Canon 550D or 600D? First time buyer upgrading from Point and Shoot.

[Don Acid]

Hi ClubSnappers,

I wish to take up DSLR photography, moving up from the point and shoot as I wish to learn the manual settings (ISO, Aperture, etc). I did a little research, my budget is around $600 SGD for the body only and I think I'm mostly using it for general and street photography. I might want to use this for filming videos in the future too. If I were to buy a kit, the lens would be suitable for my usage too?

I still need to get a feel of the camera's weight and ergonomics, but I can't seem to find either of these models at the moment.

Edit: Anyone know of any retailers that still carry either of this model? Contacted SLR Revolution and they don't have it anymore. Looking for an alternative to buying second hand if possible.

 

[Edwin Francis]

If you're looking for a new set, these 2 are older models, superseded by the 650D and 700D (and the 100D, if you want to include it). You might want to look at the other brands too
And yes, the kit lens is a good one to start with -- cheap and cheerful, with some limitations which are made up for by the low price and light weight (that generally applies to the other brands too)

 

[huatman]

Saw 600D at funan havey Norman few weeks ago. But think limited choice of kit & stock now. But still there are on display there.
650D most places will not be available too. U can try holding 700D, my guess is that it not much difference in weight etc.

The newer 18-135 STM kit lens has quite a good review comparing to the older non-STM version.

If u just want learn those manual setting, some point&shoot cam has those setting too.
Or smaller lighter mirrorless camera. U can get older model body with kit lens with ur budget.

 

[ericklirios]

Hi. Either camera will be good for your purposes but in a situation where there is little difference in price, go for the 600D. The movable LCD screen will help in a lot of awkward angles especially crucial when you're shooting videos. It doesn't hurt with still also.

Just wait a bit. You'll chance upon these units soon enough. I recently bought a 600D from a Clubsnap member for $400 and the condition is still very, very good. I suggest you use whatever money's left for a good lens. The kit lens is a good lens to start with but you'll appreciate the optical quality of a good 50mm or the 40mm STM lens that's both good for video and will make you a bit less conspicuous when you're doing street photography.

One other thing to try: Get an M42 adapter for the EOS and shoot with completely manual lenses like the Helios or Super Takumars of days past.

 

[one eye jack]

Hi. Either camera will be good for your purposes but in a situation where there is little difference in price, go for the 600D. The movable LCD screen will help in a lot of awkward angles especially crucial when you're shooting videos. It doesn't hurt with still also.

Just wait a bit. You'll chance upon these units soon enough. I recently bought a 600D from a Clubsnap member for $400 and the condition is still very, very good. I suggest you use whatever money's left for a good lens. The kit lens is a good lens to start with but you'll appreciate the optical quality of a good 50mm or the 40mm STM lens that's both good for video and will make you a bit less conspicuous when you're doing street photography.

One other thing to try: Get an M42 adapter for the EOS and shoot with completely manual lenses like the Helios or Super Takumars of days past.

You are asking him to jump into the deep waters.:bsmilie: The 600D and kit lens will do for now.
If TS wants to try vintage manual lenses there are many adapters to EOS mount.For that matter the
previous canon FD and Minolta MC/MD are closer in flange/film/sensor distance.Of course he can try
Helios ( Russian) or any other but I would suggest doing some reading and research as to what are the better lenses that suit TS needs.Do note TS has to deal with manual focusing and metering which
may be a challenge to some.

 

[silvermoon1407]

Hi ClubSnappers,

I wish to take up DSLR photography, moving up from the point and shoot as I wish to learn the manual settings (ISO, Aperture, etc). I did a little research, my budget is around $600 SGD for the body only and I think I'm mostly using it for general and street photography. I might want to use this for filming videos in the future too. If I were to buy a kit, the lens would be suitable for my usage too?

I still need to get a feel of the camera's weight and ergonomics, but I can't seem to find either of these models at the moment.

Since you are first time dslr buyer upgrading from P&S, my question for you is

Other than setting your budget, why have you shortlisted only 2 canon models and not from other manufacturers/brands?

 

[Don Acid]

Since you are first time dslr buyer upgrading from P&S, my question for you is

Other than setting your budget, why have you shortlisted only 2 canon models and not from other manufacturers/brands?

Was recommended a Pentax, and considered the Nikon D3200, I'm not blindly choosing Canon just because it's popular. All of my friends I know are using it, and testing/sharing lenses and camera functions will probably be much easier and familiar with them.

 

[rhino123]

Was recommended a Pentax, and considered the Nikon D3200, I'm not blindly choosing Canon just because it's popular. All of my friends I know are using it, and testing/sharing lenses and camera functions will probably be much easier and familiar with them.

Don't wait and hope that your friend will let you share their lenses with you. I know I wouldn't (after some of my 'friends' almost destroy one of my lens), anyway, you should really head down to the shops and get a feel of the cameras down there, see which one you feel better, then get that one.

 

[ElCarnicero]

Was recommended a Pentax, and considered the Nikon D3200, I'm not blindly choosing Canon just because it's popular. All of my friends I know are using it, and testing/sharing lenses and camera functions will probably be much easier and familiar with them.

Hi i do not know any friends that will happily share lenses i think you think it will be easy but in real life they will let you try it for 5-10 minutes then take it back

For your camera I have tried the Sony A65 and the autofocus even in video and liveview is really super fast much much faster than my 550D

 

[Blur Shadow]

Really ah? When I started out, my friends happily lent me then equipment, and today, I am happily lending my lenses to my friends.

Anyway, if your friends use Canon, and they are willing to share knowledge or equipment with you, then go for Canon. Definitely easier.

 

[BlimeyOmega]

I just started out as well and had a budget of about $500 for a DSLR and lens kit. Initially, i was stuck between the 550D to 700D models. Decided to go for the 600D because the difference with the new model isnt too much of a necessity for me. There are good deals on CS nonetheless, got my DSLR at within my budget in good condition .

 

[Lawrence Quek]

Hey bro, think you can consider getting a 2nd hand 500D. This set allows to take video as well. I recently bought it (body) and bought a 50mm from another member. Total damage: $400.00

You could just top up another $100 or so for a kit lens if you need to zoom to get your picture done.

Actually I owned Nikon cameras and lenses, I was thinking of getting a low budget to understand the system and to see if I should switch over. Planning to get a adapter so I can use my nikon lens on my 500D.

Ultimately, I think you can go for somewhere around 600D or 650D as some others mentioned. That should keep you busy and happy for a while.

 

[fishndicks]

Really ah? When I started out, my friends happily lent me then equipment, and today, I am happily lending my lenses to my friends.

Anyway, if your friends use Canon, and they are willing to share knowledge or equipment with you, then go for Canon. Definitely easier.

Yeah, this pretty much. Reason why I bought a Nikon when I started photography is because my friends all use that particular brand.

We went on photography trips and exchanged lens, which was kind of neat.

@TS
Only buy Canon models if you're sure your friends wouldn't mind sharing their lens with you ... otherwise just get whichever model fits your budget/hands better