Advice on new camera needed

[aaneiros]

Hi all. I've been reading this forum for a while and it looks a really interesting place; it's amazing how good most photos published here look (had no idea you could do that with a camera, actually )

Well, for some time I've been a happy point-and-shoot user with my Canon compact camera. I've used it mainly on my trips abroad, in the hope that some day I can take a photo which is worth printing and hanging on a wall for others to admire. So far, that has not happened and, after some lurking in this forum, I am convinced that it never will, unless I use a camera that allows me to fiddle with its manual settings (and also learn some photography, which I desperately need).

So, I've made up my mind to buy reflex camera (and keep my point-and-shoot as a complement) and, after reading some reviews, I am thinking it could be a Canon EOS 550 D (also called Rebel t2i, I believe) because it has all that an amateur/beginner photographer like me needs. The camera comes with the 18-55 IS lens kit.

But, of course, I have many doubts:

Is this the best camera for me? I just want a camera that allows me to take good photos in any general situation. I'm not going to specialize in anything in particular.

Is it worth buying a better body or is this good enough for me? I could try to stretch my budget a little bit...

Should I go for a better lens or is this good enough? (In fact, the price of the bundled lens in quite attractive)

Ok, nothing more for now

Thank you for your time.

Antonio.

P.S Please excuse my English as it's not my mother tongue.

 

[Elias]

I haven't got that much advice I can give you since I'm a beginner myself.

But for my first camera, I got a Nikon D40. I've had it for a while and such a camera is light, feels stable and is pretty much a loyal workhorse. I used that camera to take pictures of anything just to start off in Photography. It is what I would describe as the perfect entry level camera. It will teach you all you need to start off.

I now have a Canon T2i. It's new but from what I can see of it, it is a good camera. However talking in your position, I would personally be looking to understanding lenses and start investing more money in good glass than a body. I believe Nikon D40s are cheaper, and I would recommend looking at some Nikkor lenses, whilst they might be expensive, I spent around a year shooting with only the standard 18-55. I took pictures of some pretty memorable things that I value personally, but if I had invested in some better glass, just another lens it would have done that time spent even more justice if you see what I mean.

Basically alot of people get it wrong, like myself. I was falsely under the impression that a good body is more important than carefully chosen lenses. What is your budget?

 

[sobolik]

For now be advised that you entering a system purchase more so than a item purchase. (brand name) You will likely stay with that system for quite some time. To be specific in answering you get the cheapest best deal used you can in your chosen system. You will modify it as most everyone does.

So what system? Canon and Nikon dominate to the tune of 80% plus so I advise choose one of them. I favor Nikon.

Which one? [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=+3]
Nikon vs. Canon [/SIZE]
© 2006 KenRockwell.com[/FONT]
Nikon vs. Canon

 

[aaneiros]

Thank you both for your advice.

I think I'm going to invest a little less on the body and get a better lens.

And it's going to be a Canon or a Nikon for sure. Don't know which one yet, though

Cheers.

Antonio.

 

[John Mc]

Can only Suggest going down to a Camera store and playing about with them

 

[Overread35]

With no specific subjects or demands save that it takes pictures you really are down to the ergonomic factor of trying them out to see which you prefer by handholding. Canon or Nikon there isn't one photographic area that one can do that the other can't.

 

[Stradawhovious]

At first, I think the kit lens that comes with either Nikon or Canon entry level DSLRs will be just fine. They both make great glass, even at the "lower end", but personally I prefer Nikon.

I'm not seasoned or learned enough to offer any solid advice on how to take fantastic photos..... (when 'm able to do it, I will tell you what I did.....) But take some classes, read some books, ask questions here and most of all take some photos. I'm learning quickly that you can spend tens of thousands of dollars on equipment, but without an understanding of how it works, and developing an eye to use it, that equipment will produce pictures fairly similar to your point and shoot.

Don't be afraid to buy used if its an option. There are a ton of deals to be had on used equipment.

And BTW, your English is fantastic.

 

[Robin Usagani]

Any DSLRs would be a huge step from a point and shoot. Just pick Canon or Nikon... If you get seroius, buy nicer lenses. Once you get really good then there will be more newer cameras. It makes more sense to buy nicer camera later when you know what you are doing. Then you can transfer your lenses (or sell). If you buy a really nice camera now, by the time you become a very good photographer, there will be more nicer newer cameras in the market and you would want to buy those anyway LOL.

 

[traylorc]

I would recommend going spending some time with the various Canon and Nikon models and see which one "feels" right. Spend some time looking through the menus...does the menu of one camera feel more intuitive than another. How does it feel in your hand? Are the placement of the buttons on the camera confusing or intuitive?

 

[bigtwinky]

its a fine camera. When we are new to dSLRs, we get an informnation overload. IF your budget is enough for it, get it.

 

[slate mike]

I decided on the Nikon D5000 for several reasons, the most important of one being the ease of use for a beginner. It has a great question button that you can push and find out whatever it is that you're doing. Also a great price ($429.00 reconditioned) and got a great price on the kit lenses(18-55 and 55-200 VR G) I also like Ken Rockwell's "How to use it" info and a lot of his advice on all things Nikon. Best of luck!