I am keen to get into SLR photography but am unsure which camera to choose?

Question

I have a budget of between £500-£600 and want a digital SLR that will be easy to use (as I am a beginner). I have a shortlist of Nikon D50, Canon EOS 350 or 400 but am also open to other suggestions. Please help??

Answer 1

You're getting a good sense from the answers above me. On your short list, even though I am a Nikon fan, I would choose the Canon D400. I only wish it had a real spot meter instead of no better than a center-weighted meter - a 10% "spot" instead of a true 2-3% spot meter. Other than that, I'd say that the newer technology and higher pixel count makes it worth considering over the D50 or the newer D40.

If you had just a wee bit more in the budget, I'd suggest (like Petra) that you look at the D80. It is a bit more advanced to use than the 400D, but it DOES have that all-purpose "automatic everything" setting to get you through 90% of the time until you learn a bit more as you get into SLR photography.

Check out this comparison:

http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3569/10mp-dslr-shootout.html

From your list, though, I'd agree with most above me. I am still quite happy to recommend the D50 when budget dictates that as the best choice, but I just don't think it's up to the level of the 400D.

Answer 2

Digital SLR cameras run the range of prices from about $350 to $4200 in one company's flyer I received recently. What you get with SLR is a lens viewing system more than anything else. Digital SLRs do still offer the screen in the back, too. But they are much easier to point and shoot than a digital with a narrow viewer and screen. This is their practical advantage, among others, of course.

I don't know what 500-600 British Pounds equates to in US Dollars, but it would seem its quite a lot. Canon offers a 10.1 megapixel body (without lens) for about $700 in this flyer. That's an SLR digital, but its a professional level camera with multiple AF settings. A variety of lens are available, as are numerous accessories. Hardly a camera for a beginner.

I've been satisfied with a Canon SLR camera I own, though am getting fed up with film processors who seem only to want to deal with digital printing.I do recommend Canon, although there's quite an argument between Canon and Nikon. A professional I worked with had all Nikon equipment, but I always thought it a bit of a snob thing.

I'm looking to buy now either a Canon Powershot S3 IS 6MP Hybrid-SLR Camera Kit (lens and all) or a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 7MP Digital both priced at $380 to replace my funky HP Photosmart R717 minature digital, which was my first digital camera. The Sony has gotten good press. I find that 6MP is really adequate for printing on a good inkjet printer such as the Epson I use.

Good luck chosing your camera. Everybody is individual which is why there are so many to choose from.

Answer 3

I'm admittedly a Nikon bigot, but for a reason.
Both Canon and Nikon make excellent cameras. Nikon pays more attention to how photographers use cameras. You've narrowed down your choices, so why not go into a camera store and try them out? Try the Canon first. As soon as you pick up the Nikon, I think you'll make your choice. The Nikon is more balanced and the controls are in better places.
Canon counts sports photographers in their survey when they claim that more professional photographers use Canons, but they take fast long distance shots with humungous lenses. If that's the type of photography you're interested in, go for the Canon. Go to a portrait studio or wedding, I'm sure you'll find more Nikons than Canons.
Yeah, I'm saying go with the D50.

Answer 4

The Canon 400D (Rebel XTi) is the update to the very popular 350D. I would definitely choose the 400D over the 350D, because it has much improved features.

The Nikon D50 is almost 2 years old, so if you choose Nikon, then the D80 would probably be the better option (10MP v 6MP).

Some people will tell you that Canon is better, and the others will tell you that Nikon is better...it's a matter of choice, and you can't go wrong with either of them...even though I prefer Canon ;-)

I suggest that you go into a camera shop and see which camera feels best in your hands...

good luck

Answer 5

Ive found that the Nikon auto focus is slower than Canon, they have less imagine stablization on their lenses than Canon, and they do not have any full frame sensors. I tested out the D80 and the XTi and I leoved the small body of the XTi and it is pretty easy to hold with L lenses and a flash unit on top. The 400D or XTi would be the best chose for you. Easy to use but make sure you read your manuel, itll save you the trouble later on the field when you find yoru having problems.

Answer 6

Either Canon or Nikon would be a good choice. If you're getting into photography for the long haul, invest in quality lenses up front, and you will keep them for years! You will be able to use the lenses on future camera bodies that you purchase.

I would suggest going to a camera store and trying out the cameras on your short list. When you actually have them in your hands, one model may stand out as being exactly what you want!

Answer 7

It looks like you've done your homework.

For a first-time DSLR those all sound like good ideas. There is word of a new Canon camera coming out soon (if it isn't out yet) that will be around 10 megapixel, but a little more heavy duty than the 400. But since you are just getting into DSLR photography I wouldn't spend too much money.

Once you really start getting into it maybe look into getting a more heavy-duty camera. I think you are thinking smart about this.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

i have a pentax *ist DL and its a nice camera, very simple and inexpensive. And it works with any lens made for pentax since 1978

Answer 10

go to cnet.com
they have a whole article on SLR's