First DSLR advice

[meirion658]

Hello there i am new to all this and am looking to get a new DSLR for Christmas from the wife> (Bless her). I have around £550 as a budget and nned some advice on what to get for i am a real novice. I have looked around and seen a few offers on different websites etc.

I.e
Cannon 450D twin lense deal with bag etc for £493 inc cashback
Nikon D60 with starter kit
Olympus E420

I have seen all three and had a play in the local shop.

Out of the three which one should i go for or are there any other DSLR out there that I need to look at.

[T0MAT01]

TBH you can't go far wrong with any of the current crop of entry level DSLRs.
The image quality will be fantastic whichever you choose, although it is true that you get what you pay for in respect to all of the bells and whistles like focussing ability and frames per second.

I don't know enough about the Nikon or Olympus to comment on those, but I can say that the new Canon 18-55 IS & 55-250 IS lenses are highly regarded for the price you pay and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to someone starting out in photography.

If you're looking to buy online, then you might like to check the best prices on Camera Price Buster - UKs cheapest camera gear if you haven't already.

[Yandros]

Agreed, the 450D with the pair of IS lenses would be an excellent choice

I'm in the Nikon camp, so I'll say D60+18-55VR+Nikon 70-300VR. Another extremely good pair of lenses, and comes in at £575.

I'd actually suggest two things...

Firstly, your wife needs to have a play. As T0MAT01 says, you can't go far wrong with any of the brands, so it comes down to personal taste. Go with the one she likes when handling it and don't agonise over endless reviews.

Secondly, don't be in a hurry to get a second lens. You'll actually find that the kit lens will cope with almost all regular shooting, and she'll then get an idea whether she needs longer, wider, faster, closeup or whatever.

[senu]

Great advice all round
If anyone has more to add note the OPs Budget and initial shortlist

[JMay]

Don't overlook the E510/520 - they have the advantage of in-body image stabilisation (and better battery life) over the E420. You should be able to pick up the E510 twin lens kit for about £325 (which is what I paid). I've been very surprised by the image quality provided by the kit lenses, and astonished at their 9-18 and 50/2 lenses. Only downside is the lack of real weatherproofing, but that goes for all the cameras on your shortlist.

[Chris4Koi]

you wont go far wrong with the Canon 450...

I've just opted for the 40D... but thats the next range up and cost a bit more but you can get some real deals if you search enough.....

[ajex]

Yandros and all

Only reason I am holding against D60 is lack of optical. Depth of Field..

And hence leaning toward Pentax K200d

Any comments pls ..

cheers

Ajex

Originally Posted by Yandros

Agreed, the 450D with the pair of IS lenses would be an excellent choice

I'm in the Nikon camp, so I'll say D60+18-55VR+Nikon 70-300VR. Another extremely good pair of lenses, and comes in at £575.

I'd actually suggest two things...

Firstly, your wife needs to have a play. As T0MAT01 says, you can't go far wrong with any of the brands, so it comes down to personal taste. Go with the one she likes when handling it and don't agonise over endless reviews.

Secondly, don't be in a hurry to get a second lens. You'll actually find that the kit lens will cope with almost all regular shooting, and she'll then get an idea whether she needs longer, wider, faster, closeup or whatever.

[RobDickinson]

Optical depth of field???

You mean Depth of field Preview??

[Yandros]

Originally Posted by ajex

Yandros and all

Only reason I am holding against D60 is lack of optical. Depth of Field..

And hence leaning toward Pentax K200d

Any comments pls ..

cheers

Ajex

Huh??? from me too. Lack of optical?

[Sorj]

In my limited knowledge i say stick with the main brands, Canon/Nikon as they tend to have more exposure with everything. Meaning that you will have more choices of lenses when you decide to get new lens and to fix issues if you ever come across any!

[Mickjaz]

Originally Posted by Sorj

In my limited knowledge i say stick with the main brands, Canon/Nikon!

Hmmmm dont forget Panasonic






Panasonic DMCTZ5

[gingaman]

Originally Posted by Mickjaz

Hmmmm dont forget Panasonic






Panasonic DMCTZ5

I think the OP is looking for a DSLR rather than a compact, in terms of DSLRs maybe the just released Panasonic G1 (technically not a DSLR) could be of interest but that would use up most of his budget

[Sorj]

Originally Posted by gingaman

I think the OP is looking for a DSLR rather than a compact, in terms of DSLRs maybe the just released Panasonic G1 (technically not a DSLR) could be of interest but that would use up most of his budget

Is that the one with the interchangeable lens and claims to be the world first EVF DSLR?

[ajex]

Yep lack of Depth of field preview on D60 ..

Even my Film SLR Nikon N75 has it ...


And Infact i can use old pentax lenses available cheap on fleabay...

but thats my logic as I am not particularl about a Brand !!!

So buying Pentax k200d over the week end..

Cheers

Ajex

Originally Posted by RobDickinson

Optical depth of field???

You mean Depth of field Preview??

[gingaman]

Originally Posted by ajex

Yep lack of Depth of field preview on D60 ..

Even my Film SLR Nikon N75 has it ...


And Infact i can use old pentax lenses available cheap on fleabay...

but thats my logic as I am not particularl about a Brand !!!

So buying Pentax k200d over the week end..

Cheers

Ajex

If you're considering the Pentax K200D you might want to look at the just released Pentax K-m (K-2000 in America) the body is smaller as are the new DA-L lenses, the single kit lens also comes with an external flash.

There's a good comparison of features v K200D here

The K-m lacks weatherproofing if that's important to you.