Entry level DSLR’s to consider
Mon, Nov 24, 2008
Choosing which camera to buy is a real pain. Especially hard is to see a whole bunch of cash gone within seconds from our account. But if the cameras value for money, you wont look back at that money spent. We, being the good guys that we are, down here at Lensa.co.uk, have done some homework for you guys and listed down the camera worthy of buying. Note: They are called entry level because of their simple usage as its targeted customers will be coming from those who previously used point and shoot cameras.
Not in any order,
Nikon D40,6.10 MP, 2.5 inch LCD ,iso 200-3200, Burst mode of 2.5 frames per second (FPS). Price range : 230-300 quid (including 18-55mm kit lens)
Nikon D40x, 10.20 MP, 2.5 inch LCD, iso 100-3200, Burst mode of 3 frames per second. Price range : 279-310 quid (incl 18-55 kit lens)
Canon EOS 400D, 10.10 MP, 2.5 inch LCD, iso 100-1600, Price range : 289-350 quid (incl 18-55mm kit lens)
Canon EOS 450D, 12.2 MP, 3.0” LCD with Live View mode, iso 100-1600, Price range : 399-430 quid (incl 18-55mm kit lens)
Olympus E 420, 11.8 MP, 2.7 inch LCD, iso 100-1600, Price range : 309-363 quid (incl 14-42mm kit lens)
Pentax K100D, 6.10 MP, 2.5 inch LCD, iso 200-3200, Price range : around 398 quid (incl 18-55mm kit lens)
Sony Alpha A-200, 10.20 MP, 2.7 inch LCD, iso 100-3200, Price range : 229-350 quid (incl 18-70mm kit lens)
Sony Alpha A-300, 10.20 MP, 2.7 inch LCD, iso 100-3200, Price range : 399-457 quid (incl 19-70mm kit lens)
Now, there are other cameras, but these are the cheapest out of the lot. I forgot to mention Nikon D60, so check that one out as well. It is important that you guys do your own research. Its all a matter of personal preference. Personally i suggest you buy either Nikon or Canon as they are the major players. So there would be more lenses out there for sale and accessories and it would be easier to re-sell it on ebay. Keep in mind whether your thinking of changing your DSLR in the future because the DSLR’s above are all entry level. There’s a general rule that lenses should be bought first, then accessories (flash, filters etc.) before changing to a different camera body.
For nikon, do not buy these DSLR’s. They are cheap now but they are obsolete in terms of technology. Nikon D70, Nikon D50, Nikon D100.
You dont have to start with these DSLR’s, you could jump straight to a nikon D300 if you wanted too (provided you have the dough). I suggest learning first and then upgrading later when you really need it. Hope this list helps and ask us if you have any questions. Owh, and for other people who knows about other brands beside nikon, could you please lend us a hand and drop us a comment. Cheers ; ) You can also read reviews from Camera Labs and Digital Photography Review (thanks to momad).
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November 24th, 2008 at 11:59 AM
At a time where”To be different is to be condemned”. “and to be condemned was to die”. Man, I really love those tag lines. Check out “tropic thunder”. Anyway, personally, I would think in a different way. To have an slr, is to enjoy it. If you are really into photography. But if you are not keen on taking pictures most of the time, please don’t bother. Its a waste. Don’t get one, because everybody else have one. Get one out of your interest.
Having said that, down to the cameras. I wouldn’t say Nikon D40, D40x, and D60 are for entry level. They are for beginners, for those who are not sure whether wanna have an SLR or not. Obviously they are cheap. And less equipped. The worst part is, they don’t have AF servo in its own body, which is pretty(VERY) essential for an SLR. If an SLR body doesn’t have AF Servo, they can’t autofocus by itself, and rely on the lens. Look up on the lens, it says AFs. However, AFs lens are expensive, even the 3rd party ones. Well, once you are in love with photography, some of you will feels like expanding your firepower(LENS). And need to spend more. Therefore, I wouldn’t suggest getting those d40, d40x, or d60. Well, if you really dont mind, go for it. Canon have their begginers SLR, 1000D. Look up at the specs, I think they have AF servo. And cost less.
Entry level SLRs, in my POV are, D80(Vgood, 2yrsold), D90(cool, expensive), canon 350D(Vgood, Vold), 400D(good,2yrsold), 450d(vgood,bit expensive). For whoever, have played with prosumer or slr before, and have some knowledge on how to operate, get one of those. Also for those who are keen on life long learning on photography, get one of those. You’ll never go wrong. Sorry, I’m not that good at other brand, but i’ve looked at Sony A350, the specs are quite good. DO LOOK at other peoples comment. ask around. Ive tried using Olympus E500, and it feels good. But that is an old one.
Ok that is enough, im not trying to write another article. its just a comment. haha. But if you feels like a tough guy and have the money. go for Nikon D3, it’ll last for 10-15 yrs, before someone can say you got and old legendary camera. haha. D3 body GBP2600.00.
