Buying a SLR camera

[FuNkEr]

Hey guys!

Yes, another one of "those" threads

I'm looking into buying myself a good / average SLR camera, and I'm looking for advice. All is want is some good sound advice, tips and things to look out, since I'm not very clued-up on SLR cameras and photography in general, and I'm not intending to do professional photography or something likewise.

I had a look at some of the Canon EOS's and a lot of people I spoke to said that the Canon EOS range is quite good. Then there's some who prefer the Nikon Dxx series.
I have a budget of around R6k - R7k give or take R1k. I don't know if that is a realistic budget though.

Thanks in advance guys!
Regards

 

[binkybozo]

heya, so what do you want to photograph? is this going to be a hobby that you are wanting to start and plan to invest money in a body and or lenses or do you not have the desire to invest in future upgrades and instead just want to camera to shoot family, friends and holidays with?

if it is a new hobby that you want to start then R6 - R7, will get you started on a basic starter dslr, i am a nikon fan so i don't know much about canon. the nikon d3100 is a great beginners camera and for that amount of money you should be able to find a twin lens kits for sale on the net, try orms, outdoor photo or s.a. camera (there is a camera shop thread here in the photography forum). the canon fans here will be able to tell you about the canon side of things. have a look at www.dpreview.com for more information and to do side by side comparisons of dslrs on the market. both nikon and canon make brilliant cameras so i really don't think choosing one brand over the other will be a mistake (but nikon is better...lol!). one thing i can say is that the canon market is very big here so for second hand purchases you will find more canon bodies and lenses on the market than you will nikon, plus 2nd hand canon products tend to be cheaper than nikon 2nd hand so if you are looking for future purchases (like a lens) without breaking the bank then you might want to go canon.

if you just want a camera to pick up, go, shoot family, friends and holidays then you might want to look into getting a bridge camera. bridge cameras are cameras between point and shoot cameras and dslrs. there are some excellent ones out there at the moment and will fall perfectly into your price range. they have excellent zoom are easy to shoot with and you do not have to break the bank to get one or spend more money investing in good lenses.

 

[FuNkEr]

Thanks so much for the advice!

At the moment it's not a hobby I want to start but rather just shooting friends, family, holidays ect. But I always had an admiration for good photography and if I have the time I would want to start shooting nature scenes ect. maybe sometime in the future.

Thank you for the advice, I will surely keep it in mind!

 

[flarkit]

Don't forget, a few basic extras (bag, battery, memory, tripod) can set you back a bit more too. If the bug does bite, you'll be looking at more lenses as well in no time. A decent bridge camera is a very good alternative IMO, with many of the expert features you'd need for everyday hobby/amateur photography.

You're certain to enjoy playing with a DSLR, but before taking the leap, do take a good look at the slightly cheaper alternative too

 

[FuNkEr]

Thanks !

One DSLR I looked at is the Canon EOS 60D. Looks quite impressive. (I think)

Available from BHPhotoVideo for $1399. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/732048-REG/Canon_4460B004_EOS_60D_DSLR_Camera.html

Not quite in the R6k - R7k range, but maybe worth it.

 

[Mier]

If you're not set on Canon, I suggest you also take a look at the Nikon D3100. For your budget, you should be able to get the twin lens bundle.

 

[FuNkEr]

If you're not set on Canon, I suggest you also take a look at the Nikon D3100. For your budget, you should be able to get the twin lens bundle.

Thanks man, having a look at it right now!

*edit* --> WOW, it really looks like a decent camera at a very reasonable price! ($650) Thanks!

 

[binkybozo]

b&h is great but it is nice to spend a bit extra and have that s.a. warranty so i would buy local. if i am not mistaken i remember seeing an advert either for game or for incredible corruption a nikon d3100 twin lens deal for around 7k. there are lots of christmas special going on at the moment so i am sure you can find one for you budget

 

[OMB]

http://www.makro.co.za/p/40493/nikon-d3100-twin-lens-kit/ R6999 - camera training a bonus!
* Kit includes:
* Nikon D3100, 18-55mm and VR lens 55-200mm VR lens
* 14 megapixel CMOS sensor
* Full HD (1920 x 1080) video recording
* Guide mode-perfect for any skill level
* 3"LCD with view
* Camera training worth R1 200
* 2 year warranty

 

[undesign]

Pretty good deal. There may be similar Canon 500D deals around also.

 

[FuNkEr]

http://www.makro.co.za/p/40493/nikon-d3100-twin-lens-kit/ R6999 - camera training a bonus!
* Kit includes:
* Nikon D3100, 18-55mm and VR lens 55-200mm VR lens
* 14 megapixel CMOS sensor
* Full HD (1920 x 1080) video recording
* Guide mode-perfect for any skill level
* 3"LCD with view
* Camera training worth R1 200
* 2 year warranty

Good deal indeed, thanks man, appreciate it!

 

[OMB]

Good deal indeed, thanks man, appreciate it!

pleasure

 

[Neverwhere]

I just got this and I'm very happy with it for a beginner its great.

 

[FuNkEr]

A friend of mine is leaving for Canada tonight... I told her she should look for a good price on the 60D, if it's still too expensive I'll go for the Nikon then.

 

[bwana]

A friend of mine is leaving for Canada tonight... I told her she should look for a good price on the 60D, if it's still too expensive I'll go for the Nikon then.

Good plan. The 60D is a camera you'll grow into rather than out of.