V-Flyer

Am toying with the idea of getting a cheap DSLR to replace the decrepid Canon compact I currently use. I'm not really that bothered about having all the latest inovations, rather want something with a few more settings than I currently have.

I've pretty much narrowed it down to something like the Nikon D60 or Canon EOS 1000D. Though I have read some good, and some bad, things about the Sony offerings.

Any advice/horror stories/happy stories woudl be greatly appreciated.

Personally, as a Canon Man, take a look at the 450. Excellent spec and something to grow into rather than the 1000 with is very basic and believe me, you'll soon want more from it.

Yep, thoroughly recommend the Canon. I had the original 300D and quickly moved on to a 20D - the 450 is as good if not better for a third of the price!

John

i got a Nikon D60 for my birthday and compared with the Pentax compact I have the pictures are fantastic. I looked long and hard at all cameras in the circa £400 bracket and in the end went for the Nikon because Dixons Tax Free were doing it for £297 in October which represented a saving of nearly £100 against it's rivals.

I think prices are pretty much similar now so my advice would be to visit a good camera shop and try them all out to see which one you like.

Miopyk[8D]

Canon here too... lusting after the new 5D Mark II, and the only thing stopping me melt a credit card on one is the limit of 1080p recording to about 12 mins (yes, the 5D does HD film recording - and it's pretty good at it)

Pete

Thanks [y]

Shall brave the attrocious weather and have a wander down Tottenham Court Road.

Bought a Canon 350D and then quickly moved to the Canon 40D. I would suggest the 1000D is a good entry level product, but if you really get into it, you'll probably wish you had the next level up.

Not the 1D MkIII? Amateurs.... [:D]

Good thread though - I've been thinking about getting a PeteCam for some time but bewildered by the range and all the different lens options. I'm a simpleton at times and just need an all-rounder when it comes to a camera.

The real question is, 'What is your budget?'

If you want something to begin with look at the 450D, if you want something more advanced that you can grow into, either the 40D or 50D is the way to go. Yes, the MkIII if money is no object..

As for lenses, that's where it gets difficult, and expensive. Most D-SLR's come with a kit lens, usually 18-55mm. OK, it's a compromise between quality and cost but will do to start with. Add something like a 70-200mm for distance work and you have a reasonable start.

quote:Originally posted by Pete
Canon here too... lusting after the new 5D Mark II,
Pete


Drooooooool. . . . [oo]

John

Between now and Jan 12, Canon are offering cashback on certain EOS.

E1000D = £30
450D = £50
40D = £60

Get the 450D and spend whatever money you have left (preferably more than you spent on the camera body) on the best lens you can buy.

Body = brains.
Lens = eyes.

The brain of the camera can only interpret what the eye sees. Crap eye = crap picture. While the 'brains' in more expensive cameras/versions may be better, if that means you have to stick with the (shit) kit lens, then forget it. Set yourself off to a good start by buying a decent lens which will feed the camera's processor with a quality image to start with. And remember, you can transfer the lens to a better Canon body if you need/want to upgrade in future.


That good old saying: 'Crap in = crap out'.

I have the Canon EOS 400D (now replaced by the 450D) and I couldn't have asked for anything better, so my tip would be the 450D.

Agree with the others too when it comes to lenses. The kit 18-55 is a good first lens, the next lens should be a zoom one like a 70-200 or a general purpose one like 28-200. Then once you REALLY get into it, invest in specialist lenses.

One word of advice though - once you buy a particular brand and start getting the lenses, you're stuck with that brand of camera as the lenses won't fit any other brand's camera unless you have deep pockets!