A cheap way to learn to DSLR?

V4NT0M

V4NT0M

V4NT0M

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Hey guys, I'm finding lately that my compact (550EXR) although great camera with excellent features is holding me back and I want more control over my photos.

I don't want to dive in and pay £400+ for a camera that I don't know how to use yet and quite frankly not sure if I'll use it all that much anyway.

My pal has an old 300D that he loves and they seem to go for under £100 for the body only. I figured it would be a nice way to learn what I'm doing with all the advanced features a DSLR will bring. The idea would be if I didn't get on with it that it's a small outlay and if I did get on with it I can upgrade to something like a 550D and any lens investment I might make along the way I can carry over and then eventually upgrade.

Do you think this is a good idea, are there any other cameras for a similar price that I should look at instead. I know that it's a pretty low price to go for a DLSR but it's mainly really for me to learn what I'm doing and figure out if I even want one, so not looking for mega-megapixels just DLSR control.

Also would you recommend going for the kit lens as a starter or get the body with another (relativity cheap) lens? (especially as I will be upgrading if I like it) Lenses are new to me so I am looking for something that I can shoot well indoors with too, I like to take pictures of stuff and love a good close up.

Finally, any "idiots guide" type essential reads for me prior to or for beginning with it.

Thanks in advance :)
 
I'd either get a kit lens, or a nifty fifty (50mm 1.8). Either would do, although the nifty has no zoom function.

As for books - Bryan Peterson - understanding exposure

kd
 
I would look for cameras 1 generation or so newer. Much better sensors, ergonomics, functionality, better screens. It all adds up to a better and easier experience to learn with.

You should also consider that old second hand DSLRs will hold their value really well. You should be able to buy Something like a Canon 400D or Nikon D3000 second hand and then sell it on a year later for the same price, maybe even make a profit if you get a bargain to begin with.


I would get a kit lens if you are on a budget. You can learn about perspective and compression etc. A fast prime (a prime lens has a fixed focal length so you can't zoom in, 'fast' refers to the aperture and how much light the lens lets in relative to its focal length) will help you learn about depth of focus (you see those photos where the background is all soft and blurred but the subject is sharp) and composition.
 
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I'm in exactly the same boat.. Always been using a F500EXR and just ordered a preowned Canon EOS 350D with EF 50mm f1.8 II lens. Think it came to £160 including delivery. The main things I want is to be able to use a very low aperture and have good detail and colors in low light.. If you do get the 50mm lens it might be worth getting macro extension rings to be able to shoot macro on the cheap..

There are a lot of good beginners guides on google..
 
Thanks DP the 400D does look good and not expensive.

And yep keenan that's pretty much what I want better detail and better in low light, in have read that the 50mm 1.8 is good for beginners. These are the areas where the compact doesn't cut it. Getting excited about going ahead with this.

Think I'll have a look around the mm and see if there are any deals to be had.
 
keenan said:
I'm in exactly the same boat.. Always been using a F500EXR and just ordered a preowned Canon EOS 350D with EF 50mm f1.8 II lens. Think it came to £160 including delivery. The main things I want is to be able to use a very low aperture and have good detail and colors in low light.. If you do get the 50mm lens it might be worth getting macro extension rings to be able to shoot macro on the cheap..

There are a lot of good beginners guides on google..
Click to expand...

I have the 350D, still a great camera that holds up very well. With a good lens this camera can produce very nice images. I still have the kit lens however.
 
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