Photography & Camera Help!!

Glitterari

Hi, I am considering getting my boyfriend new camera for Xmas. He has expressed an interest in photography and taking 'proper' pics and has been looking into cameras to get started. I was thinking of getting him one but not a clue where to start and they're so expensive.

I know that Nikkon, Canon and Panasonic are supposed to be good? I'd like (if I can afford it) to get him a proper one (like a smaller version of what wedding photographers have) rather than the small rectangular digital ones you can get.

Can anyone recommend a decent camera of this type for a beginner (something with cool functions/effects, more than the get on the usual digital ones) and I am looking to spend up to £300 and pref, if at all possible one of the named brands above (I know he wouldn't like a Technika for example if they did them!)

Hope that makes sense!

arathorn

Try a search for Olympus E-420 or the Sony Alpha 230, both entry level DSLR Cameras approximately in your budget. I have the Sony Alpha 350 so can vouch for the Sony Alpha 230 as it is very similar. HTH. Mark.

Rikki

I have THIS one and it suits me, but I had the canon slr 35mm previously so my lenses fit.

nearlyrich

I progressed from a compact to a digital SLR about a year ago, I still use the compact but the SLR is so much more flexible but beware it'a a money pit LOL.

I would suggest that you forgo the surprise element and take him to an independant camera shop, you are more likely to get good advice there and it would be better if he had a camera he felt comfortable with.

I went for a Canon 450D and I am really happy with it, but there is a definite Canon/Nikon divide so be prepared for that one!

doodledoodle24

I started with the canon eos 400d.....excellent camera, i recommened it for starting out with. hth

rhubarbcottage

What are the photos like that he takes now?

A better gift might be a one or two day photography course with a professional photographer. I did one earlier in the year in Northumberland, £75 a day, and it's the best money I've spent! I realized I didn't need a fancier camera. I could use the digital one I had better!(it's an old Fuji 5000, with a couple of extra lenses). And I got to see what cameras the other nine people had and what they thought of them. The photographer said, when asked which camera was the best to buy, "the one you're most comfortable with!".

Nearlyrich is right. An independant shop will spend more time helping you decide. But don't go for the professional camera. It's just not neccesary!!

kle87

Personally I prefer Canon over Nikon. Check out websites like Walters Photographic which ive bought my SLR's off and received fantastic customer service and a very good price.

Clowance

or how about letting him buy his own and getting him a subscription to "Digital Photo" magazine: this is brilliant for teaching beginners both how to get the best shots and also how to tweak them/use special effects in photoshop. It has a free dvd with online tutorials which is as good if not better than going to an evening class.
Its £5 per month (not sure how much to subscribe) and every month offers a different photo related free gift if you subscribe.
HTH

hungrynurse_2

a bridge camera will give you the best of both worlds if hes not used to slrs. search ebay, or even amazon for new ones in that price