DSLRs - Where the hell do I start?

DSLRs - Where the hell do I start?

^^^ Those are good summaries of my points that:
1. the exact choice of SLR body really doesnt matter since almost anything modern will be a huge step up from a compact P&S
2. for your first dSLR spending a lot of $$$ on the first one is not recommended
3. ^ Good point on avoiding the whole 'brand war' loyalty nonsense between Canon & Nikon. one is not better than the other, it is simply a choice, pick up examples of both and shoot w them, whichever control layout feels more natural and comfortable, go w that to start, with millions of users on either side who love shooting w their systems, it's dumb to say one particular system is superior because that would imply the other million users are wrong
 
All sounds like good sound advice guys. Dearest is away this weekend and the kids are at Grandma's so my weekend is my own. I think it may involve a trip to Jessops or similar for a bit of touchy/feely to see which suits me although there is a large independent specialist about 10 miles away with free parking so I'll probably head there. Parking in Brighton will cost me more than the extra 10 miles in fuel and it will be just as quick plus I prefer to support smaller businesses where possible rather than national chains and you can generally negotiate more with them on price
 
Pininfarina_ said:
Why not? My first DSLR was a D7000 kits lens with a 35 1.8. (unless that's not what you call expensive)
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'Expensive' is a subjective amount depending on the individual/income/budget. Of course I wouldn't quote an exact amount. What is 'not expensive' to you and me could be considered 'expensive' and 'out of budget' to someone else.

I know you're trying to challenge what I say, but there really is no need. There is no fight here.
 
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edkwon said:
'Expensive' is a subjective amount depending on the individual/income/budget. Of course I wouldn't quote an exact amount. What is 'not expensive' to you and me could be considered 'expensive' and 'out of budget' to someone else.

I know you're trying to challenge what I say, but there really is no need. There is no fight here.
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No fight, just curious. I do know people that have purchased D700's, 5DMII's the like for their first DSLR and they are quite happy with their purchase.

I'm not trying to fight you but I do disagree with you on that point. If you do your homework and try the body out at a store, I don't see why purchasing an expensive body/lens is a bad thing.
 
Pininfarina_ said:
No fight, just curious. I do know people that have purchased D700's, 5DMII's the like for their first DSLR and they are quite happy with their purchase.

I'm not trying to fight you but I do disagree with you on that point. If you do your homework and try the body out at a store, I don't see why purchasing an expensive body/lens is a bad thing.
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Those kind of first time dSLR buyers are in the extreme minority and we both know that. We'll agree to disagree on this point. (notice how I'm not saying you're wrong, just that i don't agree w that point).
 
I usually tell my friends very similar things when they ask about DSLR purchases compared to what has been stated above;

Look for what fits your hands and which control schemes are easier for you to navigate and feel comfortable as most brands pretty much offer the same things in terms of technical specifications. Then from there, find what fits your budget. Going with the two major brands (Canon/Nikon) gives you more options in terms of support and options, but all the others are very close and may fit you better.

Pretty much already said, but I agree that the biggest things to look for are ergonomics.
 
edkwon said:
Those kind of first time dSLR buyers are in the extreme minority and we both know that.
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Well I guess so....the way I see it, if you're buying a DSLR for the right reasons, the higher end ones will exceed your expectations and all the functions that you could ever want would be available to you immediately. Unlike some who purchase super low end DSLR's expecting a lot more but end up noticing that their photos are not much better than someone's high end P&S.
 
I honesty have no idea on budget. I started the thread to get an idea of what to look out for and how to start the process. From there I can work out what I want to get and then build towards acquiring the necessary budget.
 
Seems appropriate:
 
Was at a bonfire and fireworks display tonight using Dearest's Nikon Not-Compact and some hipster twat with coloured hair and piercings started slating her camera. Simply because it was a Nikon rather than because it wasn't a DSLR. He claimed he has a photography degree and could take better pictures on his iPhone.

Shame the supercilious c**t didn't have his Canon with him. I'd have shoved it up his smug skinny arse and gone to full zoom.
 
Gah.
I hate brand whores.
 
