Best DSLR for a beginner?

[sarahmcq]

I'm not new to photography, I've been working on a Casio Exilm for about a year and a half, but want to get a DSLR to improve my photography. I'd like to go Canon or possibly Nikon, quite recent (released in 2008/2009), I'm a fast learner, although I don't want one that I'll have no idea how to use when I first pick it up. Budget isn't really an issue, but if you could suggest a decent lens kit so I could estimate the overall price it would be great.

If you want to see the type of photos I take, see here...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/--sarah/

[K1W1]

Thats a great gallery on Flickr.
Looking at those photos I would not buy an entry level DSLR. I think that you will rapidly outgrow it.
I don't know Canons but in the Nikon range I would suggest a D90. The Nikon kit lenses are pretty good so maybe start with either the 18-55VR or 18-105VR as starting points then after you have used either for a short period you will have a far better idea of the type of lenses you want to progress to.

[Rooz]

beginner ? lol ahhh...i dont think so. that said, i agree completely with kiwi, i'd suggest something a little more advanced that an entry level. d90, 40d, 50d would be my suggestions.

the hardest thing you are gonna face is the cost associated with getting what you want. judging from your stream, you like macro and landscape. kit lens' should be fine to begin with for landscapes, but for macro you will need a macro lens.

good idea would be to specify your total budget.

[raven15]

I agree and suggest that in your case (in particular) the best camera would be the one that you enjoy holding and using most, whichever it may be. I suggest trying as many DSLR types as you can in person in a store.

[sarahmcq]

Well, by beginner I meant more first time using a DSLR. Your compliments are greatly appreciated. :)

I would be willing to spend up to and around £750 (would probably have to save up for a while) for the body and a standard kit not including macro.

[tizeye]

Don't know where my post went. May not have hit enter enough or forgot to send as rushed off and shut down.

Amazing what you are doing with a P&S. With a DSLR you will be downright dangerous - and would love to see some of the pics.

My first post focused on your original post "I'm a fast learner, although I don't want one that I'll have no idea how to use when I first pick it up." That's how was many decades ago with my first SLR. Of course back then eerything was 100% manual although we had progressed to internal metering. By the time I took it out the box, I knew how to use it from reviews and brochures. The internet didn't eist.

You're in luck. You can learn the camera features. Nikon and Canon both have educational modules that are general photography rather than model specific - but based on your photos it would be review rather than learning. On model specific education Nikon has a unique training/overview module for each camera. Using the D90 as an example, http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Digital-SLR/25446/D90.html, look half way down on right and a button labeled "digitutor." Canon doesn't have a similar model specific training program - at least none thay I could see. However, they will have similar controls - just rearranged. When you get a little understanding of the controls, go iinto the store and see which one feels best to you.

Good luck.

[jcon]

Id focus on lenses before bodies. Make your decision on what brand to buy into based on which lens line-up will benefit your shooting needs the most. Bodies will come and go, lenses will stick with you.

[sarahmcq]

Id focus on lenses before bodies. Make your decision on what brand to buy into based on which lens line-up will benefit your shooting needs the most. Bodies will come and go, lenses will stick with you.

And going by my photos (mostly macro and landscape) would Canon or Nikon suit me better. What are the qualities of each?

[tizeye]

And going by my photos (mostly macro and landscape) would Canon or Nikon suit me better. What are the qualities of each?

Either...which feels best in your hand, controls intuitive to you. Both kit lens are OK for landscape. Neither are really designed for macro, but can close focus. One of the best macro's out there is Nikon's 105VR but at $US 890 :eek: there are less costly alternatives, such as Tamron's 90 available in both Nikon and Canon mounts. Also, nothing wrong with Canon's macro, but costly.

It comes down to which camera you feel most comfortable with so go into several stores (so you don't appear to be a pest) and play with them.

[K1W1]

If you buy a Nikon you get to post on the Nikon DSLR forum and the Nikon DSLR picture of the day thread.

