First DSLR

grrwoofwoofgrowl · 28th March 2010, 07:46 PM

Hi folks

Looking to pick up my first DSLR, entry level one.

Keep reading Canon or Nikon is the way to go, but then keep reading that the lens kit with Canon isn't up to much.

Looking to buy new, don't seem to have much luck with second hand equipment. But then again, if someone knew of a good second hand deal (kit in good condition) then I wouldn't rule it out.

Always enjoyed taking fotos with point n shoot, always enjoyed laughing at the wifes purile attmepts at taking a photo (in front of signs, things sticking out behind head etc).

Any recommendations would be welcome. Obviously looking at entry level price if you know what I mean.

Mercia Blackcat · 28th March 2010, 08:37 PM

I've a Nikon D60 DSLR and an old Canon A1 SLR so I'm not particularly biased towards either but the kit lens with the Nikon DSLR is good. In the past I've also had an Olympus OM10 SLR which had decent lenses.

However, my son has a Sony A300 which has some excellent features such as automatic control of the Flash when off camera and the lenses are made by Minolta which have always been good.

As I understand it, all makes use Sony sensors except Canon who make their own.

clyde · 28th March 2010, 09:04 PM

i use a sony a200 and love it, the sony's can be quite cheap too, also as mercia said minolta lenses fit sony dslr's as sony bought out minolta and in the days before digital minolta slr's were real popular and all the old AF lenses are sony compatable as sony used the same lens mount, and as they were popular they can be picked up for next to nowt on ebay and the likes.

but saying all that, maybe the best thing to do is to go to a camera shop and have a play with a few different models and see which one your more comfortable with.

not spavin · 28th March 2010, 09:31 PM

I'm biased towards Nikons, though it seems to be me that the Sonys are very good, particularly at the consumer end.

What's your budget? And would you consider buying second hand? If so, you'll be able to get a second hand Nikon D80 with a few bits and bobs for the same price as most entry level DSLRs.

grrwoofwoofgrowl · 28th March 2010, 09:35 PM

I would consider 2nd hand yes.

Budget would be what I could justify to the mrs, less than £500 I guess.

Mercia Blackcat · 28th March 2010, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clyde

i use a sony a200 and love it, the sony's can be quite cheap too, also as mercia said minolta lenses fit sony dslr's as sony bought out minolta and in the days before digital minolta slr's were real popular and all the old AF lenses are sony compatable as sony used the same lens mount, and as they were popular they can be picked up for next to nowt on ebay and the likes.

but saying all that, maybe the best thing to do is to go to a camera shop and have a play with a few different models and see which one your more comfortable with.

Minolta glass has always been good and they were classed as one of the "big five" along with Nikon, Canon, Pentax and Olympus back in the 1970s.

I still have an old Konica Minolta 3MP bridge camera that takes a good shot.

not spavin · 28th March 2010, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grrwoofwoofgrowl

I would consider 2nd hand yes.

Budget would be what I could justify to the mrs, less than £500 I guess.

You'll definitely be able to get a mint condition D80 with lens for about £400 I reckon.

grrwoofwoofgrowl · 28th March 2010, 10:19 PM

What about the general feeling about the kit lense being cack? Is the Nikon any different?

not spavin · 28th March 2010, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grrwoofwoofgrowl

What about the general feeling about the kit lense being cack? Is the Nikon any different?

The Nikon 18-55 kit lens is terrific - haven't used the Canon one mind.

RTGAdmin · 28th March 2010, 10:55 PM

I would think that any of the kit lenses will be a big step up on your compact, so don't get too hung up about that. If you are spending £500 for the whole package, I feel a bundled kit lens or 2 will be your best bet. They will do 'til you can afford alternatives.

The new Canon 18-55 IS which is now the lens on the entry levels (450D? ) is significantly better than the older one which I had on my 400D but even that produced better results than my bridge camera ( a Sony).

All the lead players produce good entry level SLRs, so I think whether it is a Nikon/Canon/Sony etc is really down to you. Do what clyde says and find a decent camera shop where you can get a feel for each - or even better if you have a friend with a camera, try to take some photos with that.