Which camera to start with?

[kerry9316]

Hi

I'm looking for some advice from the experts!

I am hoping to start photography as a hobby using a digital SLR and i'm looking for some recommendations on the best entry level cameras and if there is anywhere up here that sells second hand cameras?

I'd be looking to do a lot of photography of moving objects (namely my children) so i'd be looking for something primarily that would suit that type of photography, but I would also like on occasions to take scenes although they would be more large scenes horizons and so forth than close up work ( some of the reading I have done have suggested some cameras are better than others dependant on the type of pictures you wish to take)

Also if anyone can recommend any good books/guides to help me in my new venture.

Look forward to hearing all your advice and tips and if anyone has upgraded and is looking to sell an older SLR than I may well be interested!

Thanks all :)

[Douglas Cowie]

Ffordes of Beauly have a great shop and they deal in 2nd hand gear this is the link to their site:
http://www.ffordes.com/

As for cameras there are loads I'm a Nikon user so I would recommend the Nikon D3100 which is entry level and has a cashback offer on it just now and gets great reviews see these links:
http://www.europe-nikon.com/en_GB/product/digital-cameras/slr/consumer/d3100

http://www.dslruser.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=322:nikon-d3100-cashback-scheme-announced&catid=7:general-news&Itemid=90

There are good camera clubs in Wick and Thurso who would be more than helpful to someone like yourself.

[Mystical Potato Head]

There's not much difference in the makes to be honest.Canon cameras like the 5DMKII are definately the best for low light/high ISO or night shots but other than that,its take your pick between Canon or Nikon.Its more a case of what you do with the camera,not what camera you have.I'm a Canon user so would recommend the 550D or 600D.Canon have their own ebay outlet where they sell "demo" models or shop models at a discount.
Bought my Canon 450D from them,got it for £100 cheaper than anywhere else because the box it was in was damaged so good deals are available if you're lucky.There are also loads of bargains on ebay itself,its just a case of getting lucky.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Canon-Outlet

Whatever you get it wont be a dud,thats for sure,they just dont make bad cameras so whatever you choose, you can choose with confidence.Depends on how much you want to spend.
I would advise getting a good quality lens,so if you can get a"camera body only" deal then you can purchase a better quality lens instead of the kit lens that is supplied with most "deals".
The kit lenses are good but you will notice the difference if you buy a better quality lens.

If someone tells you not to buy Canon because they have a Nikon or vice versa,ignore their advice.Some people are "blindly married" to a brand.
Have a look at Flickr,you will see 1000's of photos taken with Nikon and Canon cameras,both take superb images and both take duds,but thats down to the photographers ability,not the camera.

[kerry9316]

Hi

Thank you for your responses they have been a big help. I think I have looked too much now at what is on offer and it has confused me so you've helped clarify some of the aspects but one question I do have is would I be better to get a newer model or could I be just as satisfied with an older model (baring in mind this will just be a hobby)

I'll give you an example

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370524961368&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT this is an older canon

however for £100 more i get the one below
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380181354388&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

however £100 baring in mind your previous advice could be used to purchase good lenses for the older model?

Thanks again!

[Mystical Potato Head]

I would go for the 1000D,the 300D is a bit dated now,still a nice starter camera but the 1000D gives you more for your money and should you wish to upgrade in the future you'll get more back for it. The kit lens that comes with it is fine and many a photographer will happily use them all the time.
However,if you find you're realy hooked on the hobby,the 1000D would be a much better camera to buy a better quality lens for,should you feel the need to in the future.
The first camera i bought was the 350D and i used it for about a year before buying a 450D.I have a 1000D which i bought for astrophotography earlier in the year but havent had a chance to use it much but i'm more than happy with it, the few occassions i have used it.You might find all the buttons and options a bit daunting at first,i know i did when i got my first DSLR,but you'll soon get to grips with it.
I 've never had any trouble with any of these cameras,nor the 5DMKII i currently have(probably put the kiss of death on it now...lol)Most cameras are pretty reliable these days,no matter the make.

[kerry9316]

Thanks again for your advice and help really appreciate it!

Hopefully i'll be back on in a few weeks time with my first picture! :)