DSLR advice appreciated.

[HSK]

Hmm I'll be honest I'm learning as I'm totally new to the subject, I'm going to research more as always before I decide or commit so I get the best idea.

But yes, I'm really seeing the extra money, but worth while a decent lens would be. Something that seems quite versatile like a Nikon AF-S 18-200mm is roughly 500 quid or over (new though). and a lil' 50mm prime lens which is something I would want (like colmo showed up there), another 50-80 quid, or a lil more for one that goes down to f1.4

Ah I think I will try and get more wonga together!

[colmo]

More research is never a bad thing. My warnings about over-doing it on cameras and so-so lenses are really to do with devaluation - cameras and consumer grade lenses plummet in used value over time, good lenses hold their value, or in some cases like a few of my old Minolta lenses, they appreciate significantly!

[Bobster]

Originally Posted by colmo

Recent sensors are also less attractive to dust - iridium coating or some such thing. Have you had much trouble with dust on your 30D, Bob? My A100 (which has this tech) has occasionally manifested a few specs, but the sensor shake procedure does the trick on it..

the 20D's are known as dust traps, but i give my cameras a good seeing to every week with a Rocket Blower and i rarely go above f14 (f14 so i can get good prop blur on aircraft with rotors/props) i mainly shoot f1.8-8.0, as i shoot with a 2 body set up i also have less hassle with crap on the sensor as i don't lens swap as much as i used to..

re: Jessops, you're lucky if you get someone who actually knows what they're talking about and isnt' a spotty nosed student who knows squat, i went into hold a 40D last year and the 'assistant' was trying to talk me through the features, i asked about the ISO switching and he tried to hold the ISO button down while trying to turn the dial to adjust it!.. when he enquired why i needed such high ISO, i told him that i do alot of Gig work, he then tried to tell me how great at shooting gigs he was..

[HSK]

I went with the 450D in the end, haven't received it yet, but i went down to a store around tott court road Friday gone and had a lil go, i liked it. although it would of been nice to get a 40D, this should do me for a good while as i'm just starting out and a learning.

got it with a lil starter kit (bag, SD, filters etc), and picked up one lil 50mm f1.8 lens for now, will get more later.

hopefully i'll post some pics soon if it would interest anyone!

and thanks once again to everyone for advice.

[Agent]

After having mine for a month, I'm loving it - doubt you will be disappointed

450D is more than enough for the beginner from what I've read. I was playing with a 40D at a mates wedding not too long back, and it was just scary

[HSK]

It was good to handle, lighter then what i expected.

I'm looking fwd to delivery, and visiting a few places to take some snaps!

I was wondering if someone could suggest some decent little/portable/easy to carry tripods? I have this lil fold out one, but it's not that great, bit heavy.

are these monopods any good? or the gorilla pod...

[HSK]

well the camera came yday! i didn't have time to go anywhere nice today, and the weather wasn't bright...but i wanted to try it out quickly, went in the garden even though there isn't much interesting

just took a few snaps, i couple i wanted to share quickly:-





so far i'm impressed with the camera! and with some different and better lenses should be give more scope.

still gotta get used to all the functions and judge/learn settings for the right conditions, and most importantly learn the "mechanics" behind photography.

[Flibb]

I have gorillapod and found it to be suprisingly good, just make sure you get the biggest one. Found them to be a lot cheaper on ebay than in the shops.

[HSK]

Originally Posted by Flibb

I have gorillapod and found it to be suprisingly good, just make sure you get the biggest one. Found them to be a lot cheaper on ebay than in the shops.

the one that usually retails around 24.99 right? they look handy, only thing i was not sure about is how level i could get the camera, seeing that it prehensile and bendy.

[Flibb]

you want the slr zoom
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-JOBY-Goril...6.c0.m14.l1318

You can bend and wiggle them until you get it straight + level, other option is a beanbag of some sort

[ACiD303]

Originally Posted by Flibb

I have gorillapod and found it to be suprisingly good, just make sure you get the biggest one. Found them to be a lot cheaper on ebay than in the shops.

They're very useful, although finding a cheap AND decent enough tripod head to go with it bumps up the price

I bought the budget Jessops ball head for £11 or something, and it broke within 3 weeks.