Want to buy a DSLR, but there is so much choice!

WhirlEsme

Hello photography fanatics!

I am currently in the market for a DSLR. I'm an absolute beginner, hoping to take up photography as a hobby and maybe a bit of freelance work down the line :P

So I'm looking to make an investment now for a camera that will see me through for a while, for which I could buy accessories for (lenses and the like) when needed.

I'm hearing great things about this one http://www.canon.ie/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cameras/Digital_SLR/EOS_100D/

But would love some advice on what to go for. My budget would be 700 euro, but the cheaper the better

Thanks you guys

W.Esme

W0LFMAN

I'm new to Photography, started maybe 2 years ago I was in same boat as you.

My First Camera was a second hand 400D with 18-55mm lense worth about €200.(Didn't have much money to spend).
I spend abit of time trying to understand the camera as its PACKED with DSLR features that will take months to understand.

Bringing out a DSLR, shouldn't be taken too lightly though, It a Big enough object to become a Pain in the arse if not used. The effort and fun carrying around such an object can quickly pass, and soon your DSLR can be left at home on most family outings/events/gatherings.

I you manage though the first hurdles of getting used to bringing out the DSLR to events. Your knowledge in Photograph will become deeper, your understanding of different equipment will also fall into place. The period of my first year of photography was all about understanding the process of making a picture and not what equipment I was using.

My advice after 2 years would be as follows:

1/ The most important part of the Camera is the 6 inches of space behind the lens.
2/ An expensive lens on a cheap body, is better than a Cheap lens on an expensive body.
3/ Without understanding the 3 Main factors of a DSLR Sensor: Aperture Value, Shutter Time Value and ISO settings, you'll never take good pictures.
4/ You'll always want more lenses.
5/ Photography can be really expensive, keep eye out on second hand gear.
6/ Join Flickr and upload your best pictures, as family ALWAYS want to see your pictures.
7/ You'll love talking about photography to your friends, your spend hours talking about one L Lenses. They will get bored.....quickly.
8/ 1000 shots to make 1 great shot to add onto your gallery is worth it.


My 2 cents

muppetkiller

Honestly if you've 700 Euro for a new SLR I'd buy this

Nikon D7000 Digital SLR Camera with 18-105mm VR Lens Kit (16.2MP) 3 inch LCD

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B00438QJ3M/ref=dp_olp_0?ie=UTF8&condition=all

or
Pentax K5II

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B0099ORBYQ/ref=dp_olp_used_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=used&m=A2OAJ7377F756P

They're from amazons warehouse but come with full 12 month warranty

FoxT

That does look like a good deal.


In general, I'd go for the Nikon. I'm sure the Pentax is a very good camera, but there is a much better 2nd hand market for buying & selling Canon/Nikon bodies, lenses, etc.

-FoxT

WhirlEsme

Thanks everyone for the replies! Much obliged, you really have given me lots to think about. Esp Wolfman......that is an incredibly informative post, thank you for taking the time to give me valuable advice I have printed it off so I can refer back to it!

Interesting that other brands have also been suggested. I have read so many blogs and sites where people just praise canon with no comparisons with or considerations of other brands.

Seemingly I need to do my research, all these suggestions have given me food for thought.

Keep the advice coming you guys

Alltherage

The size and weight of a camera should be something you should consider too, the 100d you were considering is one of the smaller DSLRs you might want to try and find an opportunity to hold a camera before you make a commitment to buy.

W0LFMAN

I find this page very useful I come back to over and over again.

http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/cheetsheets-for-photographers/

TommyGun

You could have a look at some of the mirror less cameras. There cheap, easy to carry around and give good quality images if used correctly. Have a look at a Panasonic G6.
Ger

magicbastarder

your best bet is to simply head into a camera shop and have a heft of a few cameras. there's nothing a canon can do that a nikon can't (certainly for your purposes, and for other brands too), so it will probably come down to whatever feels best in your hand.

Zascar

I would highly recommend looking into buying second hand. Almost all of my kit is used and you can save a lot, especially if you are a beginner on a budget. Camera gear is usually well looked after and used stuff bottoms out in price often. Have a good look around www.adverts.ie - everyone here uses it. Get a half decent body and focus on the lenses.

anonjoe555

you can always rent a camera for a day or two. Conns have a great deal where they subtract what you spend on renting a camera from the price of buying it.
http://www.connscameras.ie/equipment-rental-243749cm2.html

ranuy

A few that I have checked out have been:

CanonT4i and Canon T5i

Nikon D5200

ranuy

If you are into the Canon, check here