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Help on DSLR cameras for a beginner

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Class360/1

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I’ve been taking photos of trains for well over a year now, using my phone however it can no longer focus on large moving objects and the images are incredibly grainy. This is why I think it is the right time to upgrade.

I have narrowed it down to the Canon 2000D and the Nikon D3500, but I’m not sure which is better for rail photography; advice is appreciated :D

Many thanks in advance
 
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AM9

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St Albans
I’ve been taking photos of trains for well over a year now, using my phone however it can no longer focus on large moving objects and the images are incredibly grainy. This is why I think it is the right time to upgrade.

I have narrowed it down to the Canon 2000D and the Nikon D3500, but I’m not sure which is better for rail photography; advice is appreciated :D

Many thanks in advance
When I was buying SLRs I went for Canon which offered what I went for. Both Nikon and Canon share the SLR market almost to the exclusion of other manufacturers and their design and manufacturing capabilities are hardly taxed at this level so it really is a question of opinion.
Looking at the two competing cameras that you have suggested, I would say that the Nikon represents the better option for an entry level camera. It has a newer design kit lens and should you consider it in the future, the higher frame rate for full HD video would definitely be beneficial for moving subjects such as you will find with trains.
I also took a look at dpreview.com which is a reliable source, and found this comparison also suggests that despite both cameras being good, the Nikon may be the better buy depending on the user's needs.
There is another optio which is to look for a decent second hand body and lens. I see that you are in Essex, so WEX whose London showroom is at Aldgate, should be easy to get to. WEX sell used equipment that they buy when customers upgrade, and although I've never bought any used cameras from them myself, I believe that they are inspected on receipt, have warranties and are a way to get a better camera for the same money. For example, the Canon 77D and 700D are both above the entry level 2000D yet they have a used body of each available for £377 & £205 respectively - see here. Used lens are also available for Canon EF S bodies here. Similarly, WEX also has used Nikon equipment that can offer a cheaper route to the next level range with little risk of buying a dud.
There are of course other sources of used cameras including Ebay, but that probably has more risk that comes with lower asking prices.
Hope this helps.
 

Class360/1

Member
Joined
10 Feb 2021
Messages
652
Location
Essex
When I was buying SLRs I went for Canon which offered what I went for. Both Nikon and Canon share the SLR market almost to the exclusion of other manufacturers and their design and manufacturing capabilities are hardly taxed at this level so it really is a question of opinion.
Looking at the two competing cameras that you have suggested, I would say that the Nikon represents the better option for an entry level camera. It has a newer design kit lens and should you consider it in the future, the higher frame rate for full HD video would definitely be beneficial for moving subjects such as you will find with trains.
I also took a look at dpreview.com which is a reliable source, and found this comparison also suggests that despite both cameras being good, the Nikon may be the better buy depending on the user's needs.
There is another optio which is to look for a decent second hand body and lens. I see that you are in Essex, so WEX whose London showroom is at Aldgate, should be easy to get to. WEX sell used equipment that they buy when customers upgrade, and although I've never bought any used cameras from them myself, I believe that they are inspected on receipt, have warranties and are a way to get a better camera for the same money. For example, the Canon 77D and 700D are both above the entry level 2000D yet they have a used body of each available for £377 & £205 respectively - see here. Used lens are also available for Canon EF S bodies here. Similarly, WEX also has used Nikon equipment that can offer a cheaper route to the next level range with little risk of buying a dud.
There are of course other sources of used cameras including Ebay, but that probably has more risk that comes with lower asking prices.
Hope this helps.
Thank you very much for the helpful advice, @AM9
 

Non Multi

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Joined
11 Dec 2017
Messages
1,117
Have you used a DSLR before? If not, look at doing an introductory course, either as a video course or in person training.

Amateur photography can be a very expensive hobby, so only buy the equipment that you really require to begin with.
 
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