SLR - which one do l choose ?

[Andrewchalkie]

:oops: Can any body help.
l would like to take close up pictures from a far i.e. birds, and close up from close i.e. flowers, and would like to use an SLR digital camera with the ability to be able to update the camera with different lenses. l would like to use the pictures on my website but also be able to print good quality pictures. Also I would like to be able to take pictures one after the other.

Can you Help thankyou

[Todd Jacobsen]

Andrew,

What's your price range?

What is your experience level with SLR type cameras?

[Andrewchalkie]

£400 to £600 I have no previous experience with SLR but some experience with digital and video. Here is my website for examples http://www.alanstynedevon.co.uk (http://www.alanstynedevon.co.uk/)

[Todd Jacobsen]

Andrew,

You're below the price range of a 20D but in there for either Digital Rebel models. Digital Rebel, although not as capable as the 10D/20D line, provides an EXCELLENT starter DSLR camera.

[RichardtheSane]

£400 to £600 I have no previous experience with SLR but some experience with digital and video. Here is my website for examples http://www.alanstynedevon.co.uk (http://www.alanstynedevon.co.uk/)
Does this budget include lenses?
If so I think you may need to stretch it a little.

[RockOne]

Sounds like the new 350D is the way to go...basically any of Canon's DSLR's will do what you need. The main thing to think about though are the lenses. For birds you will want a telephoto (probably at least 300mm) and for close up you will need a macro lens (I don't own one yet, so can't recommend any :-( ), although for most flowers (eg roses etc) the kit lens will suffice !

[Andrewchalkie]

Thank you for all the info. Its been a great help. I know I have some research to do but any more sugeestions, especially about lenses would be much appreciated. Once again thanks guys.

[Andrewchalkie]

Our budget is for camera only with the ability to added to it by way of different lenses.

[RichardtheSane]

If you look around £400 should get you a 300D and a first lens.

[Incomplete Pete]

Try investigating the mass of second hand 10Ds kicking about, will be suitable for a beginner, but good enough for advanced users.

[tim]

Agreed, a 2nd hand 10D would be a good option, or a new 350D/XT if you can afford it. For close up shots you'll want a macro lens like this (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=194451&is=GREY) or this (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=12145&is=GREY). For pics of birds something like this (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=163657&is=REG) would be good on a budget.

[Geeeyejo]

Try to locate a factory demo 10D - got mine on ebay for $799 US (body kit only) Love it, nice weight and great quality.

[Andrewchalkie]

Thank you everyone for all your help. A little bit more research and I'll be off to buy my new Canon DSLR camera. Hooah !!!!!

[funpix]

For pics of birds something like this (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=163657&is=REG) would be good on a budget.
Tim how would this work for birds in flight? I understand that budget is an issue in this case. Just asking since I too am looking for a tele lens for the same purpose.

[tim]

Tim how would this work for birds in flight? I understand that budget is an issue in this case. Just asking since I too am looking for a tele lens for the same purpose.

It'd be ok, excellent for the price, but not so good for low light. I quite like it for well lit situations, and with a 20D/XT it should be ok at higher ISO too.

[condyk]

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/normal_search_result.php?keywords=300d&r=20050325

Canon 300D - if you only want to taking bird/animal images then I'd go for the body only and then add additional long lenses. If you also want to use it generally, then get the kit, with 17-55mm lens. It's good for getting you up and running and you can add bigger lenses later. This is currently best UK price and I doubt you'll get it cheaper.

Ebay is good for big compact flash memory if you need it. Try and get a fast 1GB one ... should cost around £40 from US or HK. Check the sellers postage price as it varies from fair to rip off!!

For info., after much research, and advice from this and other forums, I'm looking at getting the Sigma 70-200 F2.8 HSM EX and 2x Sigma extender for 'wildlife' shots. I should get this for less than £450 SH if I'm patient. The 300d extends the length of any zoom by additional 1.6 (so called crop factor) but you will perhaps need larger lens still for 'birds in the field'. The Canon 100-400 F4 is an excellent option by all accounts, but rather more expensive and hard to find second hand.

At the moment, I am using a Sigma 70-100 APO Super II Macro/zoom. This is very good but not as sharp as the 70-200 sigma or the Canon L series lenses, judging from many of the images I've seen. Great starter lens and good build quality ... cheapest Uk price new seems to be £139 from 7dayshop too! Decent resale value when you come to upgrade :-)

Dave

PS I tried the 350 yesterday just for 'fun' and found it a tad small!! As a lover of small gadget type things I was surprised I didn't like the feel so much. I like my 300d with the Battery grip for use with bigger lens. Just feels easier and more secure. Personal view! Cheapest source of Battery grip BTW in UK is www.ebuyer.com @ £70 incl delivery. Get a second battery at the same time from ebay.