Jettica
newbie
Reged: 02/06/2008
Posts: 2
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Hey all.
I'm looking to buy my first digital SLR. I currently have a Canon Ixus 860 and it's done me well. However it is time to move on.
I've been looking at cameras such as the Canon EOS 450D, Nikon D60 and Nikon D80.
What I will be doing is mainly portrait work, on location, usually without lighting. (Have a look at my portfolio for examples http://www.modelfolios.com/members/jettica.aspx )
My price range is £450 - £600. Also I'd like something where the lenses aren't going to cost me an arm and a leg everytime I want something new.
Also other than the price what is the difference between the Nikon D60 and the D80.
Thank you!
Jess
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sjaszczak
A Real Gentleman
Reged: 08/06/2005
Posts: 898
Loc: York
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Can I just ask you what your main reason is for wanting to upgrade to a DSLR? If we understand that then it might help us narrow down the options for you. Your photos using the Ixus look fantastic but if there's some specific reason why you feel you need a DSLR then that might help.
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Steve
My Flickr
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beejaybee
Marvin
Reged: 18/07/2007
Posts: 4196
Loc: Really Here In Name Only
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Quote:
I've been looking at cameras such as the Canon EOS 450D, Nikon D60 and Nikon D80.
....
My price range is £450 - £600. Also I'd like something where the lenses aren't going to cost me an arm and a leg everytime I want something new.
Not much difference, at the same price point, except in handling. Try them, one might suit you better than the others.
With lenses you tend to get what you pay for but there really isn't any price difference which makes the choice between brands easier.
For portraiture work you may find that the best lens is the cheapest - the 50mm f/1.8 is well under £100 new, should be as sharp as you need it to be and pretty well the ideal focal length. The 18-55 kit lens will probably not satisfy, even at the small relative cost difference between body only & kit. Save up for a good zoom instead - the 28-70 f/2.8L or 24-105 f/4L IS would probably be the ones to look at if you go for the Canon. Sure they're not cheap, but nevertheless they are good value.
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Jettica
newbie
Reged: 02/06/2008
Posts: 2
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Quote:
Can I just ask you what your main reason is for wanting to upgrade to a DSLR? If we understand that then it might help us narrow down the options for you. Your photos using the Ixus look fantastic but if there's some specific reason why you feel you need a DSLR then that might help.
I want a DSLR for professionalism, I'm getting to the point where I am doing more shoots and want to look more professional. Plus I want the flexibility of being able to manipulate camera settings more finely than on my current camera.
I want to start doing live gig photos too, and with my current camera I've never been able to get more than a blur without flash or with it the subjects look washed out.
Also the felxibility of having multiple lenses for different kinds of shoots.
Are there any other cameras that would suit my style and needs. The ones I mentioned are what I've come up with from a few hours research. Are there any other options?
Edited by Jettica (02/06/2008 19:48)
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sjaszczak
A Real Gentleman
Reged: 08/06/2005
Posts: 898
Loc: York
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Well you're limited in your options just because of the budget. I think most people here would place greater emphasis on the quality of the lens than really worrying about the body itself.
I don't know a great deal about non-Canon stuff because Canon is what I decided to buy into. You could do a lot worse than the 450D. There are lots of people on the forum who have the 40D too (myself included) and it produces excellent results and is well built.
If you went down the Canon route, then I would seriously consider the 50mm F1.8 on your budget. Personally I'd rather buy a good zoom...but then you're talking £££ no matter what camera system you opt for.
Edit: I didn't notice your comment about gig shots and wanting to use ambient lighting. You're going to need a camera with excellent high-iso, low noise performance...the 40D is good but I'm not sure about other cameras...perhaps others can advise better.
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Steve
My Flickr
Edited by sjaszczak (02/06/2008 19:53)
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dangie
Puff Pastry Connoisseur
Reged: 04/08/2006
Posts: 367
Loc: Any Pub in Staffordshire
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Jettica
Yes there are other cameras out there apart from Canon & Nikon. I would seriously look at models by Olympus and Pentax. The Pentax K10D which has just been superceeded by the K20D, can still be found for around £400. At that price it's a bargain.
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My Brain's five feet eight inches from the ground
But my mind's in the gutter....
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Gordon_McGeachie
Joke Historian
Reged: 19/01/2007
Posts: 3823
Loc: East Yorkshire,
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Quote:
Jettica
Yes there are other cameras out there apart from Canon & Nikon. I would seriously look at models by Olympus and Pentax. The Pentax K10D which has just been superceeded by the K20D, can still be found for around £400. At that price it's a bargain.
Not forgetting of course, Sony, who have an ever expanding range of excellent DSLR`s
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Old Photographers never die,They just go out of focus.
Jet Noise - The Sound Of Freedom
She Took To The Sky Like A Lovesick Angel.
www.flickr.com/photos/gordon_mcgeachie/
www.flickr.com/people/26089093@N08/
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sjaszczak
A Real Gentleman
Reged: 08/06/2005
Posts: 898
Loc: York
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Quote:
Quote:
Jettica
Yes there are other cameras out there apart from Canon & Nikon. I would seriously look at models by Olympus and Pentax. The Pentax K10D which has just been superceeded by the K20D, can still be found for around £400. At that price it's a bargain.
Not forgetting of course, Sony, who have an ever expanding range of excellent DSLR`s
From what I've read, the Sony DSLRs do seem to produce excellent results for the price.
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Steve
My Flickr
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Gordon_McGeachie
Joke Historian
Reged: 19/01/2007
Posts: 3823
Loc: East Yorkshire,
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Jettica
Yes there are other cameras out there apart from Canon & Nikon. I would seriously look at models by Olympus and Pentax. The Pentax K10D which has just been superceeded by the K20D, can still be found for around £400. At that price it's a bargain.
Not forgetting of course, Sony, who have an ever expanding range of excellent DSLR`s
From what I've read, the Sony DSLRs do seem to produce excellent results for the price.
The new A350 is reported to have the fastest live view A/f so far
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Old Photographers never die,They just go out of focus.
Jet Noise - The Sound Of Freedom
She Took To The Sky Like A Lovesick Angel.
www.flickr.com/photos/gordon_mcgeachie/
www.flickr.com/people/26089093@N08/
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RichardK
member
Reged: 21/11/2006
Posts: 104
Loc: London
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As others have said, the lens is as much a factor as the camera.
Based on my own experience, my suggestion (nothing more than that  ) would be a Canon 350D, 400D or 450D with either the Tamron or the Sigma 17-50 f2.8 variants. Both give good quality results, have an almost ideal zoom range for general use and are available second hand for about £250 if you keep an eye open for them.
Richard
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Luminax
newbie
Reged: 17/06/2008
Posts: 1
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Here is also some shots taken with high iso settings:
http://highiso.net
I prefer Pentax..
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Photocracy
The Great Pretender
Reged: 18/11/2006
Posts: 384
Loc: Sunny South Coast
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If you're feeling a little overwhelmed by all the choices in front of you, don't be. They are all excellent cameras and the differences between them are relatively minor. Whatever model you choose, I doubt very much you'll regret it.
Just to complicate things further for you, you might consider the new Olympus E520. A twin lens kit should be within your budget and you'll get built in image stabilisation keeping cost down on lenses. It hasn't been reviewed yet, but it takes over from the E510 which was highly recommended by DP Review (skip to conclusion on page 31)
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Rob
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