George needs a new camera.

[CymraegKev]

If its "bang-for-the-buck" at the consumer end look Canon 450D or 500D if you can stretch far (it has HD Video too if you are so inclined). You can pick up a 30D now, or even a 40D for a very reasonably price (now the 50D is out).

Check Jacobs Digital and On Stop Shop - they are usually on of the cheapest (that don't use grey imports) and Jacobs will generally do a price match.

The Canon kit lenses are "consumer" quality, but are still excellent and better than anything you will see in a POS.......unless, ...... you want to look at the Canon G10 which, for me, is probably the single most impresive camera I have ever used. Its a point and shoot, but the build and image quality is outstanding. It also shoots RAW so you have half the benefit of a DSLR. Jeff Ascough, who knows a thing or too about Wedding photography, is going to shoot a wedding in the summer with the G10 - its that good!

Either way, there is a lot of choice at that price point. As mentioned, go to a shop, have a play, then buy online but make sure its a UK warranty camera!

Kevin

[parklifeclothes]

Whatever you get, be sure to get one of these

[parklifeclothes]

Try rgb labs for a good deal, tend to beat currys, jessops and warehouse express by a fair way and will talk you though things, well recommended.

[CymraegKev]

Try rgb labs for a good deal, tend to beat currys, jessops and warehouse express by a fair way and will talk you though things, well recommended.

Be careful of grey imports with RGB. Nothing wrong with it if you are happy to forgo a warranty for cheaper goods. I've done it myself. Also, I'm fairly sure they stipulate which cameras are Grey on their site which is good practice.

Other decent options are : Park Camera and Camulet - Warehouse Express another option but often more expensive.

[jont]

What have you gone for George?

[george]

This one will do for now.


*puts 2 x 5p and 1 x 2p into bankie for DSLR fund*

[OriginalTouch]

Looks like you may have made your mind up and of course it depends on your level and the amount of times the thing is going to get used - but as a photographer - I would reiterate a couple of things:

With any SLR, the cost of the body is negligeable and you will soon find that ancillaries, lenses, flash, are not interchangeable with other makes - that is where the cost creeps up (as much if not more than the body) and once they have caught a sprat ... (reminds me of printers and printing inks, but thats another story). So decide which make you want, get yourself a decent second hand body now that newer models are out - then buy some decent lenses (the most important part of the camera) that can be used when you trade in for newer models later.

Pay as much as you can afford - if you go for a good professional range then you will find you do not need extra functions later - many of my friends went for the 400D range but it is missing so many functions such as the ability to use external equipment - better to go for the 40D range now. I started with a second hand 20D (really old but more than adequate) and have concentrated on newer ancillaries that I can still use when I upgrade - hopefully to a 50D but the cost is too much now - and a 5D is in my dreams!!

Started a photo website http://www.samanthalouiseford.co.uk

[CymraegKev]

Looks like you may have made your mind up and of course it depends on your level and the amount of times the thing is going to get used - but as a photographer - I would reiterate a couple of things:

With any SLR, the cost of the body is negligeable and you will soon find that ancillaries, lenses, flash, are not interchangeable with other makes - that is where the cost creeps up (as much if not more than the body) and once they have caught a sprat ... (reminds me of printers and printing inks, but thats another story). So decide which make you want, get yourself a decent second hand body now that newer models are out - then buy some decent lenses (the most important part of the camera) that can be used when you trade in for newer models later.

Pay as much as you can afford - if you go for a good professional range then you will find you do not need extra functions later - many of my friends went for the 400D range but it is missing so many functions such as the ability to use external equipment - better to go for the 40D range now. I started with a second hand 20D (really old but more than adequate) and have concentrated on newer ancillaries that I can still use when I upgrade - hopefully to a 50D but the cost is too much now - and a 5D is in my dreams!!

Started a photo website http://www.samanthalouiseford.co.uk

I agree entirely with Samantha, but I think George has made his choice now - PS, the 5D MkII is just stunning (I'm using it exclusively for this new project of mine http://www.1point2.co.uk)

Kevin

[george]

Short term, aye.

But looking at getting my ass along to a shop where I can have a fiddle/hold of various models before purchasing a more expensive one.

PS Kev, I found that G10 you mentioned for just over £300 last week.

PPS The original damage wasnt covered by insurance as I `hadnt listed` the camera (same as mobiles I guess), despite being covered for £5k of computer stuff. So, you folks with £400+ cameras it might be a good idea to check you've got your kit covered.

[CymraegKev]

That G10 IS great. I love mine. That's a good price too.