Looking for a new SLR. Advice please.

[Droolinggimp]

After not having an SLR for over 5 or so years it is time to get a new one. Myself and my wife like taking photos and we have only been using our phone cameras. Obviously as good as they are, they can't do lots of things that a camera can do.

We like taking photos of our son, dog and general out and about pics. Myself, I like to mix it up and do more DoF shots, maybe using light box for macro objects, flowers etc.

Having looked around and seeing there are hundreds to choice from we have seen a good offer on the Canon EOS 100D. It is from Very which my wife has an account and seems to be the cheapest offer currently at £349.99 and it comes with two lenses.

Canon 100D 18Mp Camera with Twin Lens Kit 18-55mm STM & 75-300mm

It has good reviews not just from Very but other places too. Would this be suitable for our needs? Anything that I should know about this camera?

Edit: I am quite ok at using an SLR as I have used them before and know my way around the settings and what not. My wife not so much. As this is sort of a starter camera I am guessing she won't find it difficult to use. She has used her Grandads mega SLRs over the years so she knows a little about them.

 

[Asmodi]

If you are just starting out with a DSLR the only advice I would give is to buy the best lens that you can afford.
Good quality lenses don't suffer from depreciation very much and the quality of picture is far superior to kit lenses.
For £350 I would try and source a low shutter count used Canon 40D or 50D and stick a 50mm f1.4. Yes its only 1 lens and can sometimes be a little long on a crop sensor but its good for portraits and is tack sharp.
Another option would be to go for a used 40D or 50D again and buy a 50mm f1.8 (plastic fantastic lens) and a used Tamron 17-50mm f2.8.
The good thing about the 40D and 50D is they have a great auto mode for the missus.
Don't be afraid to buy used.
MPB.COM will have everything you need and you get a warranty on used goods.
For instance you could get a Canon 50D, Canon 17-85mm IS and a 50mm F1.8 for your £350 at MPB.

 

[Droolinggimp]

Thanks for the reply. I had a look at that site you mentioned and have no idea what to look for haha...

Does shutter count have an affect on what I should go for? What lens would I need for :
1. photos of people (portraits) and close ups of my sons face etc
2. Landscapes or varying distant photos
3. Macros, flowers rocks and stones and closeups of hands, feet and toys
4. I work in a pub and will be taking photos of staff and guests candid, I would like to achieve the focusing on tow people chatting and having the background out of focus. I know this can be done with many lenses and down to getting the settings right before shooting but is there one I should look at? Pub has lowish to warm light, cosy feel to the place if that helps.

 

[CGrieves]

The mechanical mirror mechanisms in DSLRs have a finite life, so the lower the count the better.

1. 50mm F1.4
2. Anything, just has to be sharp
3. 50mm F1.4 with an extension tube
4. Low light, so F1.4 would be helpful. Say for example a 50mm....