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Which camera to buy
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Jul 17, 2019 21:29:41   #
Skittles7071
 
Hi, I'm looking to get my first dslr camera. I have always just had cheap point and shoot cameras in the past so will need one with a lens but dont want to spend loads of money. I was thinking around £250-300 for an entry level camera. Any suggestions greatly appreciated

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Jul 17, 2019 21:58:27   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
Skittles7071 wrote:
Hi, I'm looking to get my first dslr camera. I have always just had cheap point and shoot cameras in the past so will need one with a lens but dont want to spend loads of money. I was thinking around £250-300 for an entry level camera. Any suggestions greatly appreciated


This gets you into the most complete system available. All EF/EFs AF lenses ever made by Canon (Over 30 years now) will work 100% with this camera. Any lens you get will work 100% with the latest R series of cameras so there will be no obsolesce.
No other system cam make this claim or come close to it.
https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-sl3-ef-s-18-55mm-is-stm-lens-kit

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Jul 17, 2019 21:58:55   #
PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago
 
Skittles7071 wrote:
Hi, I'm looking to get my first dslr camera. I have always just had cheap point and shoot cameras in the past so will need one with a lens but dont want to spend loads of money. I was thinking around £250-300 for an entry level camera. Any suggestions greatly appreciated


Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1433064-REG/nikon_1590_d3500_dslr_camera_with.html



Compact, easy to use, and versatile are all traits of the Nikon D3500, which is designed to be as flexible and intuitive as possible, while still offering the imaging capabilities you expect from a DSLR. Utilizing a DX-format 24.2MP CMOS sensor and EXPEED 4 image processor, the D3500 provides a native sensitivity range from ISO 100-25600 to suit working in a variety of lighting conditions, and the sensor and processor combination also provides a 5 fps continuous shooting rate as well as Full HD 1080p video recording at 60 fps. The sensor's design also omits an optical low-pass filter in order to achieve greater sharpness and resolution from both photos and videos.

Welcome to the forum.

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Jul 18, 2019 00:28:02   #
lev29 Loc: Born and living in MA.
 
Skittles7071 wrote:
Hi, I'm looking to get my first dslr camera. I have always just had cheap point and shoot cameras in the past so will need one with a lens but dont want to spend loads of money. I was thinking around £250-300 for an entry level camera. Any suggestions greatly appreciated
Two questions for you, Skittles:
A. Is your purchase figure for a camera body ONLY, sans lens?
B. I’m not necessarily advocating a particular brand or type of Interchangeable Lens Camera (ILC), but are you positive it should be a dSLR, as opposed to a mirrorless or dSLT camera?

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Jul 18, 2019 01:29:47   #
rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
 
The Canon EOS SL2 / 200D is an excellent well featured beginner DSLR that fits your price range. The SL2 has a 24 megapixel APS-C image sensor and a Digic 7 processor with an ISO range of 100 to 25600 expandable to 51200. It comes in black body or white body and all Canon EF and EF-S lenses will mount to it.
Canon owners more often than not will recommend Canon and Nikon owners, Nikon. I own both Canon and Nikon and although I very much like my Nikon cameras, I find Canon cameras to have better ergonomics and are easier to learn and use.
You can find SL2 three lens bundles for around $500 USD or about 402 GBP.
I recommend the SL2 over the SL3 because they are almost identical, the SL3 does cropped 4K video and the battery is larger, and the SL2 costs about 10% less than the SL3. If you want the 4K video, get the SL3, but there's nothing wrong with 1080P at 60 fps.
As an owner of DSLR'S with and without low pass filters, I can tell you there is little if any obvious difference between the image quality of either. Many Nikon owners with cameras without low pass filters often bring this up but, since I own both Canon with and without low pass filters and Nikon without low pass filters, I consider it a minor issue.

Realistically, finding a really good DSLR and lens combination for the amount you want to spend is tough. The lens I have on my SL2 most of the time is the EF-S 18-200, which cost more than the SL2 body.

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Jul 18, 2019 06:22:59   #
Jerrin1 Loc: Wolverhampton, England
 
Skittles7071 wrote:
Hi, I'm looking to get my first dslr camera. I have always just had cheap point and shoot cameras in the past so will need one with a lens but dont want to spend loads of money. I was thinking around £250-300 for an entry level camera. Any suggestions greatly appreciated


I would look at Nikon rather than Canon, as I believe the sensors are a lot better (I have actually owned 8 Canon SLR/DSLR cameras but only one Nikon). Instead of restricting yourself to an entry level camera, take a look at the seconhand market. I have used London Camera Exchange, MPB and Castle Cameras, all are highly reputable and provide accurate descriptions of their used products. London Camera Exchange has numerous shops around the UK, as well as selling on line. Alternatively, you could purchase a secondhand, entry level camera and spend what you save over the price of a new camera on a lens or accessories. My mint condition Sigma 180mm f2.8 OS macro cost £800 from MPB instead of £1300 brand new. My mint condition Olympus EM1 and Olympus 60mm macro were far cheaper when I bought them from LCE. I also sell gear to LCE and MPB, all of it in mint condtion.

