Beginner Dslr Camera Selection Advice

[trent26]

Hey guys, I'm just looking for some people's opinions and advice on choosing my first Dslr camera!

After looking through heaps of topics in this section their are so many great photographers on here so your advice is much appreciated!

I'm looking to do a bit of everything with it, but a lot of landscaps as well, but also love the close up stuff too and misc pics of people ect.

I'll be traveling a lot next year so would like a camera that isn't too heavy but quality trumps weight!

My buget is $1500

I've been recommend the canon 60d but would like your opinions on lenses too!

Thanks everyone in advance!

[S3RK]

I bought the 60D for my first a few months ago, and I must say, it is purely amazing

I just got the 18-55mm IS II kit lens, fairly multi-purpose and good for video too!

I'd highly recommend the 60D for a beginner DSLR.

EDIT: Also, a must have, get a Class 10 SD card. I bought mine in an ebay package and ended up with slow class 4 32gb.

For $40~ you get a high-speed card on ebay!

Edited December 18, 2012 by S3RK

[(OO)SKYLINE(OO)]

I've been recommend the canon 60d but would like your opinions on lenses too!

Canon 60D = Awesome!

Depends on what type of photo's you want to take.

I just use the standard lens most of the time and have a Telly lens for track days.

[dkbcleaner]

Sony a57 is also a great camera. Very easy to use and for a beginner it is easy getting use to.

[alex182]

my first camera was a Canon 550D. I got the two lens pack for 1800 (from memory). A little stretch of your budget but im very happy with the years ive had.

[bigkevracer]

Stick with the big boys: Canon or Nikon. Both are excellent, pick what your mates have. Majority of mine have Canon, so I bought a Canon. I can borrow/try their lenses, get setup suggestions, etc.

I had an Olympus. Biggest heap of shit ever. Returned it and got a Canon 50D, ended up selling that to upgrade to a 7D (so I'd have video). Always regretted buying the 50D with the kit lens (18-200), always wished I'd bought body only and then bought decent glass (I have a Sigma 17-55 f2.8, Canon 50mm f1.4 and a Sigma 120-400).

My parents are currently looking at buying their first DSLR. They have an old film SLR but they've only ever had point and shoot digital cameras. I've been pointed in the direction of a 650D, looks pretty good but if anyone knows of something decent which is cheaper hopefully it'll pop up in this thread.

Don't be afraid of buying second hand glass. I bought my 50mm second hand, looks a bit average but the glass is perfect and it was half the price of a new one. Same deal with the 120-400, although this was in brand new condition, being sold by some bloke that bought it, used it for a month, rented a Canon 70-200 f2.8, and sold the Sigma to buy the Canon. I got it for about 25% off. It's been a great, versatile lens for me but I'm about to do the same: sell it and buy the same Canon 70-200.

[Jay019]

any reason it has to be DSLR?

some of the mirrorless cameras out there are pretty decent and produce amazing pics. its also where a fair chunk of the major brands R&D budget is being spent with both Nikon and Canon bringing out EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder Interchangable Lens) cameras in the past 6-12 months to compete with the awesome things being made by Sony, Olympus and Panasonic. Might be worth looking into unless there is a concrete reason you need the mirror.

[GoldZilla]

Adding to what Jay said, if it doesn't need to be a DSLR, then also think about getting a Canon G-series point-and-shoot. The G12 is a few years old, but if you can find one and like the way it feels in your hand (and don't need interchangeable lenses), then this could serve you well. (Quick note here: the newer G1X is apparently better, but also more expensive, bigger and bulkier than the G12; the latest G15 is smaller than the G12, but that's because they've dropped the swiveling screen on the back, slightly reducing its versatility.)

If you decide you still want a DSLR, a Canon 650D can be bought in a kit with the 18-135mm lens (instead of the 18-55mm and/or 55-250mm), and should serve you well for your travel needs. It's newer than the 60D, so it will have a few extra features even though it's supposed to be a lower-spec camera in the Canon range.

