First Digital SLR Camera

[Fullforceeventsltd]

I am looking into purchasing my first digital SLR camera after dropping my last camera into the sand on holiday and for it to never work again!

I was having a look yesterday and was looking at some second hand ones. The particular model I was looking at was the Canon EOS 500D. Has anyone got any experience of using this particular brand / model.

I have done a search on the forum and came across a thread from when Darren was asking for some advice back in 2010.

I would like to use the camera for business and personal use. Would like to get some decent photos of events and use for personal for general family stuff. Also would like to get some small HD movie too.

The reason I ask about the Canon EOS 500d was the guy said he will reserve it for me for the weekend and offered it for £275, boxed with leads, manuals and the 18-55mm lens and include a warranty. The camera looks in very good condition and all seemed to work ok when I had a play in the shop yesterday.

Is this a good price?

I have phoned a mate who is a semi-pro photographer and he advises to get a nikon instead.

The reason I suggest the Canon is my dad already has a very good canon slr with many different lenses I could use and borrow.

Any advice/suggestion appreciated.

Cheers, Steve.

[Cowlinn]

If your heart is not set on Canon I can highly recommend the Nikon D3000/D3100

This was my first camera and I still use it sometimes despite owning a higher end camera.

Very happy with it and not a bad price too.

D3000 : http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d3000/
D3100 : http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d3100/

[Fullforceeventsltd]

I think it was the d3100 my friend suggested looking at.

I was in the same predicament about a year ago and ended up buying a point and shoot which is now broken.

[Vectis]

In the DJ world there's the Denon -vs- Pioneer camp.

In the computer world it's Mac -vs- PC

In the photography world it's Canon -vs- Nikon.

I'm a Canon fan, owning most of the "prosumer" range from the D300 upwards (currently on a 550 IIRC) and they do indeed make extremely good cameras particularly for "our type of work" - ie. making promotional material out of low light, fast moving colourful shots.

You won't regret going the Canon route, especially if you can lay your hands on plenty of gadgetry.

Nothing wrong with Nikon, mind, but I have always had really good Canon experiences pre DSLR with scanners, printers, video cameras etc..

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I use the Canon EOS 300D and love it to bits. Sumple to use and has produces great photos.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I have a Pentax KX which takes good photos and is good in low light according to reviews. (I haven't played with it enough to say as yet!)

[Pe7e]

I don't think there's a lot to choose between the leading brands, and these days most things can be corrected/improved after the event in 'Photoshop' or a similar image manipulation program. My personal opinion is, the quality of the lens has a greater influence on the image produced, than the quality of the camera body. But, IMO, the greatest influence on a photo is the photographer him/herself, a good 'eye' is much more important than a brand name or high price tag on a camera.

[mattydinx]

I've got a Canon 500D - Great camera, You won't be disappointed if you decide to go for it! Loads of lenses available for it too, most of which are also compatible with the higher-end full-frame SLRs should you decide to upgrade further down the line.

If you're intending on doing Full HD video though I'd advise you look at the 550D. The 500D only does 20fps at 1080p making them appear choppy, whereas the 500D does both 24fps and 30fps I believe.

The 500D shoots videos fine at 720P

[Fullforceeventsltd]

Cheers Matty, yeah the guy was saying that in the the shop about the video at 720p. Is £275 a fair price do you think?

[mattydinx]

It's a Great price! - The 18-55mm lens is alright, but I'd recommend upgrading asap.

I use a 17-85 on mine as my main lens, that extra reach makes it that bit more practical.

I'll dig out some examples photos in low light.

Video Performance (excuse the YouTube compression)
Rick Taylor (Stoneleaf) - Livin' on a Prayer (Cover) - YouTube

[chrisj]

I'm a Cannon fan with an OES10D and 18-55 lens. Always been pleased with it as my son did GCSE Photography and takes most pictures.
http://www.abracadabradisco.co.uk/gall.html

No video but I use a cheap £90 Flip Flop video camera. http://www.abracadabradisco.co.uk/videos.html

I think if I wanted a new camera I would go for a Cannon 550D though.