DSLR purchase advice

Pete88

Hi Everyone,

I was after a bit advise on a possible camera purchase

I have been using a canon bridge camera for a number of years now, its been okay with pictures I have taken at various events and trips, but I have been limited with its feature set and not having the ability to change the lens. E.G going to things like air shows, visiting the countryside for walks and taking scenic pictures. But with the lens it has it is obviously limited and the quality of some of the zoom is to be desired.

So due to an upcoming trip I have really been considering actually moving to my first DSLR camera to hopefully capture better pictures of this trip, I'll be looking at a lot of distance shots, landscape, icon scenes that 'kind of thing' with obviously plenty portrait and standard close up posed shots.

I would defiantly class myself still as a novice but keen to try more with my camera and improve, so hopefully you can help in my pursuit of a new camera!

I have considered a maximum budget of £400 for the camera itself depending on whether or not there was bundle deals so to speak, anyway...

So a couple I have look at based on things like google reviews are the Nikon D3500, CANON EOS 4000D

Does anyone any experience with these ? Or would recommend any others that may fit my needs?
From a make perspective Canon and Nikon are makes I have either used or family members have used, I havn't had experiance with any other brands. Kind of why I was drawn to these makes originally.

Thank you all!

Phossy

Of the two cameras you list, I would choose the Nikon (I shoot Sony so no Canon or Nikon bias!) primarily because is has a better ISO sensitivity, higher resolution (good if you are taking long distance shots - can crop more), better battery life, more focus points and faster continuous shooting. Ergonomically.i I think Canon's have a slight edge. Ultimately both these cameras are capable of taking really good photos and lens selection will be important to. Are you looking at specific lenses with these cameras?

Phossy

If you haven't discovered this site, then very much worth a look - will even show second hand pricing and discontinued products (and pricing). It saves a lot of time compared to visiting individual sites.

Camera Price Buster - Compare UK Stock Prices

snerkler

Of those two I would buy the Nikon, overall it's a better camera imo. That being said try them both and see which one feels best, don't underestimate how important ergonomics and button placement is.

Also, another consideration would be a used Sony A6000 with 16-50mm lens, you should be able to pick them up within budget. This would be smaller and lighter, and some prefer the mirrorless tech to the older DSLR tech.

spannersatcx

Whatever way you decide to go I suggest going to your local camera shop and have a try, one may feel better in the hand, the controls and menu's may suit better than the other.

Pete88

Thanks for the advise, will definitely look and trying them.
Phossy - I was looking at 70-300mm Vr lens as a possible extra.

In regards to possible places to buy from (thanks for the link for comparisons) has anyone come across a slrhut.co.uk before, are they good, legitimate etc they seem to do decent bundles.

snerkler

SLRhut are grey importers and they don't get good feedback. If you want to buy grey I'd suggest sticking to Panamoz, HDEW and E-infinity.

Phossy

I asked about the lens, because, like one of the other posters I was thinking about the Sony 6000 as a cheap and very good camera. However, there is no similar reasonable priced 300 mm lenses for that system yet (that I'm aware of). I expect should be able to pick up the Nikon (or Canon)  camera and lens secondhand in really good condition (eg. from mpb.com - Buy or Sell Used Photo & Video Equipment)

snerkler

Sony so the 55-210mm which would give you 82.5-315mm eq and can be had for around £150 used.

Phossy

Indeed - and if that is sufficient reach, then really no need to buy second hand as there are some great deals to be had on the a6000, 16-50 and 55-210 lenses as a bundle. To compare apples with apples though, the 300mm Nikon lens is equivalent to a 480 mm lens on the APS-C based Nikon.