First DSLR help

[Mike s]

HI Guys
i'm looking for my first dslr (canon only)and thinking about a nearly new canon 550d with EF-S 55-250mm IS STM lens for under £400,i had a look at even cheaper 400d/450d
but was'nt sure as i would'nt be upgrading any time soon after my purchase,i'm heading to lossie at the end of march ,would be great to have a proper camera to capture all the JW Action
any thoughts
mike

[Pune]

Have a look at MPB, they have some fab' deals, I've had some great stuff from them over the years..they have a nice looking 50d at the moment, I think the lense is where to spend the money to get good results, 'L' series if you can justify the expense. Good hunting and I hope your trip goes well.
Cheers
Pune

[Mike s]

Thanks Pune
mike

[eagle1]

Hi Mike. I can recommend the EF-S 55-250mm IS lens. I got 1 for my first lens and still use it and I'm pleased with the results

It's not the fastest for focusing, but it will help you get used to the settings etc. Good luck and happy spotting

Cheers

Martin

[Dave934]

Hi Mike,
For almost the same money you could get a new 700d with 55-250 lens from here...(or change the lens if you want.
http://www.portusdigital.com/cameras/ds ... amera.html
£424, with the 55-250 lens.
I think the 700d is a very nice camera looking at the reviews.
Dave.

[Nighthawke]

I too can vouch for the combination of 700D and 55-250. The body was an upgrade from a 400D having seen my wife's similar route and the benefits from said upgrade.

The 55-250 was purchased (2nd hand from Wex) after reading several independent reviews. Whilst not L-glass quality it does give decent results for a kit lens. Although only having 250mm of reach it is still a useful tool in the bag.

[C24]

Spend your money on a lens first, maybe with a used body, not an up to date body (which will soon be an old one).

What ever you buy, good luck with the weather in March

[Mike s]

THANKS Guys
and Dave for the link, I've never heard of portusdigital they've got some great prices,i'm on a limited budget which is why I mentioned the 400/450D AS I can pick one up for about £100 second hand ,but would it be any good for shooting fast moving aircraft etc in raw,proccesor speed wise

[Dave934]

Mike,
TBH, I'd get the latest camera you can afford, ( Sorry C24) I can't speak for the 400d because I've not tried one, but the 300d buffered out after 4....yes FOUR shots !!!! It was cr*p !!!
The image quality from say a 400d to a 700d will be a lot better.
I just upgraded from a 30d to a 70d and can't believe how much better it is. I think the 700d and 70d are basically the same camera, just that the 70d can shoot more frames per second, and has more focus points ? You'd have to do you own research but I had to toss a coin between the 700 and 70d, I WRONGLY thought that I needed more shots per second, and now don't use it, I shoot on low speed shutter. The 700 would have done me fine.
It's a bit of a nightmare when you're getting a new camera, there are so many to choose from, I spent months trying to find out what one I needed, because it will have to last me a long time...and don't even think about lenses !!!
Best of luck with whichever one you get.
Dave.

[C24]

Try pasting this in google

which is the more important, a lens or the camera body? I hope that it is useful.

[Dave934]

Try pasting this in google

which is the more important, a lens or the camera body? I hope that it is useful.

I know exactly how important a good quality L series lens is, but in "this" instance getting a decent camera, then selling body parts (lungs, liver, kidneys etc) to afford a decent lens might be the best option ??
I remember how frustrated I was with my 300d, many years ago. I don't know how much better the 400d is ?
Dave.

[Mike s]

THAnks for the advice guys
I think I will have to do a bit more saving the pennies before I go DSLR
Many thanks for the help
kind regards
mike

[Nighthawke]

[I remember how frustrated I was with my 300d, many years ago. I don't know how much better the 400d is ?

Quite a lot better. Like you I originally had a 300d which soon went in favour of a 350d - lucky chance at a good price). Loving wife bought me a second hand 400 after she'd had one for a while and I'd tried it myself.

I would say that if Mike does want to start then anything from 400d upwards will give acceptable results with a decent lens - which does not have to be L-quality. As has often been said, it depends what you find acceptable in your photos. Cheaper lenses are not going to give the pin-sharp at bill-board size
but then you could save up for years and never take a photo. Or you can spend a few hundred quid and enjoy the hobby.

[Mike s]

THanks for the reply Nighthawke
I've decided to save up for a 700d + 55-250 is stm hopefully will get it as an xmas pressie at the end of the year fingers crossed!
mike