Canon EOS 500D
Having been a regular user of SLR cameras for a number of years, I figured it was about time to update to a DSLR. I had used my mobile and a basic digital fuji camera for odd snaps which were OK, but quality was only ok for 6x4 snaps.
About month before I bought the Canon, I purchased a Pansonic FZ38 having read loads of positive reviews, and well to be quite honest the hype was better than the pictures. I also had a technical problem so contacted Panasonic and due to failings by them the item was returned. So after a rethink and expanding the budget I shopped around for a better quality item. The Canon was a second choice after a Pentax, as I learnt I could use all my existing manual K series lenses, albeit in manual mode on the current Pentax range. Brilliant I thought but a visit to a high street retailer had me speaking to a Canon expert, who advised that it was possible to get an adaptor to use my Pentax lenses on a Canon. After a bit more research I opted for this model Canon and although a refurbished item, it carries a full 12 month guarentee and was considerably cheaper than I could get elsewhere on line.
In use the camera has produced excellent results, although I am still experimenting with different settings. The Pentax lenses do work with the camera in manual mode, and this gives me greater options although it requires a bit more work, and a few more shots of the same picture to figure out what gives the best results. I have blown several shots up to A3+ size without loss of detail, but this may also be helped with the software used.
There are some very good features on this camera, the live view is good and it has a slightly larger secreen than normal, although for me I use the viewfinder most of the time. Changing lenses is easy, although like any camera it does benefit from a tripod when using long focal lengths. I am also looking at getting a remote control for it as I found it hard to get in focus shots at slow speeds when on a tripod. The built in flash is good, but the hotshoe gives you greater options and this camera works well with the 20 year old flash set up I use.
I have quite large hands, and this is where this camera won hands down against the Pentax. It sits comfortably and I have found it easy to hold and use the functions, however I do find fitting the USB lead in to the camera a bit fiddly, and the rubber flap covering the connections is always coming out, I think this may after a while get damaged, so I would prefer a solid hinged flap in this area.
I do not use the software that came with this camera so can not comment on this, but overall I do like the Canon 500D, and would highly recommend it as good mid range outfit. At the price I paid, being around the £400 mark, it is not much more than some budget DSLR's, but a lot cheaper than the high range units which are nearer the £1000 mark.
If you are in the market for a good quality DSLR than will yield good results dependent on your own skills, I believe you can not go far wrong with the 500D. Read reviews, go have a look at it in the high street, compare it with other outfits, then shop round.
Warning notice ---- You will end up buying a decent printer possibly one capable, like me, of printing big prints, and you will shoot lots of photos and spend hours on the computer picking the best, cropping, printing etc. Your other half may not see you that often so be warned, it could get expensive, fun but expensive. Enjoy:)Read full review
