Canon EOS 550D - Good choice for a first DSLR?

I think Canons are pretty much the best at digital slrs. In the old days I think nikons were probably top dog, but nowadays canons have taken over.

I have a canon eos 40d, which I love. It works perfectly with my old lenses that I used with my canon  eos 1n film camera. The only thing to bear in mind is that because of the smaller sensor on most dslrs, the focal length is effectively multiplied by a factor of about 1.5, so a 24mm lens becomes a 35mm lens. Great for telephoto shots not so great for wide angle.

If I was in the market for a new digital slr, at that price point the canon 550d would be my choice.

Excellent choice - As you will already have Canon EF(-s) lenses and that you can get one cheaper than the 600D (they're now pretty close though, at just under and just above £500 respectively, 600d has articulated screen and HD video), go for it.

It is worthy of Canon's decent lenses, you don't have to stretch to L's but it will shine with the stronger ones in ef-s range.

Check out reviews at DP Review.com which may help you decide?

I had a 450D before my 7D and still have it as a lighter option.

If your are into Canon Stuff the  550 is a well worthy camera. I am a Nikon owner , and have been using their gears fro years. As as starting point the D90 would be an excellent choice considering that Nikon has a vast array of lenses to suit your photografic aspirations without having to buy new lenses every time you upgrade your camera. I use a Nikon D700x and still use lenses produced a  few years back. I see a pattern here.... Great product, easy upgrade. Get it........?

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Thanks for that chaps.

I think I see a purchase on the horizon...

steve

Nikon guy here. I'd suggest comparing the two brands side by side at the price point you're interested in. I've always found the Canons to feel just a bit flimsy/plasticky when compared to the equivalent Nikon. Like-for-like, the Nikkor lenses tend to be a little more pricey, though.

If you are near to Dursley, Glos. I can recommend a visit to Clifton Cameras. Great range of kit, all charged up and ready to try.

I compared Lumix G3, Nikon D3100 and entry level Cannon there. I was able to takes pictures with all 3 to compare and contrast. Great service and keen pricing was the icing on the cake.

I choose the Lumix BTW. Best picture and smallest camera but the digital viewfinder can take getting used to if you are used to an optical one.

Jono

If you don't intend using the camera for video, buy a photo shooting camera only. Apart from the fact it will probably wear out quicker, you'll be wasting money on a function you won't use.

Fatcat - You make a good point about video. I do doubt that I'll ever use the facility as I have no interest in being the next Steven Spielberg.

The problem is, can I get the rest of the facilities I do want without the unneccessary ones any other way?

steve

Steve, honestly, get a 550 or 600 or a Nikon 3100 + 18-55 lens kit if you wish to switch to a different lens system. You'll be happy with any of these. And the kit and lenses for both makes trounce their competition.

Don't worry about the inclusion of a video function on any camera. If you don't want it, don't use it.

There are many quality compacts out there of various sizes from Panny's and Pens to Canon S95/100, G12 or the new Fuji x10. The DSLR's above are plenty light enough though. I have an S95 for travel and a dozen or more 35mm SLR's and rangefinders for variety.

But really, today's budget/mid range Canons and Nikon DSLRs are seriously super bits of kit and you will be astonished how good a photographer you can be! And how much fun it is. However good my other cameras are, I look to the big guns for most of my best shots.

Treat yourself. (Though by all means do a bit of smurfing and see if there's a recommended friendly dealer near you that you can visit first)

True enough. But he doesn't say what he has invested there. Didn't Canon make a standard change a few years back that broke some of the backwards compatibility?

You're right though, once we get established in one system, the lenses are everything and the bodies are really kind-of disposable. I only have only ever bought full-frame lenses no slower than f2.8. Each I plan to own for life, regardless of body. This does, of course, lock me into Nikon.

Canon FD mounts were pre EOS series for SLR's up to late 80's, last used by the T** series.

As an EOS 1000 user, you will have compatible EF lens(es) for current DSLRs

EDIT: Like wot Tony said, who beat me to it...(EF-S lenses designed for crop sensor cameras from 2003 on won't fit your 1000F though, if you're bothered)

Probably not. That's why they are "New generation". IMO all the functions and some, anybody but a professional would need can be found in a 40D or 450D. Even the 20D and 30D contain far more functions than the most advanced Film SLR, the lack of liveview is the only real drawback.

What facilities do you want. What do you intend photographing.

I bought a camera specifically to take photos of the Giro Italia time trial in Rome. This meant a camera with servo drive, a 40D and a lens with USM, a EFS 17-85mm.

There we go a 550d with a decent ef-s lens (try the 15-85 if you dare...) covers all bases. Travel, architecture, landscapes, fast cars.

Tell you what, that's a bloody good excuse to try at home for a photography trip

I did it the other way round. Taking good photos at the Giro was an excuse for buying a good camera.

It's a great camera (although personally I find Canon's menu system very fiddly). If you already have Canon lenses go for it - although the Nikon D3100 is IMNSHO even better, is easier to use and represents great value for money. But you'll have to buy into a whole new lens ecosystem.

But if you win the Lottery forget about it and get a Leica M9

That's the same deal as Nikon with their DX lenses. I thought Canon had a more recently "broken" compatibility chain, but thanks for setting me straight.

Nevertheless, the current Nikon F-mount goes back to 1959. The current Canon EF mount only dates back to 1987, when it replaced the FD mount with virtually non-existent cross-compatibility. I suspect that this is moot for most people historically, but I would definitely be pissed if Nikon changed mounts anytime in the next 50 years-or-so that rendered me unable to update bodies with my existing lenses. The question of whether Nikon are now more likely (it's been so long it is surely due soon) or less likely (Nikon virtually NEVER do this) to break their compatibility chain than Canon is interesting to contemplate.

What do you intend photographing?

 

Railways, model & prototype, buildings, structures, vehicles, landscapes, cat, the occasional people at least. Maybe other stuff.

 

steve

Well, it's been ordered. Just waiting for the postie now...

steve

OK, what did you plump for then? The 550D?

Yep.

Arrived yesterday and have started to experiment. Incidentally, my existing 50mm lens works perfectly on it.

steve