Which entry level digital SLR

simon.deighton · 17 Aug 2011 at 11:51

Im going to Australia this year, and would like to take some good shots.

Now Its my bday at the end of this month and I think a camera might be in order.

Now I dont need the top of the range professional job but would like something decent and I've been pointed in the direction of this article http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment/advice/340858/canon-1000d-vs-nikon-d60-entry-level-dslr-head-to-head.html comparing the Nikon D60 and the Canon 1000D. Both of which seem to be in my approximate price range.

Reading through this both come out fairly close so Im wondering if anyone have any thoughts on which might be the smarter option?

Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks

mangobreeder · 17 Aug 2011 at 11:55

Maybe look for a 450d, and remember the lens is more important than the body.

if i were you i would save up, and try to get a decent lens for what ever body you end up getting. Other will be be able to suggest a decent lens

Combat squirrel · 17 Aug 2011 at 12:19

Whats your budget ? id say 20D or 30D, yeah older cameras, but a lot easier to use than the 1000D etc, due to the wheel at the back, also better built for travelling

simon.deighton · 17 Aug 2011 at 12:40

Well looking at the £300-£350 mark

Combat squirrel · 17 Aug 2011 at 12:48

if you look around 20D or 30D is good, or for abit more modern tech in a consumer body get a 500D for £350 or a 450D for £260-270

simon.deighton · 17 Aug 2011 at 13:02

Is it best to look online for deals or get down to the shops?

Combat squirrel · 17 Aug 2011 at 13:10

online, cant say where though against rules

Ice Globe · 17 Aug 2011 at 13:13

simon.deighton said:
Is it best to look online for deals or get down to the shops?

Prices are normally cheaper online unless you come across a specific shop discount.

It is however always recommended to try out the camera in a shop so you know how it holds in your hands as some grips can really put you off.

An Exception · 17 Aug 2011 at 14:22

Combat squirrel said:
Whats your budget ? id say 20D or 30D, yeah older cameras, but a lot easier to use than the 1000D etc, due to the wheel at the back, also better built for travelling

I'd go for the 30D over the 20D.

The 20D is only rated for 50,000 shutter actuations where the 30D is rated for 100,000.

If you factor in the cost of a new shutter, a 20d could likely be written off, in only a short period of time, and your money would be wasted.
It's better imo to buy something with a year or two warranty, maybe look at a 550D...

sarge78 · 17 Aug 2011 at 18:02

Wouldn't a Olympus EPL1, Panasonic GF2, Samsung NX100 or Sony NEX be much more suitable?
These are ~300-400g and quite pocketable depending on lens, perfect for travelling.

The 20D is almost 1kg without a lens, isn't that ott for someone who just wants good pics? Looking at DPreview they also have better IQ to the older 1000D. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/PanasonicDMCGF2/page16.asp

Get yourself down to a local camera shop and try em out.

Ant84 · 17 Aug 2011 at 18:51

I'm no photography expert, far from it in fact, but I got myself a Panasonic GF2 with twin lens kit from Jessops last night and I'm stunned by the quality of the images considering it's not a full DSLR. It really isn't that far away and the size difference is pretty substantial.

Much better for travelling, I would have thought.