Good DSLR for Beginners?

*Thedreaming*

Hi

I'm looking to purchase a DSLR in a few weeks, Some pointers would be nice :wink:

Also how feasible would buying a second hand one be? Is it better to buy a new one

Thanks!

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Reply 1

ZRO

T3i would be a great dslr to start with. Think you can get one around £400 brand new

Posted from TSR Mobile

Reply 2

hollieeilloh

Original post by ZRO

T3i would be a great dslr to start with. Think you can get one around £400 brand new

Posted from TSR Mobile

Yeah, I second this - or if you want something a bit cheaper, T1i/T2i, just depends on your budget really. :smile:

Reply 3

NJam

Got a Nikon D3100 a few months back for ~£300 (with a 18-55 3.5-5.6). It's fantastic! I've reached the limits of the lens, though. It's too short (lawl) and at 50mm, which is all I pretty much ever use, it's at f/5.6, which isn't great. My advice, spend less on the DSLR, so you can spend more on the glass you put in front of it. Unless you're doing video then something with a Mic jack could be handy.

Reply 4

hamijack

I use a Nikon D5000 which is a brilliant (IMO) entry level camera and is several years old now so is unlikely to be that expensive.

Reply 5

dathtom

Original post by NJam

This, the 3200, 1100D or 550D.

Have a look at these. Also useful for learning a little bit about cameras and what to look for. -

(edited 10 years ago)

Reply 6

NJam

Original post by dathtom

DigitalRev FTW.

Also, without the lens, you can pick it up for £250 o.O

http://www.digitalrev.com/product/nikon-d3100-dslr-digital-camera/OTY4NQ_A_A

Reply 7

Cake Faced Kid.

I got a Canon 500D a few years ago bundled with the standard 18-55mm lens, and a 75-300mm telephoto lens. If you're looking at older cameras, there are deals such as this around that are extremely useful to take advantage of given the price of lenses.

You could probably go newer than the 500, although it's great little entry level - mine is still serving me faithfully alongside my 5D mark ii.

Maybe look at the 1100? I can only recommend Canon because they're what I use, but from what I'm aware of, Canon and Nikon are pretty neck and neck quality wise.

Reply 8

*Thedreaming*

Thanks everyone!

:biggrin:

Reply 9

Manitude

I recently got the Canon 600D as my first dslr and I really like it.

Reply 10

Entrepreneur123

I'm a beginner, I'm getting the Canon 60D plus a 50mm f/1.4 prime lens.

Reply 11

*Thedreaming*

any cameras with a pull out screen?

Reply 12

ZRO

Original post by *Thedreaming*

any cameras with a pull out screen?

T3i has one that can pull out/swivel.

Posted from TSR Mobile

Reply 13

*Thedreaming*

What does mm mean with lenses? is it the focus range?

Reply 14

Cake Faced Kid.

Original post by *Thedreaming*

any cameras with a pull out screen?

600D has a pull out screen iirc.

Reply 15

*Thedreaming*

Leaning towards 600d.

The price tho D:

Reply 16

NJam

Original post by *Thedreaming*

What does mm mean with lenses? is it the focus range?

The focal length. Here's a nice article to explain pretty much everything about a lens:

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/camera-lenses.htm

Reply 17

*Thedreaming*

Original post by NJam

The focal length. Here's a nice article to explain pretty much everything about a lens:

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/camera-lenses.htm

Thanks.

Reply 18

littlemissmidget123

I have a somewhat outdated canon 450D, however it still takes good quality images, and really, for a beginner you do not need the best camera, but you need one that you can get to grips with, and then kit out with another lens or two, any entry level canon camera, or nikon for that matter, theres little in it, just down to preference really, will do you fine.

my advice would be to go to a shop and try out a few, you need to be comfortable holding the camera, even if you ultimately go and buy online.

other things you will need will include a good quality case, memory card(s), possibly a spare battery or two, and possibly a UV filter - i have one just to protect the lens, as they are fairly inexpensive, and whilst people will argue that they slightly reduce image quality, as someone who takes her camera on boats, and wherever else, i would prefer to protect my lens!