Digital SLR Camera

Whiteknight

Looking for some suggestions for a Digital SLR camera, looking for something that is relatively easy to start with but will offer me the opportunity to develop my hobby over time.

Ideally want a true DSLR camera with the ability to change the lens and not a bridging camera.

My budget is up to about £500.

Any suggestions?

saveit89

Ive been using canon for the last few years and ive recently upgraded but id recommend my previous camera as its a bit older and good value for your budget. Try the Canon 450D, Ive had a quick look on google shopping and you can get the camera with a 18-55mm lens kit for under £500. Its a pretty good camera and easy to use!

I hope i helped.

busyjelly

Ah, a convert! I first bought a digital SLR last year and opted for the Nikon D3000 which comes in at around £400-450 with 18-55mm lens kit. There are usually offers around too. It's an entry level DSLR with more features than you can possibly get to grips with to begin with! Whichever model you decide to go with I would recommend buying a proper manual for it that takes you through the features step by step. Better still, book a course. Mind you, I did a 6 week beginner's course last year and it soon became apparent that the kit I had would not achieve what I wanted it to achieve but that's a lens issue rather than the camera body. Be prepared, it's a thoroughly addictive and expensive hobby - there will always be that other lens, flash add-on or some other accessory you're hankering after Good luck and enjoy!

jgolding

I'm also a Canon fan - I have a 500D. Love it. It's slightly more expensive than the 450D obviously, but its about £540 on Amazon. If you don't need/want HD video option (or a video option at all), I'd go for a 450D or something. Definitely stick with Canon !

ukcarper

I’d like to put a word in for Nikon. There is not much difference between Canon and Nikon and its generally a personal thing. The thing I would do is go and pick up a couple of cameras and try them. When I bought my DSLR I went out with the intention of buying a Canon but after trying that and the equivalent Nikon I bought the Nikon because I found it more comfortable to hold.

midnightraven3

another Nikon fan here
lenses are interchangable between cameras as you progress

before you decide
why not go to your local college and take a course
they supply cameras and you can get a feel for what you like
cameras are like lots of others things, you get fans of all brands, for different reasons
here (Glasgow) there are courses that last 12 weeks (nightschool) 2 hours each for £80

also give darkroom experiences as well as teaching you how to get the best from your camera

Whiteknight

Thank you all for your views - rather strangely the two makes that keep coming up when talking to my people are Canon and Nikon and I am leaning more towards the Nikon after seeing the D3100.

ukcarper

Whiteknight wrote: »

Thank you all for your views - rather strangely the two makes that keep coming up when talking to my people are Canon and Nikon and I am leaning more towards the Nikon after seeing the D3100.

To be honest I don’t think you would go far wrong with either of them but do try before you buy.

happybiker

Some good advice here, especially about photo courses.

A question. Does it have to be new? if you want to learn and develop yourself , something like the Canon 10d, 20d or Nikon D70s could be picked up with a couple of lenses , memory cards, batteries and a flash for less than your budget . There is nothing wrong with the quality of any of these models and they wouldn't depreciate in value the moment they came out of the dealers.

Ok so I am primarily an event and Gig photographer and run a pair of Canon 5d's with good glass normally but have held on to my 10d's as they are a superb back up where I don't want to risk my newer gear.

I have had many A3 sized centre page spreads published taken with the 10d so don't be bulldusted by the pixel mad techno freaks. Quality is good enough for that sized publication and they are as easy or complicated to use as you wish due to the amount of user control built in.

Just don't dismiss older models.