Recommend me a DSLR

IamtheWalrus

I want to buy a DSLR and need advice on the best ones out there.#
I'm a complete amateur and I'll be using it for normal family photos and shots on holidays, nature, etc.

I am willing to spend a decent amount if it means the camera is good and will last long.

Is there a particular device that everyone's raving about?

Walrus

dirtyghettokid

what is your budget?
have you a brand preference?
what features do you need?
do you really need a DSLR over a P&S?

IamtheWalrus

dirtyghettokid wrote: »

what is your budget?
have you a brand preference?
what features do you need?
do you really need a DSLR over a P&S?

Budget? Hard to teel because I don't know what a good one costs. I could pay 1000 maybe.

No preference on brand but I'd prefer a known brand for quality assurance.

Features? I dont really know what you mean. I'm plaaning on a trip to the Northern Lights so I'd like to have the camera for that but I'd like it to be an all-rounder too.

Aren't P&S cameras a bit low level? I want great pics.

dirtyghettokid

it would probably be a good idea to get a book on photography. learn a little first, before picking up a camera.
it's the skill of the person that makes great pics, not the camera!

btw, not all P&S cameras are "low level". a canon powershot S100 is near top of the range for P&S and costs about the same as an entry level DSLR.

buying a DSLR won't automatically give you "great pics"

IamtheWalrus

Thanks for all the advice.

On a side note, is this a yea or nay?

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/12648545/art/canon/eos-550d-18-55-mm-lens-75.html

amdgilmore

550D is a good camera. That or a 600D will serve you pretty well.

Just be aware that the entry level DSLRs are not weather sealed (only the top of the range ones are), so if you're expecting heavy rain, fog or snow during your trip, you may need protection for your camera. Water damage is not usually covered under warranties.

And a camera is just a starting point. You also need to budget for a good lens. For sky photography you'll probably need something that can go pretty wide.

IamtheWalrus

Went for this and got it for 805stg.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-EOS-650D-Digital-Camera/dp/B0089V4CK6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1350989667&sr=1-4

bullpost

You'll need a good tripod for Northern lights.

IamtheWalrus wrote: »

Went for this and got it for 805stg.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-EOS-650D-Digital-Camera/dp/B0089V4CK6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1350989667&sr=1-4

IamtheWalrus

bullpost wrote: »

You'll need a good tripod for Northern lights.

Because it's heavy?

Gumbo

IamtheWalrus wrote: »

Because it's heavy?

Because you will need long exposures to capture the lights.
You cannot hold a camera in place for 5 second or more without getting camera blur.

IamtheWalrus

Is my camera the dog's nuts?

Reati

Make sure it isn't affected by the recall. I got mine 2 weeks ago and it's affected. Gonna have to send it in for a repair

IamtheWalrus

Reati wrote: »

Make sure it isn't affected by the recall. I got mine 2 weeks ago and it's affected. Gonna have to send it in for a repair

Recall?

Tucker.Tim

IamtheWalrus wrote: »

Is my camera the dog's nuts?

Are you seriously trying to brag about buying an entry-level DSLR when most of the established people here own the prosumer or professional versions of the same range, spending upwards of €3000+ plus on camera bodies and lenses?

Dude, really? Really?

amdgilmore

I'm sure he's just pleased with his purchase - rightly so, they're great cameras. And I don't think anybody other than you would have cared even if he was bragging.

This section is more like a help and advice forum. Y'know, for people looking for or offering help and advice.

dakar

IamtheWalrus wrote: »

Is my camera the dog's nuts?

Yes, yes it is. Congratulations on your new acquisition.

But don't stretch the analogy too far, someone proclaiming bigger bo**ocks will always show up

Also. Don't lick your camera...

IamtheWalrus

Tucker.Tim wrote: »

Are you seriously trying to brag about buying an entry-level DSLR when most of the established people here own the prosumer or professional versions of the same range, spending upwards of €3000+ plus on camera bodies and lenses?

Dude, really? Really?

Reati

IamtheWalrus wrote: »

Recall?

Yup

http://www.techradar.com/news/photography-video-capture/cameras/canon-recalls-eos-650d-cameras-says-faulty-grip-could-cause-skin-rash-1092239

IamtheWalrus

It has arrived!