November 24th, 2008 at 12:07 PM
For got. I think the best website to survey for camera is dpreview.com They have the basic review and in depth review for each SLR with some sample photos. And some review for lenses as well, if you wanna learn more about lenses, they play a big part!
November 24th, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Another good option is to buy Canon 400D (Body Only) and get a quality lens.
That’s what I did. Looking forward to get an L lens very soon. Ohhh… Snap!
November 24th, 2008 at 1:00 PM
amboi L lens.
November 24th, 2008 at 1:28 PM
Haha thanks Momad ; ) yea if anyone would like to drop a comment please do so as we’re trying to get as many opinons as possible on this matter.
November 25th, 2008 at 11:29 AM
owh, now some cameras are being superseded by their new version, since a alot of people are buying nikon D300,the nikon D200 has become relatively cheap and alot of people are selling it on ebay. I got my nikon D200 for GBP 550,including 2 batteries,an original nikon MB d200 battery grip, all nearly brand new. A new D90 would cost around GBP 730, a new D80 around 550 with lens. Now back in the day around 2.5 years ago, D200 was the backup body for pro photogs. Pretty good stuff. So decide well on what your gonna buy aite.
April 1st, 2009 at 9:00 AM
i agree with momad.. as a nikon user, it’s quite a shame to see D40, D40x or D60 not having the AF servo, which means you cant have autofocus on some lenses, even on the ones like the famous nikkor 50mm f1.8… i’d probably consider the D80 to start off if you’ll be using a nikon..
i did lots n lots of research before i bought my dslr (this one is the first) and i still remember going to the DxO Lab website (http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/eng/DxOMark-Sensor) to see DSLR comparison charts on the model that I chose before making my final decision.. of course, mine is not the #1 ranking (because that would be the Nikon D3x) but i used it to merely compare my favorite model with their rivals and other nikon models after considering my budget as well… DxO Lab is a lab located in france, if i’m not mistaken… however, take note that this is only a lab that studies the quality of RAW files generated by these DSLRs, and many other factors may come into play after RAW thus changing the whole dynamics of the DSLR rankings…
for those who are looking forward to buying your first DSLR, happy DSLR hunting! just remember to do lots and lots of research just for the sake of appreciating your quids, because this is an expensive hobby… and i agree with one of the posts in this website… but you know, in the end i learned that whatever brand DSLR that you end up with, ultimately it’s the photographer that matters the most..
April 1st, 2009 at 12:22 PM
…whatever brand DSLR that you end up with, ultimately it’s the photographer that matters the most.. – Ijat
I love that one!
If you are wondering which post he’s talking about, it’s the latest wallpaper we have produced for you. Enjoi!
http://lensa.co.uk/2009/03/wallpaper-its-you/
April 26th, 2009 at 8:18 AM
as what Ijat says… how true… I captured nice photos with my G9 before upgrading to 40D. A giant leap indeed… But I was prepared for the steep learning curve.
When I wanted to upgrade, I was seriously contemplating on Canon or Nikon, mainly 40D or D80. Spent almost a year to read through review sites, forums and comments in terms of long terms viability, accessories, pricing, lenses etc. Its not an easy choice with each brand models has its own pro & cons. A year of daily reading and comparing, a year of having my head filled with stats and comments from user… But, at the end, I follow my heart, a Canon 40D and if I ever hv regret, it will mainly due to there are so many 2nd lens for nikon than for canon… hehehe
My advise to those who is thinking of upgrading to DSLR, read all the review you can find. Go to flickr.com and look for the camera model group. asked questions there and the group members will definitely give you their pov. I find such POV precious as they are the users who had use that model for some time and had faced ups and down with it. So their real life experiences that matters for me to arrive to that point where money will part.
hope that helps….
p.s: L lens…. hmm, i should save up for my 70-200 f/4L…. hehehe
May 5th, 2009 at 5:51 AM
Sometimes I hate Photography.. with all the poisoning that i get from my friends.. i can spend HOURS in a shop just looking at lenses and bodies dreaming of buying the high class ones but when i get that precious few pictures that are really WOW… it’s all worthwhile, even if it’s only with a D40
May 5th, 2009 at 1:50 PM
arecheese
yea haha ; ) in the end its all about taking the picture…
May 21st, 2009 at 8:05 AM
entry level ? forget it just go for a FF ! atleast u'll get (have too)to learn much faster…
crop sensor don't work that well at high ISO any way.
Agree with Ijat, brand isn't a concern. Any brand will do have have their advantages. i would go for sony for pixel , nikon for the feel of the build quality and canon for their lense. (How i wish i could afford their 1200mm prime lense) than again there's still a few more brands to choose from. Got no experience besides those 3.
Entry level with a budget go for 1000D , was quite happy using my friends. and the new sony line up seems good too.
Lensa maybe you should cover more of other brands to. your website are about photography correct ?