Help me get back into photography please

robfosters · 28 Mar 2018 at 20:03

I used to really enjoy photography a few years ago and used a 450D. Decent camera and I took some great shots with it.

I no longer have it and want to get back into the hobby as it gets me out as opposed to my other hobbies. I'm not sure what camera to buy though. To start off with, do I spend my money on a better camera with a kit lens or am I better off getting a cheaper body but a more expensive lens?

I want something for all round use. I will be probably doing mainly nature and landscapes, but I will do some sport as well, particularly horse racing.

I was looking at the 80D with the 18-55 kit lens but am I better off going with a cheaper body like the 200D and adding a decent £3-400 lens to it? I'm willing to look at Nikon, although I've never used them. Dont know anything at all about the compact camera systems that seem to be getting so popular. I prefer DSLR's because of the variety of lens.

I can answer any more questions if needed. All help gratefully appreciated.

Spleen Sauce · 28 Mar 2018 at 20:42

Cheaper body with a few decent prime lenses. Set yourself some challenges (or find a few online to follow and submit your images for critique - gives you some incentive and an avenue for learning)

Mark_D · 28 Mar 2018 at 21:13

I second what Spleen Sauce said. Go for a cheaper body and invest in better quality glass, because that's exactly what it is, an investment. Your camera bodies will come and go, but assuming you stick with the same manufacturer then your good glass will always be good glass. Even cheaper camera bodies can take fantastic pictures if they have decent lenses attached to them.

It's always very tempting to go for more expensive camera bodies when you read their spec sheet because they sound so promising. A Ferrari has amazing stats on paper, but without a decent set of wheels it's going nowhere

robfosters · 28 Mar 2018 at 21:38

I can get the 750D body for £467. Do you think this would be a good choice to get going?

The kit lens included are not very good are they?

beefybarn · 28 Mar 2018 at 23:26

There's a 750d with a couple of lenses for sale over at av forums at a good price.

sHo0sH · 29 Mar 2018 at 09:27

I have a 6D (full Frame) for sale on here if that would be of interest at all?

robfosters · 29 Mar 2018 at 17:42

I'm not sure about buying the camera second hand thanks. Might go second hand for the lenses. Their seems to be some right bargains on the bay.

robfosters · 9 Apr 2018 at 15:42

Guys, I've narrowed it down to two cameras, and I'm struggling to choose. I am going to go for either a Canon 77D or a Nikon D7200.

The Canon is a newer camera and has a touchscreen but it has an anti aliasing filter. The Nikon doesn't and I have to say, looking at sample images, the Nikon seems sharper than the Canon. Canon is supposed to be better for video, but I really have no interest in video, just photos.

The Nikon looks the obvious choice due to image quality, but I can't get over the nagging feeling that I'm buying older tech. The 77D also has an articulating screen and supposedly better autofocus, but the images definitely look a tad softer than the Nikon. Although maybe this is something that can be resolved in PP. The Nikon is also weather sealed, which would be handy as I'm planning to do a lot of outdoors (Landscapes, Seascapes) photography.

Any advice please?

robfosters · 10 Apr 2018 at 17:24

No one got any opinion at all :confused:

Schizo · 10 Apr 2018 at 17:43

I love my canon 750d and ive got some good glass for it.
There will be members on here that will say they like there current camera,its what your needs is the question.
I shoot street and night photography and with the lens i have its superb for my needs.
One thing i will say though,i have owned Nikon and sony (not top of the range) and do enjoy the canon and for its price is a cracking camera.

GMac11 · 10 Apr 2018 at 22:52

robfosters said:
I can get the 750D body for £467. Do you think this would be a good choice to get going?

The kit lens included are not very good are they?

When I bought my 750d the kit lens with it was the 18-135 STM, is this still the case? It is an extremely good kit lens, probably one of the best. For me it was definitely a step up from the 18-55 kit lens.

wez130 · 11 Apr 2018 at 03:38

Can i ask why you gave up in the first place?
Reason i ask is because i've bought and sold loads of DSLR's because i got bored and couldn't be bothered taking them out with me and they sat unused in a cupboard for ages. Now i've invested in a Sony mirrorless system (a6500) and it'sso versatile, i'f i'm going out for the whole purpose of shooting, i'll take my kit out, whereas if i'm going into a new city or something, i'll just take the body with my 10-18 or 18-105 lenses and it's not cumbersome at all, just like taking a point and shoot albeit a little larger - but nowhere near as big as a full fat DSLR. Still uses APSC sensor too so relults are as good as - if not better in some cases, than a full fat DSLR too.
Go and try them out before you commit to Canon / Nikon. (And i did used to be a Canon fanboy)

robfosters · 11 Apr 2018 at 11:59

wez130 said:
Can i ask why you gave up in the first place?
Reason i ask is because i've bought and sold loads of DSLR's because i got bored and couldn't be bothered taking them out with me and they sat unused in a cupboard for ages. Now i've invested in a Sony mirrorless system (a6500) and it'sso versatile, i'f i'm going out for the whole purpose of shooting, i'll take my kit out, whereas if i'm going into a new city or something, i'll just take the body with my 10-18 or 18-105 lenses and it's not cumbersome at all, just like taking a point and shoot albeit a little larger - but nowhere near as big as a full fat DSLR. Still uses APSC sensor too so relults are as good as - if not better in some cases, than a full fat DSLR too.
Go and try them out before you commit to Canon / Nikon. (And i did used to be a Canon fanboy)

I had a stroke and was almost completely immobile for a long time. I’m now recovered and want to start again for two reasons. 1. I really enjoy photography and 2. My doctor has told me it would be beneficial to my physical and mental health to have a hobby that involves getting out and about.

The lugging about never bothered me. I never went loaded. Just a DSLR with an extra lens and a few filters slung in a Lowepro Slingshot bag. Barely knew it was on my back.

i know nothing · 11 Apr 2018 at 16:04

I hear the Nikon D7200 is a good camera, personally I went for the D7100 and I put the money saved towards better glass. I've never regretted that decision.