Spec me a DSLR for the missus

Devrij

Devrij

Devrij

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Being that my knowledge of cameras is mostly theoretical, I thought I'd appeal to the amassed knowledge of OcUK's photographers :)

My gf has decided to take up photography as a hobby and intends to shoot landscapes, wildlife, urban environments and the like. She's not very technical so a basic camera will last her a good while before she grows out of it, and budget is a big focus.

On the one hand, she could go new and get something in the £400 range using a finance option (so D3100 sort of range), or we've also been looking at used 400D's on ebay for around £220. My only concern there is the use of CF instead of SD cards, should I be concerned or is this nothing to worry about (eg rising prices, future availability)? She's quite enthusiastic about getting started straight away so stretching up to higher end models isn't an option on her budget.

So what would you recommend?
 
Devrij said:
Being that my knowledge of cameras is mostly theoretical, I thought I'd appeal to the amassed knowledge of OcUK's photographers :)

My gf has decided to take up photography as a hobby and intends to shoot landscapes, wildlife, urban environments and the like. She's not very technical so a basic camera will last her a good while before she grows out of it, and budget is a big focus.

On the one hand, she could go new and get something in the £400 range using a finance option (so D3100 sort of range), or we've also been looking at used 400D's on ebay for around £220. My only concern there is the use of CF instead of SD cards, should I be concerned or is this nothing to worry about (eg rising prices, future availability)? She's quite enthusiastic about getting started straight away so stretching up to higher end models isn't an option on her budget.

So what would you recommend?
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I got into photography about 10 months ago and had the same questions as you, and asked them here.

I was told secondhand 400D and that's what i got, very happy with it and is a great entry level dSLR.

I wouldn't worry about CF Vs SD, in fact i prefer the CF cards. They feel more robust and more pro :)

The only thing i would say, if your going secondhand dont get it from ebay. Can't say were i got mine as it's a competitor but it cost me £247 for the 400D with kit lens + 4GB Lexar CF card and postage. And it came with a 6 month warranty.

J
 
Can you trust me where you got it? She's been looking on mpb but there aren't any 400Ds on there and the 450D is a bit steep if she's going to buy it outright with no lens.
 
Aren't they competitors then? As that's were i got it, lol.

Or try London Camera Exchange (they offer 3 month warranty), they have a few on there in different branches by they offer mail order (got a lens from them).

J
 
So would you recommend a new D3100, new 1100D, or 2nd hand 400D given the choice? I may just chuck her some money for a cheaper 2nd hand model if it's easier than getting finance on a newer model that performs similarly. I understand the D3100 doesn't have a lens motor which means upgrading lenses later on will be limited to newer (and more expensive) lenses. Does the 400D (or 1000D/1100D for that matter) have any limiting factors like this?
 
Your asking the wrong person mate, i would say start with the secondhand 400D and see how she goes. No point spending more if, it doesn't stick as a hobby and remember you'll want a few extras, batteries, bag, tripod etc.

If you want to compare those 3 camera use this from the Dpreview site. Side-by-side camera comparison

J
 
Devrij said:
Does the 400D (or 1000D/1100D for that matter) have any limiting factors like this?
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Nope,

One way round that would be a used D80, or if you can stretch the budget a bit a D90.

However if you're doing wildlife you will probably need a longer lens in addition to the kit lens that's often bundled with the camera.

Ergonomics can be an issue if you're going to be using a camera lots. I really would recommend getting out on the high street and trying some.

You might also want to look at some compact system cameras, these still have changable lenses and large sensors. But are smaller since they don't have a mirror. The Pentax/Panasonic lumix is the market leader, although both the Samsung and Sony systems have larger sensors.
 
In the name of enthusiasm she's decided to go the finance route and has pushed her budget upwards to a 550D (overkill, but I'll use it if she doesn't). I have 10% staff discount with a competitor that would bring it down to £540, which seems to be a good deal for a very nice camera. I couldn't see anything else in that price range that compared to it. I've stuck to "the big 2", but there are a couple pentax cameras in a similar price range that I know nothing about. Thoughts?
 
In that sort of price range I'd have half an eye on the 600D, but then where do you draw the line. The 550D is probably not the absolute best value for money camera out there but it doesn't really matter since it will be a pretty good beginner DSLR if my 500D is anything to go by. I'm glad I avoided the bottom tier entry levels as it's afforded me a bit of growing room, as I would have been tearing my hair out at some of the characteristics of the 1000D I was originally looking at knowing what I know now.
 
Devrij said:
I couldn't see anything else in that price range that compared to it. I've stuck to "the big 2", but there are a couple pentax cameras in a similar price range that I know nothing about. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Canon are the dSLR market leaders by a massive margin. They have cameras at every level and there's also a steady supply of used kit about. Pentax do make some very highly regarded cameras, and if your g/f is bowled over by a Pentax then you should buy her one. But if she likes both cameras the Canon is a much better investment. You're more likely to find good used accessories (or be able to borrow them) and when she asks for advice (weather it's on a forum or a camera club) it's more likely it'll be given by someone who know's their way round her camera.
 
D3100 for a starting DSLR is more then enough, even without the motor.
All the best super low budget / value lenses Nikon offer now all have a motor built in so no need to worry. And being honest Nikon's cheaper lenses are actually very good quality wise, especially considering their cost.

35mm 1.8 for portraits/low light
55-300 VR (70-300 VR has better AF if you can stretch another £80 or so)
And the kit lens (mostly for when you need the wider angle)

Pretty versatile (and importantly light to carry around) kit fully compatible with the D3100

Although obviously the other two lenses are going to cost another £200-250 each or so, so won't be instantly accessible with your budget perhaps.
 
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