Hi all
Sorry, the usual questions which are probably unasnwerable, but I'll try anyway...
I'm looking to buy my first DSLR but am in the <£500 budget range.
The main use for the camera will be photographing Orchids and insects, so it will need to either get good macro shots or take shots further back which can be blown up and still be detailed.
Given the latter comment, do I really need a "proper" macro lens, or will a 28-55 or other zoom be adequate?
I believe there is a Sigma zoom (28-100ish?) which is around £150, my friend's got one with his D80 and the results are pretty stunning. I certainly can't afford lenses in the £500+ range at the moment.
I have no preference on make, but want it virtually future proof, in that there is achoice of lenses should I change later on.
One feature which attracts me is the fold-out screen - this can be very useful when photographing six inches from the ground. Also, the Sony "live view" system is supposedly very good - the ability to zoom in on the viewfinder to check focus is crucial on flower photography.
Well, I think those are my requirements - any suggestions?
Regards
Sean
Personally I'd go for either a Canon or Nikon but I'm afraid there's no such thing as future proofing! I'm a Canon user so can't really comment on Nikon.
Canon (arguably) have a better range of lenses but they come at a price. However, the newer Sigma lenses are certainly proving to be a worthy, cheaper alternative.
The relatively new Canon 450D is undoubtedly a superb camera. DP Review is one of the best sites for camera reviews with the 450D featrured here. I almost bought one a couple of months ago but went for the 40D as I already have a 30D with the same CF memory cards etc. At the time there was a Canon promotion offering £100 off the 40D making it just £50 different over the 40D (the cost of a decent sized memory card). However, in the last couple of months the 450D has fallen in price and is now available with a £50 discount under the Canon cashback scheme taking it down to around £430.
The 450D (and 40D) both have Canon's Live View with up to 10x magnification although I find it hard to use at this power when hand holding. Speaking of which, does your budget need to include a tripod a a decent one will set you back at least £50 s/h?
Lens wise the 18-55mm isn't the greatest lens in the world but it will get you started and you will be able to get decent results. Sigma do a 28-105mm f3.8-5.6 for around £85 or a 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 Macro for about £170. I've no personal experience of either I'm afraid (I have the Canon 28-135mm but it was almost £300) but I'm sure someone else here who specialises in macro work will be able to offer their recommendations.
Another alternative may well be a second hand dedicated macro lens. Whatever you choose I'd suggest you stick to the more modern lenses designed for digital cameras although there are users here who successfully use older models to great effect.
Bear in mind to budget for a good quality, high speed memory card (£15-£30 depending on size) although you might get one included in a bundled deal.
If you want to check prices for cameras, lenses and accessories I'd suggest you have a look at http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk as a start then ask here to see if anyone knows of a better deal going.
How desperate are you to buy now, Sean? I reckon there's going to be a big expansion in the live-view DSLR world in the not too distant future. Most of the camera makers have really good models out now and in order to keep shifting boxes they've got to come up with some novel features and the live-view area is where I can see it going.
As a keen flower -photographer you'll particularly benefit from swivel-screens, moving auto-focus points, etc. Manual focus will be fine, especially with the middle portion zoomed up, when you're in deep shade, but in bright light a swivelled-up screen with the sun on it might be difficult to see properly for precise focus and this is where a moving auto-focus point will come in handy.
How long we have to wait for all these features to appear is a bit of a lottery, but at least the swivel screens are starting to appear, now, so the other features shouldn't be too far behind...