SLR Digital Camera

[CAJ1]

Hi,

I've wanted a SLR digital camera for a while now but don't know which one to go for. Can anyone recommend one? Also are they easy enough to teach yourself to use or would a photography class be beneficial?

Thanks

[magicmerlin]

What is your budget and what is your preferred subject for picture taking. I have a Nikon D40X (now discontinued) and it is very good for the price, Nikon do have a good choice for the amateur, as do all the top manufacturers. Pick your budget, select a few for short list then go to Jessops etc to get the feel of the camera, when you get down to one you like start looking on web for best deals.

They are easy enough to use and a class would always be beneficial, especially one that teaches all the tricks of various software packages available.

[CAJ1]

I would normally take photos of the family and pets because at the moment I just have a normal digital camera but I also like capturing pictures of landscapes, sea, coutryside etc. I'm still exploring my new found hobby! I think my budget would be �500 max. but if I could get a good one for less I'd be happy with that.
Thats a good idea to go to a shop and then look on the web for the best deal. I think I'll look into taking a class once I've got my camera. Thanks for your help magicmerlin

[magicmerlin]

Have a look at this for starters.

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/defaul t.aspx?sku=1026833

[CAJ1]

Wow, I can't wait to get a new camera and test it out! I don't want to rush into my purchase so I'm going to shop around first. Just out of interest magicmerlin, what is the best thing about your camera compared to a normal digital camera?

[magicmerlin]

If you are thinking about evening classes now is the time to start looking as most are enrolling now for start in september. Don't leave it too long as they are popular and fill up very quick. Otherwise you will have to wait a year.

[magicmerlin]

You do right to look around, get one that you feel comfortable with, that's why I picked my Nikon. Also look for availability of third party accessories (e.g. Sigma, Tamron, Tokina etc). I was used to SLR before going digital, I like to see what I am taking through viewfinder rather than LCD screen (which can be hopeless in bright sunlight) and also the quality of pictures taken. I am in no doubt that lenses/sensors for DSLR are better than those for Compacts. I started off with a 18-55 and 55-200 lens, then got a tamron 70-300, my next lens will be either a tamron 10-24 or sigma 10-20.

[CAJ1]

Grand, I will get looking at the courses today and see if I can enrol, thanks for the advice!

[woodchopper]

Canon EOS450D.

[wbk666]

most of the makes nowadays are all the same quality and price so i would see how they feel in your hands and how easy they are to work with.
i use a canon 450D because its quite small and light for a DSLR.
my friend has a similar spec pentax and that feels huge and heavy by comparison.

[Jules001]

Just to throw another brand and model into the mix, my 17 year old daughter started a photography A Level course last September and we decided to buy her a digital SLR for Christmas as we thought it would help help with her course and this was a subject that she had a real interest in. We decided to buy an entry level dslr and opted for the Sony A200 which has proved perfect for a beginner, no doubt she will want to upgrade at some point in the future, but for now it is excellent. We bought some stepping rings from Ebay and although they were cheap, they are also very good especially the macro one. She has since bought a 75-300mm telephoto zoom lens which again has helped to improve the variety of shots that she can now take. The Sony Alpha series can also use Minolta lenses too, which you may be able to find second hand.