first time SLR

[mitesh]

looking to buy first slr, currently have a panasonic fz8. Mainly to take pics of kids growing up plays sports days etc. Looking at sony a350, but open to suggestions. Also need help with lens etc. thanks

[Slimbert]

Are you looking to buy new or second hand? And whats your budget?

[Yandros]

Don't get the A350. If you're thinking Sony, get an A200 and better lenses. The A350 has a slower shooting speed,a worse viewfinder, and the extra megapixels are actually a hinderance as they end up giving worse high ISO performance.

What's your overall budget in the short term? (including extra lenses)

[vectraturbo]

Does it have to be a Sony DSLR??? Why not go for a Canon 1000D/400D or Nikon D50 etc, better range of lenses and more used equipment readily available.

[mitesh]

budget to start with approx £500 inc start up lenses. then to build up. also have no prob with other brands

[Yandros]

Have a browse through this forum and you'll see several threads in the last couple of weeks about entry level DSLRS (and specifically for things like low light family photos too). The usual suspects are Nikon D40 and D60, Sony A200, and Canon 1000D/450D.

For things like sports days, an image stabilised lens up to 200mm would be useful.

For kids indoors, a 'fast' (ie wide aperture) prime (eg Sigma 30mm f1.4) and /or external flashgun that you can bounce is important.

School plays are hard, as you need low light performance, and a long lens, and that's not easy to do well cheaply.

The body actually isn't too crucial, but if you want a kit that'll cope with most conditions, a kit lens, a 200 or 300mm zoom, a flashgun and a fast short prime should be on your shopping list. Longer fast primes (eg 50-105mm) are the best for single person portraits, and might fit the bill for your 'school play' scenario.

[dragonzuiko]

The Sony a200 is on Amazon for £227 using the ALPHA200 code at checkout ,Ebuyer are doing the Olympus E510 10mp TWIN Lens Kit includes 40-150 and 14-42mm lens for £400,plus they have single lens kits cheaper.you should really go into your local camera shop or curry dixons etc to look at the cameras that way you get a feel before you buy,then come back home and search around the net for the best price.

[olisun]

Originally Posted by mitesh

budget to start with approx £500 inc start up lenses. then to build up. also have no prob with other brands

I got a D50 up for sale here in case if you plan to go that route...

[senu]

The Sony looks fine..although the A200 is better ( and perhaps less costly) What attracts you to it, and
Have you held it?
You dont state a budget

Basically any DSLR can do what you seem to want it for and although the Sonys have built in IS which is arguably a bonus when shutter speeds drop, you can learn how to get the most from most brands
Have a read of the similar threads to define yours

PS:This reply has been sitting here for 4-5 hrs ..and
since been overtaken by better posts!

[mitesh]

Nikon D60 Digital SLR Camera - Black (AF-S 18-55 DX II VR Lens Kit) is on amazon. would this be a good start

[Crafty]

Bought a Canon 450D just over a week ago and I'm very pleased so far. Body & kit lens is about £390 once you take the £50 rebate off, plenty of lenses available from £60 up.
Get to a camera shop and get some hands on with them.

[senu]

Originally Posted by mitesh

Nikon D60 Digital SLR Camera - Black (AF-S 18-55 DX II VR Lens Kit) is on amazon. would this be a good start

Yes as would every other single camera Ive seen on this thread.

Re-read mine and Yandros Posts, have a read of similar threads and then perhaps have a better idea of what youve listed, and why

None of the cameras is poor VFM (IMHO) and in truth if you like how they feel in your hands youll probably get on with any of them
Any limitations will always have a workabout, and supplementary lenses can come later

Originally Posted by Crafty

Get to a camera shop and get some hands on with them.

Excellent advice, feeling good in your hands is always a good start

[mjw123]

All I would add is as a beginner you really aren't going to notice or benefit from the bells and whistles the manufacturers put on their latest releases to try and make people buy them and give them decent profit. You'd be better buying a camera that's been around a year or so that's still bang up to date yet you are not paying a hefty premium because it's this months new release. That way you get a good body with kit lens for under £250 and you can spend the rest of your cash on an external flash, zoom lens, filters, portrait lens etc all for your £500 budget and the beauty is you have EVERYTHING on day 1 not waiting months to accumalte the additional components....never mind the cost saving doing it this way.