Digital SLR cameras for beginners

TheWanderer · 23rd April 2010, 01:04 PM

With the birth of my 2nd (the girlfriends 1st) child on the way in September we were talking last night about getting a decent camera to take photo's of those precious times.

I've always fancied getting a SLR camera, and take up a spot of photography, can any of you chaps remommend a decent model to start with?

I know i few on here have posted up pics they have taken so i know a few of you must know your stuff, along with the ones who think they know their stuff, but dont, and the ones on here that know fuck all!

hullmackem · 23rd April 2010, 01:07 PM

Sony A200 or A230, got our lass one, was voted best beginner camera. I've got no idea how to use the twat.

ThankHeavenForShed 7 · 23rd April 2010, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hullmackem

Sony A200 or A230, got our lass one, was voted best beginner camera. I've got no idea how to use the twat.

Another vote for the A200 here. I've been using it for a year now (shit...where did all that time go?!) as a beginner and I can't recommend it highly enough. There's another poster on here called Clyde that uses one and some of his pictures are amazing. The A230 is the newer version of the 220 but, based on the reviews I've read, they've ended up making it a bit shitter so I'd try and source an A200 if I were you.

TheWanderer · 23rd April 2010, 02:23 PM

Looks like i can grab a A200 from ebay for around £200!!! Will start having a good look around!

Hauser's-Helmet · 23rd April 2010, 02:52 PM

I am one of the ones that knows fuck all.
Nikon D90 for sale if your interested....

TheWanderer · 23rd April 2010, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hauser's-Helmet

I am one of the ones that knows fuck all.
Nikon D90 for sale if your interested....

I think that may well be out my price range!

Will look to pay just over the £200 mark, so a 2nd hand A200 or A230 fits the bill, just to ease myself into it, rather than go out buy all the gear, and have no idea!

APB · 23rd April 2010, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWanderer

With the birth of my 2nd (the girlfriends 1st) child on the way in September we were talking last night about getting a decent camera to take photo's of those precious times.

I've always fancied getting a SLR camera, and take up a spot of photography, can any of you chaps remommend a decent model to start with?

I know i few on here have posted up pics they have taken so i know a few of you must know your stuff, along with the ones who think they know their stuff, but dont, and the ones on here that know fuck all!

There are others better place to recommend a camera but I guarantee if you've got kids you'll get your moneys worth out of it.

Another thing to note is the lens you get, that might not directly affect your choice of camera but if it's for the kids etc I'd recommender a 50mm lens. You'll get some brilliant photos of the kids with one

ThankHeavenForShed 7 · 23rd April 2010, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by APB

There are others better place to recommend a camera but I guarantee if you've got kids you'll get your moneys worth out of it.

Another thing to note is the lens you get, that might not directly affect your choice of camera but if it's for the kids etc I'd recommender a 50mm lens. You'll get some brilliant photos of the kids with one

Seconded. The lens that comes with the A200 &A230 is a bit shit but, to be honest as a beginner you might not notice it. I didn't for a while but it's starting to do my head in now.

One of the things about dSLR's is that you might find that you'll need certain lenses for different scenarios. The kit lens should be fine to get you going but you might want a 50mm for indoor portraits, macro for close-up etc. Might be worth factoring this stuff in to your budget. I'd say the kit lens would be fine to get you started but if you can factor in enough money for a 50mm as well it'll be worth it.

AB22 Easy Tiger · 23rd April 2010, 03:27 PM

I'm not going to make a recommendation about a specific camera but I suggest you go to Jessops and try holding a few. You can always buy from eBay or the like after doing this.

Get one that "feels" right.

smoker · 25th April 2010, 10:30 PM

I'm not going to suggest a specific camera either, as I am way out of touch, but I would recommend a good point and shoot or rangefinder. DSLRs are as subtle as a brick and by the time you've framed your shot, the chances are the kid will have stopped doing whatever cute thing that prompted you to get the camera in the first place.