Dreaming about reviews...

[Kierano]

Hello,

I have spent about 2 weeks reading reviews in order to try to make my mind up on what will be my switch from compact to my first DSLR. From the outset, I have only focused (no pun intended) on Nikon on Canon. I have a maximum budget of £800. I grew up using a Praktica MTL3 so am quite experienced and would like something that gives me a broad range of options. In fact, speaking of options, I should also mention that this will partly need to suit my wife's needs too. She will be more focused on point and shoot for snapping our kids, but will expect excellent results when the prints come back. From my own point of view, I will be more interested in the creative side of things, particularly favouring monochrome, but also landscapes, sunsets, etc. Finally, if it had camcorder functionality, that would be a bonus, although I certainly wouldn't state that as an absolute requirement.

The 2 cameras I keep coming back to are the Canon EOS 550D and the Nikon D90. Both review very well on the DP Review website and on here. I am not averse to buying second hand goods provided they're in excellent condition.

For the Canon, I can see that the body and standard 15-55mm is about £670, but the 18-55mm has been referenced as letting the side down somewhat, therefore I'd be looking at the 18-135mm which is about £750. Would anyone see any pitfalls in going for the 18-135 kit?

I can see that some vendors are also selling the twin lens kit i.e. 18-55 and 55-250 but at about £1150 that's well out of my league unless I went for the Japanese import (Kiss X4) which I've seen with the twin lens kit for £660. Obviously, I'd have to put up with using a travel adapter for the charger and would also need to check that Canon would honour the warranty. There is some degree of risk here obviously, although I'd be interested in whether anyone has done this...

I have had a quick try out of the Nikon D90 and love it. The only thing is the EOS 550D seems to out-trump it in so many departments, except for the outer shell of course. The fact that the Canon has full HD AND an external mic socket, plus a higher range of ISO are just 2 points worthy of consideration.

I was actually ready to buy the Canon yesterday, and had decided to get it from Jessops, but none of the branches in a 25 mile radius had the 18-105 lens kit in. In fact, one person said there simply wasn't the demand for it, which I found strange, given most of the reviews singling out criticism of the 18-55mm. Neither did they have the D90 with the 18-105mm, so I'm left with a bit more time to think it through.

I'm at the point where I've been deliberating for so long, I just kind of want to get it over with and start focus on taking beautiful pictures!

Any advice gratefully appreciated,
Kierano

[GeoffWessex]

I'd say the 550 is the better all round camera but if it's going to take up all your budget you won't be getting any additional lenses for a while. The Nikon is a good camera too and might allow you to invest in another lens - e.g. the Nikon f/1.8 50mm is going cheap at the moment.

[Kierano]

Thanks Geoff - duly noted.

[kiffy]

i did roughly the same, only i spent a week looking round, and like you it was shortlisted to the nikon or canon, i ended up with the 550d and although ive only had a quick play and done a few test shots im very happy with it. if budget is set at £800 and you are prepared to take the chance you could always look at grey imports. i did through ebay and got the 550d with the 18-55 kit lens and also a canon 75-300 lens as well for £749.95. i looked into the company and their warrenty procedures first to make sure but thought why not take the gamble as there was a big saving to be had

[silversnapper1]

I would suggest that you visit your local camera shop and handle both. It may be that one will feel more comfortable than the other and that is the one that you should choose. If you buy on spec and then find it uncomfortable and will not use it. That would be an expensive mistake.

Steve.

[Kierano]

Just wanted you to know that in the end I went for the Canon EOS 550D, with the 18-55 lens kit, which appears to be much better than the reviewers suggested. I also went for a Canon 18-200 lens to broaden my horizons. Very nice piece of kit. Because, like many, I was brought up on manual, I instinctively switched to manual straight off. I'm now alternating between Av and Tv. If there's one thing, I would suggest, it would be to get yourself a decent handbook - model specific if possible. The one I have - 'From snapshots to great shots' by Jeff Revel is absolutely outstanding. Oh, and of course, get yourself a UV filter which will protect your lens as well as cut down on glare. Oh, and shoot in RAW as this really keeps your options open, although be prepared for the amount of space this format takes up (but well worth it!)

The 550D has full HD capability and, having recorded some footage, I can vouch for the fact that it's excellent, which, for me is saying something, as I'm pretty critical with the quality of footage.

Next buy will likely be a remote shutter release... then a circ-polariser at some point.

[rbarry]

Add a canon 50mm F1.8 primary lens. As you said, the 18-55 kit lens is much better than most people give it credit for, and it's the IS version that comes as the standard kit lens, but the "nifty fifty" is the best value for money lens you will ever but at under £90.00. At that price it's very affordable and I promise you won't regret it!

[KeithT]

Just a quick note about UV filters. They do nothing for digital on the UV front as digital sensors do not react to light in the same way film does/did. In essence, you might just as well have a plain piece of glass stuck over your lens. Another point is if you are going to use a filter as protection for your lens, ensure it is a good one specifically coated for digital use, eg, Hoya Pro 1 Digital for instance, because you might get light bouncing from the fiter and sensor which can cause ghosting. Just use a hood. You will get better and increase the contrast of your shots if you do and will have a better chance of avoiding flair. I only use a protection filter to get full weather sealing with my camera and lens in strong wind situations