Help with picking a DSLR

NeverWinter

NeverWinter

NeverWinter

Soldato
Joined
25 Mar 2003
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Birmingham
Hey guys, in need of some advice:
My girlfriend wants a DSLR, she's a beginner and has her sights set on a secondhand 550D, her budget is around £300-350.

We went looking around the other day and saw the 100D which seems very similar to the 550 except for size and a few other points but can buy it new and will obviously come with a warranty.

She's pretty much only wants a Canon but may go for a Nikon, what do you think of those 2 cameras for a beginner, can you think of any other suggestions?

Thanks!
 
Did she have a play with any of the cameras? As a beginner, all the cameras nowadays have very similar spec, with a slight exception of video capabilities if that's also of interest.
To say it simply, with any of the more recent bodies, it will be a while before she outgrows the camera, and even then, it'll probably be a lens upgrade/purchase more so than the camera body.

Therefore, the handling of the camera is probably the more important aspect. Not only how it feels in the hand, but the button layout, menu interface, etc, all play a part.
Although, all of that could be quite difficult to someone who has no idea what any of the buttons do! So I guess it'll be mainly be the feel of handling the camera.
Unless you? or someone you/she knows that know about DSLRs could go along with her when trying out the cameras.

Having said that, there's a LOT in the second-hand market with prices being very close together, and I'm not quite up-to-date with the more recent bodies and prices, so I'll let someone else comment on that.

Did she handle the 100D? It's designed to be 'portable', so it's Canons smallest/lightest model, thus it may be too small for some people.
 
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For what it's worth I got my wife a 100D and she loves it, was the best choice on size for a platform we share lenses on. It's really good on outings as we now have 2 bodies armed with 2 different lenses ready to go. The 100D is a great little camera and will cover very well a begginer / intermediate very well.

I'm not versed in the ways Nikon so can't comment :)
 
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She's not a complete beginner and has used DSLRs before, just never owned one, I think she mostly used a 550D at some point which is why she was so set on it. Her sister is in to photography and has a 60D (I think) and a few lenses.

When we were out she picked up the 100D and said it was small, which it is but I don't see the issue, she doesn't have massive hands, I also picked it up and thought it felt quite nice and my hands are fairly big. I just think it felt very different from every other DSLR out there.

I think the D5200 is out of price range new with a lens, but I'll see what's available 2nd hand.
 
First match on fleabay I just found the D5200 with the 18-55mm lens brand new delivered for £329.70.

I bought mine with that lens brand new for under £400 a year ago, so easily had within budget. Much rather have this than the 550D.
 
For under £400, the D5300.

Larger and higher resolution screen.

Has GPS.

Larger viewfinder.

Longer battery life.

Light sensitivity is 1 f-stop better.

Slightly smaller and lighter.
 
Just on the brand front to say I do like my Canon, although it's an old 400d. It really is nice to use. However, I've never tried anything from Nikon to compare it with.
 
Are you allowed to announce where you finding such deals, i'm pretty much new to DSLRs (Albeit light use with the D3200 which i've borrowed from my sister from time to time) and i'm looking at the likes of certain well known stores which are offering the camera at £500+ and i'm not comfortable spending that amount on the Bay.

Cheers.
 
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Uncle_Gravy said:
Are you allowed to announce where you finding such deals, i'm pretty much new to DSLR and i'm looking at the likes of certain well known stores which are offering the camera at £500+ and i'm not comfortable spending that amount on the Bay.

Cheers.
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Just look on ebay. They're brand new. You're covered if anything goes wrong by ebay. Haven't bought any electrical items on the high street for years since internet shopping. Why pay more in the shops when you can get it delivered to your door for less?

I bought my D5200 with lens kit new for £380 delivered a year ago online. In the shops you couldn't have bought it for under £500. Think its still £500 with some retailers today.
 
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Well that's up to you. Like i say, you're covered by ebay/paypal if anthing goes wrong. It's as safe as it can be, plus it's delivered to your door.

Online retailers are cheaper as they don't have the overheads shops do (staff, utilites, rent ect ect).
 
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