Camera Choices

[Decosta1228]

Not to sure if this is the right forum.

Hi, quick intro - 26, from the UK and a begineer when it comes to photography.

Basically, got into photography and really enjoy it. Currently have a Canon A70 and would like to upgrade (Not essential, as I'm still learning on it, but it would be nice).

Instead of telling you the choices I narrowed it down too, I'll get the advice of people that know.

Features in a digicam or DSLR:

Able to cope with action well (Sports, pets and small children)

People (Love the portrait pictures I've seen in various posts and I want to be able to get to that standard). Also like taking pictures of people in various settings.

I sometimes take pictures of urban landscapes (Buildings, churchyards, etc)

Would like it to have a hotshoe so that I can use external flashes.

As for a DSLR, the camera would have to be one that comes with 1/2 lens and then due to lack of funds, that would be it for a couple of years, until I can pay off the camera and start focusing in on the lenses.

Ideally, would like a camera that I can use at beginneer level and take it up to advanced without the need to keep swapping cameras every few months. This next camera would have to be it for at least 2 years.


Thanks, any questions you have for me and I'll try to answer them as best as I can.

[Conk]

Sounds like an easy choice would be the 300D.

[Decosta1228]

Hmmm, that's what I thought, but I would be using the standard lens for a long while..I would like to see various pictures of what that lens can do though

Any takers (esp in the areas listed above).

[Persian-Rice]

Try to find a used but mint 300d with a battery grip and some extra battery's to get you started.

Do some research on lenses, you would be surprised that there are quite a few lenses that are very good and pretty cheap. The lens that comes up every darn time is the 50 1.8 that you can get for 60-70 USD.

Its a pretty good focal length for all sorts of photography. Its one of those lenses thats in the middle. Sharpness is equivalent to almost any L lens.
You also get an aperture that can be opened up very wide, so you can also get very shallow DOF. With a $120 adaptor you can also take macro's with it.

I think a 300Dw/grip with 50mm 1.8 is an extremely versatile combination and can be had for $700-800 if you look carefully.