DSLR for £600

manjuice

manjuice

manjuice

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7 Mar 2007
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I'm a complete novice at photography but I'm very impressed by the photos on this forum, something my current digital compact could never reproduce.

I wouldn't say photography is one of my hobbies but I would like to be able to take some decent photos while I'm on holiday.
Would it be silly for a beginner to spend £500-600 on their first camera?

After some quick research it seems the Nikon D5000 or Canon 500D are the two contenders. Which one should I get or are there any other in the same price range? (I don't mind going second hand)

Or should I go the sensible option and get a cheaper DSLR (Sony Alpha A200?)?
 
I can't offer much advise as I do not know much about either of those models but stick to Canon or Nikon whatever you do. This could easily turn into a big hobby for you and Canon & Nikon are the 2 most recognised contenders. Stick with them :)
 
it might be better off if you went for a cheaper body and spent more money on lenses, which is where it matters the most

if you dont mind going second hand, then Canon wise you could look at getting a 40D which tend to go for about £440 odd on photography forums.

the other alternative of course would be to look at a bridge camera. they produce some brilliant photos!

if you dont mind getting an older body you could look at a Canon 20D for around £200 on the forums. Its a fairly old body now, but still a brilliant camera. this option would give you more money to spend on decent lenses.

In case you are dubious about the performance of a 20D, have a look at my Flickr page. all taken on a 20D :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9436311@N02/
 
I reckon a 40D and a nice lump of glass would be the best option. A 2nd hand 40D can be had for around 400-450 give or take, this would leave you with 150 for a lens which is plenty for a starter lens. The D5000 and the 500D are a bit lacklustre IMO. The Sony A700 is also very nice, if you can find one.
 
I think I might go for the Canon EOS 450D because I don't need the video recording found in the 500D.

Just doing some research on it and will decide later.
 
Having got the 500D for Christmas myself, I can unoquivically say go for it!

Although, as you say, if you dont need video, better ISO performance, or the lovely high res screen on the back, you could save some cash by going 450D.
 
Don't spend all your cash on a better DSLR yet, but the lenses and a decent body first :)..450D would be a good option, along with the Nikon D80, could get that for ~£300 and grab a few lenses.
 
I started off the same as you, go and have a look at the D5000 and 500d in the shop. I went for the 500d in the end and it is a great little camera. Saying that I've now bought a 7D! Although if you fancy a less than 3 months old 2 lens 500d kit, keep your eye on the members market ;)
 
I personally would not spend nearly that much on a 450D. You can get a 2nd hand 40D for the same price which is miles better.
 
I got my 450d with kit lens brand new for £400 back in august 09 :) Nice entry level camera :) Haven't tried any other camera so can't compare with the xxd series.
 
It's £395 brand new on the bay but I think it's the US version (XSi) therefore no warranty in the UK.

Razor-BladE said:
I got my 450d with kit lens brand new for £400 back in august 09 :) Nice entry level camera :) Haven't tried any other camera so can't compare with the xxd series.
Click to expand...

How is the lens that came with it? Got any pictures?
 
Although I have some experience, I've been lookign at potential cameras to save up for.

The 40D second hand looks like the right things to get. Yes it might be a bit overkill for a beginer but when money is tight I think if the hobby doesn't take off as planned the body should hold its value well enough over 12 months.

That's my uneducated opinion on the matter. The 40D should be a durable and reliable camera whereas the ***D feel a bit plasticy to me. I'm used to a similar sized aluminium camera mind you.
 
twoblacklines said:
D90 :)
Click to expand...

+1 iv got 1 with 18-105 kit lens and i dropped on a nikon 70-300 for £85 (water had got into it fixed it for nothing)
just saving for the nikon 2x convertor and im sorted imo its a great camera with plenty of scope for my to improve with it. its VERY well built too i tried a canon 450d and it felt like a kids toy in comparison
 
I think I'll go for a second hand 450D for around £350 and spend the difference on a better lens.
The 40D is probably the better camera but it's around £500 body only which I think it's overkill for me.
 
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