Which DSLR to buy?

[eysha]

Hi, as there are so many DSLR cameras on the market i am lost to choose one.
I need recommendations.
I would be looking for new and it has to last at leaast 5 years. Also i cannot go to top of the ranges - lower end would do as i am not a pro or likely to be. I just want it to take photos of my artwork and family etc. Oh and i would like it to be very easy to use too.
Many thanks
E.

[ianpinion]

Hello again eysha,

Well you're right about one thing, where do you start? I mean, everyone of the leading brands of camera manufacturers produce an outstanding entry level dslr, that once you've learnt out to use it properly is capable of taking brilliant photographs. So you can look at anything by either Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax and Olympus.

So the next thing to do is decide on a budget with which you can buy the camera and lens(es), a bag to keep them in, possibly a tripod/monopod, remote trigger cable, spare batteries and memory cards. Next you'll need to go to a shop where they'll let you have a go with a number of the entry level dslrs. See which ones fit in your hands nicely and the buttons, control dials and scroll wheels are well placed for you to use. Have a look at their menu systems and in camera guides to see which ones you find easiest to use or follow. Make sure you're happy with the weight of the camera and how balance it feels with the lens and batteries in.

Once you've decided which you like the best in terms of how they feel, then have search on the internet to see what deals there are from any of the leading reputable camera stores and then go buy it and start taking pictures.

You'll find thread after thread on this forum about choosing your first dslr, full of good advice, but the answer as to which model you should choose changes for each person. It is very much a personal decision which only you can make and you shouldn't be influenced by other photographers trying to tell you which one to buy because they find it brilliant. We all have different wants and needs. It's what is right for you that counts, everyone else's opinion counts for nothing!

Best of luck and if there's anything you're not sure of, just post your questions on here and you're sure to get the answer you're looking for.

[eysha]

Thanks for the reply Ian. Will be a while yet before i buy but wanted to get as much info now as i can. I understand there is a difference in lens quality too and that a metal body is beter than a plastic one etc. That is the kind of info i am interested in. I have a tridpod but so far carry my camera in my hand bag - a panasonic FZ 38. I have the telephoto lens and macro lens for it too so will those lenses fit a DSLR and if so which one?
Many thanks
E.

[ianpinion]

Hi eysha,

When you're looking to buy your first dslr, lens quality and the construction of the body are not as important as the other things I mentioned in my earlier post. That's not to say they have no relevance at all, but with a dslr, you will find that you'll upgrade your lenses from time to time as needs dictate, but for starters the basic lenses will be fine. If you decide you want a better camera then look at the enthusiast level cameras, which are one level above the basic entry level dslrs, but to be honest many of the entry level dslrs could pass as enthusiasts cameras anyway as the boundary between them has narrowed.

With regard to these other lenses you have for your FZ38, as has been already mentioned to you in one of your other threads, these are screw in adapters that fit into the filter thread on the end of the lens. You see your FZ38 only has it's one permanently attached zoom lens, unlike a dslr. so these adapters will fit any other lens with the same 46mm size filter thread. Most dslrs lenses however, are at least 49mm - 77mm so these might be redundant. It might be better to buy a dedicated macro lens and a telephoto lens as the optical quality of them will be far better than what you'll be able to produce with those adapters, but you'll have to do this as funds allow.

However, you may find some cameras are availalbe with their standard kit lens plus a telephoto zoom lens too which could be worth your while considering.

[eysha]

Thanks Ian.

[OldBoy]

God advice given by Ian but don't write off secondhand cameras plus lenses, as there are some bargains around. Next time you are out in your local area and see someone with a DSLR, go up and have a chat with them about the camera. Most will be happy to talk about DSRL's in general and may also let you have a close look at their camera. At lease then you will be better armed to buy your first DSLR. Don't be worried about asking daft questions, as we were all there when we first started.

[eysha]

Thanks OldBoy, i was always told not to consider second hand cameras as there is no guarentee with them and i could loose money. If i see a woman with a DSLR i might be brave enough to ask about her camera but not a man i don't think, might be taken the wrong way,lol, or get myself into trouble unless a man is with a female. OK i am over cautious.

[OldBoy]

Originally Posted by eysha

Thanks OldBoy, i was always told not to consider second hand cameras as there is no guarentee with them and i could loose money. If i see a woman with a DSLR i might be brave enough to ask about her camera but not a man i don't think, might be taken the wrong way,lol, or get myself into trouble unless a man is with a female. OK i am over cautious.

Places like Mifsuds give good value on secondhand gear, are usually checked by the makers before been sold. Some will give a six month warrantry and usually describe the condition of the camera/lenses.

In a town or city centre should be quite a few people out with cameras and most don't mind you asking questions. With lots of people about you should feel safe. Lots of people have stopped me to talk about cameras and lenses both in town and the countryside. I'm quite happy to explain things and most DSLR users are the same, so don't be put off, as most are happy to explain why they brought that model and what other camera they upgraded from.

[eysha]

Never heard of that place Old Boy, probably not in the UK or my area. Ne ver seen anyone in town taking pictures so maybe we cross,lol

[ianpinion]

Eysha, Mifsuds are a chain of camera stores specialising in secondhand equipment. If you type the name into an internet search engine you will find them.