Starter SLR? Advice needed

Bradmax57 · 20 Jun 2011 at 20:45

Right after seeing pics my mates have taken with their SLR's my TZ7 simply isnt good enough

Not going to go crazy but what sort of gear could I get for say about £500 thats going to be relatively easy to get to grips with, ideally id want one that takes SD cards as I have a couple of 32gb cards already.

Thanks

theheyes · 20 Jun 2011 at 21:40

Would you be willing to go second hand?

Bradmax57 · 20 Jun 2011 at 21:42

theheyes said:
Would you be willing to go second hand?

I would but would probably want something that still has warranty

matthab · 20 Jun 2011 at 21:51

New canon 500D or a 550D is abouts your price range.

Bradmax57 · 20 Jun 2011 at 23:14

thanks ill check them out

ashatron · 21 Jun 2011 at 01:54

a 550d while it may be a little over budget, it means you wont have to upgrade later really.

its known as a baby 7D (which costs over a grand) because its photos and video are very very very similar.

If thats too much the Pentax K-x is the best value DSLR you can buy. you can get a twin lens kit for £400. And its low light capabilities (which is a test of a good sensor) are comparable (some reviews say better, but its equal in my eyes) to that of the great 550d.

The 550d also shoots some of the best quality video you can get.

D.P. · 21 Jun 2011 at 06:39

2nd hand Nikon D90 is a cracking camera.

Alpherah · 21 Jun 2011 at 07:23

D.P. said:
2nd hand Nikon D90 is a cracking camera.

^

However, if your completely new, i can recommend a Nikon D3100.
The guide mode for beginners is pretty good and helps explain how to use all the SLR features.

Bradmax57 · 21 Jun 2011 at 11:50

Thanks for the reply's ill take a look at the suggestions

Vegetarian · 21 Jun 2011 at 13:40

Sony NEX 5 Twin lense kit

Kamakazie! · 21 Jun 2011 at 23:29

Pentax k-r
Probably the best entry level DSLR out there and certainly the best kit lens in that price range.

Bradmax57 · 21 Jun 2011 at 23:35

anyone got any links or would they be classed as competitors?

Bradmax57 · 21 Jun 2011 at 23:42

Vegetarian said:
Sony NEX 5 Twin lense kit

I've looked at them, but are they really a SLR or as good as?

ashatron · 22 Jun 2011 at 01:59

Bradmax57 said:
I've looked at them, but are they really a SLR or as good as?

quality wise they are. low light is as good as any mid range dslr like a 550d / 600d or a d7000.

question is weather you want an optical viewfinder DSLR or a mirrorless system camera.

If you want a mirrorless compact system (like my lumix GF1), you should consider the micro four thirds cameras. Avoid the samsungs though.

Also the sony lenses on the nex kits are known for being slightly soft, particularly when compared than the m43 kit lenses (the pana lenses being the sharpest).