I’m all researched out and feeling fog-brained. I’ve researched the Canon 50D for months whilst saving my pennies, and more recently the 550D, and have today came across the 60D. So I’m feeling quite confused as to what is the best bang for my buck.
I don’t want to spend more than $800 for body only (will buy lenses separately).
I’ll be doing portrait shoots, but also want to be happy with landscapes, etc.
Any and all advice is most welcome :))
Mel Brackstone...
All the bodies will do a great job, the better lenses you buy the better images you’ll achieve…imho
Colleen Milburn:
That’s what I’ve realised – it’s mostly about the lenses. But then I read that the body is important, too. Which is why I’m feeling a bit overloaded and confused. As to what’s the best body to buy for my budget. Thanks, Mel :))
Mel Brackstone...
You can always upgrade the body whenever you save enough, they are continually being updated. I recall Matt Penfold doing a comparison last year and he said the 550 was much better value than the 50D…but the 60D is another step up as well. My own personal opinion is the 60D should give you everything you need for quite long time…but then I’ve never used it…I went from a 20D to a 5D….
Colleen Milburn:
Aahhhh, I covet the 5D… Good info, Mel – thanks again.
Colleen Milburn:
Tho another thing I’ve considered is that the 60D provides bells and whistles that I’d normally (and still) do in Photoshop – eg. would I be paying extra for those that I don’t need?
Mitch Labuda
A camera is a tool. We use the tool to accomplish what we want. I used a SRT 201 Minolta film SLR for many years, while people are upgraded to the latest and greatest, automated, semi-automated SLR’s of all sorts. Got told, you need to upgrade! Why? Because this new came out. But the old one serves me well, you need to upgrade! I was told. I have a 50D and it does what I want it to, the 60D has features that the 50 doesn’t, but to me, that doesn’t make it better. Full frame, some perhaps.
Colleen Milburn:
Thanks for your thoughts, Mitch. I agree about the camera being a tool, but I’ll be upgrading from a mobile phone camera so I reckon it’s a good move ;)
Mel Brackstone...
The 550D is going to be a massive jump up from the camera phone….lol! And it’ll do so much that you can’t do now…..it’ll also give you a few hundred more to put towards lenses…
Colleen Milburn:
Lol. Yes, I know! I still haven’t quite made up my mind, but it will probably be the 60D. Can’t wait!
Nathalie Chaput
Hey Colleen!
I’m in the same position. Looking to buy my first DSLR and not really knowing which one to get.
Nikon or Canon?
Canon 60D is awesome i hear.
Nikon 90D is highly recommended by friends here on RB (ex: Vikram- he knows his stuff)
A while back i was looking at the Nikon D5000 it’s got the same options as the D90 but with a rotating viewscreen.
I am still as confused as i was the day i decided to get a new camera. I guess i’ll go with the best kit i can afford. If i get it before you do, i’ll let you know what i got and what i think about it.
Colleen Milburn:
LOL. It’s sooooo hard to choose! Yes, please let me know what you end up buying, Nathalie. Thanks for your thoughts :))
Ron Moss
Hi Colleen,
I don’t believe one box fits all, so best to ask yourself what you won’t it for…what sort of images do you need and how many lenses are you prepared to get.. etc.
They say the best camera is the one you have with you :-)
I have an earlier Canon SLR 350D but I love my Canon G10 because it’s small enough to be with me all the time and it can be auto for fast shoot action or fully manual. It was, and still is one of the best compact cameras about and now there is a G12 for under $500..something to consider if you do a lot of composite images and textural work.
_-Ron
Colleen Milburn:
Hi Ron – I think I’ll end up getting the 60D, though that’s not certain yet. Seeing the camera I have with me is my mobile phone camera, I can’t wait to get crystal clear images – so exciting for me! Thanks so much, Ron, for weighing in :))
Cole Stockman
Hi Colleen,
Don’t think that only Canon and Nikon Make Cameras. I own two Pentax (what’s the plural of Pentax?)- an old *ist DS and a new K5. I am only disappointed in my choice of a Tamron Lens (which I will soon replace), but with a Sigma lens it works a treat – and now the K5 is out, the K7 has dropped in price and is still a fantastic camera.
Cole.
drec
Have a look at the Canon Kiss X4 – it’s an import but same as the 550D and cheaper due to the Kiss X4 badge(under $740 body only) My 400D still takes good pictures, similar body just less megapixels and sensor.
Ken McColl
I think Mitch has a valid point… I too still shoot with my 40 year old Minolta SRT 101…and, the old Rokkor lens is as good if not better than some $$$$$ Canon L lenses. I have a Canon 5D but it annoys the hell out of me..so many stupidly designed functions and features that are omitted. I was so taken by some of your images ..then…heh…a camera phone..wow..what talent you have. I am committed to Canon now cos I have money in lenses..but my advice would be..try a few out…see which ones ‘fit’ and are intuitive and are easy to use. The problem with Canon is they tend not to listen to photographers when designing and..never let you know in advance when a new model is about to come out..so you end up buying something then..next day ..‘tra-la’ a new wiz bang. If you are interested in Canons, have you considered a well looked after used camera? Ive had my 5D for yonks and it is still perfect, but if I were to sell it I would get very little for it…just some thoughts.
cheers
Kmc
KMc
Colleen Milburn
Thanks so much everyone for all of your info and advice. I finally bought a 50D from eBay, so should have it in a couple of days – I can’t wait. Now for lenses…. :)) I think the nifty-fifty will do nicely for my first lens.