My husband wants to buy me a Canon 550d, but my father-in-law said I must buy a cheap SLR camera with a GOOD lens. He said the lens make the difference, not the camera. What do you think? I would really appreciate your comments on this as I don’t know what to do. Thank you!
@paulavdmerwe The 550d is pretty inexpensive as far as newer DSLR's go, and is a FINE camera. Your father is correct that the lens is the most important thing, but you really aren't going to get much cheaper than the 550d for a new DSLR. What type of things do you like to shoot? I can help you with a lens decision if you tell me thta part (and also what you are willing to spend).
@paulavdmerwe I can't speak to Canons and models and what-not, but the better lens you get, the happier you will be. I have two DSLRs, both "entry-level" Nikons, and the difference between a kit lens and my "good" 50mm lens is pretty amazing.
From what I understand to get good image quality you need a good lens and a good sensor. The sensor on the 550d is the same sensor as the 60d and much better than the older model entry level canons. If I were you I would go for the 550d and combine it with a good lens to get some great results :)
@bradleynovak
I can get a Canon 550d (18-55mm) for about 1000 dollars. Don’t know if the prices in USA and South Africa differ a lot. I'm not into macro shots but rather take pictures of people / buildings / birds / animals and landscapes.
@paulavdmerwe People, buildings, landscapes are all things the 18-55 will cover nicely. Birds/animals it will not. Here is what I recommend. Get that kit along with the 55-250 EF-S lens. These lenses will cover the focal lengths of almost everything you need, both lenses are inexpensive. When you start to feel you are limited in any way by these lenses, you can sell them (not losing a lot of money in the process, lenses resell for very close to what they are new), and upgrade to "nicer" lenses. If you are set on higher quality lenses right from the get go, I would recommend the 17-55 f/2.8 EF-S and a nice 50mm prime.
Hi Paula, I just upgraded to a 550d only yesterday. I felt i needed a new camera after 4 years with the 440d. I was pretty lucky and got it for only $824 :-) twin lens. so far absolutely loving it and can notice a big difference. Still going through the manual to learn everything she can do but i personally recommend the 550d. good luck and have fun with it if you get it. :-)
I will always be a defender of the 600D, since it has the master flash unit control feature. If you intend to shoot external flash, it can save you hundreds of dollars in wireless control equipment. And it's a suberb camera (the same sensor and settings as 550D). Worth it.
@paulavdmerwe I wholly agree with your Father in Law. The glass is most important. A good camera with a cheap lens...junk. Besides, the camera doesn't matter. Seriously. Go for the glass angle. But, don't get in a marital fight about it. That is never worth it.
But what camera would you get instead? The 1000D doesn't have amazing reviews, so if you are going Canon it makes sense to go for the 500/550/600D, which is a small step up but completely worth it. Because the 600d is already out, the 550D is cheaper. Also, get a decent camera, because then you can always upgrade the lenses and not feel the camera is holding you back.
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I can get a Canon 550d (18-55mm) for about 1000 dollars. Don’t know if the prices in USA and South Africa differ a lot. I'm not into macro shots but rather take pictures of people / buildings / birds / animals and landscapes.