Canon EOS 1100D??

[Comatose]

Does anyone have any opinions/information/feed back on the camera? I am looking for a somewhat cheap, simple-ish SLR camera. I have found a Canon EOS 1100D online (body only) brand new for $400 ($20 delivery fee), and one on eBay in my area (including case, lens - not sure which one) for around $400. I don't want to purchase anything more than $400-$500 AUD with a lens or two included as I have horrible luck with cameras. In the past year I have not only broken my cheaper point and shoot digital camera, but two extremely decent point and shoots that cost more than the camera I am currently looking at! If you have any other camera suggestions, then don't bite your tongue :)

Also... Lens sizes... I'm a noob at all the lens sizes and what they are best used for, so if someone would like to clear what lens sizes are best for what, that'd be greatly appreciated. :)

[Midland]

A lot depends on what you would use it for. If you're beginning photography with DSLRs, I'd say it was a good start. The only problem with buying DSLRs second hand is the shutter count. When a DSLR takes a shot, the mirror gets lifted before the shutter releases and expose the image. Due to this extremely fast movement of the mirror the mechanism eventually wears out. On the 550D it is designed to withstand 100,000 shots and I'd image it was similar for the 1100D. While that may seem like a lot it is still something to be conscious about.

As for lenses the standard kit lens(es) (18-55mm & 55-250mm) should be fine unless you plan on doing a lot of video. If money is tight, the 50mm prime is relatively cheap and would be a good lens, the only downside is that you can't zoom.

Lenshero.com and snapsort.com are two great websites that might help you.

As you said that you have horrible luck with cameras I would highly recommend buying a UV filter as they can be great for protecting your lens.

Buying it from a physical shop might also be worth it if you can get a warranty that covers accidental damage which I'm guessing would be important for you.

[Steve Jobs]

A lot depends on what you would use it for. If you're beginning photography with DSLRs, I'd say it was a good start. The only problem with buying DSLRs second hand is the shutter count. When a DSLR takes a shot, the mirror gets lifted before the shutter releases and expose the image. Due to this extremely fast movement of the mirror the mechanism eventually wears out. On the 550D it is designed to withstand 100,000 shots and I'd image it was similar for the 1100D. While that may seem like a lot it is still something to be conscious about.

As for lenses the standard kit lens(es) (18-55mm & 55-250mm) should be fine unless you plan on doing a lot of video. If money is tight, the 50mm prime is relatively cheap and would be a good lens, the only downside is that you can't zoom.

Lenshero.com and snapsort.com are two great websites that might help you.

As you said that you have horrible luck with cameras I would highly recommend buying a UV filter as they can be great for protecting your lens.

Buying it from a physical shop might also be worth it if you can get a warranty that covers accidental damage which I'm guessing would be important for you.

Hmm..

The mirror doesn't magically "lift". It actually flips :yeah:

The expected lifespan of the shutter mechanism varies on how you use the camera and is affected by variables including shutter speeds, aperture, operating temperature and more. Lower-end SLRs are generally guaranteed between 50,000 to 100,000 or 150,000 shots although many do last more than 300,000 under certain tests. This however does not take into account maintenance of the system. For example, the Canon 5D Mk I was known to need quite heavy maintenance as a consequence of certain design limitations and hence Canon offers this as a free repair.

The 550D and 1100D are very similar. For general hobby/beginning use, you shouldn't have to worry so much about the expected lifespan of the shutter provided you aren't a shutter-obsessed lunatic.

Standard kit lenses are highly versatile and compact lenses. I agree with Midland; these will give you limitations, however they would probably be the best for you to start out with, and you should move up with your gear as your skill and experience increases. If doing lots of portraits, video and low-light shots, I would highly recommend Canon's 50mm 1.8, 35mm f/2, Sigma's 30mm f/1.4, or for added versatility, a 17-50mm f/2.8 by Sigma or Tamron. These are all low-cost, wider-aperture lenses that would add to the creative potential of your camera (and have greater image quality/resolving power than standard kit lenses).

Remember that UV filter too - it's the best form of protection you can buy for your lens.



My biggest advice would be for you to head out to a store, even Walmart, and try out the cameras for yourself and see which one you like best. Canon, Nikon and Pentax all make very capable cameras that are right within the range of the 1100D. I would definitely not rule out Nikon's D3100 as a powerful entry-level body (and with the slight advantage of stronger construction due to Canon's crazy cost-cutting in entry level bodies). The upcoming D3200 will also be a strong bet with the very capable A77 sensor. Pentax also has a good range to explore and are typically cheaper than Canon/Nikon counterparts. As I said, you will constantly be fooled by salesmen and people all around that one brand is better than the other. The only one to decide that should be yourself.