Spec me a DSLR

[Gommsta]

Hi guys,

This has probably been asked a million times, apologies in advance!

I'm new to photography but wish to take it up as a past time and I understand that a DSLR is the way to go.

I'm particularly interested in taking pictures of the built environment.

I've read a couple of books on photography and am contemplating attending some photography classes at the local college.

So....

Can you recommend me a camera to get me started, bearing in mind i'm new to this, but do intend to make it a serious past time.

My budget would be around £400 maximum. (To include lenses etc as well).

Thanks again for your time folks.

 

[BUFF]

if architecture is your thing then that may well lead on to a desire for tilt/shift lenses at some point & currently the best of those are probably Canon's new ones followed by Nikon. None are going to be cheap though.

Other than that the usual advice applies in that you should go somewhere that you can handle different manufacturers' bodie to see which suits you best in terms of handling & user interface as all recent production DSLRs are capable of producing great images.
I would imagine that you'll also want a decent sturdy tripod.

Given your budget you may also want to consider s/h equipment.

 

[Gommsta]

Funny you're from/in Glasgow as it's Glasgow architecture that got me interested in photography in the first place. It's absolutely stunning.
Are there any photography stores that you can recommend about town that I can go and try some cameras then?

I know i should be able to get a camera in my budget, i just didnt want to get one that would restrict me if/when i go serious on my new hobby.

 

[BUFF]

Are there any photography stores that you can recommend about town that I can go and try some cameras then?

there aren't that many good camera shops in Glasgow since a certain large chain bought most of them & then shut them down ...
Even if there were I don't know that naming them on this forum would be allowed.
There are 1 or 2 places though.