Originally Posted by
subversive:
“Hi,
I want to get a Digital SLR Camera, but have no clue whatsoever about this category of cameras.
I am used to the "point and shoot" cameras, the normal £200 ones, like Canon IXUS range.
The one I like the look of is the Canon EOS 550D.
How does it compare to the older 500D.
My budget is around £500 to £600 (I think the 550D is abit more than that).
What I would like to know is:
1. Would I have to upgrade the lens?
2. Should I get it with or without a lens? Which lens is good if buying just the body
3. Do I need a flash
4. Extra battery - how long does the existing battery which comes with the camera last
5. Memory Card, what would be a good size? 16GB, 32GB?
6. any alternative for this camera?
7. Any sound advice would be appreciated.
oh and for those experienced users, what cameras have you got?
Thanks
ps. what about this camera? its not a DSLR
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-Lu...481142&sr=1-21”
It s indeed a learning curve. Before I answer your points. Ask yourself this question...
What kind of photography do I want to do. Specialising is one of the best ways to stand out to others as you develope a stronger skill and unique photos from it..
Something I got wrong.....
1). Before you get one brand stuck in your mind, go and try a couple.. Nikon and Canon are the main ones. Nikon may suit you better as the menus may be easier to navigate etc.
2). The lens will serve you well to start with and spending lots of money on Canon L series glass will cost a fortune.
Having said that investing in the best lenses you can is the most important as the glass dictates the quality of image..
3). Off camera flash will open a number of creative doors for you.. You could save a lot of cash by getting Yongnuo 460 MKII on Ebay (Around £40 each) and a set of radio triggers to fire them (RF 602) by the same company are good and cheap!
4). An extra battery should not be a priority. Most cameras these days are very power efficient..
5). Don't get hung up on card size, it is usually better to have a number of smaller cards that are rated at a higher speed so..
Look at the higher speed cards from Lexar and Sandisk 4GB -8GB should be fine but get a couple..
My memory.co.uk have good prices...
thnk about filters too like the Cokin P series. These are slide in filters and need a specific holder and adapter ring to fit your lenses.
A graduated grey P.121 is a three stop filter(hold three F stops of light back) This will help keep colour and detail in bright areas like skies etc...
A poloriser will increase contrast and boost colour saturation a bit..
Have a look at Flickr and some of the groups. These are either for local shots or off camera flash (Strobist) etc....