Recommendation for a beginner DSLR

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throbb

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#94046 5-Dec-2011 09:19

Hi,

I'm looking at getting my first DSLR, I'm think of spending up to $1500. I'm a bit confused with all the options out there and a little advice would be appreciated :)

Cheers

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#553879 5-Dec-2011 09:43

Have you read the two big threads that were created recently about this same thing?

If I were getting an entry level camera now i'd get the D7000 then add a standard zoom lens, but that'd come to more like $2000. The D5100 plus 17-55 VR kit is $1270 from photo.co.nz and with a 55-200 lens it's about $1600.

The Canon 600D is another option. Last year I sold $12,000 worth of Canon semi pro gear because of ongoing focus issues, even though i'd been using Canon for 5+ years, and bought even more Nikon pro gear, so i'm going to recommend Nikon.

throbb

675 posts

Ultimate Geek

#553901 5-Dec-2011 10:08

timmmay: Have you read the two big threads that were created recently about this same thing?

If I were getting an entry level camera now i'd get the D7000 then add a standard zoom lens, but that'd come to more like $2000. The D5100 plus 17-55 VR kit is $1270 from photo.co.nz and with a 55-200 lens it's about $1600.

The Canon 600D is another option. Last year I sold $12,000 worth of Canon semi pro gear because of ongoing focus issues, even though i'd been using Canon for 5+ years, and bought even more Nikon pro gear, so i'm going to recommend Nikon.

It seemed the other threads were mentioning cameras above my price range. I have been leaning towards the D5100 or D3100 and trying to figure out the best lens combo to go with it.

timmmay

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#553902 5-Dec-2011 10:09

18-55 is a good starter lens. Good lenses cost way more than cameras, especially good quality zooms with a constant F2.8 aperture.

JimmyH

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#554285 5-Dec-2011 23:36

If it's your first DSLR, you want to make sure you enjoy it and use it before you spend a fortune. Personally I like Canon, and have three Canon digicams including a DSLR over the last 8 years. My advice here is for Canon, as that's what I know, but Nikon also make good kit which is just as good and have equivalent models. Personally, I would avoid Sony, I don't like the brand and don't feel they are up to Canon and Nikon for DLSRs quality.

I suggest ignoring the absolute bottom of the barrel entry level model (the 1100) and going for the 600D, which is a hell of a camera for the money and should be able to be obtained in your price range. Get the kit lenses to start with, they aren't great, but will do. Also, get a reasonable memory card (8 or 16 GB). If you haven't used an SLR before, invest in a good beginners book (DSLRs for Dummies, something by Michael Freeman, or similar). Then go nuts taking photos - have a good play, take a lot of shots, and get used to it.

Only then, when you are comfortable with the camera and certain you will use it a bit should you spend more money. Before spending a fortune on new lenses, I would suggest a spare battery (a generic can be had for circa $30), as there's no point having a good camera if you run out of juice at the critical moment, and an external flash (the 430ex is good) which will make a hell of a difference to many shots - esp indoors.

Later you can start adding lenses, and good ones cost so think carefully. You are better to get one or two good lenses for the shots you take a lot of (wide-angle, zoom, fast for action etc), than a whole swag of mediocre lenses.

Regs

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Snowflake

#554287 5-Dec-2011 23:46

some of the canon models come with an EF-S 18-135 kit lens. wouldnt that be a better option than the 18-55? Perhaps nikon offer the same?

i have a entry level canon 1000d with the EF-S 18-55 IS and the EF-S 75-300 non-IS (twin lens kit) and i find that 55 isnt big enough, but the 75 is too big, so i have to do a lot of lens swapping. i'm not going to be a photographer, so unlikely to spend a lot buying more lenses :P

edit: updated IS/non-IS on lenses (image stabilisation)

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timmmay

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#554324 6-Dec-2011 08:51

The Canon 18-135 and 18-55 are both F3.5-F5.6, so no difference there. In general the bigger the zoom, the worse the image quality, but for kit lenses it probably makes little difference.

18-55 on a crop sensor camera is roughly equivalent to 24-70 on a full frame camera, which I use for 80% of my wedding photos. On holiday I use my 16-35 a lot more, and I don't even take the 24-70 any more. Ideally i'd have a 16-35 and 85mm prime on holiday, but in practice I have a 50mm and that's close enough.

spearsniper

133 posts

Master Geek

#554341 6-Dec-2011 09:35

I found the Canon EOS D550 to be a very good entry level camera. To save a few dollars, I bought the body without the mediocre kit lens, and got a good second hand 17-85mm EF-S lens.
The image quality of this lens is far superior to the 18-55mm kit lens, and focuses a lot quicker to boot.
All up it owes me less that $1500

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timmmay

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#554345 6-Dec-2011 09:45

I used two copies of the 17-85 lens, and I swore i'd never use one again. I found it incredibly soft. Of course lenses vary, but I really had bad luck with that lens. On the other hand my 18-55 was fine.

spearsniper

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#554347 6-Dec-2011 09:53

Sounds like you just got a bad run on your lenses.
Mine compares happily to my 24-105 f/4L lens for sharpness, and focus speed, while being 1/3 of the price.
Why would you be using a EF-S lens on a semi pro rig anyway?

timmmay

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#554351 6-Dec-2011 09:56

The 7D is semi pro, and it's EF-s. I only used the 17-85 while my proper lenses were being repaired, I must've dropped them or something.

True that lenses vary, I seem to get the bad ones... plus I think i'm more particular about my images than most people. Gota be if you're pro :)

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#554369 6-Dec-2011 10:57

I got an extremely good deal on a canon D1100 twin lens kit, as a n00b dslr guy, I am very happy with it. It is the entry level camera undoubtedly, but certainly good enough to practice getting the hang of manually controlling a 'real' camera.
Have has some really successful pix.

Cheers,
Joseph

alasta

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#554422 6-Dec-2011 12:52

Regs: some of the canon models come with an EF-S 18-135 kit lens. wouldnt that be a better option than the 18-55? Perhaps nikon offer the same?

I mainly use the Nikon 18-105VR and I'm very happy with it. It's affordable, versatile, and the image quality is very reasonable by consumer level zoom standards.

josephhinvest

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#554439 6-Dec-2011 13:15

jofizz: I got an extremely good deal on a canon D1100 twin lens kit, as a n00b dslr guy, I am very happy with it. It is the entry level camera undoubtedly, but certainly good enough to practice getting the hang of manually controlling a 'real' camera.
Have has some really successful pix.

Cheers,
Joseph

Well this is awkward. I mean of course an 1100D.

Bee

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#554539 6-Dec-2011 16:17

My 2 cents? save a bit more money and get the Nikon D7000!
I was like you looking for something around the $1500 budget and then I found the D7000 and fell in love with it!!!

I would rather not have a DSLR at all for just a little bit longer and then get a D7000 with 18-105mm and 70-300mm lenses...

From all the reviews and comments Ive seen nothing else comes even close to the D7000...

Doing your best is much more important than being the best.

Chainsaw

357 posts

Ultimate Geek

#554889 7-Dec-2011 10:40

Bee:

From all the reviews and comments Ive seen nothing else comes even close to the D7000...

Easy: Pentax K-5.

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