Beginner DSLR

Holliday

Holliday

Holliday

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Recently decided I need to find my passion, the closest thing in my life at the moment is photography. So I've been debating whether to take the plunge and buy myself a DSLR, and low and behold I'm stuck between 2 cameras, and you can probably guess which;

Canon 400D or Nikon D40x.

Reading reviews and comparisons seems to make my decision even harder. Canon having a better range of lenses, nikon feeling more comfortable etc.

I'm swaying towards the 400D body with the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 Lens - With cashback it should set me back around - £378 - To get me started.

So, I'd appreciate any input or advice. I'm not a total beginner in photography, I'd like to focus on macro photography in the future. Cheers in advance!
 
The 50mm is a little unflexible on a body with an aps sized sensor. You would probably be better off with the kit lens at around the same money. It's really not that bad a lens, especially for a beginner.
 
Basically the word "BEGINNER" doesnt apply to an slr, because no slr is any easier that it counter part. They all have the same functions and work under the exact same principles. So!! basically dont think about being a beginner, think about getting the best for your money.
If i were you, and like i did only a few months ago, i would get the 400d.
 
Canon or Nikon, Nikon or Canon. Its the age old decision, as both have plus and minus points. My advice as always would be to go and feel bot hthe cameras in your hand. Don't underestimate the importance of ergonomics which can't be shown in figures and specs. :)
 
The 50mm f/1.8 is a brilliant lens and I'd highly recommend that you get one, though not necessarily to start with. For a first lens, it's a bit long on a 400D (50mm = 80mm) for landscapes and a lot of general work - where it stands out is portraits, especially. For that reason, you'd more than likely be best off going with a zoom, whether that be the kit lens or not.

Between the bodies, well that's basically entirely up to you. I've got the 350D (which I love) with a battery grip, which makes it much more comfortable to work with. I didn't personally like either the feel of the Nikon or the position of buttons and the menus in comparison with the Canon.
 
You could always consider the Pentax K100D, which I think is a very good value SLR. Compatible with all manner of old Pentax lenses too, and has a built in anti-shake function on the sensor, so works even with those old lenses.

There is a 'super' model out now as well, which adds a sensor cleaning system.

You can source the body and 18-55mm lens for around £300 or less.
 
400D all the way.

1) The D40 has no autofocus motor which restricts your lens choice a lot. No £89 50mm primes etc etc. Also there's better lens adaptors for the 400D if you want to lose old lenses. And when you do find a lens you like, you'll have to pay £50-80 more for the HSM version (if it's Sigma for example). I think the 400D has an adaptor for the old M42 lenses that will actually focus to infinity. Oh how i wish the D40 did. Then i'd have half a dozen insanely sharp Super Takumar lenses to use, including a 135mm f/1.4 beauty.
2) No automatic exposure bracketing.
3) 3 point AF vs the Canon's 9.
4) You can ditch the Canon kit lens and get the new 18-55mm IS lens instead if you want.

BTW i bought the D40 and regret it. If i'd known how much i'd get back into photography i would have spent extra on the 400D.
 
At The Gates said:
400D all the way.

1) The D40 has no autofocus motor which restricts your lens choice a lot. No £89 50mm primes etc etc.
-well, apart from the 50mm 1.8 being about the only lens of note that won't work
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I'll let others rebuff the other points as I don't know enough about the strengths and weaknesses of the two models to compare fairly.
 
At The Gates said:
They'll work but there's no autofocus. Fine i guess if you have rock steady hands and nothings moving.
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Well that was my point.

80% of Nikon and Sigma's current lens range do autofocus and 95% of the most popular ones do too.

It's only a few exceptions like the 50mm 1.8 that don't.

It's not really a hugely valid criticism of the D40(x) in my opinion, when you actually look at the lens line ups.
 
Messiah Khan said:
Canon or Nikon, Nikon or Canon. Its the age old decision, as both have plus and minus points. My advice as always would be to go and feel bot hthe cameras in your hand. Don't underestimate the importance of ergonomics which can't be shown in figures and specs. :)
Click to expand...

Bang on IMO. I bought both my DSLR's 'blindly' over the internet. My first was a Nikon D100, and although it didn't have the most jiggapixels and suffered tremendously from noise at anything over ISO 200, it was the best camera I've ever handled to date.

I then flogged it on and bought a Canon 20D. Whilst the Canon is a more capable camera in almost every area, it does feel like a magnesium and plastic arse at times when trying to navigate it's many functions.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!
 
I personally would recomend getting online and searching for a nikon D50

there arnt many shops that still have them (I saw one in a photography shop in newcastle, staffs last week) but you may still find one online refurbished

a lot cheaper than the cannon you mentioned probably, and a very good camera, only held back by its 6.1 mp (compared to 10mp on most new cameras)

I personally am a long way from upgrading to get those extra few mp, and you can get to nearly all the inportant options without having to go into menu (which you cant on the D40 or i the entry cannon(i may be wrong on that but i was having a conversation with another newbie who believed that was the case with hers)
 
divine` said:
Well that was my point.

80% of Nikon and Sigma's current lens range do autofocus and 95% of the most popular ones do too.

It's only a few exceptions like the 50mm 1.8 that don't.

It's not really a hugely valid criticism of the D40(x) in my opinion, when you actually look at the lens line ups.
Click to expand...

I just think if he has the money for the 400D then the pros outweigh any cons for going with that for the extra. IMO as someone who bought the D40 :)
 
Well I decided on the 400D and got it this morning along with the nifty fifty to get me rolling. Only problem is I ordered the memory card from another website and it only got dispatched earlier today, so fingers crossed it should come in 2 or so days, if I'm lucky then tomorrow.

Until then I'll keep reading guides and tips to help me get the most out of it.

So aye, cheers for your input guys, will hopefully post some photos soon! :)
 
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