[gadgetman]

Looking to buy my first SLR camera.
I have whittled it down to the below cameras which all look to be the same sort of spec.


Cannon Eos 400d
Nikon D40X
Sony Alpha DSLR-A100

Price is an obvious decider but I like the idea of the Sony with both dust reduction and steady shot. The cannon also has dust reduction but the cannon lense is not recomended. Nikon looks good but some lenses do not have automatic focusing option.
But being a complete newbie I would apreciate other peoples opinions.

[Manic78]

Well I've got the Sony. I'd considered all the options you have there, but eventually it came down to what felt right.

Went into to Jessops and tried them all and, for me, the Sony felt most comfortable.

Check my flickr pics out for some shots from it.

They're not earth shattering but it may give you an idea.

[Brammers]

We've done this before and you're best off served by searching past threads. Here are 2 arguments that haven't really been posted before:

1) Canon's and Sony's dust buster features don't appear to work in that they don't appear to be able to clean themselves. However the coating on each sensor does appear to make the dust less clingy than otherwise - and that means it appears to be easier to remove with a rocket blower. So they're both still useful, but not as good as Olympus' version.

2) All the manufacturers appear to be ramping up for new releases in Aug/Sept. While noone is expected to release an entry level DSLR (while each of these cameras has differing spec lists, they are each manufacturer's entry level model), waiting until each company shows where they're going in terms of new bodies and lenses might be a worthwhile exercise, and prices might come down too Sony in particular has a lot to proove, although signs are it will meet expectations.

Were you to have to buy tomorrow, I'd reccomend the Sony, it has a lot of features the Canon and Nikon entry level models don't.

[Manic78]

Definately search previous threads on here.

I bored everyone sensless when I was looking, so there's plenty to go at!

Also, search flickr in their camera search function.

I realise these images are post ps, but they're worth a look.

But, ultimately, it's you taking the photo's with it. Get into a store and go hands on. It makes a huge difference!!!

[pixelpixel]

After turning up to the meet in Belfast this weekend only with my little camera I have now found out that it does not matter what camera you have. Its the taking pictures that counts.

Of the 3 it would be 'any' of the following for me, but if money was no option it would be the canon.

[Monkey1803]

The price of the Nikon D40 has dropped considerably due to the release of the D40x.

Only real diff is 6mp to 10mp, which many, like me will say its not about megapixels.

Nikon are doing a £60 cashback offer ths month so you could have a D40 with 18-55 zoom for £260-£270.. Bargian IMO

Dont worry about the AF-S / AF-I lens issue, there are plenty to be had.

[senu]

I would suggest the OP actually have a play with the cameras and then based on feel , and after a look at ( more than a few ) threads here .. raise any further queries in a new thread

We really have done this one to death and Im not sure anyone wants another
Canon 400D vs NikonD40/X vs Sony Alpha 100 thread...the facts are out there , the emotiveness ( relating to pride of ownership) has become a bit tiresome

They are all fine cameras and while perceived value for money may differ, each in good hands will take great images
If there is no new scoop on a previously unknown quality on any we will close this one....

[senu]

Closing then: