First Digital SLR Camera

Stephen_Leak

Any recommendations for the cheapest, best, entry-level digital SLR camera? I think I've outgrown my Fuji S7000, and I am seriously tempted by a Nikon D40 on eBay.

frugallass

I'm going to be buying an SLR next year and the people I have spoken to so far have recommended Canon rather than Nikon

trcooke

Yes, some colleagues have bought Digi SLR's and after some fairly extensive research all of them opted for a Canon.

TiTheRev

I have a Rebel XT (Canon EOS 400D American equiv, but exactly the same). Bought just the body on eBay for just over £250 and bought a decent lens to go with it. Much better than getting any of the stock lenses they give you "free" with the body at Jessops etc. Love it would wholeheartedly recommend one, and they will potentially be even cheaper now the 450D is out.

Stanbe

i'm a Canon man myself also.

Got a 300 and 350D, and going for a 40D or 5D next time, and i can keep all the lens i already have.

I see they've just release the 1000D, which is very well priced! A good starter.

unrich

At entry level they're much of a muchness. Read the reviews to spot the dogs.
You won't go far wrong with the D40. Good for A4 and unless you have a decent printer you won't be able to tell the difference between your 6Mpixel and a 10Mpixel.

Until August 31st (claim by End Sept) you can get £40 cash back from Nikon and Amazon are knocking the D40 kit out at £265.21 delivered free. With the -£40 back £225 can't be wrong.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-D40-Digital-SLR-Camera/dp/B000KIX65S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1219833393&sr=8-1
http://www.nikon.co.uk/sites/cashback/summer2008_cashback_d40.html

You can learn all about DSLRs and then go and buy the best out there the Pentax K20D. Or is it the Sony. Or will it be the new Canon 50D with the 18-200mm kit lens!!!! released soon.

http://camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod267.html
http://www.testfreaks.co.uk/digital-cameras/?sort=score
http://www.dpreview.com/

etc.... etc

There is a glut of new models soon as the industry holds a big shindig.

I suppose the ebay/amazon thing is extras vs warranty!

isofa

Another vote for Canon, mind you there is very little to choose between Canon and Nikon and each price point, but once you've chosen, you'll need to stick because the lenses aren't interchangeable. Believe me once you've brought a couple of 1 grand L series lenses, you'll not want to switch to another manufacturer!

I've been using Canon SLRs for 20 years, and digital SLRs since they arrived on the scene, never had a problem.

The 1000D is a good entry level camera, the 350D (if you can still get it is still my favourite of the mainstream range, before you hit the dizzy heights of semi pro).

The 40D is a great camera, when they update it to the 50D with a better screen it'll be perfect

For prices: https://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk
For reviews: https://www.dpreview.com https://www.steves-digicams.com https://www.cameralabs.com

TiTheRev

I would echo that, the 350D is a great entry level SLR and you can pick them up in good condition cheap enough now the newer models are about. They will still fit all the lenses for the newer models, so you can invest in decent lenses in the knowledge that if/when you do upgrade you can keep the lenses for that too

Fifer

I'll buck the trend. There are some good bargains available on the Olympus E510 as the E-520 has just been launched. I picked up the twin lens kit for £312 delivered on eBay and I've been delighted with it so far. The Olympus has live view and image stabilisation built in and the quality of the Zuiko optics are highly rated. The body and lenses are slightly more compact than other SLRs due to the use of the four-thirds system sensor.

Well worth considering if stock is still available.

[Deleted User]

If anyone is off to St Thomas in the Caribbean.. they do a mean deal on the Panasonic L10 (bought it + 150mm 4/3rds lens for £350)

My dad has the Oly E510 - can't say I rate it, the buttons are all over the place and it's display isn't very sharp

DavyBoy_2

isofa wrote: »

The 40D is a great camera, when they update it to the 50D with a better screen it'll be perfect

You know, they announced the 50D yesterday, with 3" LCD at 640x480 resolution:
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos50d/
Due out in October, currently at a staggering £1199 body only from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-EOS-50D-Digital-Camera/dp/B001E97GDK