[djr81]

You have three levels of choice (Using Canon as a guide)

Bottom end compact SLR with lenses to match (ie S series) - 1100 600 60(?)

Upper level compact SLR (6D 7D) with good lenses (not S series then, the L series stuff)

Bottom end full sized sensor SLR with good lenses. (5D)

IMHO if you want an SLR dont mess about with a compact one. Get a full sized sensor with the proper lenses (which means image stabilised). Yes it costs but the lenses can be used on your next camera. If you want a Canon that means a 5D. If it is for an overseas trip then you can claim back the GST on leaving which atleast allows you to buy an Austrlian delivered body at a reasonable price. You cna buy the thing up to a month before you leave.

Yes they are heavy and a pain the arse to lug about. Your hand luggage allowance will be taken up by a camera + 2 lenses which is what you need anyway. But at the end of the day you will be getting the photos you want rather than failing because you dont have enough camera for the light/conditions etc etc etc.

[LotusGTR]

You have three levels of choice (Using Canon as a guide)

Bottom end compact SLR with lenses to match (ie S series) - 1100 600 60(?)

Upper level compact SLR (6D 7D) with good lenses (not S series then, the L series stuff)

Bottom end full sized sensor SLR with good lenses. (5D)

IMHO if you want an SLR dont mess about with a compact one. Get a full sized sensor with the proper lenses (which means image stabilised). Yes it costs but the lenses can be used on your next camera. If you want a Canon that means a 5D. If it is for an overseas trip then you can claim back the GST on leaving which atleast allows you to buy an Austrlian delivered body at a reasonable price. You cna buy the thing up to a month before you leave.

Yes they are heavy and a pain the arse to lug about. Your hand luggage allowance will be taken up by a camera + 2 lenses which is what you need anyway. But at the end of the day you will be getting the photos you want rather than failing because you dont have enough camera for the light/conditions etc etc etc.

5D has no built in flash which in my opinion makes it very inflexible unless you want to cart around an external flash. Hardly entry level either. 7D has the flash, but again, hardly entry level. I've just upgraded from the 350D (current equivalent is the 650D) to the 7D which is much heavier and bulkier. Yes, the new camera is better but I've had great service from the 350D (with crappy OEM lens kit) and has the added benefit of being usefully more compact and lighter than the higher end cameras. As for buying locally, saving 10% GST won't make it worth your while IMHO. I've bought several times from Hong Kong eBay and never had a problem. I got the 7D, ISF zoom lens, filters, 32GB CF card, lens hood for $2k landed. Body alone is more than that in AUS.....

[djr81]

5D has no built in flash which in my opinion makes it very inflexible unless you want to cart around an external flash. Hardly entry level either. 7D has the flash, but again, hardly entry level. I've just upgraded from the 350D (current equivalent is the 650D) to the 7D which is much heavier and bulkier. Yes, the new camera is better but I've had great service from the 350D (with crappy OEM lens kit) and has the added benefit of being usefully more compact and lighter than the higher end cameras. As for buying locally, saving 10% GST won't make it worth your while IMHO. I've bought several times from Hong Kong eBay and never had a problem. I got the 7D, ISF zoom lens, filters, 32GB CF card, lens hood for $2k landed. Body alone is more than that in AUS.....

No a 5D has no flash. An extra $100 or two or more depending on how, um, flash you want it to be. But you dont need it so much anyway on account of the camera. The external ones are massively better than the pop ups for inside shots as you can bounce it off the ceiling and get a good photo rather than one with nasty shadows.

As for the other for my 10 cents I reckon the 5d is a long, long way infront of a compact SLR - I previously has a 500D and its night and day. If you are going to get L series lenses then why buy a camera that cant use all of their goodness?

As for imports that has been done to death but shopping around locally (Try Georges in Sydney 7d body is $1425 with GST take $140 off it if going OS) you can turn up vendors that will sell you stuff for other than the RRP - sometimes it aligns with what you want, sometimes not. You may or may not get stung for GST on your first import - you probably wont.

http://www.georges.c...tal-slr-cameras

But dont get me wrong all of the Canon SLRs are good cameras. The good thing about Canon stuff is you get your moneys worth moving higher up in the range.

