Looking for an introduction D-slr camera

Wildwill94 · #1 (**permalink**) 16-08-2010, 07:16 PM

hi there,
i am 16 and just about to start an A' level course in photography. i have a good quality bridge camera but would like to upgrade to something that could give me better results. i would like some help on choosing a good beginer D-slr camera. i have a budget of up to £450.
thankyou

regards Will

BillyPilgrim · #2 (**permalink**) 16-08-2010, 08:01 PM

Hi Will, there are plenty of decent, 2nd-hand dslrs around for between £200-£300 on auction sites.

The snag is that without a good lens you will struggle to improve on the results that you get with your bridge camera. So I reckon you'll need to budget for both.

You could just about get a decent 2nd-hand body + 2nd-hand mid-range zoom for your budget but you'll have to decide on what focal length you need first.

You might be best hanging on to your bridge camera for a while and saving up a bit more cash?

Jim Ford · #3 (**permalink**) 16-08-2010, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyPilgrim

The snag is that without a good lens you will struggle to improve on the results that you get with your bridge camera. So I reckon you'll need to budget for both.

Totally agree - the lens determines 99% of the resultant image quality.

Jim

squishy · #4 (**permalink**) 17-08-2010, 09:25 AM

What do you want to photograph?

Because subject matter matters a lot when choosing a lens

Wildwill94 · #5 (**permalink**) 17-08-2010, 09:36 AM

thanks people for your help. Well it really depends because on my A level photography course, i dont yet know what tasks i'll be set. i prefer landscape, sunsets and macro shots of flowers.

nigel_b · #6 (**permalink**) 17-08-2010, 10:17 AM

Which bridge camera do you have and what do you think is wrong with it?

I tutored a student on an AS photography course this academic year that's just gone. The assignments weren't looking for top quality photographs but were more interested in composition and getting you to think about the subject of the photograph, e.g. "go around your house and find things that look like letters of the alphabet..."

I think you would be far better off tackling new ideas with a tool you know and understand rather than trying to learn the quirks of a new camera while trying to get your head around challenging assignments.

Wildwill94 · #7 (**permalink**) 17-08-2010, 12:21 PM

the bridge camera i have is nothing spectacular. fujifilm finepix s8100fd.
i understand what your saying, but im sure i could achieve higher quality photos from a dslr. my dad ws a bit of a fanatic on cameras so i got good help there in understanding the features.

thankyou

Lensman3000 · #8 (**permalink**) 19-08-2010, 05:27 PM

I had a budget of a mere £400 last year. For this I bought a Nikon D70 body, a Nkkor 35-80mm lens, a Velbon tripod, a low end flash gun and a couple of spare batteries and chargers. All bought on ebay.

I've been shooting with this kit (apart from the flash gun coz I broke it) since before last Christmas and I'm getting some great results.

I recently added a screw on lens adaptor which gives a wider angle to whatever lens it's screwed onto. This lens comes apart into 2 pieces and can then be used for some great macro shots. I got it from ebay for around £13 new and it's much better than you might think. I rarley shoot without the adaptor now.

nigel_b · #9 (**permalink**) 20-08-2010, 10:38 AM

Some of our very best quality photos on the wall are taken with a "worse spec" camera than that.

wizzo · #10 (**permalink**) 21-08-2010, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nigel_b

Which bridge camera do you have and what do you think is wrong with it?

I tutored a student on an AS photography course this academic year that's just gone. The assignments weren't looking for top quality photographs but were more interested in composition and getting you to think about the subject of the photograph, e.g. "go around your house and find things that look like letters of the alphabet..."

I think you would be far better off tackling new ideas with a tool you know and understand rather than trying to learn the quirks of a new camera while trying to get your head around challenging assignments.

I couldn't agree more Nigel. Having the best/sharpest lens, and the most expensive camera is next to useless if you can't take a picture. I would say that 99% of a good shot is about subject and composition. Don't get me wrong, having good gear is great when you know how to use it. There's nothing wrong with a basic model and a standard lens combo. If you can get good (compositional) shots with a 50mm and standard wide lens, you'll be half way there. Good luck!