Canon 1000D

[treecreeper]

I want to move up from my compact camera and I'm 80% sure I want a budget DSLR (I would be 100% sure but for the compelling reasons to do otherwise that I've read in this WAB section). The Canon 1000D looks best for my purposes but there's something I haven't been able to find out. The Canon 1000D has a rechargeable battery, unlike my compact camera which uses disposable lithium batteries. But I can't find any mention of a charger in any of the reviews. Will I have to buy one separately?

TC

[ChrisJB]

I'm fairly sure a charger will come with it Tree. A couple of months ago I bought the similar Canon 450D D.S.L.R and it came with a charger.

Regards, Chris

[Jim Ford]

Wait 'till this one hits the shops - it might change your choice:

Olympus E-620 Hands-on Preview: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

There are compelling reasons why the Olympus DSLR cameras are good for wildlife photography.

Jim

[charlieb]

Batteries tend to be pretty specific, even between models, so yes a charger will be supplied.

[treecreeper]

Thanks everyone. Jim, this new Olympus is really tempting and has some features of obvious benefit to a naturalist, not least the articulated LCD screen. I will hold fire until it gets into the shops, but it may go over my budget. The article had a guide price of £624 for the body only. This probably counts a 'budget' for serious photographers but for some of us that is luxury goods!

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by treecreeper

Thanks everyone. Jim, this new Olympus is really tempting and has some features of obvious benefit to a naturalist, not least the articulated LCD screen.

I've had an E3, which has an articulating screen, for 18 months now, and wouldn't now buy a camera without one. I find it essential for ground level macro - an angle finder just doesn't perform anywhere near as well.

Also, don't forget that as it has 'in body' image stabilisation, you will have image stabilisation on all the lenses you can fit. It also has the only acknowlegedly effective anti-dust system of any DSLR. The Zuiko range of lenses is of superb quality - in particular the 50mm Macro was described as 'the nearest we've yet found to a technically perfect lens' by dpreview. Unfortunately the top quality lenses come at a price, but the 'kit' lenses are also recognised as exceptional performers.

Wait for and read the full reviews for the E620 when they come out.

Jim

[treecreeper]

...that is very VERY enticing ....and maybe £624 + cost of lens isn't really 'luxury'....

[ron1863]

The Canon will come with a battery charger.
You should visit your local camera shop and ask to have a look at the DSLRs within your budget and then make a decision.

[Thistledo]

Another tip, go to the flickr site and search by camera make, you will find groups like Nikon D300 and all of the images are taken by that brand of camera, I use Nikon but admit that Canon images are also very very good. Don't be put of by the lower mega pixel numbers mine is 12 mp and I never use an image of that size so its just eating memory.

Good luck in your decision.