D/slr Cameras

[ItsBoostin]

Hey Guys and Girls

Im looking at buying a D/SLR camera but i dont know heaps about them.

I will manly use it for motosports and car related things maybe try some photography.

Just wondering what camera you guys would recomend.

i would be happy to spend the money to get the right sort of camera.

Sorry for a annoying question but any help would be awesome thanks.

[FST513]

How much you willing to spend? The new 1DIV costs $6K

In all honesty, i suggest getting a crop camera (APS-C) because of the extra reach (1.6x the focal length is actual focal length).

Couple of questions?

Have you ever used a DSLR?

Can you hold a 3kg dumbell in your hand all day long? that will depend on if you can carry heavy lenses e.g. 70-200 2.8 IS and camera body.

Do you know anything about DSLR settings or camera settings?

No point spending $1600+ on a camera body if you don't know what 3/4 of the functions do

[NA_Goodness]

I have a 1000D and its an awesome starter for $1k. Lasted me a year before I started upgrading lenses. Similar cameras are the 450D and 550D, although the 1000D is about $800 nowdays.

Or the 5DmkII is an awesome bit of gear! You can buy that then I'll swap you my entire kit for it No built in flash, but who uses flash anyway??

[FST513]

5DII isn't really suitable for n00bs who want to do motorsport photography though. Great for automotive, but not for motorsports. Slow focus, slow FPS, terrible AF point distribution also (very bunched up and gets super annoying!).

I highly recommend a Canon 7D for motorsports but i think its "too much camera" for someone just beginning. Hell, i'm still getting my head around the numerous options it has and playing with the AF modes.

[NA_Goodness]

So your saying I should say "buy the 7D then I'll swap it with my 1000D cos it's more suited to you"? Cos I'm happy with that

I need to put in my signature "My photography advice is all well and good, but ultimately listen to Kory!"

[ZENNON]

I'd suggest getting one of the starter Canon/Nikons and go from there

ie

Canon 500D & 18-55mm IS: $891

Canon 550D & 18-55mm IS: $1,079

Nikon D3000 & 18-55mm VR: $605

Nikon D5000 & 18-55mm VR: $782

[FST513]

So your saying I should say "buy the 7D then I'll swap it with my 1000D cos it's more suited to you"? Cos I'm happy with that

I need to put in my signature "My photography advice is all well and good, but ultimately listen to Kory!"

Hahaha well that would help you out lol.

Yes, yes you do

OP - As Zennon suggested, get the starter/entry level kits, play around with them, then when you feel limited, upgrade your glass/body. Its not good to jump in the deep end with photography, so much to learn!

[MaTBoY]

Are you the kind of guy who changes every single setting to see what it does?

Are you likely to spend hours and hours and hours trying random stuff to get ExACTLY what you're trying to achieve?

If yes then goto 'BUY HIGHER END CAMERA'

Are you generally kind of lazy?

Will you be happy with a nicer, sharper image than your point and shoot camera?

Are you pretty busy with work and other junk?

If yes then goto 'Buy more basic unit'

If you get something in the middle it should give you enough functions to do what you want/need, with a bit of room to grow and learn and expand.

A Nikon D90(what i use) or a Canon 550D would be good options if the 2nd set of questions sounds more like you, if you decide to get some more professional kit talk to Kory (FST513) he knows that end of the market better than most of us in here

good luck with what ever you decide

[ItsBoostin]

Thanks for the help guys ive been looking at the Canon d500/d550 so i reckon ill probally go with one of these.

my budget was around $1500

and yeah im the kind off person to play with all the settings.

Thanks agian

[NA_Goodness]

Just make sure you learn where the "Settings reset" button is! You play around with all the settings then don't remember what you've done and you camera is going some weird shit! It's saved me a few times, I know that!!

[FST513]

W000 another Canon user! Go Canon!!!!

You'll be thoroughly impressed with the 550D shooting stills as well as video. Be sure to stock up on high speed SD cards. The 550D is basically a 7D just trimmed down.

[RBNRG]

7D is nice and fast. Not really very hard for beginners imo. If you're willing to READ alot and experiment even more. Reason i know this is 7d was my first only recently. Well worth the coin. As for lens, May be worth getting something with a little more zoom if you're shooting track days.

All that aside there are some pretty good photographers on here so I'm sure you'll have plenty of support regardless of what you decide .

[FST513]

7D is nice and fast. Not really very hard for beginners imo. If you're willing to READ alot and experiment even more. Reason i know this is 7d was my first only recently. Well worth the coin. As for lens, May be worth getting something with a little more zoom if you're shooting track days.

All that aside there are some pretty good photographers on here so I'm sure you'll have plenty of support regardless of what you decide .

'Tis true, depends on how fast you pick it up, though there is much less to learn on a entry level camera like a 550D compared to a 7D. The AF on a 7D is very complicated compared to basic 9 point AF on the 550D. Then you have all the custom functions and settings, really depends what your going to use the camera for and if you will stick with it and experiment, like you said. Photography gear doesn't depreciate that much, so easy enough to buy a 550D and then if need be, sell it off and pick up a 7D etc..

I see your point - But there is no point paying that much coin for a camera if he/she is unfamiliar with DSLR's as well as not using 3/4 of the functions the 7D can utilize. For the extra $800-$900 spent on a 7D over a 550D, thats already almost a 70-200 f/4 non IS.

If budget is only $1500, 7D is out anyway.

Good to see you like the 7D and it's suited to your photography though

Edited September 6, 2010 by FST513

[ZENNON]

May be worth getting something with a little more zoom if you're shooting track days.

Good point.. missed that bit tbh

If you want longer reach maybe on of these options..

500D & 18-135mm: $1,215

500D & 18-200mm IS: $1,495

550D & 18-135mm IS: $1,369

550D & 18-200mm IS: $1,679

[NickR33]

you really only need the 550D if your planning on shooting video... I picked up a 1000D (entry level DSLR) to take on holiday in Europe as I just wanted to shoot still stuff and didn't want to be paranoid about losing breaking an expensive bit of gear... just got the upgrade twin lens kit with it

anyway its a great camera, more than enough if your just starting out

for examples check out my book I put together here http://www.blurb.com/books/1557242

there's a bit of photoshop there but most of the pics are how they came off the camera

[ZENNON]

Some nice pics in there Nick! Very arty I like it

[NickR33]

cheers dude:)

[R.3.2.G.T.R]

how does canon 50d stack up for a beginner?

[ZENNON]

yeah good - can always just use auto mode and pretend its a point and shoot

[FST513]

Green box of death!!!!!!!

In all honesty, a 50D will be getting pulled off the shelves soon, so dive in for a bargain possibly.