Begineer DSLR suggestions

armatage

armatage

armatage

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I decided a while ago to take up photography to help with anxiety/depression and also my Dad and Brother have been into photography for a long time.

I bought myself a Canon SX230 HS as a started camera as it allows me to play with manual settings but it is limited to a minimum aperture of f8 so obtaining photos with large depth of feild like with a DSLR isn't possible.

I've been looking into another camera and I was looking at a Canon SX30 IS but this also is limited to a minimum aperture of f8 therefore I've been looking at Four Thirds DSLR cameras and currently looking at a Olympus EPL1 because as far as I can tell there isn't a big difference compared to the EPL2.
I like the fact it has an internal flash and the price is good with a 14-42mm lens (later I'll buy a 25-150mm lens).

What do people think is a good beginner DSLR camera around £300 to 500 with a 28-85 (35mm equivalent) lens.

I've been trying to find the minimum aperture for the Olympus camera but I'm not sure if this is set by the camera body or by the lens.
I understand the maximum aperture is stated on the lens e,g, 28-85mm f3.5-5.9 but how does the minimum aperture work out for DLSR cameras?
 
Aperture limitations are set by the lens.
Regarding DOF and smaller camera's , F8 or F4 most compacts have tiny sensor's which mean creative DOF's just not going to be a possibility.
In the 300-500 range you could get a Nikon D3100 twin lens kit (18-55, 55-200) of which the first kit lens fits inside your preferred 35mm focal range, and gives you a telephoto to play with as well.

As for the aperture, in your example 28-85mm f3.5-5.9, it means the widest aperture you can select at 28mm is F3.5, and at 85mm it will be 5.9, scaling in between.
 
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The only reason(s) i suggest the Nikon is
1) i shoot Nikon, i dont know the Canon alternative :p
2) its got a great guide mode, which is like a mini virtual tutor which is a big help, especially to someone new to DSLR photography.
 
Just been looking at reviews on u tube and is getting good reviews for a beginner camera so looking like a perfect choice for me.
 
Cheapest so far I found from a known supplier is £440 with 18-55 lens but Nikon are doing £40 cash back so I'm happy with £400.
The similar Canon looks to be the 550D and is quite a bit more expensive
 
Having looked at the prices, i am shocked to see they've gone up so much since only a month ago!
About 5 weeks ago, when someone was asking, i noticed in many places a D3100 18-55 and 55-200 kit for less then £479, its now approx, as you said, £440 with just the kit lens! Shocking increases.
 
Bought one :) With £40 cash back and 6 months 0% intrest free credit it was a no brainer. Nikon D3100 with the 18-55 lens

I won't get my hands on it till Thursday as I'm waiting for my Birthday before playing with it, antisapation and all :P

Thanks again for the advice
 
armatage said:
I won't get my hands on it till Thursday as I'm waiting for my Birthday before playing with it, antisapation and all :P
Click to expand...

Best just check in the box though to make sure it's all there, and just put the battery in to make sure it works and the lens fits and it recognises the memory card and the shutter works and everything. You know, just in case....:D
 
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