That has to be worth a big incentive. :D:D:D


Seriously, the advice about trying each camera in your hands is important. You must own a camera that you are comfortable holding and operating. If it doesn't feel right to you you will not use it.

[Rooz]

I would be willing to spend up to and around £750 (would probably have to save up for a while) for the body and a standard kit not including macro.

thats around the $1100USD mark. really on the low side for dslr. but still, it will get you into a d90 with the 18-105mmVR kit lens or a 40d with an 18-55IS kit lens.

And going by my photos (mostly macro and landscape) would Canon or Nikon suit me better. What are the qualities of each?

whichever feels best.

[raven15]

In case you like a smaller camera, I'd also recommend investigating an Olympus E-620 with the kit lenses and 35mm macro lens, it's a small but highly competent combination for your budget.

Or replace them with the 14-54mm or 50mm macro for more money.

[sarahmcq]

So far I've considered...
Canon EOS Rebel XS
Canon Digital Rebel XSi
Nikon D90

I live in Ireland, there aren't many photography shops to be found. Plus I'm young and a girl, so probably won't be taken very seriously. :(

[Rooz]

the rebels may suit you cos they are lighter and you may have small hands. if you prefer the canon route, id personally much rather get a 40d or even a used 30d over any rebel camera. for me, dual command wheels are an absolute must have.

[tizeye]

Comparing apples to apples

The Rebel XS (1000D) and Rebel XSi (450D) best compare with Nikon's D60 in both target price and roughly on features. All have the smaller body than the more expensive models. That is partly why I said in an earlier post to go to a store and play with them. Also, the just announced Nikon 5000 is on that same smaller body form factor, and includes many of the features of the D90, including video and live view, while priced competitive with the Rebel XSi.

Canon's 40D (and perhaps the 50D) is perhaps a better comparison matchup with Nikon's D90. Both are physically larger than the Rebel/D60 cameras plus include more features and priced competitively.

[sarahmcq]

Thank you for all your advice and suggestions, I will do some more research and pull some savings together!

[mattdm]

Everyone's given you excellent advice. This just came up on Mike Johnston's excellent photography blog:

http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2009/04/top-ten-recommended-cameras-3.html

Excerpt:

T.O.P. Ten Recommended Cameras: #3

At the outset of this list project, I warned you that there were going to be a couple of choices you would think were cop-outs. Choice #6 was originally intended to be one of those; it was supposed to be, "An entry-level DSLR of the brand of your choice." But the more I thought about it, the more I thought people would object to that—the purpose of a list it to make choices, not leave them open. So I ended up picking the compact Olympus E-420, based mainly on its current price.

Of course, not long thereafter, it occurred to me that what I had really done was cop out on copping out.

This time, I'm determined; my resolve is steely. This choice is going to be a real cop-out, dammit. Choice #3 is: "A mid-level 4/3 or APS-C DSLR of the brand of your choice."

A cop-out...sure. Yes. (Finally.) But, as usual, there is method to my madness.

(more... (http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2009/04/top-ten-recommended-cameras-3.html))

The main point is: you can't go far wrong no matter what you choose. You'll find a lot of web forums where people are bashing one or the other choices to no end (this one is quite good in that respect!), but the basic fact is there's more good options than possible mistakes.

[Superangel]

Hi sarahmcq,

I just bought a Canon 500D/T1i and it's great :) This is my first DSLR too, but it has a nice combination of fully automatic modes (portraits, landscapes, night shots etc.), and programmed modes (aperture, shutter, full manual). There is a 'Creative Auto' mode which bridges the two, which allows more control, but explained in simple terms. The 500D also comes with a HD movie mode and other features found on a point and shoot, so it's the perfect introduction to DSLRs.

Nikon's D5000 offers a similar choice, it just depends on your needs. As the others have said, though, the lens are an important consideration (especially because they cost so much!).

Kind regards,

[shahmatt]

Is there anything specific you would like your DSLR to do? What do you find inadequate about your current exilim?