Shortlist help please . . . .

[Philmason]

Hi - new to the forum and hope to become new to DSLR photography.

I'm looking for a hobyist camera - budget c. £800. I want it to be versatile as I am new to this (having dipped my toe in the water a-few years back when I was younger and less patient!!!).

I don't know what I'll like yet - in terms of subjects - probably a bit of everything. Oh and my Boy (4) - he must of course be factored in.

I have narrowed my research down to :-

Canon EOS500D (with 18-55mm kit and Tamora 70-300mm lens)

Sony a550 - (with similar lens kit) -

Nikon D5000 - (again - similar lenses). . . .

I have been told (by one or two) that, at this level, it tends to come down to simply which "feels best in the hand" - and for that I do favor the Canon (I have shovels not hands) - and although I can't fit my whole hand on ANY of those models - I find the Canon layout easiest.

So - am I missing something here -

any guidance appreciated - or models I may not have considered???

Much thanks in advance . . . .

[chris-p]

Hi Phil, welcome to the foum

The advice you've been given about feel is pretty much spot on... There really isn't any difference in image quality (for a given lens) between these cameras.

You'll be given loads of examples why one of these cameras is better than the other 2 (I like the Nikon most myself but then I don't like the Canon menus and ergonomics) but they're all personal opinion. It's you that has to use the camera and you that has to pay the money for it.

Assuming they're all about the same price... If the Canon is the one you like to hold the most, it's the one you'll enjoy using the most. If you ask me, thats the answer!

[ianpinion]

Hi Phil,

I would concur with Chris, that it's often down to which camera you yourself feel most in tune with that you end up buying. Unless, you've got any old lenses you used with a previous slr camera that will fit a particular manufacturers camera body then this is about the only other important factor that could possibly affect your decision. These three models are all good cameras, so it really is down to which one you're happiest with and is within your budget.

[Philmason]

Hi folks

Cheers for that, always good to get confirmation of gut feelings.