Good beginner SLR?

[K86]

Hey

I'm looking for a good beginner SLR digital camera

I'm looking to spend about £150 to £200 (maybe a little more) but as it will only be a beginners camera I don't want to spend too much

Thank you for your help

[Strobe]

Budget's a bit tight for new. You can't go far wrong with the Nikon D40 as far as starter DSLR's go. Not handled one myself but it's well reviewed and has good reports from forum members.
http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod267.html

[Pirate!!]

Ahoy!

Firstly, check the Classifieds section on AV Forums as there are some excellent pre-owned DSLRs there. The cheapest new DSLR is circa £250.00 +.

[senu]

Even £250 is pushing it TBH beginners DSLR or not. There are however decent "loving used" ( or preowned if you like) bargains to be had if you dont insist on new
Good luck..

[Scapegoat]

Originally Posted by Strobe

Budget's a bit tight for new. You can't go far wrong with the Nikon D40 as far as starter DSLR's go. Not handled one myself but it's well reviewed and has good reports from forum members.
http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod267.html

Similar Q to original poster in that looking for a beginner real camera.

Currently have a Pentax S5i Optio 5MP pocket camera, but going on long holiday across Russia in the summer and want something better than a 'quick snap' camera and that appears to be an SLR.

Needs to be new and from Jessops (have some Capital Bond vouchers that I want to spend - do Jessops still price match internet?).

Had a quick look on Jessops and found this:

http://www.jessops.com/Products/Prod...px?SkuId=73580

Though the this one (mentioned already in the thread ) is cheaper:

http://www.jessops.com/Store/s47076/...s/details.aspx

Second one is only 1.1 MP increase on my other one, whereas the first one is double. But its £200 more expensive. Given what I currently use, would the first one still be a massive improvement and impress a novice like me - or is the second one really worth the cash (could stretch to it if necessary?)

It will not be a regularly used camera - holidays / family shots etc etc. - as don't have time to 'get in to' photography.

Any advice welcome - other suggestions etc.

Thanks

[TarMoo]

See http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/cat4.html

User JESSOPS5 discount code to get extra 5% off camera. You can order online and pick up in store if you wish.

[dazza74]

Originally Posted by Scapegoat

Similar Q to original poster in that looking for a beginner real camera.

Currently have a Pentax S5i Optio 5MP pocket camera, but going on long holiday across Russia in the summer and want something better than a 'quick snap' camera and that appears to be an SLR.

Needs to be new and from Jessops (have some Capital Bond vouchers that I want to spend - do Jessops still price match internet?).

Had a quick look on Jessops and found this:

http://www.jessops.com/Products/Prod...px?SkuId=73580

Though the this one (mentioned already in the thread ) is cheaper:

http://www.jessops.com/Store/s47076/...s/details.aspx

Second one is only 1.1 MP increase on my other one, whereas the first one is double. But its £200 more expensive. Given what I currently use, would the first one still be a massive improvement and impress a novice like me - or is the second one really worth the cash (could stretch to it if necessary?)

It will not be a regularly used camera - holidays / family shots etc etc. - as don't have time to 'get in to' photography.

Any advice welcome - other suggestions etc.

Thanks

Go with the cheaper D40 would be my advice. It's a very good D-SLR and you'll see many a good picture taken on it that's been posted on this section of the forum. I wouldn't get to hung up on it only being 1.1MP more than your compact with D-SLR it's a different kettle of fish it's more about the lens you put on the end and the skill of the photographer than how many megapixels the camera has.

[Scapegoat]

Originally Posted by rasputin

See http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/cat4.html

User JESSOPS5 discount code to get extra 5% off camera. You can order online and pick up in store if you wish.

Cheers for the advice - but won't I need to pay online with credit/debit card? If so cannot use the Captial Bonds (been hanging round since last June when work gave them out for 'exceptional' workload following the floods).

Might be able to create the order online and print it out before payment and ask store to match though.

[Scapegoat]

Originally Posted by dazza74

Go with the cheaper D40 would be my advice. It's a very good D-SLR and you'll see many a good picture taken on it that's been posted on this section of the forum. I wouldn't get to hung up on it only being 1.1MP more than your compact with D-SLR it's a different kettle of fish it's more about the lens you put on the end and the skill of the photographer than how many megapixels the camera has.

Skill of the photographer? Oh dear....

Cheers for the advice though - think will go for the D-40 then.

[Paulie-W]

The only possible downside to the D40 is if you have goalkeepers hands

I only have rather small (pianist) hands so it doesnt bother me at all.

[SGH42]

Originally Posted by rasputin

See http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/cat4.html

User JESSOPS5 discount code to get extra 5% off camera. You can order online and pick up in store if you wish.

Code no longer valid :-(

Steve