Digital SLR Opinions

crabcrusher · #1 11-12-2010, 02:33 AM

With Christmas just a round the corner, it looks like time to break open the piggy bank and purchase a Digital SLR.

I have taken a photo or two, but would certainly say i have alot to learn when it comes to photography. Therefore will be looking into something of entry level, that will give hopefully still produce some decent shots.

After doing the rounds and checking out a shop or two, there are a couple of cameras in mind that i am considering...

The Nikon D3100 looks like it has a good basis, as to does the D5000.

On the otherside of the fence is the Canon 550D, which i am also growing fond of..

Has anyone else had any experience with the above mentioned Cameras, or any others they could recommend to consider?

Piscateur · #2 11-12-2010, 02:48 AM

I am a nikon man i find them easier + more ergonomic when fully manual shooting apeture and shutter controls are right where they shoud be. But that can be just a matterof getting used to the canon vertical wheel.
But i would recommend canon for the prices of thier lenses. If your going to take this up seriously then you will save with canon lensesin the long run

Alex · #3 11-12-2010, 02:56 AM

Just wait till Dale and Paul have read this

Breamkid · #4 11-12-2010, 05:00 AM

Canon 40D or 50D are really worth a look at.

crusty · #5 11-12-2010, 05:23 AM

I have a Canon 500D and it is a good piece of kit. Bought it with the twin standard lense kit and it has worked really well. Nikon are good camera's as well. I ended up with the Canon because it felt better in my hand than the Nikon.
I wanted to have a look at the Pentax K7. It had just come out and was a little more than the Canon, but had weather seals but I couldn't find one in my area and wasn't prepared to take a risk and buy sight unseen. I believe it has been replaced by the K5.

I love the DSLR but I tend to take the Olympus waterproof, when I go fishing. Don't feel comfortable with the $1500 camera around water (I need to get over this).

Track 'em down · #6 11-12-2010, 06:07 AM

Nikon D90 all the way...

Nick Cuccovia · #7 11-12-2010, 06:37 AM

I have the new K5 and it is miles ahead of the previous model K7, the new sensor is awesome ISO 80-51200. No more need for flash. Splash proof body and great glass available. The K5 is worth a look, check out some of the reviews.
Here is a pick I took the other night.

Nick

#8 11-12-2010, 08:28 AM

Whats that pic of Nick C?

If your looking at buying - rather than buying a kit with lens, just buy a body, and for out a little extra for better glass (lens), it will make all the difference. with lens, most that you buy in kits are alright, however they normally sport variable F stops, which is not really a good thing, a constant F stop is alot better, but you will pay for it. Also most kit lens have a large focal length range, generally lens with a smaller focal length will produce better images.
There are a few after market lens companies that make good quality products at a reduced price of the major sellers, which in some instances have even better glass.

Consider spending alittle extra on a couple of filters. im quite a fan of Cr-Pol filters, which help to really bring out some good colours.

Nick Cuccovia · #9 11-12-2010, 10:13 AM

Cigarette Lighter

Bear · #10 11-12-2010, 10:20 AM

Wicked shot Chooka.

phil jagger · #11 11-12-2010, 08:09 PM

Just got a 550d (mainly cause I wanted to suss out the video side of things) and some L series glass (means if the video is good I can upgrade to a full frame sensor camera at a later date with-out having to buy new glass) and it takes lovely images...As Nick has said in a previous post just remember about the crop factor...Canons is x1.6 on the 550d 40d 60d 7d etc etc.

Have fun

Phil

Nick Cuccovia · #12 11-12-2010, 08:54 PM

Thanks Bear, I was bored at home and starting playing around with long exposures.

crabcrusher · #13 11-12-2010, 10:03 PM

Thanks for the tips guys. Just went an picked up the 550D,so will see how it goes.
As with the point and shoots, you can get lost in the models as one will do one thing whilst the competitor will offer sometging else.. Enough of the circle work,and what better way to prove that use..

Still waiting for the initial battery charge then i will put it to use.

That is an awesome shot there Nick C.. The Pentax is a great cammera, but just above my budget..

Phil, i had a look at some of the Videos that tyhe 550D can produce, and it was one of the reasons it stood out. To be heave such a powerful HD recorder,and camera in one, may prove bennificial.

Now to look into some glass lenses