Yeah that was the worrying thing, and it felt so light - the guy in the shop seemed to think that it feeling like a child's toy was a good thing! The Nikon was decent, and reading the reviews it was quite close - the bit that swayed it for me was the Canon's superior video ability. If this isn't something you'll use then it's a pointless feature. I, however, will make use of it so it made sense to go for the best.

I know it's jumping in the deep end a little, but I didn't want to spend £500-600 only to want/need to upgrade in a short time. I want a camera that can teach and challenge me as well as grow with me. And the lower-end cameras all feel a little small in my bear claws

The lower end canons do, they are very plastic! The heavier/metal bodied ones do feel more satisfying don't they? lol. The camera wont teach you anything, you have to learn it yourself then use it with the camera haha! Higher end ones wont 'teach' you any more than an entry one, they just have things like more fps, and other random functions. The basics are all very much the same though, right back to film

I've got a Canon 60D and it was a huge leap forward from the 400D, the image quality is superb, it's a nice weight as well.

What I did find was the learning curve is really quite steep with all of the extra functions on the 60D, there's a few more still on the 7D.

When it came down to making the final choice I did a comparison on the Canon website and felt that the 7D was just a tad too complicated, basically it offered me too much functionality, much of which I wouldn't use, so I chose the 60D and saved myself £500 over the 7D, £500 which went on accessories such as the gadget bag & extra battery, memory card (64Gb).

I think it might be wise to visit the Canon website ( http://www.canon.co...._SLR/index.aspx ) and use the comparison tool to see which model will suit your needs best. There's no point in buying something that is so complex that you need a degree to use it or you won't use most of the functionality.

If you want a extra battery, you don't need to worry about buying the real thing, you can get them from 7dayshop.com & Amazon for a fraction of the cost (LP-E6), I have two spares (non Canon) and both work perfectly & they register with the camera too.

The 64Gb card is good (currently on loan) and holds >999 shots (both JPEG & RAW).

I've got a Canon 60D and it was a huge leap forward from the 400D, the image quality is superb, it's a nice weight as well.

The two digit Canon cameras, such as the 60D are great cameras. Better built than the three or four digit ones (e.g. 600D, 1000D, etc.)

What I did find was the learning curve is really quite steep with all of the extra functions on the 60D, there's a few more still on the 7D.

Interestingly, the more expensive cameras have less functions than the cheaper cameras, they just do what they do better and probably add in higher resolution, better low light performance, faster frame rates, better video quality and speeds, better autofocus and exposure control, stronger body, better weather proofing, etc.

I'm still using a 5D Mk1 that is still better than my skill level (I'm fully in favour of full-frame over APS-C sensors as depth of field control is important to me) after nearly six years and I won't be looking to upgrade unless mine breaks (which it is showing no sign of).

The 64Gb card is good (currently on loan) and holds >999 shots (both JPEG & RAW).

There are arguments for and against using such a large card, and only one, to store all your pictures.

If you lose it or it corrupts in camera (it does happen) you could lose everything. Also the cards are way more expensive then smaller capacity ones (even when you purchase several small ones to get the same total capacity).

On the other hand, if you only have one card, you won't need to take it out of the camera, minimising the chances of physically losing any pictures.

It's a personal preference thing and I'm in the 'multiple smaller card' brigade. But each to their own (informed) decision.

Buying 'grey' imports is a difficult one as some companies will honor international warranties and some won't (Sigma did in my experience, but didn't like it). I would honestly stick with UK based companies if buying new.

You say there's less functions on the 7D & 60D, yet when you use the Canon websites comparison tool, the 7D has more on it? Or is it misleading me, in the way it was written.

Still either way I'm happy with my 60D.

I just popped in a empty 32Gb Cl.10 SDHC card and my camera tells me I have 882 shots available to me. Not bad.

The 7D (and higher cameras) will have more ability to modify the way the camera performs its functions. These can be quite tricky to understand initially but, once the camera is set up to suit your shooting style, they rarely need changing.

So, yes. I feel that you are being misled slightly.

The 60D has a lot of 'shooting styles' and 'semi-auto' modes which are useful for the novice as they are easy to understand. However, with a little training (like one of my one day DSLR courses) it is easy enough to move on to using AP/SP/M and really take control of your camera and the resulting pictures.

The modes and styles of the 60D then become just a gimmick and excess functions.

Reading down the specs, the 60D has the most 'features' next to it.

Having read Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson mean't I could fully appreciate the camera's I was using.

It will make "modes" redundant.

The lower end canons do, they are very plastic! The heavier/metal bodied ones do feel more satisfying don't they? lol. The camera wont teach you anything, you have to learn it yourself then use it with the camera haha! Higher end ones wont 'teach' you any more than an entry one, they just have things like more fps, and other random functions. The basics are all very much the same though, right back to film

By "teach me", I mean "force me to learn"

pmsl!! Fair enough!

As mentioned, 'modes' are so annoying!

CEX ( 12 months g'tee an great prices )

park cameras are ok

I think LCE have great prices on used stuff

MPD down brighton (drove all the way there from bham to pick up my 35L)

Jacobs do used stuff cheaply with a 12 month g'tee

fixation do used stuff at great prices

UKdigital in Clitheroe Lancashire are a family run firm who offer no quibble warranties of upto 5 years!

Very expensive!

If you getting Nikon theres cashback offers on atm:

http://www.nikon.co....ffers.aspx?c=uk

If you are interested in learning it maybe worth signing up to your local camera club before buying as some have discount deal with shops. Also bear in mind how much it will cost to send the camera back to an online retailer if you have a problem compared to just dropping it in to a bricks and mortar seller.

As for camera models the Nikon D90 is a good balance of features for a newbie with some nouse.

Edited 4 April, 201214 yr by hertsnminds

Have you not bought it yet Babs?! lol

Not yet, gonna do it for my birthday, so next month