[philwirral]

First of all as its my first ever post here.... Hello to everyone and thanks for having me!

My Girlfriend is going to start a photography course in the new year and has as long as ive known her, loved taking photos.
We have a Canon Ixus 750 which although a great camera, it isnt a D-slr.
I used to work for PC World and have a slight bit of knowledge on Camera but not alot!

So for Christmas i thought i will surprise her with buying her one!

Money is sorta tight (ohhh whatever lol) but not that tight! but i am really only wanting to pay about £300, although i feel this is goin to restrict me loads.

I've looked at the Canon EOS 1000D and EOS 450D both about £350 and £400 respecively, and also the Nikon D60 (i like alot). But these are sorta out of my budget.

Can you guys please help me with some suggestions of other models, and/or places where these are cheaper!

As i said, my Gf is a beginner, but i would still like something she can build around! eg upgradable lenses etc?!

Thanks in advance!
Phil

[RajP]

Hi Phil, one other option to consider if you don't want to stretch to far for a new one is to buy a second hand good quality option how ever that may not go down as well if it is a christmas present.

I bought a Nikon for myself and am considering buying a second hand nikon for my son so that he can learn how to use DSLRs. Just an option.

[Crafty]

the nikons are good but be aware that not all lenses are compatible with the D60 if you wish to keep auto focus.. nikon lenses can also be more expensive than canons, somewhat negated if you look at the 3rd part lenses though.

Any EF/EF-S canon lense will fit either of the canons you mention. More or less any canon lesne made in the last 10 years..

[senu]

If you can stretch to the 450D, it is a lot of camera for £400.
The initial pain of the cost will go away and she will have a decent camera she wont be thinking of replacing for quite a while as she grows into its functions after get past the basics
If she isnt likely to get "into" photography then pretty much any DSLR 9 or even ) very competent Non DSLR like the Panasonic G1 (which isnt cheap too) will do
If she is then she will be earning for a upgrade fairly soon