New dslr (perhaps)

[ChrisJB]

I am thinking of turning to the 'dark side' and buying a dslr after years of a little point and press thing. The likely camera (after much research) is a Canon 450D. The thing is, I'm scared! I've read so many past threads on dslrs on W.A.B and the whole thing about them is just so bewildering.
I guess the main use for me would be landscapes.
What are the advantages and pitfalls with such cameras and any key tips to assist a numbhead like me would be very welcome. I need to be sure before parting with my hard earned brass.

Regards, Chris

[Lancashire Lad]

Hi Chris,

Have you also considered a bridge camera?

Unless you are interested in serious macro & bird photography for example, a bridge camera would give virtually all the advantages of a complete DSLR system in a stand alone unit. (For example the fuji S100FS has a lens equivalent to 28-400mm zoom, at about £350.00 all in).

If you do go for a DSLR, have you included for several lenses within your proposed budget?

If your main interest is landscapes you would certainly need wide angle & short/medium telephoto lenses as well as the body. (zoom lenses obviously offer more flexibility).

Other things to be aware of are spare battery, spare memory card etc. etc., and impending price rises due to the falling pound situation.

The DSLR option is almost like a bottomless pit, you can spend whatever you want, but there will always be something else that you feel would be useful.

Good luck with your decision.

Regards
Mike.

[Geoff F]

If you want to 'play with the big boys' and move up to SLR cameras then the most important decision will be deciding between Canon and Nikon. Although there are others like Olympus for example. But once you make that choice you will be stuck with it for life; unless you sell everything and start again.

Once you have 'sold your soul' to a brand, choosing your lenses is the next important decision. But you will get plenty of advice here.

I would advise going into a shop and handling some of these cameras to see which suits you best. You mention the 450D which is a good camera; but also try the slightly chunkier and heavier 40D. There isn't much difference in price but many people find a big difference in using the camera which suits them. I prefer the heavier 40D but some people find it difficult to hold and the extra weight can count on a long hike. Nikon has similar alternatives.

In short, to quote a phrase which is becoming a bit over used recently 'You have nothing to fear except fear itself'. So have a look at some cameras and lenses; work out the likely cost and lack of portability compared with the smaller options, like Mike suggested. Then consider what you really want to photograph. In the long run, I think you won't be disappointed with the results from a full SLR; if you can cope with the 'hole in your pocket'.

[ChrisJB]

Thank you both for your responses. Firstly, Mike, I have seriously considered a 'bridge' camera, but have probably discounted the idea, because at least with a dslr it gives me options. I know what I am like, and there is a fair chance that after a while I would want to photograph birds (and Mountain Hares near home). Also, I would like a camera that takes a picture as soon as the button is pressed! My current one leaves enough time to go and brew up before actually taking the shot. I was in Norway last year, watching Sperm Whales and trying to photograph the classic tail shot. With such a slow response from the camera, it was a total waste of time. I also like skies on photographs and I figure the use of a dslr and filters would give me much more room to experiment.
Geoff, my old man has a 40D and has too told me to get one of those (he is a bit of a Luddite but seems to take some pretty good photos of birds to my untrained eye). But, for me, the 40D is just too bulky and heavy. I do a lot of hillwalking, so would prefer the lighter weight and less bulk of the 450D. I did think about the Nikon D60, which is cheaper than the 450D for a start, but all my friends have Canon dslrs and swear by them. My current camera though is a Nikon (a tiny Coolpix something or other) and has been great. I once had a Canon that packed up after an unacceptable length of time, but I am prepared to put that down to bad luck and give them another chance.
Your replies have been very valuable, as in responding to them, I think I am convincing myself that it is a dslr that I truly want. I am not interested in prize-winning shots, I just want something better than I can achieve with my current camera.
Anyway, I shall endeavour to ignore the fear factor. I can always turn to WAB users like yourselves when things get tough and I'm tearing my hair out.

Regards, Chris

[ron1863]

If size is and weight are a deterrent have you considered Olympus, they are generally smaller and lighter than other makes.

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by ron1863

If size is and weight are a deterrent have you considered Olympus, they are generally smaller and lighter than other makes.

I haven't Ron, but will take a look at what they have to offer. I guess it is very easy to just look at the 'big two' and ignore all else. Thanks.

Regards, Chris

[DavyG]

Hi Chris,

Ron makes a very good point when suggesting Olympus, the bodies and lenses tend to be smaller and lighter, the 2 x crop factor is another benefit for bird and wildlife photography.

In addition, the E-510 and E-520 have in body image stabilisation.

There are a number of Oly users on WAB, it might be worth taking a look at some pics in the galleries.

There are some good bargains to be had at the moment, the Oly E-510 can be found in a two lens kit for a really good price.

Enjoy your DSLR, whichever brand you choose.

Dave

[cosmicma]

the 450d is a very good camera but i do have one gripe about it and that is to do with it's burst mode or the lack of it
on paper it boasts 3 frames per second or so in reality it's not there
i upgraded from a 350d to a 450d although i wasn't dissapointed with the camera i was dissapointed about the frame rate
the reality is the 40d is a better body for not a lot more money but once youv'e got the body like others have said it's just the begining

if the burst rate isn't a concern to you the you won't go far wrong with the 450d

[Fourwings]

The best advice I can offer is to get yourself to a good camera shop and have a play with a range of models, you will know which feels right for you once you do this.

One thing I would say is, avoid getting caught in the trap of buying a bridge type camera, I'm not knocking them as I own 3 different ones myself, but if you get one you will definately out-grow it at some stage and just end up wanting a DSLR.

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by Fourwings

One thing I would say is, avoid getting caught in the trap of buying a bridge type camera, I'm not knocking them as I own 3 different ones myself, but if you get one you will definately out-grow it at some stage and just end up wanting a DSLR.

This is it Fourwings. I have the funds now, I might not in the future, so I just want to make a single camera purchase in the long run.
Had a play wth my friends Olympus dslr yesterday and rather liked it (by golly I've a lot to learn though), but my pa keeps whispering a ghostly voice in my lug hole....'get a Canon.....get a Canon.....wooooo' etc.
I intend to go down to my local optics and camera shop for a play.

Regards, Chris