canon 500d

[Hollydave]

What camera do i buy

I'm planning on getting into photography but a bit confused on what make and model to buy. I'm a complete novice so never used a d-slr before. Budget is an issue and also usability. I have so far been attracted towards the Canon 500d which is around 500 pounds but would appreciate any advice on another camera.
Interests would be wildlife and landscapes. Shooting video is not an issue.
Look forward to hear your comments

[adam_christie]

Hi;

I was in the same position as you - very attracted to the 500D as all the reviews I read said it was a fantastic beginners camera, with great features that rivalled other brands. I went to Jessops and Currys and tried a few different cameras out (I even took my memory card with me and took a few shots with each one that I compared at home!) I can safely say that the 500D is a fantastic camera - with excellent picture quality and easy to use controls. I've had Canons in the past however, which may have made my transition from point-and-shoot to DSLR a little easier!

Unfortunately I also had a play with the 550D - and I ended up saving for a little longer and buying that instead! The extra 3mp, higher resolution screen, dual layer 63 zone metering and an option for an external mic were the swaying factors. (I intend using it as a video camera at some point so the 25fps 1080P video recording was also quite appealing!)

I'd recommend going into a shop and trying some out - horses for courses and all that!

Adam

[chris-p]

Hi Hollydave, welcome to the forum

This is an emotive issue and people will always tell you that one camera is better than another. First and foremost - there is basically no difference in the specification, image quality or all round packages with any of the entry level DSLRs. They are all very capable and all cost about the same as well.

That aside, I would suggest that (given your level of experience) you consider a bridge camera rather than an SLR. These are often SLR-like and have a large zoom lens, which is fixed (rather than interchangeable) and offer all the controls of an SLR just in a cheaper and more compact package.

If you're definitely set on an SLR camera, rather than a bridge, the general advice is always (as Adam mentioned) get in a decent shop and handle the cameras. Ergonomics makes a huge difference. Then set your budget (and stick to it!) and get the best deal you can on the most comfortable camera.

Finally, to try to help you with a specific camera, why are you attracted to the 500D? Is there something specific about either the make or the model? If you're set on Canon, have you considered the 1000D which is cheap enough to give you enough left over cash for a bag or memory card or spare battery.

[Hollydave]

Thank you both for your advice.
It sounds like the Canon 500D is a good camera to start with. I did manage to get to grips with a few different models but you never know what the sales person is trying to push onto you.

I'm planning on doing some night classes to help understand how things work.
Reason for the Canon 500D is the 15mp as i'm planning on putting photo's on to canvas and other print media. Would you say there was much difference between the 1000D and the 500D ?.

Thanks Dave

[ianpinion]

Hello Dave and welcome to the forums.

As previously mentioned, choosing your first DSLR is not easy because each of the major camera makers produce an entry level model that's easy to use, capable of producing great pictures with sufficient pixels to create an exhibition sized print.

As Chris has pointed out, one of the few ways to help whittle down your selection is to handle them, so you can judge which fits into your hands the best and has it's controls positioned where you can easily reach them without having to contort your fingers. Another area is to compare the menu systems as their layouts can vary quite a lot. Some you will find are easier for you to navigate around than others and again the this can narrow down which manufacturer's cameras you may eventually choose, but not necessarily which model from their range. However, combine the answers of the two and you should, when allied to how much you have to spend be able to select the camera that best suits your needs.

And that's the most important thing to remember, your needs as they will differ from everyone else's. So don't be brow beaten into choosing a particular camera just on someone else's say so. Trust your own instincts. If after you've handled a camera, looked at it's menu and it's within your budget then shop around for the best deal, buy it and enjoy!

[matt wilson]

Hollly Dave I have a Canon 50d my partner a 1000 d.The 1000 d is absolutely fine for a starter camera and you will easily be able to print to A 3 and perhaps above.

I went for Canon because it felt right .But as others say it is so personal and you will not buy a bad camera.

Camera bodies change very rapidly in terms of spec (that does not mean older ones take bad pictures)

Stick a good lens on a 1000 d and I would defy anyone to tell the difference between an image taken with it and the 50 d.

I prefer the weight and larger size of a 50 d body.

[chris-p]

Originally Posted by Hollydave

Reason for the Canon 500D is the 15mp as i'm planning on putting photo's on to canvas and other print media. Would you say there was much difference between the 1000D and the 500D ?

There are differences between the 500D and the 1000D but I don't think they're massive and, as Ian and Matt have said, the 1000D is an ideal entry to the Canon range.
For clarification, the main differences are the 1000D has 10MP, rather than the 15MP of the 500D, the 1000D has 7 AF points vs the 500Ds 9 AF points. The frame rate difference is completely insignificant (3fps vs 3.4fps). Otherwise, the 500D has a larger, higher resolution screen.

To me, none of these are worth the significant extra money for the 500D. If you're going to spend more, you may as well get a 550D and be done with it.

[Hudie]

I bought a 500D six months ago as an upgrade from my trusty 350D. I'm absolutely delighted with the 500D and as soon as I can upgrade the lens from the kit lens, I'm sure I'll see the full potential of the camera. Like you I'm not into video so the fact that the 500D can't take an external mic is neither here nor there. Cheers