First DSLR - extremely confused

[cosmicma]

canon have a problem with older sigma lenses ( some can be re-chipped ) all EF kenses work with digital canon bodies
non of the FD lenses work with canon eos ( digital or analogue ) there was a FD to EOS adapter brought out by canon but did not go on general sale and only worked with some of the pro FD range ( L range ) but you would be very lucky to find one

[snowfruit]

Whoa, sorry for my lack of response, I hadn't realised that this thread had gone onto a second page :P
Thank you all for your very helpful comments and suggestions.

I'm veering away from Sony & Panasonic more and more, mostly due to the fact that I'm not convinced their four-thirds format will deliver the same longer term satisfaction as a DSLR - they remind me too much of the 'superzoom' compact (Fuji S1800) that I have currently (i could of course be completely wrong and mis-informed). I think Olympus uses the micro four thirds system as well?

I like the Nikons (mainly because one of my colleagues has a D80 and is very happy with it), but am a little worried by the lack of in body AF on the lower end models (D3100 & D5000) and I'm unlikely to find a D90 or D300 within my budget. I know some of you have said that there are plenty of AF-S lenses available, but as for the forceable future most of my kit is going to be bought second hand, I'm a little cautious.

I very nearly bought a Canon 450D last week for a very nice price, but unfortunately timing was bad and the funds had to be spent on other commitments. However, as time has gone by I'm less convinced this would have been a good buy over a 500D or even a 550D? Some of my friends own 500Ds and, having played with them briefly, I have no negative impressions. How much would I be missing out on (besides the video, I'm aware of that) by choosing a 450 over a 500 (or even a 550D if I get lucky price wise)?

In the end money is going to decide what model I get, but I'm getting a good idea of what to avoid and what models to keep my eye out for - and some that I can only aspire to

[ianpinion]

Hello Snowfruit,

Well it looks like you're beginning to narrow down your shortlist, but have you got to a final three yet? We all appreciate how difficult it is, having been in exactly the same position ourselves when we were all starting out.

To clarify a couple of things for you, as I think you maybe confusing a few things. Panasonic and Olympus are developing the mirrorless micro four thirds cameras, as they see this as the future in their G/GF/GH and Pen Ranges respectively. Olympus also have a range of dslrs which use the standard four thirds system. Sony's dslrs, made by Konica Minolta use either APS-C or Full Frame sensors the same as Pentax, Nikon and Canon do.

With regards to which model from the Nikon range best suits your needs within your budget is quite tricky, but keep having a look at the Camera Price Buster website to see what the best price you can get these cameras at. The same goes for the Canon range, though ask yourself would you ever use the video feature enough to warrant having it in the first place? If not, the 450D is still a very competent camera, capable of producing fabulous quality images, despite it's advancing years. You will also find that every older model will become cheaper once it's been superceeded by a newer version and this can be a good time to buy, because even though it's last years model doesn't suddenly mean that it goes from being a great camera to a rubbish one. In fact, sometimes the newer model doesn't exceed the performance of it's predecessor.

Anyway, select a final three models that are within your budget and go and physically test them to find your absolute favourite. I'm sure you'll find one will trump all the others and that's the camera you should choose.

[James Blonde]

I'm going to ask a silly question, and it might have been covered, but have you discounted fleabay as a source for the camera??

[snowfruit]

I most certainly haven't discounted the bay - in fact that is more than likely where I shall be purchasing my future camera. However, that is, probably, part of the reason for my indecision about which make/model to go for because prices can vary so much there, I've seen Canon 1000Ds, 450Ds and 500Ds gor for very similar prices, and similarly Nikon D90s and D300s.

[HinFrance]

If buying from a non EU eBay seller, bear in mind that you may be liable for import duty and VAT (the VAT is chargeable on the item itself, the carriage, and the import duty); this lot can add up to a third extra to the cost. If the seller ships it as a 'gift' and customs pick up on it there is a penalty to add to the list.

Just so you know.

Forgot to add - also watch out for warranty validity - some are worldwide, some not.

[snowfruit]

I'm back, and I'm still trying to get my first DSLR. Within my budget I can get (with a bit of patience and luck) one of the following (all secondhand) Canons:
40D
450D
400D

The 40D would be a bit of a stretch on the funds probably not including a lens, and I'm not convinced that I'd be getting all that much more than with a 450D.
I think the 450D is my favourite based on specs and price, but the sort of prices I've seen I may or may not get a decent lens included.

So my question is, the 400D, which I can get with at least a kit 18-55 lens (may or may not be IS) and probably leaving me enough to have a go at finding a second lens, is it worth it? Its a small saving over the 450D on average and the specs are a bit older across the board, the biggest down for me being that it has no Live View - I know not everyone uses this, but I have got used to it.

Alternatively, but probably on par with the 400D I might be able to get a Nikon D80. I've tried a friends one and its anice camera, but again its missing the Live View. Also the main reason I'm listing mostly Canons is that the bodies and lenses tend to be cheaper secondhand than Nikon equivalents. Also the first Nikon model that has Liveview is the D5000 and that tends to fall just outside my budget.

I'm slowly narrowing this down, but my main dilemma now is what do I compromise on in order to get a camera that falls in my budget - features, age or lens(es)?

*edit* I forgot to include the 1000D, it sells usually just in between the 400D and the 450D and would probably leave me with enough for a choice of lens. Any benefits, disadvantages over the other 2?

[chris-p]

I will be honest and say I've not actually gone through all of whats been written above so apologies if I repeat anything mentioned there.

You've got a pretty tough choice there actually. For me, there's no choice between the 400 and 450, the newer camera is almost always the no-brainer. A 40D would be tempting but if it stretches your budget to much then thats also an easy answer.

For me, the tough choice is between the EOS 1000D and the 450D. The 450 is a better specified camera on paper (higher resolution, more AF points, faster continuous frame rate, slightly nicer viewfinder and a larger LCD screen). Looking at the high ISO performance test shots on the internet, there really is very little difference as well. I think the 450D has a little more detail at ISO 1600 but thats mostly going to be because of the higher resolution.

The question of where you compromise is always a tough one. On balance, I think the 450D is the camera to get if you're looking at the 400 and 1000 as competitors. It's better than the older 400D and it's still better specified in most respects than the much newer 1000D and the difference in output is tiny.

That still leaves a question mark over a 40D. Personally, I would ignore the 40D. The 40D doesn't offer you a huge increase in specification over the 450D and as your budget is tight. With regards to lenses, it really depends on what you define as decent. Your average 18-55mm lens isn't going to win any awards and people will often tell you how great an upgrade would be but they're not that bad! I mean, if you spent all your money on a 40D and it had no lens you'd still not be able to take any photographs...

[MattUK]

Step away from the dark side, and go Nikon

Seriously though, you mention the D80 as your only comparable Nikon, but for the same budget you could get a second hand D5000, which is a decent upgrade to the D80, and arguably better than the Canons you mention...

[littlebro]

Plenty D80's on e bay, I know it doesn't have a good reputation in low light and noise higher up the scale, but spend more money on better lenses. Check out my gallery. Whoops ignore me missed the post about Live View.