Well I've been looking at getting a "proper" camera for a long time now, I always walk/drive past things and think "that would look amazing if I could capture it" but only having my phone on me, it never really works, and when I use a compact, I just want more control over the shot because it never gives the picture that I want.

Ive been looking around and the Canon EOS 550D has popped up, it seems like a good camera for beginners like me, and one with enough features to learn more about photography and allow me to grow more confident with taking pictures.

I've seen this but it looks like it could be a lemon because that price is very cheap The same website sells the Kiss X4 which is the exact same camera as the EOS 550D, just rebranded because it's sold in Japan, so it could be another rebranded one...

Anyway, has anyone had any experience with a 550D and if so, how did you find it? Any other sugestions?

Cheers in advance for the help =]

Got the 450D with the standard and the 75-300mm lens and its the mutts nutts mate.........

I wouldn't bother with any of the copies/re brands. Spend ur money on the proper gear

I've got the eos 500d Luke it's great had some really good pics out of it once you get used to all the setting if we have a nw meet soon you can have a go if you want

JJST is selling his DSLR > http://www.fordfiestast.co.uk/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=366717&an=0&page=0#366717

550d is a cracking camera. Site is a bit odd though, it's all in german... Shop around and I expect you'll be able to get a decent deal. Before spending money I'd recommend going to a local Jessops or similar and hold the different bodies and see what you prefer. The ergonomics of the different brands are worth checking

I know its a bit old but is the 350D any good?

Well I hope it is as I've just won one on eBay with an additional Sigma 70mm - 300mm zoom lens, 2gb memory card and case!

How much did you get it for? There's nothing wrong with it, it is a slightly older model now though.

What do you think would be a fair price for the bundle? I don't want to admit if I've been ripped off


I'd have got a newer one, but didn't want to part with 4 or 5 hundred quid

I honestly dont know what they're worth, hence why I asked. Not to worry if you'd rather not say Dont blame you, the new stuff isn't really that cheap

I got it for £190. Most of that model camera seemed to be going for around that on their own so I thought I'd done ok getting the lens and case too

I'd seen some reviews that had sample photos taken with it and they looked pretty good. I think it originally came out in 2005 so granted its not the latest tech but it will do me I reckon

Apologies for hijacking the thread

Thats a decent price

Oh good

Slight thread resurection,

Well I finally took the plunge and bought a 550d, It came today so havnt been able to take many pics having just come home from work, but as soon as I get some spare time I'll take a few pics and see how good it really is =]

Nice one mate, enjoy

Nice work, look forward to the pics

Nice Luke you won't regret it

There is a lot to learn but I have a day off work on friday so I'll go for a long walk with the camera and become more familiar with it, plenty of scenery up in yorkshire

well after having a quick play with the camera, I thought I'd show a couple of pics that I have taken =]

wakey wakey



she then came to visit



I like this one because it's my first decent photo with no flash and the focus is great =]

Nice work buddy

Nice one mate, have a read of this and see if it helps

http://st-rs.co.uk/index.php?/topic/107-dslr-auto-to-manual/

Just added that to my favourites. I took some pics with my SLR on Saturday and they're not right. Will be having a good read before I go out again - nice one!

PM me if you want

Nice work!

Like the bokeh on the frog!

And Duncans guides are a must read