First DSLR R10 000

[Nangi]

I want to buy a DSLR camera, and these are the options I am considering: Max R10 000(now)

700d with 18-55mm IS STM for R7889
http://fotodiscountworld.co.za/shop/eos-700d-18-55-is-stm-lens-kit-18-million-pixels/

and then add this at a later stage:

Sigma Lens 18-200/3.5-6.3 II DC OS HSM R3700
http://fotodiscountworld.co.za/shop/sigma-lens-18-2003-5-6-3-ii-dc-os-hsm-canon-mount/

I've read several reviews which said the 650d is the same camera at a lower price, not sure how true this is. I will accept 650d suggestions. Photos take preference over video in terms of quality and equipment. I'm not a complete amateur in photography, but I am a beginner. I have used both 650d and 700d and they seem the same to me. Didn't notice the difference.

 

[Nanfeishen]

If you were in C.T. , i would have recommended either of the following:

Canon 650D Ultimate Bundle (18-55mm IS STM + 55-250mm IS+ 50mm 1.8 + 32gb SD + Backpack + Software + Gorilla Tripod)
R9,195.00
http://www.cameraworld.co.za/Home/t...7/Default.aspx?SortField=UnitCost,ProductName

or this for an extra 2K
Canon 700D Ultimate Bundle (18-55mm IS STM + 75-300mm + 50mm 1.8 + 32gb SD + Backpack + Software + Gorilla Tripod)
R11,995.00
http://www.cameraworld.co.za/Home/t...6/Default.aspx?SortField=UnitCost,ProductName

 

[cueball]

I've read several reviews which said the 650d is the same camera at a lower price, not sure how true this is.

They are pretty much the same with some minor, but pretty irrelevant, differences. Common opinion is that the 700D was conjured up as an excuse to make a fuss about the new STM version of the 18-55mm kit lens.

I wouldn't go with a 18-200 as a second lens. The larger the range between the short and long end of a zoom lens, the more compromises need to be made in either image quality or low price. For this reason, something like a 70-200mm lens would be better than a 18-200mm, all else being equal. Since your 18-55mm kits lens already covers up to 55mm, you should aim for a longer zoom that starts at 55mm at the short end.

Similarly-priced options for a longer zoom:

• EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II, around R3,500
• EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM, around R4,500
• EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, although that's closer to the R7,000 mark

Second-hand is also an option, there are plenty of good deals to be had from bidorbuy. All 3 my lenses were bought there, no issues at all. In hindsight I wish I'd gone the second-hand route from the start, but c'est la vie.

 

[Nangi]

If you were in C.T. , i would have recommended either of the following:

Canon 650D Ultimate Bundle (18-55mm IS STM + 55-250mm IS+ 50mm 1.8 + 32gb SD + Backpack + Software + Gorilla Tripod)
R9,195.00
http://www.cameraworld.co.za/Home/t...7/Default.aspx?SortField=UnitCost,ProductName

or this for an extra 2K
Canon 700D Ultimate Bundle (18-55mm IS STM + 75-300mm + 50mm 1.8 + 32gb SD + Backpack + Software + Gorilla Tripod)
R11,995.00
http://www.cameraworld.co.za/Home/t...6/Default.aspx?SortField=UnitCost,ProductName

Thanks. The ultimate bundle is available this side for R8900. I think I might go for that. it will save me a lot of money on accessories

 

[Nangi]

They are pretty much the same with some minor, but pretty irrelevant, differences. Common opinion is that the 700D was conjured up as an excuse to make a fuss about the new STM version of the 18-55mm kit lens.

I wouldn't go with a 18-200 as a second lens. The larger the range between the short and long end of a zoom lens, the more compromises need to be made in either image quality or low price. For this reason, something like a 70-200mm lens would be better than a 18-200mm, all else being equal. Since your 18-55mm kits lens already covers up to 55mm, you should aim for a longer zoom that starts at 55mm at the short end.

Similarly-priced options for a longer zoom:

• EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II, around R3,500
• EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM, around R4,500
• EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, although that's closer to the R7,000 mark

Second-hand is also an option, there are plenty of good deals to be had from bidorbuy. All 3 my lenses were bought there, no issues at all. In hindsight I wish I'd gone the second-hand route from the start, but c'est la vie.

the second hand route seems great because of the prices. But I'm worried about getting a faulty camera/lens

 

[alexjay]

My Canon 7D I bought new. Bought a 2nd hand Canon 50D and 2nd hand lenses at Orms. No issues.

 

[Badprop_za]

the second hand route seems great because of the prices. But I'm worried about getting a faulty camera/lens

Hi Nangi, pop by Outdoorphoto. It is close to you. Besides selling new camera equipment, they also sell secondhand equipment that they have checked to make sure all is in order. If in Rosebank, you could go to Kameraz as well.

 

[cueball]

the second hand route seems great because of the prices. But I'm worried about getting a faulty camera/lens

It is always a risk, but you quickly get a feel for someone's reputation just by browsing their historical sales items and ratings. There are several folks who move a lot of camera equipment, and I'd typically deal with them rather than some random Joe. I've been fortunate in 2 instances I've actually been able to test the lenses in person as I bought from someone close to me.

