Thread: Entry level camera?

What sort of budget did you have in mind?

As Geoff said

Your in luck as both Camerahouse.com.au and Teds have excellent deals on both Canon and Nikon ATM for the base rang in Canon 1100D 550D 600D I am not into Nikon so maybe others may have some input.

Ray

Check out Discount Digital Photographics they have an excellent range of canon and Nikon cameras at very good prices.
It's where I bought my Canon 40D a few years back.

Most of the point-and-shooters also have a considerable range of manual controls too; if you want to keep the price under the point where you start going for DSLRs, multiple lenses and so on, the Canon G10/G11/G12 (whatever model Canon is up to now) is a pretty good alternative for around $350-$400 (G11) - it has the nice feature of having a flash shoe, so you can use proper flashes.

Honestly haven't even considered a budget and I have just begun surfing the net looking at ideas. Basically I'm interested in opinions from people who use them and go from there. The purchase will probably be at least 6-12 months away yet but if I give the family an idea I'm interested in it then they will prob start putting money towards it which will help my budget out

Corbs I have looked at the Canon range since the 300D was released for me I need to handle them damn hands fingers etc to reach buttons. I have found that all up to the 60D (EDITED) are plastic from 60D they feel like a real camera should. Lenses basic same.

I still use my Canon EOS100 film heavy magnesium body.

hey corbs, i got a cannon 550d and its pretty sweet!

Just for more info... the camera I'm looking for will be a DSLR starting off with a basic lens to learn with. I have a couple of point and shoots with a good range of features but want to go a little further than they will allow.

Originally Posted by corbs

Just for more info... the camera I'm looking for will be a DSLR starting off with a basic lens to learn with. I have a couple of point and shoots with a good range of features but want to go a little further than they will allow.

Corbs go check the sites I gave you as both have the 550D with 3 lenses ideal starter.

If i had the $$ I'd be doing it.

Corbs, skip buying a "basic" I take it you mean "kit" lens with whatever camera you end up getting.
FWIW, my advice is go for a discontinued Canon or Nikon DSLR body and then get the BEST LENS your budget can afford. This lens will proibably be a single focal length jobbie, but it will stay with you the rest of your life as you progesssively up grade the DSLR body.

Fred, I just had a look at the two links you posted. If I had the money I would be interested in going down that avenue but it's still a bit of a wait yet. I could only see the 550D from Teds with up to two lenses though unless I was looking in the wrong spot.

Thanks for the info so far too guys... it's greatly appreaciated

Originally Posted by corbs

Fred, I just had a look at the two links you posted. If I had the money I would be interested in going down that avenue but it's still a bit of a wait yet. I could only see the 550D from Teds with up to two lenses though unless I was looking in the wrong spot.

Thanks for the info so far too guys... it's greatly appreaciated

Fred ??? who's Fred

My apologies Corbs Ted's did only have the 550D with 2 lens

Camerahouse does have the 600D with 3 lens not the 550D

Ray

Originally Posted by wheelinround

Fred ??? who's Fred
Ray

You rang?

Another vote for the Canon entry range, but would go for the 450/500/550/600 range rather than the 1000D.

I have the 450D and it does all I want, particularly like the Live View on the big screen for my pen photography and the Canon 60mm Macro lens.

I agree with Ian, what matters is the lens, the rest is IMHO eventually disposable. This means resisting deals with a bunch of cheap lenses and buying a basic body and the very best lens you can afford. If you can afford it, a stretch to a pro-series lens (in the case of Canon they are the L series lenses) will be a better investment and once you use a pro-series lens, even on a basic body, everything else looks ordinary.

My 17 - 85 kit lens that I bought with my 20D has been in for repair twice and fixing those things ain't cheap. For what I've spent on the lens plus repairs I could have almost bought a pro series lens. Not to mention the lost images. The first time it stopped working was in the middle of a birthday party, the second time it broke on day on 2 of a 7 day stay in Venice.

Since buying my 70-200L lens I won't buy another lens unless it is a proseries lens.