Was at a bonfire and fireworks display tonight using Dearest's Nikon Not-Compact and some hipster twat with coloured hair and piercings started slating her camera. Simply because it was a Nikon rather than because it wasn't a DSLR. He claimed he has a photography degree and could take better pictures on his iPhone.
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Did anyone else need to read that ten times before they actually understood what was going on?

Also, ew hipsters. Guys who wear lady pants, lulz.
 
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epp_b said:
Did anyone else need to read that ten times before they actually understood what was going on?

Also, ew hipsters. Guys who wear lady pants, lulz.
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What's a not compact? I still don't understand anything.

That kind of reminds me of times when I bring my dslr around and I feel like a total douche for doing so. I mean I've tried to use a P&S but I just get so flustered going through menus and sub menus and their cousins' menus that were twice removed; I start saying, fuck it I'm not taking pictures.
 
Re: DSLRs - Where the hell do I start?

Pininfarina_ said:
What's a not compact? I still don't understand anything.

That kind of reminds me of times when I bring my dslr around and I feel like a total douche for doing so. I mean I've tried to use a P&S but I just get so flustered going through menus and sub menus and their cousins' menus that were twice removed; I start saying, fuck it I'm not taking pictures.
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Around here the use of dSLRs and mirrorless cameras are so widespread and commonlplace in public places, its not even noticed.
 
My local independent camera centre still lists it in the Compact section of their website. Don't tell Dearest but as far as I can see it offers neither the convenience of a compact nor anything like the intuitive use or quality of a DSLR. I'm still trying to work the thing out whereas at least with other people's DSLRs I can pick them up and get great results right away. With this it's a matter of luck. It's like the difference between a shotgun and a target rifle.
 
What's a not compact? I still don't understand anything.
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Was at a bonfire and fireworks display tonight using Dearest's Nikon Not-Compact and some hipster twat with coloured hair and piercings started slating her camera. Simply because it was a Nikon rather than because it wasn't a DSLR. He claimed he has a photography degree and could take better pictures on his iPhone.
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Let me see if I can decode this...

  • MWF goes to bonfire, brings his wife's Nikon camera.
    [*]A wild male Hipster Douche Nozzle appears and starts talking smack about Nikons, regardless of the class of camera. Claims to have a Masters in Hipstograph Douchebaggery and, therefore, is capable of obtaining better photographs using his HipstaPhone.
    [*]MWF is stunned by the raw hipsterness and is filled with rightful hatred.

Is that about right?

I can only hope that Part the IV involved MWF locking a padlock in the hipster's ear hoops.

My local independent camera centre still lists it in the Compact section of their website. Don't tell Dearest but as far as I can see it offers neither the convenience of a compact nor anything like the intuitive use or quality of a DSLR. I'm still trying to work the thing out whereas at least with other people's DSLRs I can pick them up and get great results right away. With this it's a matter of luck. It's like the difference between a shotgun and a target rifle.
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I have to agree with her, they are really dumb cameras. They're looks say "me too" to DSLRs, but they're too big to be a compact. Worst of both worlds.
 
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epp_b said:
Let me see if I can decode this...

  • MWF goes to bonfire, brings his wife's Nikon camera.
    [*]A wild male Hipster Douche Nozzle appears and starts talking smack about Nikons, regardless of the class of camera. Claims to have a Masters in Hipstograph Douchebaggery and, therefore, is capable of obtaining better photographs using his HipstaPhone.
    [*]MWF is stunned by the raw hipsterness and is filled with rightful hatred.

Is that about right?

I can only hope that Part the IV involved MWF locking a padlock in the hipster's ear hoops.
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Pretty much correct except she isn't my wife (still technically married to my ex). Hipster Douche Nozzle didn't get what he rightfully deserved because there were several uniformed coppers within about 20 feet of us. :mad:

I have to agree with her, they are really dumb cameras. They're looks say "me too" to DSLRs, but they're too big to be a compact. Worst of both worlds.
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With her? She loves the bloody thing but even after poring over the manual for several hours I still can't get it to do the things I want from a camera. It has a better zoom than a basic compact and more megapixies but that's about it. Worst of both worlds just about sums it up.
 
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