Edited January 9, 2013 by djr81

[LotusGTR]

No a 5D has no flash. An extra $100 or two or more depending on how, um, flash you want it to be. But you dont need it so much anyway on account of the camera. The external ones are massively better than the pop ups for inside shots as you can bounce it off the ceiling and get a good photo rather than one with nasty shadows.

As for the other for my 10 cents I reckon the 5d is a long, long way infront of a compact SLR - I previously has a 500D and its night and day. If you are going to get L series lenses then why buy a camera that cant use all of their goodness?

As for imports that has been done to death but shopping around locally (Try Georges in Sydney 7d body is $1425 with GST take $140 off it if going OS) you can turn up vendors that will sell you stuff for other than the RRP - sometimes it aligns with what you want, sometimes not. You may or may not get stung for GST on your first import - you probably wont.

http://www.georges.c...tal-slr-cameras

But dont get me wrong all of the Canon SLRs are good cameras. The good thing about Canon stuff is you get your moneys worth moving higher up in the range.

I've never used an external flash so I don't know how good they are. I'm certainly aware of the limitations of the built in flash in terms of how it wrecks and image with cold / white light and shadows. I mostly use flash to take out shadows in bright external situation e.g. taking a photo of someone with the sun at their back. I just can't see someone who is travelling bothering putting an external flash on top of an already heavy camera and asking everyone to 'hold the moment'.

I've also never used a full frame camera so I don't know what I'm missing. I do know the images I get from my 7D are amazing and if you've not had a DSLR before, even the 350D will impress nevermind, a 650D, 7D or 5D.

And yeah I'm no expert on shopping around locally but I couldn't find anything to match the value of HK eBay. Yeah, prolly lucky with the GST thing.....I even got it shipped to my holiday appartment in Noosa and it turned up on time not a drama.

Anyhow, there's my 2c.

[djr81]

I've never used an external flash so I don't know how good they are. I'm certainly aware of the limitations of the built in flash in terms of how it wrecks and image with cold / white light and shadows. I mostly use flash to take out shadows in bright external situation e.g. taking a photo of someone with the sun at their back. I just can't see someone who is travelling bothering putting an external flash on top of an already heavy camera and asking everyone to 'hold the moment'.

They are pretty damn good and I would recommend getting one if you want to take photos of people inside. Even for outside use they will out reach a built in flash.

I've also never used a full frame camera so I don't know what I'm missing. I do know the images I get from my 7D are amazing and if you've not had a DSLR before, even the 350D will impress nevermind, a 650D, 7D or 5D.

Yeah a compact SLR will outdo a compact camera. Easy. The gain you get from a full frame is the depth of the focal plane decreases which is good for so many things (And a pita sometimes) and the amount of light it sucks in is much larger making operation much easier (focus, definition, noise etc etc). Unfortunately what you see on so many photography posts is photoshopped images which can give a false idea of what you get/can do.

And yeah I'm no expert on shopping around locally but I couldn't find anything to match the value of HK eBay. Yeah, prolly lucky with the GST thing.....I even got it shipped to my holiday appartment in Noosa and it turned up on time not a drama.

Nor am I. Georges apprear to be one of the few shops who offer anything below the standard, stupid prices for Australian delivered stuff (by which I mean factory warranty etc). They are pretty good up against the Hong Kong people too and there are no dodgy GST lies or issues to worry about. Having said that I bought my last lens & flash ex HK so it doesnt necessarilly apply to everything.

[LotusGTR]

Hey guys, I'm just looking for some people's opinions and advice on choosing my first Dslr camera!

After looking through heaps of topics in this section their are so many great photographers on here so your advice is much appreciated!

I'm looking to do a bit of everything with it, but a lot of landscaps as well, but also love the close up stuff too and misc pics of people ect.

