New DSLR. Advice appreciated.

[Messiah]

I'm looking at buying my first DSLR and going through the same considerations and deliberations that I guess most first time buyers go through. I have started narrowing my choices but would welcome any further advice.

My initial query is whether I go for a 'cheap' (c. £500) DSLR with a view to changing in about 6-9 months time. The cameras that fit here (for me) are the Canon 350D (or wait for the new Canon 400D), Nikon D50, Sony Alpha 100 and Olympus E-500.

Alternatively, do I go for a mid range such as the Canon 30D, Nikon D70s or wait for the D80.

TBH, I don't believe I am ever likely to want to go above the likes of a 30D, D80, but who knows. At the moment I am leaning toward the 30D but no strong reasons for that.

I do have an existing Canon EOS300 with a Canon 28-70 lens and a Sigma 70-300 DL macro super. Not sure whether these lens should factor my decision toward Canon for re-use or whether they are crappy and should be discarded.

I am likely to be shooting wildlife (in the photography sense of course ), landscapes and architecture.

Any advice very gratefully received, as it's doing my nut at the moment and I think the GF will be glad when I get my head out of the photography mags. Thanks

[Kobus]

Canon vs Nikon ???? both are great.

Your current lenses must surely be taken into account.

The 400D looks like a great camera. In my opinion the next level of cameras does not offer that much more. The way things are changing, I think it is good to buy entry level (as there is nothing wrong ith them) and invest the extra money in lenses.

If later you feel you are serious enough them maybe get a "better" camera.

A more expensive camera will not produce better wildlife pictures. Better glass could, depending in the operator.

Kobus

[@Home]

Originally Posted by Messiah

I'm looking at buying my first DSLR and going through the same considerations and deliberations that I guess most first time buyers go through. I have started narrowing my choices but would welcome any further advice.

My initial query is whether I go for a 'cheap' (c. £500) DSLR with a view to changing in about 6-9 months time. The cameras that fit here (for me) are the Canon 350D (or wait for the new Canon 400D), Nikon D50, Sony Alpha 100 and Olympus E-500.

Alternatively, do I go for a mid range such as the Canon 30D, Nikon D70s or wait for the D80.

TBH, I don't believe I am ever likely to want to go above the likes of a 30D, D80, but who knows. At the moment I am leaning toward the 30D but no strong reasons for that.

I do have an existing Canon EOS300 with a Canon 28-70 lens and a Sigma 70-300 DL macro super. Not sure whether these lens should factor my decision toward Canon for re-use or whether they are crappy and should be discarded.

I am likely to be shooting wildlife (in the photography sense of course ), landscapes and architecture.

Any advice very gratefully received, as it's doing my nut at the moment and I think the GF will be glad when I get my head out of the photography mags. Thanks

Hi

If you decied you want to go with the Nikon D50, take a look here -

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=386814

I have one for sale and well, go look you will see...

Good Luck with your search.

[MarkE19]

IMO you should stick to a Canon DSLR (sorry @Home ) as you already have Canon fit lenses. Even if you don't use them for long it does give the wallet a chance to recover a little before you start buying 'L' glass
So now it is down to a 350D/400D or the bigger 30D. If the bigger size of the30D is more comfortable in your hands then you should go for that over the smaller cameras. Some find the smaller 350D too small, but I personally find it works for me and also has the advantage of being lighter to carry around all day.
AFAIK the 400D & older 350D will be about the same size & weight, so if you want the smaller camera it is a matter of waiting a month or so for the 400D to be released or if you want a camera now you will need to get the 350D. The new 400D does have a few nice extras over the 350D, but then again it is likely to be a fair few quid more expensive for at least a couple of months.

Mark.

[Messiah]

Thanks guys. Still undecided though I think narrowed down to the Canon 350D, 400D or 30D. Am gonna take another trip to Jessops this week and have another 'feel' of the different models and see which one feels right.

Thanks again

[Mikey2cv]

I bought the Sony Alpha at the weekend, but tried both the 350D and 30D. The 350D was just to small to hold properly (I do have large hands tho') but the 30D was great to hold. I was sorely tempted by the 30D but it would have blown the budget...

[Messiah]

Originally Posted by Mikey2cv

I bought the Sony Alpha at the weekend, but tried both the 350D and 30D. The 350D was just to small to hold properly (I do have large hands tho') but the 30D was great to hold. I was sorely tempted by the 30D but it would have blown the budget...

Just back from Jessops where I ended up buying the 30D. Wanted to keep below £1k but after holding the 30D I was sort of hooked. It just feels right. More right than the 350D. Could have stayed below the budget but bought it with the 17-85 IS USM lens. Ah well, it's only money.

Just hope it's not a 5 minute wonder for me

[Zone]

Originally Posted by Messiah

Ah well, it's only money

Thats the attitude mate

Originally Posted by Messiah

Just hope it's not a 5 minute wonder for me

I thought the same thing almost 30yrs ago after being given my first SLR a Pentax ME Super!

I'm still hooked, enjoy mate

[Messiah]

Any recommendations on what my next lens should be. I'm guessing something with a decent zoom like a 70-300mm? Suggestions?

I already have a Sigma 70-300mm but only a cheapy so unlikley to do the camera any justice at all. Guessing I should probably stick with IS and USM.

Thanks.

[sjameson]

How about something for the wide end if you already have the zoom covered. Remember the 1.6 crop factor so you 17-85 is really like a 27-135.

10-22 :-

[Messiah]

Now you see, that's where the dorks in the local shops really pee me off. Being a newbie but knowing all about this 1.6 thing I specifically asked the Jessops guy if the 17-85 lens supplied with the 30D was subject to the 1.6 multiplication. He said categorically "No. Because it is a 'Digital lens' (I assumed he meant specifically designed for a D-SLR) the 17-85 is the actual maginification you will get when used on the camera."

Great stuff.

Thanks.

[sjameson]

The numbers on EF-S lenses can be directly compared with non EF-S lenses so are still subject to the 1.6 crop factor. 10-22 = 16-35 etc...

[sjameson]

17-85 will still be a cool walk around lens...

If 10-22 is a bit too pricey then the Sigma 10-20 is a good choice too.

[MattTheBeanster]

ah but the canon 10-22 with the £70 cash back (he got with teh 30d) can be had for £309 from one stop digital. makes it tempting doesn't it

[dood]

Originally Posted by Messiah

Any recommendations on what my next lens should be. I'm guessing something with a decent zoom like a 70-300mm? Suggestions?
... Guessing I should probably stick with IS and USM.

Thanks.

Well the lens that's got me fired up now is the just announced new Canon 70-200 f/4 L IS. This has a 4 stop advantage, more than any other IS lens I know. Furthermore it is the same size as the fantastic non-IS version and only slightly heavier, so not quite the beast that the 70-200 f/2.8 L IS is. My only problem is that I have just bought the 70-200 non-IS lens. I hate this game!

Edit: Forgive my rant. I just remembered that you mentioned wildlife. Perhaps you should consider the Canon 100-400 L IS. Excellent lens (but big). You haven't indicated what budget you have but this would blow your sigma away.