Entry level D-SLR / CSC

lordrobs

lordrobs

lordrobs

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Firstly apologies if this gets asked every other day but I'm after a little advice on where to start.

I've always been keen on taking photos but I'd like to make the step up into taking up photography as a hobby. In the past I've only ever had compacts and because of the way I use them (take them out when I'm on my MTB, down the beach etc.) I can't bring myself to spend proper money on one. This leaves me a little limited when I go out with the intention of taking some photos.

So I'm thinking of getting myself something a little more capable. At the moment I'm swaying more towards a digital SLR but I haven't ruled out a CSC although I found the Nikon 1 really awkward to hold when I had a play with one.

I've got a few odds and ends to sell and I expect I'll end up with up to around a £500 budget for everything to get me started but that will need to include a bag and any other bits I don't yet know that I need!

As for use... a bit of everything really. I'd like to use it at car shows, in the city, in the countryside etc. I realise that to start with I'm going to have to get a 'Jack of all trades, master of none' type setup but I'm ok with that and I can progress as my interest grows and budget allows.

So if you made it this far any advice would be great!

TL/DR - Starter D-SLR (maybe CSC) setup, general use, £500 max budget
 
I've been doing some reading and these ones standout at the moment

Nikon d3100
Nikon d5100
Canon 550d
Canon 600d

Most will say pop into high street shop and have a hold of them and see how they are

Not sure which ones are the best though,

Looking for one too so will be interested to hear people's thoughts.
 
lmfy2k said:
I've been doing some reading and these ones standout at the moment

Nikon d3100
Nikon d5100
Canon 550d
Canon 600d

Most will say pop into high street shop and have a hold of them and see how they are

Not sure which ones are the best though,

Looking for one too so will be interested to hear people's thoughts.
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Out of those the D5100 has the best sensor, and all camera have much the same functionality and features so the better sensor of the 5100 is really the main deciding point./ Try before you buy though.
 
I'll definitely go and have a play with them all. Can I ask... why not the d3200? Or is it simply that the d5100 offers more for around the same money?
 
I guess if you're considering the 3100 then the 3200 could be considered too. It's newer so will be better than the 3100 in most ways but also most expensive.

The 5100 is the next level up I believe so even if it is older and doesn't have the same megapixel count, there will probably be other features which are better.
 
lordrobs said:
I'll definitely go and have a play with them all. Can I ask... why not the d3200? Or is it simply that the d5100 offers more for around the same money?
Click to expand...

5100 has better features and body size. The D3200 is great though, small and light for a travel lens.
 
You won't get the D5100 and all kit needed to get started (inc bag, memory card, and of course lens[es]) for <£500 unless you go second hand. I think even then it'll be pushing it.

You'll be looking at the D3200 kit or Canon equiv for that price range.
 
depends on the lens and the budget. the nikon 18-105 is a great lens, very sharpa nd useful focal length. Plastic fantastic but a bargain.
 
Dj_Jestar said:
You won't get the D5100 and all kit needed to get started (inc bag, memory card, and of course lens[es]) for <£500 unless you go second hand. I think even then it'll be pushing it.

You'll be looking at the D3200 kit or Canon equiv for that price range.
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The D3200 is more expensive than the D5100!

I've got a D5100 with 18-105mm kit lens and it's fantastic, I'd recommend it to anyone.
 
Excellent, I'll go and have a play with the D5100, D3200 and D3100 at the local Jessops.

What else would you say was an essential to get you going? A bag seems an obvious one but what else am I likely to need? I've just started looking into filters but not sure if that is a day 1 purchase or not. My compact lasts all day on a single charge (and the following couple normally) but would a spare battery be wise?
 
Don't bother with filters yet. It'll be weeks before you are ready to use them.

Get the following:

Camera + Versatile lens kit
Memory card
Xxx for Dummies book (e.g "D5100 for Dummies")

Not essential for day 1 purchase, but should be the next things you buy:
Bag
Other books, particular recommendation is "Understanding Exposure"
Tripod
 
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Thought I'd mention it here, Jessops have the d5100 with the 18-105mm lens for £529. Ordered one myself and hopefully it should arrive tomorrow, but then its Jessops, so it might not...
 
lemonade said:
Thought I'd mention it here, Jessops have the d5100 with the 18-105mm lens for £529. Ordered one myself and hopefully it should arrive tomorrow, but then its Jessops, so it might not...
Click to expand...

Some of their offers do seem quite competitive. Unfortunately I haven't started shifting my old stuff that I need to sell yet so I'm still £529 short on the budget :p
 
...and despite not having sold a damn thing yet I can't wait and I've just bought a D5100 as well :o

I went for the 18-55 VR lens, this left budget for a bag, 8GB card and a UV filter for protection purposes. I'm sure I'm going to have fun learning how to use it :D
 
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