HELP! Newbie Q's: which canon dslr?

[clickclick]

Hi All,

Just starting out in photography and wondering if anyone here can offer some good advice on which Canon DSLR to begin with...

- I see theres lots of models which im not sure about (and all those specs!) so really just want someone who knows to tell me which one they think is the best model for my $.
- I want to take shots of all sorts; fish in my tank, travel pics, fishing & boating, sunsets, plants, etc
- One main problem with my crappy pos camera has been pics taken in low light conditions especially if movement (ballroom dancing & fish tanks) so would like one thats good at that.

I have a budget of about $800 for my starter package.. body & lens (or twin kit? ive seen)

I am interested in buying specialized lenses & stuff once i know what im talking about & had more experience. But right now really need to find a good body/lens to start off with!

Im a bit of a bargain hunter (own a sec hd shop) and get right into the technicalities of my (many) hobby's so dont want something thats too basic or too expensive!

Your advice would be appreciated!

[yummymummy]

that's easy, for a brand new camera, for $800 I'd go the 1000D twin lens kit, I started out with one of those, and it was a brilliant little camera.

Or you can search and see if you can get a good 2nd hand one.

[Kym]

I think you have been asking the same question is several threads ... already answered ... I presume because you are a bit excited - which is understandable.

My best advice ... slow down and read a lot. It will take people time to respond.
DO NOT LET ANY SALES GUY RUSH YOU!!!

Check the New to Photography forum equipment guide before purchasing - lots of good advice.

For your budget a 2nd hand body and lens is the best value plan.
Remember the extra's like a memory card or 2.
Also: take the normal precautions on eBay, ask here first.

[draco]

always check the AP classifieds section and our sponsor Camera Market

and decide on which lens(es) you want first and invest in them..

[jervisbay]

I would go for the Canon 550D with either the twin lens kit or buy the body only and get either theTamron 18-270mm or Sigma 18-250mm lens(you can then decide later what specialised lens you want. The reviews on the 550D have been very good and it is a great entry level camera but with enough oomph to jeep you happy for a long time.

[RamblinR]

Make sure you choose a package with the 18-55 IS and 55-200 IS lenses as they are much better quality than those that come with the 1000d camera.

As for a beginners body; if you are happy with the smaller XXXD range then anything from the 400d is fine. If you are looking in the XXD range then I would suggest you start with a 40D but nothing under a 30d (this is mostly said because of the small screens, not because of the cameras ability to take great images [350d and 20d])

[in2fx]

the 1000D is around your price range and that has enough features to do what you need for now

[yummymummy]

I actually started with the non IS lenses with my camera, and got some really good ( and still getting some!!) shots out of them. I dunno, I think it depends on the user whether they want IS or not..

[Charbuque]

Does it have to be a Canon?

[twister]

I would recommend a Pentax Kx for the price range over a 1000D...

[Charbuque]

You took the words right out of my mouth - I was just building up to it

[gje38752]

I started off quite innocently with a 450D lens kit. It is a great camera with specs a little higher than a lot, good experience for a couple of years before upgrading. The price for a good second hand with low clicks should be around $600 or so.

[rwg717]

I started off quite innocently with a 450D lens kit. It is a great camera with specs a little higher than a lot, good experience for a couple of years before upgrading. The price for a good second hand with low clicks should be around $600 or so.

This is about the right starter unit, has a few more features than the 1000D (a great machine in its own right) but I would buy the body by itself and see if you can find the extra for some more advanced "glass". If no cash for that go with one kit lens for starters.
Remember that camera bodies go out of fashion but good lenses keep giving service for years
Richard

[in2fx]

I actually started with the non IS lenses with my camera, and got some really good ( and still getting some!!) shots out of them. I dunno, I think it depends on the user whether they want IS or not..

I started with the non IS kit lenses attached to my 1000D so did not know any difference and since getting an IS lens, the main difference I have noticed is that the battery does not last over 3 or 4 months between charges anymore is I have the IS switched on LOL

I guess we never had fancy stuff like IS with the film SLR cameras, so just tried harder to hold steadier ?
I often forget to switch the IS back on after using a tripod anyway

[campo]

forget canon, go nikon

but seriously, don't rush into a purchase (of any brand) until you've researched, researched, researched! I think i did about 3-4 months of looking around when i went from my old olympus P&S to my first dSLR. Once you've heavily invested in gear it can be expensive to change over.

[etherial]

I started off with a 450D with the 18-55 and 55-250 kit and I think it was good value and good kit that taught me plenty. I believe the 450 was a big jump in quality from the 400D. The 1000D is very basic, IMO it is worth the little bit extra for the xxxD series. So if it were me on that budget I'd be looking around for a 450, 500 or 550D. They can be picked up at reasonable price in the shops or go 2nd hand. Plenty of people sell them after a year or two upgrading to higher specs.

[clickclick]

Thanks heaps everyone for your advice... Really appreciate your time to put the 2c in to help me.

Sorry Kim, didnt realise you shouldnt talk about the same thing/Q in different threads. I am very excited to get this camera and get knowledge & advice in this forum. I have noticed tho.. it seems 1 of my 1st posts is frozen? or something and I know i cant view "for sale" stuff on here but cant seem to see gallery pics either. So seem to have limited areas atm to to explore & talk to people im afraid! Also thought i might get different opinions in different sections. So hope its ok if i can stick to this thread about my new camera questions!

Well after researching for a week and lots of peoples advice I am going to try to find a sec hd 40D body in se qld somewhere. It seems to be one of the better ones for taking low light stuff like my fish tank & ballroom dancing shots.. which i really want to be able to do among other shots. Hopefully my budget allows that!

Thanks DRACO - cant look in classifieds as im new and have checked out the cameras direct (suggested) but nothing for me unfortunately. Will try that one & is there any other online marketplace/classifieds for camera gear in se qld?

Thanks RAMBLINR - for the lens advice. Will keep my eyes out for any IS ones in my price range. The lens specs bamboozeled me totally to start... now I have a little bit of an idea what the numbers mean after reading Still not real confident to buy it separate yet though! Would love to be able to spot a bargain lens that I know is good quality, compatable, good condition and give me an overall lens for various uses. Also dad started telling me about fixed lenses and the ones with zoom (i think was called).. so for a one lens starter.. a zooming one i spose. And he said the L-series lenses are v/good however.. out of my price range i thinks.

CHARBUQUE - Ha Ha - first i just gotta say i love your profile pic. very creative and makes me smile. And YES its gotta be a canon! Ha ha.

Thanks guys and any more advice is appreciated... im still here and listening!