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My first DSLR
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Hello forum users, this is my first posting. I would really appreciate some advice from experienced people, if you could spare a few minutes.
I would like to buy a decent DSLR and have narrowed it down to two options, based on some research I have done on the Net.
1. Sony Alpha A350 with 2 lenses; AL-1870 DT 18-70mm f3.5 Zoom lens (27 – 105 35mm eq) & SAL-55200 DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 Telephoto Zoom Lens
OR
2. Canon 450D with 2 lenses; EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS & EF-S 55-250mm F4.0-5.6mm
I would like to be able to take decent portraits (indoor and outdoor) and good cityscape and landscape shots. Less interested in nature subjects.
I was leaning towards the Sony as it seems to provide slightly better value and has a higher resolution of over 14MP compared with the Canon’s 12MP, which will provide some element of future-proofing. However, I was recently told that the Canon lenses are superior to the Sony lenses; this seems to be an important element.
Which of the above would you recommend, or are there any other brands/lenses I should also consider?
Can anyone help with this decision as either would represent a significant investment. Having made my purchase I would hope to take some introductory classes, to get the most from my camera. Any pointers on where to go for this would also be great.
Thanks all, hope someone is able to help with this.
Regards
MatthewI’d say go with the Canon… purely because lens & accesory selection is far better than Sony and easier to get your hands on too… new and used.
Nikon would also be a consideration… more or less in the same bracket as Canon.
J
Welcome to the site Matthew, I hope we hear alot from you :)
To your question. I’d just say, don’t worry so much about the megapixels. 10 or 12 is absolutely fine.
One of the best things I find/found to do was to head into a local camera store and hold the makes they
have. You’ll be surprised as to the different feels and as to what doesn’t feel good to hold and use.Let us know what you choose. Feel free to ask all the questions you can come up with :)
We’re here to help ;)Hiya Mathew,
Definately go into a camera shop and ask to see and hold all the ones that you are interested in. I started out looking at a Canon 400/450D or Nikon D60 but having held them I the asked to look at the 40D and that’s what I ended up getting. It just felt so comfortable in my hand.Let us know what you decide and good luck with it.
Hello Matthew.
I bought the 450D in April this year. Haven’t looked back. I upgraded the 18-55 IS kit lens to a 17-85 IS lens (got it for a bargain €260 on http://www.adverts.ie). I f you’re only starting out (like me) could I recommend ‘Understanding Exposure’ by Bryan Peterson. It’s some learning tool.
Hope you enjoy your camera!
Cheers,
Freddie.
If you’re after decent portraits then dont forget a flash unit. And for landscapes you’ll want a tripod.
Thank you all for the advice.
I ended up going with the 450D, just got it a few days and am still reading the manual!
Your tips are much appreciated, specially RE portraits and landscape shots, what to read etc.
When I get to grips with the hardware I will post some shots for people to comment.
Thanks again all
MatthewRead the manual over and over. When you get to ISO, TV and AV modes, read a section and then try it for a few days before moving on. There’s nothing like lots of practice and plenty of shots of fences and road signs to understand how the thing works.
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