Basic manual digital camera - DSLR or other?

[David Mitchell]

Simple beginner DSLR - learning tool

Hi all,

I am just going to look into this idea as a learning tool, im getting fully into film photography as I like the more tactile nature and differences with film photography. I am however thinking about getting a manual digital camera to practice on due to my medium format cameras giving only 8 exposures and a 35mm SLR giving up to 36 as well as the extra cost of developing and scanning the film.

I am going to be looking for a camera that allows me to have full manual control over the settings so I can learn more about getting the right exposure and look but without the added cost of using film all the time - although it will be something I will be working towards.

The main thing that was prohibiting me getting a DSLR is the cost of them to start with, at over 20 times the price of my Bessa it makes me think of what I should do.

Are there any good 'old' DSLRs that I could look at getting, I don't need a massive feature packed camera ie I don't need it to take night shots, or be able to shoot full HD video etc I just need a basic DSLR thats simple to use so I can learn and take loads of photos to learn more about the different settings - might even do a college course with it.

What sort of price should I look at getting, im mainly just wanting a prime lens, I don't really plan on needing to zoom in loads, looking at doing some landscape, nature and street shooting sort of shots rather than long distance sports events etc.

I have seen something like a Nikon D3100 on Amazon with a 18-55 lens (although its a zoom its not a 300mm lens like my TAIR!)

Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera 18-55vr Kit: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

Im guessing the equilivent would be this Canon 1100D?

Canon EOS 1100D Digital SLR Camera: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

What beginner DSLR cameras do people suggest I look at? I have some redundancy money coming soon and I want to treat myself to something but not blow the whole lot lol I guess I will have to find out if I want a Canon or a Nikon lol hate to pick sides

 

[Pete Askew]

Something like a Fuji S2 Pro / S3 Pro might be a good choice. They are cheaper than many of the Nikon bodies with similar specification, offer full manual control and take virtually all of Nikon's lenses including the older manual standard primes. It all rather depends on your budget but I can image you'd get a S2 Pro plus a 50mm f 1:2.0 and a card for under £200. With a cheap adapter you'd be able to use your Zenit lenses too (although you'd have to use stop-down metering or a hand-held meter).

I'm sure Hamish will have some other suggestions.

 

[David Mitchell]

I might as well just drop in line and get myself a DSLR it seems, looks like the Canon APS size of sensor is larger than the Nikon DX size (although much smaller than a 35mm or MF lol) hmm I will have a think about it, I know you can get M42 adaptors for both Nikon and Canon so it means I have a 300mm and a 48mm lens I could use - although due to them being ment for a 35mm there would be a crop factor - silly smaller sensor size DSLRs lol

I have checked out a few reviews on the Nikon D3100 and it seems ideal for someone starting out like me, I have also seen a few videos of people using an M42 adaptor to run the Helios 44-2 lens meaning I can practice going full manual with a basic prime lens, but just keep practicing digitially rather than with film

It will mean I will have:

Helios 44-2 lens as prime manual lens
18-55mm kit lens as a fully automatic wide useage lens
Tair 300mm tele lens for longer shots

I haddn't thought about the fact that I have a fully manual Helios lens, will be great hooked up to a DSLR for practice - just need to work out the crop factor as I think I will lose infinity focus with the M42 adaptor?