Entry level SLR?

[dmwill]

My little point and shoot Panasonic is getting a bit boring now - probably because it does not compare to all the photos my mates take with their SLRs.

So I figure I might buy myself a Christmas present. I'm not necessarily looking for something new - can go 2nd hand if need be. I don't expect to become a hardcore photographer - just want to produce some decent shots - especially evening/night time shots.

Hi5 in advance for any tips/suggestions.

[thommo]

i cant say i have much experience with a range of cameras but my first dslr ( which i got 3months ago ) nikon d7000. i really like it and is fairly easy to use if you decide to open the instructions haha. atleast with this i know i can upgrade bits and pieces and really have a decent setup one day. best thing on it is dual memory card holder ! one saves video and other set to still images. 32gb in each

[MattyP]

Any of these within your budget will cut it:
http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/browse.asp?idCategory=20&brand=2
Personally I'd go 60D as a nice base camera. Has a moderate motor drive (5fps), good image quality, high def vid..what more do you need.

Lately I'm starting to love what Sony have brought out in the Alpha and NEX range. Though I've yet to use anything Sony, from what I've seen the NEX range will give you the ease of point n shoot compatibility with the image quality of a DSLR.

http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/browse.asp?idCategory=20&brand=7

Any DSLR will give you a good evening / night image when properly exposed and adjusted if need be.

[evil.e30]

could sell you nikon d3000, twin lens kit + extras for $600~ if you're interested

[thrtytwo]

If you end up going canon I've heard not to bother with a 1000-1100D, just go straight for the 550-600D

[JT3]

I've been considering getting an entry level DSLR. From what I've read, for the price, either go for Nikon D3100 or Canon 550D. The Canon 600D is just the newer model that replaced the 550D, but I've read some reviews and the results say that the 550D is generally better than the 600D.

JB Hifi now do Direct Import, so you can get grey market items through JB Hifi, with their warranty. (They'll still probably have to send the unit overseas if you were to claim warranty).

[duste]

550D.

[thrtytwo]

550D is exactly the same as 600D except no flip out screen AFAIK

[_S9_]

550D is exactly the same as 600D except no flip out screen AFAIK
Not quite but its close

http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=canon_eos600d&products=canon_eos550d

The 600d has wireless ETTL flash control and a few different image aspect ratios ;)

[space]

Interested in this question as well, what are all the AL photographers using as their preferred SLR?

What did you end up getting in the end?

[MattyP]

I don't think all AL photogs are using one particular brand or model DSLR. I would say most are either using mid-base to semi-pro Nikons & Canon bodies, complemented with some nice lenses.

[space]

I don't think all AL photogs are using one particular brand or model DSLR. I would say most are either using mid-base to semi-pro Nikons & Canon bodies, complemented with some nice lenses.

Just curious to know exactly which models everyone is using and what price bracket they are in as there seems to be
anything from $500-$10,000. Just trying to work out what's good to spend?

[ALEX.]

Well I Picked up a 550D second-hand for $900 recently. It came with the two lenses, still had a year of Aussie warranty and the previous owner threw in a couple of extra batteries, some well-sized and high-class SD cards, and a Manfrotto tripod. It just shows that second hand can be a real winner.
Second hand doesn't mean the camera's going to have problems either; in my case the previous owner simply wanted to upgrade to a 6D or something.

550D and the 60D have the same sensor. The difference is in a couple of features that the 60D has and 550D doesn't. An example is a higher FPS rate when recording movies (so you can get nice slow-mos) and more FPS when shooting continuous photos. Google comparisons for more info.

DMWILL since it looks like you're just getting into it and you don't appear to be mad-keen or wanting to go crazy, a 60D is probably too much for a body, and a 550D would suffice.
Remember, lenses are where the real $$ will go to improve your images once you've got a decent body, so keep that in mind with your budget (e.g. a fairly decent macro lens will be $1,000+).

[morgazmatron]

I have a Nikon D5000.

I asked the same question when buying it as i was tossing up between that and he Canon 500D i think it was at the time.

Advise i got - Go have a play with some cameras your looking at. They will all take good pictures given a decent lens.

And buy the one you feel most comfortable using.

[Skipmaster J]

If you end up going canon I've heard not to bother with a 1000-1100D, just go straight for the 550-600D

I have a 1000D - love it. I don't need video or burst photo modes (though I can still whack off as many click-click-click photos as i want without any problems.)
Not sure how price etc compares now, I got mine nearly 2 years ago.
It's certainly not a piece of crap - but I suppose if a 550D isn't much pricier (again no idea) you could go that way.
The 1000D was the lightest body Canon had at the time which was a factor for me.

[space]

Well I Picked up a 550D second-hand for $900 recently. It came with the two lenses, still had a year of Aussie warranty and the previous owner threw in a couple of extra batteries, some well-sized and high-class SD cards, and a Manfrotto tripod. It just shows that second hand can be a real winner.
Second hand doesn't mean the camera's going to have problems either; in my case the previous owner simply wanted to upgrade to a 6D or

550D and the 60D have the same sensor. The difference is in a couple of features that the 60D has and 550D doesn't. An example is a higher FPS rate when recording movies (so you can get nice slow-mos) and more FPS when shooting continuous photos. Google comparisons for more info.

DMWILL since it looks like you're just getting into it and you don't appear to be mad-keen or wanting to go crazy, a 60D is probably too much for a body, and a 550D would suffice.
Remember, lenses are where the real $$ will go to improve your images once you've got a decent body, so keep that in mind with your budget (e.g. a fairly decent macro lens will be $1,000+).

How did you end up finding this second hand camera?

[ALEX.]

It was put up on perth-wrx by a member. I jumped on it fairly fast – had to at that price. I wasn't actively looking for one but I knew what I wanted and was just waiting to find a deal some time before Feb when I head overseas.
Camera forums would obviously be a great bet for finding second-hand stuff in a hurry.

[180SXTCY]

Kogan website have canon 550d with a single 18-55 lens ATM for ~680 + delivery, seems like a pretty decent price.

[Chompy]

Ive got a Canon 7D, for what I use it for I cant complain, only just started so learning everything still

[farris]

Ive got a 450D and a 1000D both cheap, easy to use and create pretty good results. From what I have been told its more to do with the lens?

[thrtytwo]

Lol. Say that like a 7D is crap or something. They're awesome!

[hostage_85]

Lol... I've got the 600D. I'm pretty happy with it, just need some decent lens's to go with it.

[DRKWRX]

anything you buy these days is good enough really, people keep expecting better high iso abilities lol Lenses do make a shit tonne of difference, Phil you have a 50mm 1.8 mine was as sharp as my L lenses.

[hostage_85]

I love my 50mm 1.8 man, i just meant I would like some more versatile lenses. I have the Tamron 18-200mm but I find it doesn't seem to be as sharp as the Cannon 18-55mm So I'm using that a lot more at the moment...

[DRKWRX]

yeah usually lenses with that wide a zoom range are pretty shit lol.

[coucheee]

got my 550d ( kiss4x ) japanese version with the 18-55mm for 586 delivered off ebay, upgraded to a nicer 24-105 USM and its great now, its far more advanced then my knowlage so should keep me cover for a few years

[heller44]

After handing off my old 350D to my parents, I picked up a really good condition 50D off gumtree. Prefer to have a look and test before handing over cash.

Still using the 17-55 tamron that I bought second hand with the old body.