First time DSLR... help please :)

Tee Hee Johnson

Tee Hee Johnson

Tee Hee Johnson

Soldato
Joined
30 May 2007
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Glasgow, Scotland
Hi... looking for a wee bit of advice :)

Basically it is my fathers 50th this year, and mum, sister and i would like to get him a DSLR camera. Its something he does want and has been toying with for a while now.

He is no stranger to 'proper' cameras, was keen on photography many years ago and still has his good SLR and lenses... but i think he wants to get with the times and get back into photography!

So kinda looking for info on whats good, whats to be avoided and good places to buy from... Any help would be great!

Thanks! :D
 
Which brand/model is his old SLR? He could get a DSLR that uses his old lenses to save a bit of dough and ease the transition to the world of digital
 
I cant remember, will investigate!

He did some minor research and came to the conclusion that his older SLR ones would not work with new DSLR Cameras, guess hes wrong?
 
craig_kennedy83 said:
I cant remember, will investigate!

He did some minor research and came to the conclusion that his older SLR ones would not work with new DSLR Cameras, guess hes wrong?
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Maybe, maybe not, if his kit is really old then it may not work.

Canon, for example, did manual FD bodies and lenses up until the late 80's then switched to the EOS autofocus lens system that's still in use today. Any film EOS body or lens is compatible with any other EOS dSLR, but the FD lenses will not fit without costly adaptors.

Nikon seem to have maintained their F mount system more or less throughout, but don't quote me on that, some with and some without autofocus.

As for other brands, Konica Minolta autofocus lenses will work on current Sony SLR's as they use the same mount, but again, this is off the top of my head, it's only the Canon stuff I really know

As for new systems, the cheaper <£500, cameras from Sony, Canon and Nikon are all much of a muchness, and he'll be happy with any of them. Its only when things get more expensive that real differences in the brands begin to crop up :)
 
If It is a Nikon then the Nikon F-Mount has been going strong for over 50 years giving a massive back catalog of lenses. If he had a Nikon setup then t will depend what lenses he had whether they are worth using today.
 
Thanks for the information so far :D Keep it coming!

Finally had a look at what he currently has, keeping in mind i havent seen it for years!

Turns out its older than i thought...! Built between 1983 and 1985 its a Praktica MTL 5, so i very much doubt much will work with that!

Just so i can have a look, where is good online for buying? I know i could do a quick google, but id like a site people know and can trust for good prices etc :)
 
I wouldn't get him a basic DSLR, as it'll simply feel like a toy to him if he used to be into his photography.

If Canon get a 40D or 50D complimented with a kit lens for the time being. Either will take fantastic shots and as we know goes fully manual to give even better shots :)
 
http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/

All you ever need.


IIRC the camera you mention is an M42 mount and is now obsolete. Typical :rolleyes:
What does he want to take photos of?
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Either way you can't really go wrong with this set-up... (The camera is used, but it's a little older, so perhaps buy lenses for the birthday!!)

Basic Set-up (can leave it here if you like)

30D - £260 [Used] - it's an old camera but it'll still produce great results. It's pretty quick (5fps), good IQ (8.2mpixels), good feeling camera. I've used one of these as a back-up body. EXCELLENT BODY.

Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 (make sure it's Canon/EOS/EF/EF-S fit) - £300 new. This is great for indoor, portrait, landscape and general purpose photography. Nice lens. Lightweight too. Not really used one because my camera has a larger sensor, but it's highly reccomended by everyone.


Then one of the following if he wants a bit more reach:
Canon 70-200mm f/4 - Good lightweight telephoto. Good for a bit of sports/portraits. Bit expensive, but a high-quality lens. I frequently use the f/2.8 version of this. £420ish used.

Canon 85mm f/1.8 - I've used this a fair bit too. Excellent low-light/portraiture lens. £300 new.



Phate said:
I wouldn't get him a basic DSLR, as it'll simply feel like a toy to him if he used to be into his photography.

If Canon get a 40D or 50D complimented with a kit lens for the time being. Either will take fantastic shots and as we know goes fully manual to give even better shots :)
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This is true. Although I've recommended a slightly older camera to save costs it's the same line. (Personally I'd take the 30D + 17-50 f/2.8 over a 50D + 18-55 anyday)
 
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p0ss3s3d said:
http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/

All you ever need.
Click to expand...

.... Unless you want a 5D MkII (Just picked it as an example) first place I found had it £50 cheaper than the cheapest they showed. Its a place I've spent £1k over the past few years so I know it can be trusted, might be worth a look. Its a competitor but email in trust if you want the link :)

Back on top: 40D and 30D seem good options (I'd go for the 40 if you can stretch to it :) ), and it wouldn't be a post of mine if I didn't sing the praises of a 50mm F1.8. Sharp as you like for only £90 :)


craig_kennedy83 said:
Cheers p0ss3s3d... that site is amazin! Great info too!

Thanks Phate :) What do you all think of a D5000 or is that a bit of a lesser one? What about a 450D?
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Both are lesser in terms of build quality IMO, even though they are both newer.
 
I don't know anything about the D5000 tbh so I won't comment.

However, the 450D is a great camera, but it's very small. Get the 40D. Bargains to be had!
 
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