Recommend a DSLR for a Novice

[Stu Ward]

Hi

I frequent the Astro portion of these forums quite regularly

I have really got into taking my camera out when we go walking, so I think its time to upgrade to a proper camera that does the world around me justice

But being a Novice i don't want to fall into the salesman jargon trap so I thought i would ask the kind people of this forum

The Camera will be for Terrestrial pictures, i use a webcam for Astro.
My budget I'll set at < $1000
Ideally I would like to include a carry case and a couple of Lenses in that

Thanks for your help

Stu

[Octane]

Canon 550D with a twin lens kit.

Check out www.d-d-photographics.com.au

H

[Stu Ward]

I don't see the twin lens option ?

Ahh i see it now, but thats a bit above my budget

Stu

[Steffen]

For $1095 you can get a Nikon D3100 twin-lens kit (http://www.cameras.net.au/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=325) from ECS (very reputable dealer, no grey imports).

Cheers
Steffen.

[Stu Ward]

Thanks for the link Steffen, thats really got me thinking

I'm tempted to buy from the UK and have my parents bring one over next month with the current strength of the Aussie $

Stu

[trek1701]

The Cannon 500D would be cheaper than the 550D plus check out these two links on dark frame noise comparison :thumbsup:

http://ghonis2.ho8.com/RebelMod550D/rebelmod550dcompare.html

http://ghonis2.ho8.com/rebelmod500d/rebelmod500dcompare.html

Cheers Mark

[Martin Pugh]

Great links there Mark....wish I had seen them before I bought the 550D!

Cheers
Martin

[wasyoungonce]

Teds cameras (http://www.teds.com.au/canon-eos-1000d/w1/i5351152/) have Canon 1000D for $499 (body only) and $499 (body and 18-55 std lens) and $599 for body and 18-55 IS.

Granted that this camera is a little old and the lens options are poor but for a starter...bargain!

Especially if you just get the cheapo body & 18-55 lens.

[Stu Ward]

Thanks for the input everyone.
I ended up buying a Canon 550D from Ebay ( a Kiss X4 mind ) for $720 delivered with a single 18-55 lens.

Stu

[koputai]

That should be great Stu, a friend has the 550D and it's really nice.

Cheers,
Jason.

[dugnsuz]

HK eBay dealers have 550D/Kiss X4 body for $625AU delivered!
Add a nifty fifty for another $110 and you've got a nice wee setup - prefer that piece of glass to the kit zoom myself.

The HD video capabilities of the 550D look really nice too - wise purchase Stu, I hope to be joining you soon!
Doug

[Stu Ward]

Camera arrived this morning. Excellent service from the HK Ebayer, i won't advertise for them directly here, but if anyone wants to know just PM me.
Took just 4 days from order placement to deliver, including a weekend !

Packaged perfectly, only thing with the grey import is the adapter for the charger, but they do include it in the box, and the manual is a reproduced ( photocopy ) of the english manual.

But for the price, I think its a no-brainer

Looking forward now to taking some pics, posting them and showing you all how bad a photographer i am !!!

Stu

[jenchris]

Good value - you'll do well with that

[Octane]

Well done, Stu.

You'll have loads of fun. Be sure to share your efforts in the terrestrial imaging section.

H