I'll be traveling a lot next year so would like a camera that isn't too heavy but quality trumps weight!

My buget is $1500

I've been recommend the canon 60d but would like your opinions on lenses too!

Thanks everyone in advance!

Back on topic. In 2005 I bought a Canon 350D with a standard lens kit. i did so in preparation for a trip campervanning around the South Island of NZ. I took 3 months to learn the camera and practise my craft and my reward was pictures that far exceeded my expectations, having not done any real photography before. If I were the OP I'd be grabbing a Canon 650D (or something similar), possibly with an upgraded lens if you want to treat yourself, make the effor to learn how to get the most out of it and never loook back. I'd guess you can snag that for well within your budget. Assuming the 650D does today what the 350D did back in the day I reckon it will exceed your expectations.

If you don't want a DSLR I can't advise on that.

I hope this helps.

p.s. my 350D is for sale!

[djr81]

If you wanted a start point he 650 & the 60 are that. With the lens kits (get the two lenses if you are getting a kit) plus spend a little on cards, a good carry bag and maybe a spare battery. Anyway these are the kits.

Basically for a grand:

http://www.georges.com.au/index.php/digital-slr-cameras/canon-digital-slr-cameras/canon-eos-650d-digital-slr-camera-with-18-55mm-55-250mm-is

Or for $1300

http://www.georges.com.au/index.php/digital-slr-cameras/canon-digital-slr-cameras/canon-eos-60d-dslr-camera-with-18-55mm-and-55-250mm-is

The 6D & 7D are the next ones up.

[Owgasm]

DWI is your friend.

http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/astore/Canon-EOS-60D-Twin-kit-with-18-55-II-and-55-250mm-IS-Lens.aspx#.UO4xFYleuA0

Cheap as chips.

i've used a few 60Ds and a 7D, settled on a cheap 5D MKII.

As a beginner the twin lens kit can do a lot.

Eventually move to perhaps a prime or L series if you can afford it.

I had some crap and i mean crap lenses with the 60D but with some better glass or maybe experience? (i'm still shit).. the photos were a lot better.

Good luck, its good fun to try and learn different types of photography.

[djr81]

If he is going OS he can claim the GST back on the local camera. You cant do that on a grey import because they overwhelmingly state dodgy values on the documentation. Just something to keep in mind.

A pair of L lenses (say a 24-105 & a 70-300) is two and a bit grand. If you want big apertures the cost goes up some more.

Can you fit an L lens to a 60D?

[Owgasm]

He would be saving hundreds. He wouldn't be getting hundreds back in gst.

You don't need L glass immediately or at all. Depends on what you want.

Just stick with the kit lenses. They'll serve you well.

Yes you can with 60D. Just can't use Ef-s lenses. Kit lenses on full frame cameras.

[luke gtr]

He would be saving hundreds. He wouldn't be getting hundreds back in gst.

this.

the Sony a77 I want is $1567 from Georges.

that's body ONLY.

with lens, $19??

I can get it for $1400 with lens off eBay from hk.

Saving around 500 from eBay, or 200 gay back, and that's IF you're travelling overseas, which I'm not.

[GoldZilla]

If he is going OS he can claim the GST back on the local camera. You cant do that on a grey import because they overwhelmingly state dodgy values on the documentation. Just something to keep in mind.

A pair of L lenses (say a 24-105 & a 70-300) is two and a bit grand. If you want big apertures the cost goes up some more.

Can you fit an L lens to a 60D?

You can use L-series lenses on any EOS DSLR, as far as I know - the only difference between using an EF-S and an EF lens on an APS-C sensor camera is whether you're matching the white or red dots when you attach the lens to the body.

If the OP is stating that he's buying his first DSLR, why should he spend thousands on a 5D and L-series lenses? He's already stated that he has a budget of $1500 - that wouldn't even cover a 5D body! The man's gotta crawl and then walk before he can run, right?

Even the kit lenses have image stabilisation on most of them.