Migrating to dSLR

Apopcalyptic · 16 Jun 2009 at 12:59

Well, with some trepidation I've decided it's time to migrate from my Olympus OM-10 and Samsung digicompact to a digital SLR. I've not been able to get into my darkroom for six months due to house renovation and I'm not likely to soon. I'm really not impressed with compact over my 35mm prints, and basically it's time to upgrade

Interest was initially sparked by the Sony Alpha 200, and it's attractive price point (£270 with 18-70mm lens). Further digging and shopping around has led me to the Alpha 300 (with 18-70mm) and the Nikon D60 (with 18-55mm AF-S) for £350-380. Reviews suggest however that the D60 is quite underwhelming for the price, and I'm currently favouring the
A300. Conversely, I have been told that the bundled 18-70mm with the Sonys has been slated. It's a shame that no dSLRs use the OM mount

The only thing I'm not really interested in are the Pentax/Olympus micro four/thirds cameras - I like my technology chunky

My budget won't really be able to stretch much beyond £400 as an absolute maximum, preferring to spend around £300-350(there's a reason I use a 20 year old SLR

). Are there any competitors that I should consider? Does anyone have any recommendations for this price point, or experience with the cameras that I've mentioned?

fowler002 · 16 Jun 2009 at 13:08

The canon eos 1000d also falls in your price range, as has been said in other similar thread it's best to go to a shop and have a little play with them to see which you prefer.

D.P. · 16 Jun 2009 at 13:14

Canon 1000D, look for cheap Canon 450Ds (the 450 is better than the new 500D I think, although i'm no expert on canon).

I would buy a Nikon D40 over the D60, but the D60 is fine. The New Nikon D5000 is by far the best of the bunch with an excellent sensor. Prices are much higher but are dropping all the time Current about 600+ with lens).

Shining · 16 Jun 2009 at 13:45

The 1000d with 18-55 IS kit lens can be had for £340 from a certain high street store that sells everything.

I would highly recommend this if you can't stretch to a 450d. You will lose spot metering, but for the price I think it outweighs the D60 and maybe the Sonys.

Apopcalyptic · 16 Jun 2009 at 14:20

I'd missed the 1000D completely - It looks to be a very good bit of kit, particularly for £340. I've got a bit more scrimping and saving (and selling things on the bay) to do, but that looks cracking to me. Unless something phenomenal happens, I'm not going to be able to stretch to the 450D. That said, it is my birthday coming up so I might be able to scrounge the extra £150 from family...

Shining · 16 Jun 2009 at 14:56

I have the 1000d, as I too couldn't stretch to the 450d. If I could have then I probably would, but I don't regret buying the 1000d, it's a cracking camera with only a few differences to the 450d

- 10mp sensor vs 11 or 12mp
- no spot metering
- 2.5" LCD vs 3"

photoshop · 16 Jun 2009 at 16:35

The A200 is a great bit of kit. One user on here bought one yesterday from Jessops for £259 and this included a bag and 4Gb CF Card!

The kit lens isnt the best but its also not the worst. As its an entry level camera, it does not need a hefty lens. I have a A200 and love it. Its dead simple and easy to use!
Its my first DSLR and my first leap into photography.

The kit lens on the right settings can produce some cracking shots, i still use the kit lens even though i have a Minolta 50mm f/1.4 and a Sigma 10/20mm.

For £259 you cant really complain with what your getting (even if the kit lens isnt the best). The money you save can go towards a tripod, head, and some better glass.

You might also want to consider 2nd hand as you can pick up some great bargains!
I bought my 3wk old A200 for £200 (retail £260), my Manfrotto Tripod and Head for £90 (retail £150), and Minolta 50mm / Sigma 10/20mm for £360 (retail for the Sigma alone is £399). So, a lot of money can be saved!

If your a member of AVF then have a look in the classified section as there are a few Sony Alpha DSLR and lenses up for sale at very good prices.

BUFF · 16 Jun 2009 at 18:01

The Sony 18-70mm isn't bad really for what it is especially on 10Mp- it's more a case of "not quite as good" as the latest designs.
It's better than the old Canon & Nikon kit lenses were until they revamped theirs recently (& similarly Sony's incoming new 18-55mm kit lens is better than the older 18-70mm).

Shame that you didn't start looking a touch earlier as Jesops were doing the kit A300+kit for £299.
Do you really need/want the A300's LiveView & tilting screen?