DSLR camera questions

spaceboy

My girlfriend would like to get a DSLR camera. Any suggestions?

I am wondering if the lens I have for my old Canon SLR would be usable and if so would it make sense to get a Canon? I have a flash for it too, it's about 12 years old though.

googler

The old lens should be mountable on a new DSLR but you won't get the full functionality of the DSLR with it - Autofocus, Image Stabilisation etc.

Even the entry-level Canon DSLRs have built-in flash, so your flash gun will be redundant.

I'm selling all my old 35mm kit on eBay in order to upgrade - I debated using the old lenses with a new DSLR body, but reckoned it's best to take the plunge with all new kit.

As for suggestions, you need to decide based on what you or she want to spend. Stick to the 'name' makes - Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus, etc.

ukcarper

Not sure about Canon but I would have thought some of the older lenses might work I have a Nikon and I know a lot of old lenses work on it and give full functionality. Older flashguns can be a problem as sometimes the trigger voltage is to high and can damage then camera, built in flash has limitations and a good flashgun gun can be very useful. I would think it’s worth a bit of research to find out if your particular lenses and flash will work with the Canon DSLRs.

googler

ukcarper wrote: »

Not sure about Canon but I would have thought some of the older lenses might work I have a Nikon and I know a lot of old lenses work on it and give full functionality.

If the camera is an auto-focus one, and the lens manual, how will that give 'full functionality'?

ukcarper wrote: »

Older flashguns can be a problem as sometimes the trigger voltage is to high and can damage then camera, built in flash has limitations and a good flashgun gun can be very useful. I would think it’s worth a bit of research to find out if your particular lenses and flash will work with the Canon DSLRs.

Setting aside the trigger voltage, the newer Canons use E-TTL metering which as far as I can gather limits the choice of flashgun....

Lots of Canon-specific forums out there.....

ukcarper

googler wrote: »

If the camera is an auto-focus one, and the lens manual, how will that give 'full functionality'?



Setting aside the trigger voltage, the newer Canons use E-TTL metering which as far as I can gather limits the choice of flashgun....

Lots of Canon-specific forums out there.....

Plenty of auto focus non-digital SLRs about 12 years ago in fact I would say most were auto focus then.

As I said flash guns can be a problem.

spaceboy

We were in Jessops today and had a look at the Canon 500D and 550D. Think we might get the 500D it seemed really nice.

Shimrod

spaceboy wrote: »

My girlfriend would like to get a DSLR camera. Any suggestions?

I am wondering if the lens I have for my old Canon SLR would be usable and if so would it make sense to get a Canon? I have a flash for it too, it's about 12 years old though.

I'm still using my 16 year old 430 flash just fine with my Canon 400d, so you'll probably be ok.

Chimpofdoom

I have a 500D, cracking camera for the cash!

Lirin

What is your old Canon model? I'll be able to tell you if the lenses will work once I know what you had.

Flash- will likely work, most do, though the odd camera/flash combination on Canon's will lag occasionally. On board flashes are less powerful, though, and run at a different temperature than mountable ones, leading to a blue-ish cast.