Considering buying a DSLR camera and the 2 that are jumping out to me at the moment are the Olympus E500 and the Canon 350D. I'm by no means a professional photographer, understatement of the year

So, do any of you have these cameras, if so what made you pick the one that you did and are you happy with it?

[cu3ed]

Hvae both of these in my shop and the Olyumpus easily does a better job than the Canon, by quite abit.

Although Olympus have a new model coming out again a DSLR, cant remember the name of it though.

[ush flynn]

still slightly limited lens availability though, this 4/3 systerm hasnt quite taken off like they have hoped

[Radiohead]

Lob the Nikon D50 into that shortlist.

[ush flynn]

Yep, great lens compatibility, good build (get the black one though much nicer) and more than enough features, if moneys no problem then could opt for a d70s?

[Magslad]

Agree with the last 2 posts, you should definitely consider the Nikon D50 as well. My shortlist was the D50 and 350D and IMHO the D50 represents better value for money as I don't think there is much difference in quality/features between the two.

Also agree on colour - the black definitely looks a lot nicer.

[Magslad]

Agree that the Coolpix 8800 is a good camera, but depends whether Philccfc definitely wants a DSLR, as the Coolpix is a prosumer model. So would give you a good camera, but not the ability to buy into the Nikon lens system etc so that you could upgrade your lenses over time.

Wow thanks everyone, now I'm more confused. Looks like this one is down to personal opinion so I'll go and have a look and feel of the options mentioned. Cheers!

[Blue.Rocket]

Hi ;
For what its worth, I picked all these cameras up and played around with just before Christmas,and to my delight my wife purchased and gave me the Olympus E500 for a christmas gift.
Wow! am I pleased, takes a little getting used too, but it really comes up with the goods.

If you are worried about the exspense of lenses, then worry no more, I ordered mine from the Cambridge dealer. from Sigma .(link below) it covers the four thirds and makes a great addition to a fine camera.
http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/lens...s/55-200mm.htm

You can read and see some results here.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/e500.html

You will make your own mind up, but i feel that for me the E500 is a great camera.

good luck..........

The goal posts have now been moved by she who must be obeyed

We are now in the market for something that can replace the digital point and shoot camera, SLR camera and video camera to save us carrying all sorts around with us on holidays

Sorry to do this to you all after you good suggetsions but do you have any suggestions for a good digital camera that will allow me to have short video clips on it?

[mr jones]

Originally Posted by ush flynn

this 4/3 systerm hasnt quite taken off like they have hoped

well its hardly suprising really is it, they anounce that the 4/3rds sensor size will become a standard, a standard amongst who exactly? oh yeh olympus. i guess its another "trying to change something that aint broke" olympus seem fairly adept at this considering the olympus E330