Name me a camera, sub €1000

10-10-20

Hi guys! I'm in the market for a new SLR or compact-SLR.

I'm currently using and loving my trusty FujiFilm Finepix S7000, but I have an opportunity to upgrade now.

The features which I use the most are the extended exposure times (>3s) and also the wide aperture settings. The aperture opens to F2.8 on this model. I also enjoy taking short movies, so an improvement on the 640x480 limit of this model would be welcome. I'd also like to stay with AA batteries as I feel that I have more control over them than manufacturer specific cells.

I need a lightweight frame and I like the integrated body/lens on the S7000, but I don't necessarily need stay with this design - maybe a body and add-on lenses would be an option.

My father has the S9600, and while this is nice, I think I need a bigger jump than just an upgrade of my current unit.

So, keeping within a budget of €1000 for a camera solution (including lens(es)), what do you guys recommend?

Paulw

Try Canon 400D plus one or two lenses, with memory cards. Should come to around €800 or so.

Browse ebay sites like kea-photo which have great deals.

Calina

400D has a manufacturer specific battery.

I don't know if any entry level DSLRs actually use AA batteries tbh. Is that a deal killer? Because if not, I'd second the 400D. You'll need to tell us more about what photographs you take in terms of recommending lenses though.

nilhg

No short movies on any DSLR, if this is important to you, you are stuck with a bridge model.
Have a look through the reviews on dpreview.com to get an idea whats available.

5uspect

Calina wrote:

400D has a manufacturer specific battery.

I don't know if any entry level DSLRs actually use AA batteries tbh. Is that a deal killer? Because if not, I'd second the 400D. You'll need to tell us more about what photographs you take in terms of recommending lenses though.

you can get the battery grip if you want to use AAs. The grip is great anyway!

Oriel

Go into a shop and try a Nikon D80 and a Canon D400.
Buy whichever you like the best.

Biro

Does the Olympus DSLR not have a movie capability because of some new way that they're arranging the sensor and mirror layout?

10-10-20

I get what you are saying about the reflex lens preventing videos, but what category does that put my S7000 into then? It's not a true DSLR...?

jubi lee

Nikon D80 - wider selection of lenses. Some canon folks end up buying adaptors to use the nikon lenses but both cameras are much the same really.

Got mine sub 1000 with lense, memory card

jellybean520

Check out the deals on this website;

http://www.ajpurdy.co.uk/

I'm a Canon fan so either the 400D or the 30D are good bets.

nilhg

10-10-20 wrote:

I get what you are saying about the reflex lens preventing videos, but what category does that put my S7000 into then? It's not a true DSLR...?

S7000 is a bridge camera, to be a slr must have interchangeable lenses.
I read some where that Olympus could have done video on the 410/510 but left it out for cost reasons.

Duchovny

400D with 28-133mm IS USM lens

m_stan

For low light you want a fast lens - the 50mm f1.5 is cheap and chearful and gets great results in low light. Only issue is its restricted in the fact that its not a zoom lens which would be a pain in churches for weddings. Might still be worth getting though, as it'll cost you around 70 Eur online (try Kea Photo on Ebay). If you think the prime will be too restrictive, look out for a fast lens that has a zoom capability.

Aside from that, for general everyday use I love my Canon 17-85 IS. Nice range, has IS, within your budget.

10-10-20

Guys, thanks for your recommendations above. I've decided on the 400D and I'll get two lenses with it.

My next question is - what lens!

I'm into taking lots of family shots, wedding shots also, my church photos always appear dark or blurred (lack of light). I also like to have a reasonable zoom for items which may catch my interest such as wild-life.

I'd be looking to spend ~€350 each on the lenses - so what would you recommend? I think I'm tied down to buying Cannon lenses - so that rules out sigma's etc...

joolsveer

nilhg wrote:

S7000 is a bridge camera, to be a slr must have interchangeable lenses.
I read some where that Olympus could have done video on the 410/510 but left it out for cost reasons.

My definition of an SLR would be a camera where the viewfinder shows the scene through the lens by using a mirror which then flips out of the way to expose the film or the sensor. It does not have to have interchangeable lenses.

I have a Yashica TLR which differs from an SLR as the viewfinder uses a different lens.

jaqian

nilhg wrote:

to be a slr must have interchangeable lenses

Not neccessarily true, there are fixed lens dSLR. The advantage is that you don't have to worry about dust
but you are restricted to the built in lens. The Olympus E-20N is an (old) example of a fixed lens dSLR.

Calina

10-10-20 wrote:

Guys, thanks for your recommendations above. I've decided on the 400D and I'll get two lenses with it.

My next question is - what lens!

I'm into taking lots of family shots, wedding shots also, my church photos always appear dark or blurred (lack of light). I also like to have a reasonable zoom for items which may catch my interest such as wild-life.

I'd be looking to spend ~€350 each on the lenses - so what would you recommend? I think I'm tied down to buying Cannon lenses - so that rules out sigma's etc...

You're tied into Canon fit lenses, but not Canon lenses. WFor what you are looking, I would suggest that you spend the following money:

1) 50mm 1.8 for those lowlight conditions. You won't get a zoom that can handle lowlight for the money you're looking for but the 50mm is well within budget

2) to start off with, a Sigma 70-300mm DG APO zoom lens. It's a very handy zoom - I still use mine quite a bit. This will leave you a lot of change out of your 700E which you could fling at some filters polarisers, and a battery grip for example. Take the kit lens if it's offered - it's got its uses. Alternatively, if you're feeling profligate, you can get a 10-20mm Sigma as well.

Other people around here have much more expensive tastes than I have. They might add something to the debate shortly.

10-10-20

Thanks m_stan and Calina,
That's two mentions for the 50mm f/1.8. I'll look into it.

5uspect

10-10-20 wrote:

Thanks m_stan and Calina,
That's two mentions for the 50mm f/1.8. I'll look into it.

+3 for the plastic fantastic. Great lens.

Spyral

argh all these ye olde ubere shoppes and I cannot buy stuff as I have to spend my money on food while at uni.. !!! STUPID GOVERNMENT STUPID NO GRANT AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH

maybe if i pretend im disabled i'll get some money.... hmmm

RichyX

Calina wrote:

I don't know if any entry level DSLRs actually use AA batteries tbh.

Pentax K100D & Samsung SLR's use AA.

Thank f*ck!