I've seen it brand new for £470 (off the top of my head) which comes with a 18-55mm and 75-300mm lens. I'm looking for some good family portrait type pics, but also some long-range action football photos etc. Does anyone know any decent companies/websites to shop around on? Or can you suggest a better camera (or cheaper) for my money based on my specs?
Thats a fair price considering you get 2 lenses, although you could get it cheaper. Check amazon and e-bay if your comfortable buying online. Also look out for a 50mm 1.8, its a must have to get started with portraits, also performs much better in low light than the kit lenses - don't spend more than £70 for a new one - got mine for £60 on ebay a few years back. Does the 500D shoot video, would that be important to you? If it doesn't do video have a look for the 550D.
Forgive me, I'm very new to all this. I assume this is a lense? What's the 1.8 signify? I can't find anything on Amazon (looking now), will have a look at Ebay but I don't think I want a second hand one.
50mm is the focal length, which determines your field of view, from wide angle to telephoto, the kit lens can change from 18mm (wide angle) to 55mm (short telephoto). The 50mm never changes its field of view, this is the drawback of all 'prime' lenses (ie fixed focal length, as opposed to 'zoom' lenses), but the positives (beautiful portraits, low light capability) make it worth the hassle. 1.8 is the maximum aperture of the lens, which operates like your eyes iris, the wider open it is, the more light it will let in, smaller numbers indicate a wider aperture, so f1.8 will let in more light than f3.5 (the kit lens maximum aperture). This also effects the depth of field. heres the 50mm 1.8 (the 'nifty fifty') on amazon, price has went up a bit, but still well worth the money... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-EF-50-1-8-Lens/dp/B00005K47X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337175313&sr=8-1
Just noticed that the 650D will be announced this summer http://www.canonrumors.com/2012/05/canon-to-announce-2-cameras-in-june-cr2/ This will knock down prices of older models, but it will be some time before it gets to market.
Recently ordered a Macro Light Ring for my DSLR, I'm looking forward to having a bit of a play with it. It's only a cheap version of a Ring Flash but it should still do a fairly similar job with fairly similar results.
Just to add on to Shake's very helpful response, I would always recommend having a 50mm prime lens. For 'everyday' unplanned photography of people & places - it can't be beaten.
Rarely use Nikons, always wanted a flip screen though, makes video much easier. DP Review says this... Seems like a decent camera, more than enough to get you started.
Good place to start... http://www.ephotozine.com/article/b...photography-with-mike-browne---part-one-17650 Always worth reading the camera manual, or at least glimpsing at it.
Okay, I've decided I'm not going to compromise. So after all that, tomorrow I will be picking up the Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS II USM. Edit The beast is now here!