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Jul 18, 2019 08:38:25   #
Nikon1201
 
If you are eventually going to go full frame , I would go with a D610 . But a higher end used from KEH . They have a great warranty.

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Jul 18, 2019 08:43:49   #
dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia
 
PixelStan77 wrote:
Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1433064-REG/nikon_1590_d3500_dslr_camera_with.html



Compact, easy to use, and versatile are all traits of the Nikon D3500, which is designed to be as flexible and intuitive as possible, while still offering the imaging capabilities you expect from a DSLR. Utilizing a DX-format 24.2MP CMOS sensor and EXPEED 4 image processor, the D3500 provides a native sensitivity range from ISO 100-25600 to suit working in a variety of lighting conditions, and the sensor and processor combination also provides a 5 fps continuous shooting rate as well as Full HD 1080p video recording at 60 fps. The sensor's design also omits an optical low-pass filter in order to achieve greater sharpness and resolution from both photos and videos.

Welcome to the forum.
Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens. br br ... (show quote)


That works out to £350. A little over the OP's liomit.

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Jul 18, 2019 08:53:17   #
dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia
 
Skittles7071 wrote:
Hi, I'm looking to get my first dslr camera. I have always just had cheap point and shoot cameras in the past so will need one with a lens but dont want to spend loads of money. I was thinking around £250-300 for an entry level camera. Any suggestions greatly appreciated


Try Canon UK. Right now they have this online:
Canon EOS 4000D Body + EF-S 18-55mm III Lens at £299 new.
https://store.canon.co.uk/canon-eos-4000d-body-ef-s-18-55mm-iii-lens/3011C006/

You should also check out refurbished body lens combos. I do not know where you find those in the UK, but you can save a lot and get better equipment with manufacturer refurbished items.

Good luck.

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Jul 18, 2019 09:00:46   #
camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.
 
There is something you should keep in mind and that is that today it is very difficult if not impossible to buy a camera that will not do its job to perfection. Entry level cameras are ideal for the beginner and they are capable enough.
I use Nikon gear but Canon also makes very good cameras and lenses. Pentax is another very good company.
If there is a camera store near you pay them a visit and check the entry level of those companies. I am sure one of them will fit your style and you will feel comfortable with it. Employees are usually knowledgeable and can help you with your decision.
By the way, there is also the second hand market or refurb products that will save you money for that good lens you want.

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Jul 18, 2019 09:07:36   #
Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida
 
Skittles7071 wrote:
Hi, I'm looking to get my first dslr camera. I have always just had cheap point and shoot cameras in the past so will need one with a lens but dont want to spend loads of money. I was thinking around £250-300 for an entry level camera. Any suggestions greatly appreciated


Welcome and looking at your budget....are you here in the U.S. or are you in the U.K. The markets and warranties will vary because of the variants between manufacturers with respect to location. You can search this topic on this site on Grey Market Purchases.

Consider either a New Entry Model or a Good Used One with more capabilities. And don't forget to get the best glass you can afford for it. The Lens is the thing and the sensor with low-light abilities will make a considerable difference in what you can shoot on a whim without special lights and extra gear slowing you down and costing you money on the Back End......something you didn't see coming when you were falling in love with the next camera you wanted.

Take you time and try to find a shop that carries what you need to test it out in your hands before you leap. Look at the you tube videos and reviews and ask a lot of questions here and you will learn in short order what Not to Buy or where to tread-lightly.

Again Welcome & Good Hunting

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Jul 18, 2019 09:32:20   #
Piltdown1952
 
I vote for the Nikon people. Bought my first Nikon in 1970 and never lost a shot due to mechanical failure. If I still had it, the 50 mm f2.0 that came with the Nikkormat body would still fit my current Nikons.

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Jul 18, 2019 09:53:49   #
Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb
 
Go to a store and find one you are comfortable with. Some are too small, too big, heavy or don't fit your hand. You don't want to start with one that is awkward.

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Jul 18, 2019 09:54:44   #
sagfgrump
 
I started a few years ago with a Nikon d3200 and the 18-55mm kit lens which I was very happy with when I was new to photography - you could get one of those within your budget easily if you buy a used one. Or the 3300,3400 and 3500 which have superseded then are also really good but you'll pay more for the newer models.

MPB are very good if you want to buy a used camera - it will certainly save a lot of money and I have found them to be very reliable.

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Jul 18, 2019 09:57:12   #
FL Streetrodder
 
The majority of members here are Canon and Nikon aficionados, but don't necessarily rule out Pentax as this brand gives you more bang for the buck and, in my opinion, more user friendly controls. Another factor to consider is that Pentax incorporates their shake reduction technology into the camera body, not the lens. Pentax lenses have always been well respected for their optics and many can be purchased at a more reasonable cost as they do not have to include the shake reduction feature. Just my opinion as a satisfied Pentax owner.

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