Hello there. In last year I've really got into my photography while doing a foundation degree in Art and Design. I'm a complete amateur but have just got a place on the BA photography course in manchester and know that it's what I really want to do in hte future.
I've been using an old Centon SLR but it's proving far too costly with all the films, so I now want to upgrade to digital, and having used the 350D on loan for the last year I love it to pieces.
Where should I start looking to buy one? What's a decent price? I've never bought a camera before so any advice is brilliant.
Also I'd really like a big zoom lens. I know nothing about lenses, where do I start?
I just ordered mine YESTERDAY at noon, from B&H Photo with the 17-85mm f4 IS USM lens and it came TODAY, before 10am! (I paid the extra $30 for next day air) I am waiting for the battery to charge to try it out. They don't have the lowest prices, but they are close. Their customer service and inventory is TOP NOTCH, check them out. B&H Photo (//www.bhphotovideo.com/)
Have you tried Amazon.co.uk? They sell cameras at a pretty good price. Then there is also Jessops. I'm sure you'll find one in your nearby town. There is one on Deansgate Manchester which will normally happily price match internet prices for you.
Cheers WOS, went into the Jessops in Leeds... made the guy spend half an hour with me selling every minute detail on the camera then told him I couldnt afford it just yet - oops!
D'ya think there's any chance of haggling for throw-ins? I'm a blonde with an apparently nice rack, so I might try it!!
Crap! How am I suppose to get any work done today now?
Beachcamera.com has great prices and get great reviews, but their web site sucks and I don't know if they ship to the UK. Not sure if you'll get a nice rack discount through them either.
I'm now salivating at the webpages of the Dfes - apparently I'm eligible for a grant for Uni which would be enough for a seriously nice set of equipment!!
Don't get the kit lens! Buy the body only and a 50mm f1.8 for $80. Look at nice lens. They are expensive. A "really big zoom" could run up to $7000+. Save up for the good stuff rather than buying crap lenses. Look at the 200mm by canon. a bit pricey, but ive heard its worth it.
The only nice lens I own that I can talk about is the 100mm F2.8 USM macro. pretty impressive, the USM is so fast and quiet.
B & H is a good place to buy from. The prices there are pretty much the best you can do from a reputable company. You can try ebay, but everyone knows the dangers of ebay.
I've got the same camera. See my profile for the lenses I have. See my website for the photos I've taken recently //www.samchadwickphoto.com and there's also a link to my Amazon wishlist on my site - so you can see the other lenses and kit I'm looking to get in the future.
I also have the same camera, check out my profile also and the lenes I have, my website below in my sig has most of my pictures I have taken with all my lenes
I agree for 80 bucks the 50mm is a steal and must get.
