AVForums

Our philosophy in our forums, reviews, podcasts and feature videos is to promote audio and visual excellence by gathering and sharing the best information and resources available.

Help

To begin please visit our help section »

Not a Member Yet?

It only takes a minute to start enjoying the benefits of AVForums membership, and it's free!

Member Log in

First SLR

Post Reply
Old 30-09-2007, 1:33 AM   #1
Member
 
ttdriver's Avatar
Join Date: Mar 2007
Experience Points:
5,682, Level: 17
Points: 5,682, Level: 17 Points: 5,682, Level: 17 Points: 5,682, Level: 17
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 31, Got 17
Posts: 522
First SLR

Hi all,

I am looking to buy my first digital SLR after my partner broke the screen on my canon power shot. To be honest I was never that impressed with the canon power shot as it seemed to take great pics one minute and terrible the next (bad workmen always blame their tools!)

So, I have been wowed by the quality of an SLR and I am considering a Nikon D40 or D40X.

Is there anything else I should consider at that price point? Is there anything slightly more expensive that is worth a look?

Dave
  Quote
Old 30-09-2007, 2:42 AM   #2
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: The Black Hole
Experience Points:
6,788, Level: 19
Points: 6,788, Level: 19 Points: 6,788, Level: 19 Points: 6,788, Level: 19
Activity: 1.1%
Activity: 1.1% Activity: 1.1% Activity: 1.1%
Thanks: Gave 12, Got 138
Posts: 1,553
Re: First SLR

Canon 400D, Canon offering cashback for this.
http://canon20thanniversary.onlinere...owtoclaim.aspx

Olympus E-410(£50 cashback) or E-510
http://www.olympus.co.uk/site/consumer/e_410_cashback/

The Nikon D40(X) is a great beginners SLR, but limited in lens choices and restrictive once you learned the ropes.

Personally I may buy a Canon 40D and learn my way through.
I'm sure other users will give far better opinions.

Last edited by Chanser; 30-09-2007 at 2:45 AM.
  Quote
Old 30-09-2007, 6:37 AM   #3
Ex Member
 
Pirate!!'s Avatar
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Liverpool
Experience Points:
22,390, Level: 36
Points: 22,390, Level: 36 Points: 22,390, Level: 36 Points: 22,390, Level: 36
Activity: 23.1%
Activity: 23.1% Activity: 23.1% Activity: 23.1%
Thanks: Gave 523, Got 1,253
Posts: 7,727
Re: First SLR

The new Sony A700 has just hit the streets.

Preview here.

EDIT: Went in at too higher level maybe! Also consider Pentax K100D. Plenty of good lenses to choose from, though a check on reviews would be a good start.

Last edited by Pirate!!; 30-09-2007 at 7:28 AM.
  Quote
Old 30-09-2007, 7:59 AM   #4
Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hillingdon /Hayes, Middx
Experience Points:
47,154, Level: 53
Points: 47,154, Level: 53 Points: 47,154, Level: 53 Points: 47,154, Level: 53
Activity: 2.7%
Activity: 2.7% Activity: 2.7% Activity: 2.7%
Thanks: Gave 1,052, Got 2,970
Posts: 19,311
Re: First SLR

Any of Nikon, Canon, Sony , Pentax will do fine. There is no "entry level" DSLR today which will not be better than the Sureshot. Cameras from Canon and Nikon ( CorN ! ) have an advantage of wide user base , lens support ect, and those from Sony Pentax are often said to be better VFM despite costing a little more. Olympus seems a little left out in the party but its not for lack of quality images
I would draw a shortlist and then search here for Personal "reviews"
And if you search here and elsewhere (flickr ect) you are bound to find impressive images from all of them

As such, they all have friends and will be praised ( and the competition slated ) to high heaven

Broadly speaking ,the lens chosen, and time taken to learn the kit and DSLR basics make more difference to the quality of images than the name on the body
However, hold and have a play with any your narrowed down shortlist as the "how it feels in your hands " factor is a big deal

The Nikon you are thnking of is capable, competitively priced and newbee friendly..It is by no means perfect , but then none of them is

When you have a minute also visit dpreview
Good luck and dont allow info overload and fear of buying the wrong thing lead to purchase inertia Whatever you buy will be fine

Last edited by senu; 30-09-2007 at 10:59 AM.
  Quote
Old 30-09-2007, 9:23 AM   #5
Prominent Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Ruislip, London
Experience Points:
16,655, Level: 31
Points: 16,655, Level: 31 Points: 16,655, Level: 31 Points: 16,655, Level: 31
Activity: 1.0%
Activity: 1.0% Activity: 1.0% Activity: 1.0%
Thanks: Gave 1,218, Got 968
Posts: 4,116
Re: First SLR

Hi ya

In the end of the day I think going into a shop and have a feel of these cameras is very important. Find one that suits the size of your hands and you feel comfortable with. You don't want to end up with a camera that you can't stand holding.


Cheers Holo
  Quote
Old 30-09-2007, 9:22 PM   #6
Member
 
ttdriver's Avatar
Join Date: Mar 2007
Experience Points:
5,682, Level: 17
Points: 5,682, Level: 17 Points: 5,682, Level: 17 Points: 5,682, Level: 17
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 31, Got 17
Posts: 522
Re: First SLR

Thanks guys, I will check all that info out,

Dave
  Quote
Post Reply



Thread information and display options
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off