I have never bought a DSLR before, but am really interested in taking up photography classes and learning. I do not want to buy an entry level camera, gets used to it, then have to re-educate myself all over again in order to upgrade. I would rather be thrown into the Canon 7D and eventually muck through learning how to use it. Thoughts?

I am looking to get my first dslr camera, and after getting lots of advice from different people and scouring the net for a good entry level camera I think the canon 1000d and 1100d are the best ones for the budget I have, although the 450d sounds like it’s good too…

Is it worth paying extra to get the 1100d? I would be nice to be able to take videos, but I’m not that bothered really, I’m more interested in photos. Also eventually I would like to be able to buy a decent telephoto lens with stabilization (or now if I can afford it!) so any advice or reviews about them would be great – I’m interested in wildlife photography. If I get the 1000d which is cheaper I would possibly be able to afford a telephoto lens right now too, but would this not be worth it in the long run?

Any reviews, advice, recommendations etc would be really really great as I’m new to all of this.

Final question, you get a 18-55mm lens kit with most canons for a little bit extra, I’m guessing it would be worth me getting this as I have nothing at the moment?

I’m purchasing a Canon 550D body and want to choose a few lenses myself rather than the kit.
Any suggestions for lense/s that fit the following criteria would be helpful:
1. A lens good for shooting in very low light without flash, such as at concerts or parties
2. A lens good for a low depth of field to create some nice bokeh
and also ideas for an all-rounder lens that I could keep on the camera for most of the time.

Also, please suggest anything not just ‘beginner’ lenses. I know because I’m buying an entry level camera it seems I’m a beginner, but I’m actually not – I have a couple of years of DSLR experience, but want some advice from those with more. So please keep that in mind.

Thanks in advance~

I had my mind set on the D3100 but my friend is really against that as he said that it is a really super entry level camera and is not going to do any good in the long run. He asked me to buy a D90 instead. He uses that and I always use his if I had the chance. I really like the D90 and I know it’s really good so now I’m really stuck between these two models.

I know what is ISO, shutter speed and other terms and I just find the D3100 is easier to use as most of the stuff you need to adjust are not embedded in the menu unlike other cameras. I love taking photographs of landscapes, animals, portraits and macro shots.

Aside from the 18 Megapixel APS-C sensor and its features… why is it considered mid-ranged, though it is designed to be an entry-level camera? Do you think it’s a high-end yet entry-level camera or the most expensive entry-level camera?

Any idea?

To those who own a 550D, or any Canon DSLR, explain please!