What Camera? (Entry level...)

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broken1

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I am looking to get a DSLR camera, entry level to start fooling around with some photography. Build skill and see where it takes me.

What camera would the forum recommend?

I actually bought a Canon EOS 350D today, with the 18-35mm lense. The camera was a real bargin (demo clearance) but when I took it home, first there was no charger, then the inside (after I took the lense off) didn't look 100%. It had massive dust inside the camera. Straight back to the shop, who gave me a full refund because they couldnt find the charger or the lense cap. I had originally paid R3k which is a steal - but not worth it if it's not going to be what I want.

I am now basically looking at the Nikon D40 or Canon 400D (unless I can find another 350D somewhere).

My reasoning for the 350D is entry level SLR, but with 8.1MP's and a half decent sensor and stuff, should be more than what I need right now.

Anything I should know or consider. Is it worth it to spend a bit more now and have a camera that will last longer - or can I find a really great deal somewhere?
 
D40 is great. Very intuitive menus with a '?' button you can press at any time for info, shooting tips on conditions, lighting, scenarios etc.
 
broken1 said:
My reasoning for the 350D is entry level SLR, but with 8.1MP's and a half decent sensor and stuff, should be more than what I need right now.
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First and foremost, establish what your total budget is, then when looking for a camera include in the purchase price all the accessories you believe you will need to start with. (chargers, batteries, memory cards, etc)
Then go shopping.

If you are after an entry level dslr, from canon a 350D will be more than sufficient for your needs, don't get drawn into megapixels debate, you really wont notice any difference.
If you can get a good deal on anything over and above a 350D, go for it.

2 shots of mine with a 350D and its 'half decent sensor and stuff'.
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showpost.php?p=2741449&postcount=354

;)
 
I have a Nikon D40 and the quality and ease of use is awesome! The lens is a bit limiting though, but you can't go wrong.
 
I totally agree, one only needs more pixels for huge prints. If you want to save cash now, get a camera like the Nikon D40 - it's relatively inexpensive.

I recently also bought a D60 cause I do need to do huge prints. The quality is exactly the same as the D40.

And when you have extra cash invest in a good lens, which can go onto another camera one day. I bought the Nikkor 18-200mm VR lens. (more than the camera) One day when I can afford a serious DSLR camera the lens will go onto it.
 
Sneeky said:
your new years resolution said you were not going to entertain any posts with lens talk in them ;)

same camera with a 70-300mm lens, an entry level zoom. Nothing wrong with a 350D.
http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showphoto.php/photo/10372/size/big/cat/500

imho the pixel issue only makes a difference if you are going to do huge prints.
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These days people seem to be a lot more likely to crop than print. If all you are ever going to do is flickr then that's fine - you've still got the wiggle room but start making A3 and up prints and you want as many pixels as you can have.

My new years resolution was not entertaining any threads with the word "lense". :)

BTW - one thing the 350D doesnt have that all subsequent canons have is sensor cleaning. When I had to send my 400D in for a new LCD the cleaning was one of the issues that tipped me in the direction of getting the 2nd 400D as a backup instead of the less expensive 350D.
 
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bwana said:
These days people seem to be a lot more likely to crop than print. If all you are ever going to do it flickr then that's fine - you've still got the wiggle room but start making A3 and up prints and you want as many pixels as you can have.

My new years resolution was not entertaining any threads with the word "lense". :)

BTW - one thing the 350D doesnt have that all subsequent canons have is sensor cleaning. When I had to send my 400D in for a new LCD the cleaning was one of the issues that tipped me in the direction of getting the 2nd 400D as a backup instead of the less expensive 350D.
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Bwana....you know where I could get a decent priced 400D kit? I stay in the Sandton Area.
 
broken1 said:
Bwana....you know where I could get a decent priced 400D kit? I stay in the Sandton Area.
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Sorry - havent seen 400Ds in a while - then again our choice of camera shops in PE is kind of limited :o

Perhaps call up SA Camera or Orms and see if they have any lying around? They we discontinued a while after the 350D so you might get lucky.
 
bwana said:
I think if he can afford that r56k lens of yours...
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What lens is that? :confused:

broken1 said:
Bwana....you know where I could get a decent priced 400D kit? I stay in the Sandton Area.
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You're more likely to find older kit from shops who aren't photography shops and who buy in bulk, i.e. Game, Makro, etc. Photography shops are less likely to own their stock, so when a product gets discontinued, they often have to send their stock back.
 
I found a 350 kit with 2GB memory card and bag at Dion Wired for R4k if anyone is looking for a cheap backup!
 
Koffie, I imported it from B&H in the US a few years ago so it was not nearly as expensive.

My point though is simple, rather get a basic entry level dslr, and spend extra on glass which, if you stick to your brand (Nikon / Canon), you can keep for as you change / upgrade bodies.
The entry level dslr's are very capable.

99.9% of the time the camera exceeds the users ability when they are just starting out and they will undoubtedly get better results by spending more on glass.
If you can afford to do a bit of both, thats cool too.

All boils down to how much cash you have to spend at the beginning, work around that and get the best complete deal.
 
broken1 said:
I found a 350 kit with 2GB memory card and bag at Dion Wired for R4k if anyone is looking for a cheap backup!
Click to expand...

I paid R6599 for my 350D, without cards and stuff when they were released a few years ago, R4K new, good deal.
The memory card they offer is probably slow and you would soon want to upgrade to a Sandisk Ultra II (all you need for the camera), but it will do the job.
 
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