Thread: A question to all the photographers/photoshop whizzes

Ok I have another question for the photographers.

Mr C is thinking of getting into photography. Any ideas where he can get a decent starter camera? Obviously he doesn't want one that's too expensive or fancy in case the photography thing doesn't quite work out. Maybe a second hand one?

Originally Posted by December Charm

Ok I have another question for the photographers.

Mr C is thinking of getting into photography. Any ideas where he can get a decent starter camera? Obviously he doesn't want one that's too expensive or fancy in case the photography thing doesn't quite work out. Maybe a second hand one?

I got the Olympus E410 DSLR for £287 odd from Curries. It has two lenses with it as well but needs a card to save to. Another 30 odd quid unless bought online. Or, another really good "point and shoot" to get him started is the Kodak Easy Share ZD710. I found the E410 to be easy to use in Auto mode, no need to think, let the camera do it for you till you get used to the controls. Same with the Kodak. The ONLY questions Mr C should be asking is how much has he to spend and does he want a DSLR right away or get a decent point and shoot incase being a tog is not for him. And, most importantly, waht does he want to shoot. Coz if he spends his time jumping from one thing to another he will get peed of a bit quick with things. Now I will sit back and see who writes me of. But SHOP AROUND and look up all the reviews on very camera we mention.

Talking from the Nikon Camp is MOI!..

There are 3 catagories of DSLR.

Entry
D50
D70
D60
D40
D40x
D80
D90

Newcomers tend to go for the entry range. They are much easier to start with (they have a range of automitic modes), not too expensive and the quality is very good. Many pros use entry DSLRs as "second bodies" as a back up if things go wrong.

Semi Pro
D100
D200
D300
D700

Tend to have more in camera options that a amature wouldnt always find important, but a pro or seasoned photographer would find useful (aka more contol over the final image). Faster frames per second, better ISO quality, Build tends to be of a higher quaility. Jpegs not always the strong point as they are more geared towards RAW.

Pro (FX/Full Frame)
D2x
D3 -yummy!

Pretty much the best you can get.


The D40x is a good entry level cam - but will not see you through for long, if you want to further yourself. You may also struggle with the lenses. You are limited to - mostly Nikkor (more expensive) and a few Sigma, as the D40/x/D60/D90 dont have motoras for auto focus in he bodies... However if you plan on using it as a "hobby" cam, get it. Like i said earlier, If you can afford the extra, go for the D80, this is an excellent camera that will see you through for a many years quite happily and will more than keep up with you, as you progress.

In terms of specification between the Canon and the Nikon (2 main brands), the difference is, well, erm, not much! Apart from the sensor, which by all accounts is better than the Nikons (ie less noise at higher ISO settings)

Choosing between these two will mostly depend on how long you want to own it before you upgrade, what type of lens you want to buy (if any) after purchasing the body, and how far you want to progress.

Reluctantly, as a Nikon owner of a beloved D50, if you cant afford the extra for the D80, take a look at the Canon EOS400D. It will progress and cater for more needs than the D40x will.

However before you make your choice, the final factor will always be how the cam feels. If your not comfortable with the camera in your hands and how it functions, it wont matter how many bells and whistles it has, you will inevitabley come to loath it! So go out and try them both and see which one suits you.