Canon EOS 1000D Digital SLR Camera

[Captain Cod]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-Digital-Camera-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B0014IK7QO/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

Looking to get myself a camera for (a) shots of the tank inhabitants; (b) general shots of kids, animals etc. I'm after advice on whether this camera is a good choice? Suggestions for alternatives if not. And also what two lenses I will need for (a) and (b) above?

[Captain Cod]

Or for a few quid more is this better:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-Digital-Camera-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B00131W8IW/ref=dp_cp_ob_ce_title_1

[Reef bloke]

The 450d is a better camera as it has a better proccessor and live view plus quite a few other options.
Youll be pleased with either but of the two id plump for the 450.

[Captain Cod]

Thanks Tony. Any thoughts on my question around lenses?

[Alastair]

The 450D is a better camera.. you could save your self a few pounds by checking out the price comparison sites (http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod636.html).

Lenses.. very much down to budget (£50-£5,000).. I don't have the lens that comes with the package you've linked to, but I hear it's ok.

The Canon 50mm 1.8II is a good lens for the money (£70-£90ish new), much faster than the kit lens and useful for general photography.. it will also turn out a fairly decent tank shot too. For tank macro shots you're looking at either a 60/65mm or 100/105mm macro prime lens from Canon or Sigma.

The best way to find a lens that will fit your needs is to pick a few photographs you like and ask the photographer what lens they used.. the Canon groups on Flickr would be a good place to start, most people will have their camera identified and from the additional information posted you can often identify (or make a guess at an identity for) the lens.

[Captain Cod]

Thanks Alastair that is really useful.

[adamgreen240]

just to let u know, i have the EOS 450D and its a brilliant camera - imo better than the 1000D when i tested them in the shop.

Lenses - the standard lens is good, but i have also bought a 70 - 300mm zoom lens which gives me a better zoom and range.

Also , get lots of flash memory, a tripod and a bag to store it all in!

Best regards, Adam

[DanLewis]

Sorry to put a spanner in the works, but I think the 1000D is much better value than the 450D, now more than ever. If if your entering the DSLR market as I suspect, going on the tone of his posts captain cod is, then the extra features on the 450D will mean very little. Using Camera Price Buster, the 450d costs in the region of 150 quid more, not worth it in my view for what is essentially the same camera as the 1000D.

If you compare them both (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos1000d/page2.asp) you will see that they are more or less the same and they both use the same lens and the same generation of Digic Processor; the picture quality of both will be very similar. As I hinted at previously, the extra features that the 450D does have are only useful if your perfectly in tune with the camera and how to use it to its fullest. For the majority of people the 1000D will more than serve their needs.

As far as I can see the only major advantages the 450D has over the 1000D is that is has 2 more AF points, Spot Metering and if it matters to you better continuous shooting, live view is handy too but no biggy (it shouldn't be a deciding factor anyway).....are these extras worth the rather pricey amount more? I would argue not for the majority of people that will use such a camera.

My advice is to read reviews of both cameras thoroughly, preferably from the same sites. Then decide if the 450D is actually worth the extra cost for your needs.

One last thing, if your after SD Cards and accessories check out 7dayshop, very good value for money. Where the SD Cards are concerned buy the super speed versions. Don't go for the ordinary types as they will be frustrating as hell.

[Alastair]

I find live view invaluable. Whether it's worth £150 along with the other points you mention is up to the buyer..

Personally I looked at the 450D and the 1000D last year and rejected both in favour of a reconditioned* 40D (as my first and so far only DSLR).. you have to try out these bodies before buying.. the 450D and 1000D share a very small frame and you need to check that you're comfortable holding and using it - they were just too small for my hands. Used 30D and 40D models will be about the same price range as a new 450D.

Starting out is a stage.. it also depends if Captain Cod plans on growing into the camera which Dan seems to preclude.

From looking at friends cameras and how they get on with them.. also have a look at the Sony Alpha range they seem to be pretty good, and some of the slightly-higher-than-entry-level Nikons (but avoid the Nikon D40.. yup.. it's a nice intro camera.. but everyone I know that has one has become frustrated by its limitations very quickly).


* I've heard mixed reports about the official Canon reseller** (http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Canon-Outlet_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZQ2d999QQftidZ2QQtZkm ), I personally have had no problems and bought my 40D from them, a friend found his "refurbished" lens to be quite dusty internally and needed to go back for cleaning.. but you'll pick up a 450D with the kit lens there for about the same price as the 1000D and lens new.

** satisfy yourself by following the links from the Canon UK website.. I did a few checks on the seller last year before I bought, but circumstances change.

[fishyste]

I've owned the 1000d for about a month now and i love it.

I only ever class myself as an amateur photographer and this camera suits me perfectly, image quality is excellent.

I only have the 18-55mm IS kit lens at the moment which is great but sometimes a bit more reach would be handy, i might sometime in the future buy the 55-250mm IS lens which will complement the kit lens nicely, it is also well priced (just over £200) and also gets decent reviews on various forums.

Oh and just to point out, the 1000d does have live view.

Features

* 10.1 MP CMOS sensor
* Up to 3fps
* 7-point wide-area AF
* Self-Cleaning Image Sensor
* 2.5” LCD with Live View mode
* DIGIC III processor
* SD/SDHC card slot
* Picture Styles processing
* Compact and lightweight
* Compatible with EF/EF-S lenses and EX Speedlites

This extract taken from the canon website.

Stephen

[Captain Cod]

Thanks everyone, this has all been very helpful.