DSLR Camera help/advice needed please

scuccadenza

Hi,

I'm looking into purchasing a DSLR camera over the next few weeks (possibly in january sales), and I'm just after some advice really.
I'm a complete beginner so I've only been looking at entry level models, and I've narrowed it down to the Canon EOS 1000d and the Sony a200 (I did originally look at the Nikon D40 but wasn't that impressed).

Now here's what I need help with – the best prices I have found are roughly £250 for the Sony, and £270 for the Canon, and based on that, I decided that I would rather pay the extra £20 for the Canon, as I am quite keen on the ‘Live-view’ feature it has over the sony, and figured that the Canon ‘family’ would have a bit more to offer in the future (lenses, accessories, etc)

However, I have since come across this deal, which has thrown me completely:

http://www.jacobsdigital.co.uk/index.php?target=products&product_id=10734

So now I’m wondering whether I’m better off sticking with the Canon and it’s ‘Live-view’, or spending an extra £30 for the Sony and it’s 2 lenses – as a beginner, would I even be able to get the most out of that extra lens?

Thanks in advance

[Deleted User]

Hmm.. bit of a bargain price that is.

Personally - i like having live view (i have a Panasonic L10 bought for £350, which included a zoom lens also )

The live view means that if i'm on holiday and i find someone trust worthy, i can let them take a photo like it's a compact camera. Also, i've taken some shots that would just be impossible without it (see here: http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oVtrAY7rjts/SLsoY0YtClI/AAAAAAAACCE/IBtELmxXgW8/s640/0045.jpg - taken from floor view with the screen swiveled round)

I must say, i hardly ever use my bigger zoom lens.

I say - get the Canon. You'll also be able to buy a bigger range of accessories. Don't forget the 30 quid cashback

isofa

Live view isn't something, as a photographer, I'm really bothered about, the whole point of a (D)SLR is that you can see what you are focusing and shooting through the lens via the viewfinder, so I'd not make a massive issue of live view - personally.

For price comparisons, try www.camerapricebuster.co.uk

However as a photographer, again I'd chose the Canon over the Sony, mainly due to the wide ranges of lenses and accessories, that said some of the Sony Alpha range are excellent if you haven't got lenses from other cameras.

MX5huggy

scuccadenza wrote: »

So now I’m wondering whether I’m better off sticking with the Canon and it’s ‘Live-view’, or spending an extra £30 for the Sony and it’s 2 lenses – as a beginner, would I even be able to get the most out of that extra lens?

Thanks in advance

What do you plan on photographing? its nothing really to do with being a beginner. basicly if you want to take picures of people you will be fine with the one lens (unless they are a longway away!). If you do sports or wildlife you want the longer lens. I have the Nikon 18-200 which covers the lot really (but is pricey!) but I always want a bit more width and bit more length.

Marty_J

I wouldn't be in such a rush to discount the Nikon D40, as it's a fantastic little camera. I switched from a bridge camera which displayed the images on the LCD, and I don't miss it at all. I realise everyone is different though, so if it's a feature you really want, I would go for the Canon over the Sony.

verbyl.belch

Correct me if i'm wrong, but my concern with the Nikon D40 (D40x) is that you can only autofocus with the new AF-S lenses, not the older AF lenses since they moved the autofocus motor from the body and into the lens - thus limiting the number of lenses available.

e.g This means bargain lenses (~£80) like the AF 50mm f1.8, which allow great creative DoF can only be used with manual focus.

Canon however have a larger lens selection when compared to the D40(x) since the lens mount/motor design hasn't changed in decades.

Pre-emptive Disclaimer:

Yes, i'm a Canon user. No i'm not knocking the Nikon or any other camera manufacturers offerings i'm just expressing my views. Please lets not start a "who makes the best camera" war because at the end of the day its the person behind the camera that makes the photo :T

Marty_J

verbyl.belch wrote: »

Correct me if i'm wrong, but my concern with the Nikon D40 (D40x) is that you can only autofocus with the new AF-S lenses, not the older AF lenses since they moved the autofocus motor from the body and into the lens - thus limiting the number of lenses available.

e.g This means bargain lenses (~£80) like the AF 50mm f1.8, which allow great creative DoF can only be used with manual focus.

Canon however have a larger lens selection when compared to the D40(x) since the lens mount/motor design hasn't changed in decades.

Yes, that's correct. I don't have any older lenses, so it's not such a concern to myself, but it's a good thing to note.

Pre-emptive Disclaimer:

Yes, i'm a Canon user. No i'm not knocking the Nikon or any other camera manufacturers offerings i'm just expressing my views. Please lets not start a "who makes the best camera" war because at the end of the day its the person behind the camera that makes the photo :T

Couldn't agree more!

flashy

i have just got the EOS1000D over the Nikon D60, i tested both in shops and the Canon felt alot more sturdy, the Nikon is very plasticy in comparison. Apparently the buttons wear easily too.

The Canon does have live view, but the viewfinder will be your main use, liveview is good if your doing shots in hard to reach places, e.g. on the floor!

One more note, both Nikon and Canon are doing £30 cashback if you buy the 18-55mm kit.

The reason i went for the EOS, was the focal points, 7 in comparison to Nikon's 3. That alone was worth jumping over the Canon fence, 3 is not enough for a DSLR

scuccadenza

Thanks guys,
i think i've pretty much decided on the Canon now.
i guess it basically comes down to the fact that i'd be going for my second choice camera just to get that extra lens, which, initially at least, i don't think i'll really need. At the moment i don't really have anything particular in mind that i want to photograph, so I think it makes more sense for me to go for the Canon now, and think about different lenses in the future when i have a more specific need for them.
just need to keep my eyes peeled for some good deals now

isofa

When you buy a second lens, research it properly, good optics are worth their weight in gold.

Some of the cheaper Canon (and Nikon) lenses are soft, sometimes the Sigma alternatives are better. My currently day to day L series Canon lens cost 3 times the price of the camera body, but it'll last a lifetime.

Also lenses with a wide focal range, such as 20 to 200mm are never going to be as sharp as ones with a shorter zoom size, or obviously those as a prime (fixed length). A zoom with a wide range is always going to be a compromise, usually the worse zones are at both extremes of the zoom.

Also remember that DSLRs have a crop factor, Canon's are 1.6x, so a 24-70mm lens is really a 38-112mm, this makes for extra telephoto length on lenses, but removes the wider angle zone.

Sigma do a very good 10-20mm wide angle - should you wish to look at that.

For a prime bargain lens, which is very fast, the Canon 50mm f1.8 is around £50 to £60. You can take portraits and other shots with a very shallow depth of field, it's one of the best kept secrets!

Finally remember the "speed" of the lens, the best lenses have a constant f number (aperture) throughout the lens zoom, cheaper ones vary at the zoom lengths.

There are some very good lens reviews at: http://www.the-digital-picture.com

Prices, as before: www.camerapricebuster.co.uk

taff007

I'm not sure if you've done so already, but I would suggest going into a shop and getting a feel of each of the cameras. Also as a beginner I searched various reviews and websites and decided I was going to buy the Nikon D60 from an internet retailer. I happened to be passing a local shop and popped in to try the camera and I hated it. It didn't sit right in my hand and felt really uncomfortable. Instead they suggested the Canon 450d, which felt much better so I bought it there and then. It cost a bit extra but I think it was the correct decision for me.

Listening to what other people have said most of the entry level cameras will now do a decent job, but the various sizes and designs will suit different people in different ways.