Oh No! Not Again!

[Somebody]

Hi! I'm sure yu're fed up with these types of threads by now... but I was wondering if anyone could give me advise on choosing an SLR?

Sorry if this is a long post - I've done quite a bit of research, but am still confused!

Basically, I'm looking for an entry-level DSLR which can be adaptable for pretty much anything. I want one that's not too technical for a newbie, yet I don't want to outgrow it within the next 2 or 3 (preferably 5) years!

My main focuses would be macro and landscapes (everything from flowers to Big Ben to the rolling hills, I'm afraid! Though maybe a bit less of the rolling hills). Though photography is more of a hobby than anything - not much call for camera skills in an economics based job!

My price range is *ideally* somewhere between £400 and £700, though may be able to raise it a bit if needed. I'm a student, who's doing a year work placement between her second and third years, so has a *bit* (but not a lot!) of spare change. It's also my birthday soon, hence a slightly higher upper limit.
This also means that I can't afford much extra kit or lenses... I think I can afford to spend £1000 (again maybe a bit more) over the course of the next year... then very little until I have a job after uni's finished.

So, looking around, I've heard good things about several camera's:

Canon D450:
- Good, solid name and build.
- Did not feel great straight away, but got a bit more comfy the longer I held it.
- Has live view (a big plus for me)

Nikon D3000:
- Another good, solid, name and build.
- Felt very natural and comfortable in my hand.
- Does not come with live view

While I'm lead to believe that both have image- stabilising lenses, I heard somewhere that this is not always the case with Canon? (I may be mistaken though!)

I've also had the Sony A330 suggested to. While the in-body image stabilisation and tilting (live-view) screen are both good points, I'm a bit concerned that I may outgrow it, and that there is not a wide-range of lenses available. It is also a newer brand (having taken over another company), which makes me keener to look at a more established brand for the time being.

I think I am leaning towards a Canon at the moment, but every piece of information I get confuses me even more!

Finally, I am wondering if it is perhaps wondering if it's worth going for a slightly more expensive camera (like a Nikon D90), since - to me - live view and tilting screens are useful (I'm a bit short - and glasses sometimes get in the way of a view-finder!) . I'm also upgrading from a compact point-and-shoot so I am used to and find live-view really useful.

Any comments, advise or personal experiences are more than welcome!
If there's another camera that you would recommend, please mention it! I am not looking to buy for about 2 weeks to a month, and have spent 3 weeks looking already, so have time to consider other options!

Thanks in advance,
Claire

P.S> If I've been silly and missed the right section, could someone with the power move it across for me?

[OldClicker]

I I started a year ago, so I may be able to present the 'first year' point of view. A couple of general statements:

All the modern DSLRs, from all the companies (5, I think???), have great image quality and all the lenses you will need unless you are looking at a job with Sports Illustrated. Each has its compromises.

It seems that those who learn the strengths of their system and how to use them love it (no matter which it is) and those that think they 'need' some other feature to get a good shot are never satisfied.

If you really get into it, the learning curve is really steep at the beginning. What you can do and what you want to do changes so fast that it's really hard to get something that will last for years at this point.

My recommendation is to get one of the intro bodies and the best lens(es) you can afford. That way you can upgrade the body in a few years and have good glass. Try each and see how it feels and also how it will be to carry it around (none work well if you leave it home).

My personal experience: I bought a used Canon XTi (400D in Europe???) and used it for a couple of months. At that point, the Sony A350 was what made sense to me. The only fast focusing Live View and it has a flip up/down screen. With the in-body (not in-lens) stabilization, all lenses are stabilized. I found that I love the older, used Minolta lenses (the company Sony acquired) and that they offered excellent value and are all stabilized.

TF

[reklov]

Have a look at the Nikon D5000. It's a great user friendly camera.
Just bought one myself and am very pleased so far.

[Somebody]

Hi!

Thanks for the responses!

The great things about the camera's is that the lenses can tend to be used for better bodies as well (as long as they are in the same brand of camera's!)

So you would suggest a Sony over a Canon then, OldClicker?
*edit* Also, I know the technical difference between in-body and in-lens stabilisation, but what effect would you say it makes to the photo? If any? */edit*
All of the camera's I mentioned (except the D90) are currently on offer with 2 lenses and a few other things, which is a very good deal... though I have a feeling the offer may end before I buy one!

And reklov, what would you say are the better features about the D5000?

Also, what sort of photos would you both say you specialised in?

I understand that no-one can give me a difinitive answer - no two people are the same, and would necessarily suggest the same camera for the same shots. I'm just trying to get a general overview really; try to build up a picture of what is generally good for what!

Claire

[OldClicker]

The Sony was/is the better option for ME. As I said, flip up/down fast-focus Live View and in body IS. I think the Sony body and Minolta glass gives the best colors available.

Most of my photos are back yard type wildlife (birds, flowers, insect close-ups, etc.), plus things like cycling races, an air show, a Civil War event, etc. I do a lot of dog pictures (we foster for a rescue group), but I'm not very good at it. I'm currently taking a class in 'People Photography' because I hate taking shots of people.

TF

[Somebody]

Ah that's cool.

You've just put the Sony a330 back in the frame! It sounds similar to what I plan to use my camera for! (Flowers, building detail, judo training / competitions, etc)

[OldClicker]

Be sure to check out the A330. It's not shaped like most DSLRs. - TF

[reklov]

Hi Claire.
Like the OldClicker said, most DSLR cameras produce great quality photos with the right lens.
I like the Nikon D5000 because it is compact and light yet with lenses being equal, it will produce the same quality photos compared to more expensive DSLR bodies.
The flip screen viewer is a nice feature that protects the screen when not in use.
Pick a DSLR body that feels good in your hands and then invest in a lens or two that suits your needs and your budget.

[Somebody]

Hi reklov,

Thanks for the reply!
After some consideration, I think I'm going to go for the Nikon D5000 as well... The Nikon's seem to sit betting in my hand than Canons, and having the flip screen will be a bonus I think. For an extra £30 (inc lens), I might as well go for the D5000 than a canon 450D if it feels better!

Thanks for your help reklov and OldClicker!

Claire

[reklov]

Hi Claire

I am certain that you won't regret buying the D5000.
It also seems to be getting great reviews.
Regardless, happy to have helped a little in this difficult and sometimes frustrating decision process.