
 
Paul11 said:
totally agree

the 40D is a great camera and for the price that you can pick them up second hand for, you would be hard pushed to find something as solid and capable

i also agree about video. unless you have a specific need for it, dont worry about it. concentrate on taking good photos
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Whoop, someone agreed with me :p

I offered this advise to my mate but she still bought a 550D :( Oh well, her loss :P
 
I'm going to lean slightly toward the other direction on this one, actually, regarding the video, at least.

It is a gimmick to a degree, but is also exceptionally cool when you need/want it (assuming you have the right lens sitting on the front of the camera).

There are certain things that just can't be captured in a still image (my 2-year old daughter wiggling to a tune from a jukebox was immortalised on a 5D Mk2) and the video function on these cameras is great for that.

However, the construction and 'feel' points for the 550D vs. the 30/40D are all more valid, IMHO. I've juat had another go with my dad's 350D and it's just nowhere near the ruggedness/ease of use of even my 20D, let along my brother's 5D Mk2.

I would save up and plumb for a 40D if you can - much better camera (and all-round tool) for the money.
 
ScarySquirrel said:
2nd hand 40D + grip all the way.

XXXD's feel like toys compared to anything else.
Click to expand...

I never thought I'd agree till I handled my housemate's 1000D.
For your budget, Concorde Rules' suggestion of 40D + Tammy + Canon's 70-300mm is a sound buy for £1000.

If longer range isn't needed, invest in a decent flashgun.
 
I went for the 550D as I wanted the 'pro' features in a more compact body. Most of the toy like feel is a attributed to the low weight of the body and the 18-55 lens Canon provide with it. Stick a Tamron 17-50 on the front of it and it feels a lot more substantial.
 
Thanks for all your advice - the video option was a "would use if I had it" type of thing not a "must have".

With the 60D rapidly approaching would I not be better to wait and see if I can get a good deal on a 50D, either new or someone upgrading?
 
A 40D is a really great purchase. Had I not been a Nikon man to start with I probably would have picked up a 40D second hand instead of my D90.

You can use the below to do quick comparisons.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebyside.asp

60D will push prices down, but like with everything, all depends on how long you are willing to wait. From what I recall the differences between 40D and 50D were quite minimal (but don't quote me on that). I would also spend as little as possible on the body and concentrate on lenses to go with. You can always upgrade the body at a much later date should you need to.
 
martinturner said:
A 40D is a really great purchase. Had I not been a Nikon man to start with I probably would have picked up a 40D second hand instead of my D90.

You can use the below to do quick comparisons.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebyside.asp

60D will push prices down, but like with everything, all depends on how long you are willing to wait. From what I recall the differences between 40D and 50D were quite minimal (but don't quote me on that). I would also spend as little as possible on the body and concentrate on lenses to go with. You can always upgrade the body at a much later date should you need to.
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40D may be considered better in some situations because the pixel density on the sensor isn't disproportionate to the processing hardware built in to the camera. It's also significantly cheaper.

The ***D series feel like toys regardless of the lens, tbh - I've played with them using everything from some POS kit lens from an old D300 film camera, through a 24-70L, 70-200L, 50mm f1.4 and it's always the same. Add to that their ergonomics just aren't as good as the **D series - just not as intuitive.

And they're small. ;)
 
Janesy B said:
I went for the 550D as I wanted the 'pro' features in a more compact body. Most of the toy like feel is a attributed to the low weight of the body and the 18-55 lens Canon provide with it. Stick a Tamron 17-50 on the front of it and it feels a lot more substantial.
Click to expand...

Thing is your body is far from 'pro' and im sorry I put a 70-200 F4 L IS on my friends 550D and it's balance and feel is just ridiculous.

Buying a 550D for features is a big BIG mistake IMO having now used one along with all the xxxD, xxD and 7D...
 
Concorde Rules said:
sorry I put a 70-200 F4 L IS on my friends 550D and it's balance and feel is just ridiculous.
Click to expand...

I understand what you're saying with the 550D I felt myself it was too toy like for the money but I've been 70-200 shopping a lot myself lately and although the balance was off on the 70-200 F4 as you say, whack a 70-200 2.8 on a 7D and the balance is equally as whacked out.
 
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