 

[Nangi]

Hi Nangi, pop by Outdoorphoto. It is close to you. Besides selling new camera equipment, they also sell secondhand equipment that they have checked to make sure all is in order. If in Rosebank, you could go to Kameraz as well.

Thanks. Il check it out

 

[Nangi]

It is always a risk, but you quickly get a feel for someone's reputation just by browsing their historical sales items and ratings. There are several folks who move a lot of camera equipment, and I'd typically deal with them rather than some random Joe. I've been fortunate in 2 instances I've actually been able to test the lenses in person as I bought from someone close to me.

If I can test the equipment before buying then I'd feel better about doing it.

 

[saor]

Second-hand is also an option, there are plenty of good deals to be had from bidorbuy. All 3 my lenses were bought there, no issues at all. In hindsight I wish I'd gone the second-hand route from the start, but c'est la vie.

Was actually wondering if people went the second-hand route with cameras like this seeing as how the store warranty has most likely expired. We've got an EOS 650D in the office - brand new that's been used maybe 4 or 5 times just here in the office. Will maybe put it up on mybb next week then. Will unfortunately only be available in cape town tho.

 

[Badprop_za]

http://www.outdoorphoto.co.za/index.php?route=information/secondhand

Here is a link to the secondhand equipment available at ODP!

 

[cueball]

Was actually wondering if people went the second-hand route with cameras like this seeing as how the store warranty has most likely expired. We've got an EOS 650D in the office - brand new that's been used maybe 4 or 5 times just here in the office. Will maybe put it up on mybb next week then. Will unfortunately only be available in cape town tho.

If you don't find any takers, you can put it up on bidorbuy. Add as much detail as you can, and actual pictures as well. Listings that are scant on detail tend to get passed by in favour of those that are more detailed.

 

[AhComment]

Nangi - look at the Game / Makro ads . Inc Connect too . Try to get a 650D with 50mm nifty fifty , 18-55 EFS and 70-300 EF bundle , will be around ZAR 10 000. ODP or ORMS will also have deals on that item. On the crop sensor 650 the 50mm becomes a 80mm portrait lens and the 70-300 gives effective 480mm.
Aftermarket / 3 rd party lenses ? Go Sigma for 120-400 on that Canon.
As mentioned in other places too , 18 - 200 or 50 - 500 can work , but then you need to live within useful focal lenghts for that specific lens.

 

[cueball]

Try to get a 650D with 50mm nifty fifty , 18-55 EFS and 70-300 EF bundle , will be around ZAR 10 000.

The EF 70-300mm is a ~R7,000 lens, you aren't getting that bundle for R10,000 anywhere.

You might be thinking of the 75-300mm, which is often bundled. It has no IS and is widely held to be the worst lens Canon sells. The 55-250mm IS II has far better image quality.

 

[AhComment]

75-300 EF III USM . SOOC on a 500D body.

 

[Nangi]

Im still a beginner. A photographer advised me to go for an Is lens. Thinking of getting a 650d ultimate bundle for R9000, 18-55 DC lens, 50mm f1.8 lens , 55-250mm IS lens, Sandisk 8GB & 16GB extreme card, Lowepro Hatchback Pro backpack, Gorillapod, Lens and Flash Book. I'l add lenses according to where my photography takes me...

 

[cueball]

Im still a beginner. A photographer advised me to go for an Is lens. Thinking of getting a 650d ultimate bundle for R9000, 18-55 DC lens, 50mm f1.8 lens , 55-250mm IS lens, Sandisk 8GB & 16GB extreme card, Lowepro Hatchback Pro backpack, Gorillapod, Lens and Flash Book. I'l add lenses according to where my photography takes me...

Good bundle. That'll take you far and you might not need additional lenses for years unless you find a specific need not covered by them.

 

[Nangi]

What is the main benefit of an STM lens over a normal IS lens apart from the low noise? And is the IS lens noise really that bad?

 

[fvdbergh]

What is the main benefit of an STM lens over a normal IS lens apart from the low noise? And is the IS lens noise really that bad?

I have not used the Canon 650D, but I can tell you that a comparable Nikon set-up (D7000 with 35 mm f/1.8 [a +- R3k lens], which should be similar to the non-STM configuration you are referring to) still causes distinctly audible focus noise (in the recorded video) if you enable continuous AF during video mode.

Of course, it depends very much on your intended use. For family video, the STM will probably be sufficient. If you plan on making higher quality videos, get a directional external microphone --- that way the AF noise is largely irrelevant anyway.

Also, keep in mind that the depth of field of an SLR (at large aperture settings) can be rather shallow for certain video applications, making it harder to keep moving subjects in focus. For this reason a dedicated video camera (with a smaller sensor, hence typically much more DOF at equivalent field of view angles) is a lot easier to use for many home video applications (kids running around, etc.). I typically use the SLR only when the subjects are relatively stationary, e.g., sitting at a table; that allows me to use a large aperture prime (such as the 35 mm f/1.8) to produce some really nice looking video under those conditions.