Help with choosing my first DSLR?

[preppyak]

Also I managed to back the $50 follow focus on kickstarter so focusing with any lens shouldn't be to bad. Thanks for the help guys.

Well, you might have trouble still with the 50mm f/1.8, it has a really small focus ring; not even sure a follow focus would fit it.

This is what a "normal" lens has...works nicely with any follow focus.

And then this is what the f/1.8s is like, note how its at the front of the lens and much smaller


Haven't tried a follow focus with it, but I do know it was a pain to deal with manual focusing by hand

[ronnieb555]

Well, you might have trouble still with the 50mm f/1.8, it has a really small focus ring; not even sure a follow focus would fit it.

This is what a "normal" lens has...works nicely with any follow focus.

And then this is what the f/1.8s is like, note how its at the front of the lens and much smaller

Haven't tried a follow focus with it, but I do know it was a pain to deal with manual focusing by hand

Yeah I thought about that when backing the $50 follow focus, but they offered an upgrade which also included a gear follow focus which I got because I remember seeing a guy on youtube with a geared follow focus and the 50mm 1.8. He had one of these on the lens which allowed him to use it;
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FOTGA-DP500-Adjustable-Flexible-Follow-Focus-Gear-Driven-Belt-Ring-DSLR-Lenses-/320857328021?pt=UK_Photography_CameraLenses_Lens_caps_hoods_adaptors_ET&hash=item4ab4964995#ht_3886wt_987

Edit: I found the video, it is at about 1:53 into the video.
http://youtu.be/kZYt5JMl5JY?t=1m53s

[rmhowie]

Personally I wouldn't want to use anything below the xxd line - at the moment 60d - because it has a top lcd screen and, even more important, the back dial for exposure compensation et cetera. Once you get a bit more advanced, you won't want to miss these because you can  get to the right setting much quicker. You can read about the other differences to the xxxd line elsewhere, ask if you want to know if a specific feature is important.

I second this! The 60D has the things you need over the 600D to make using your camera a significantly more enjoyable experience. The better grip, rear control dial, top LCD and excellent battery life will make a big difference. I have the 60D and can thoroughly recommend it if you want a Canon APS-C DSLR.

[coolshooter]

I would take 600D, it is liter than the 60D (so you can take it into the trip or during the walk and add some lenses), cheaper and has nearly the same functionality.
Never worked with xxD (but made a few shots with 50D) - if I pay more, it'll be a full-frame camera, so cannot comment on 60D much.

Made 64 000 pix with 400D, around 45 000 with 500D and below 10 000 with 600D now, mainly portraits, sometimes in clubs, rarely do video. 600D has much-much longer battery life, than 500D, especially for video / live-view. Buy the extra 2 ACME power batteries for ~17$ each, which are lite enough, and you can shoot and do video for 2 days.
All in all, I'd recommend 600D as a first camera, and then you'll see what you're missing. Although I think it's a very nice start for the first 2 years.

[ronnieb555]

Doing a bit more searching I found this guy selling a 60D body new for £296.99 and he has 100% 42 positive feedback. It also says that he has already sold 7 of them. Anyone think this is a real seller or a scam? If its real its about £80 cheaper than the one I was talking about before.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Canon-EOS-60D-18-0-MP-Digital-SLR-Camera-Black/320881244087?ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1&ih=011&category=31388&cmd=ViewItem#ht_7519wt_1139

[ers811]

Unless there has already been an announcement, I would (personally) never wait on the next model.  Especially considering the high probability of delays even after that.

You can't just look at the cost as wasted if something else comes along.  It could very well be another 6 months until the t4i can be found in a store.  Say you buy a t3i now and sell it for 100 bucks less... That's 55 cents day to essentially rent a camera and enjoy it for an entire half year.  I'd say 100 bucks less is worst case too.  It's just not worth sitting around and waiting.

Sorry I don't really have advice on 600 vs 60, I rarely shoot video.  But if it will make you happy, definitely don't wait.  This stuff holds its value pretty well. 

[ronnieb555]

Unless there has already been an announcement, I would (personally) never wait on the next model.  Especially considering the high probability of delays even after that.

You can't just look at the cost as wasted if something else comes along.  It could very well be another 6 months until the t4i can be found in a store.  Say you buy a t3i now and sell it for 100 bucks less... That's 55 cents day to essentially rent a camera and enjoy it for an entire half year.  I'd say 100 bucks less is worst case too.  It's just not worth sitting around and waiting.

Sorry I don't really have advice on 600 vs 60, I rarely shoot video.  But if it will make you happy, definitely don't wait.  This stuff holds its value pretty well. 

Yeah, I think I will make a purchase soon. Anyone got any input whether that ebay link is for real or a scam?

[Marsu42]

I would take 600D, it is liter than the 60D (so you can take it into the trip or during the walk and add some lenses), cheaper and has nearly the same functionality.

Don't forget the one thing you cannot get from data sheets - the 60d is a bit bigger and fits adult's hands much better (the 7d is even better). I wouldn't want to hold a xxxd for a longer period of time because I'd get a cramp in my hand, and even on the 60d my small finger is sometimes below the body in the air.

[iaind]

Gang warily

He is using description from Hong Kong based seller
£750 Camera for £300 seems to good to be true

[ronnieb555]

Gang warily

He is using description from Hong Kong based seller
£750 Camera for £300 seems to good to be true

Yeah it does seam too good to be true, he also had an ipad 2 listed for under £200 which is what made me wary.

[ronnieb555]

Hi, everyone!
Just thought I would let you know what I got, where and for how much. I managed to pick up a Canon 60D + 17-85mm IS 4-5.6 Refurbished from Canon for £640, it is like new and only had 2,090 shutter actuations. I am very happy with my purchase and thanks for all the help