Beginners advice for a gift

[Hollowpockets]

Hi all,

looking for a point in the right direction with regards to some basic camera equipment, my girlfriend has shown an interest in getting a fancy camera for a while and it would make my christmas shopping experience far less painful with a little help from some experienced folks on PH,

I gather a DSLR type camera is what she has in mind but there are many out there, she is not a photographer by any means but i think she likes the idea of it as a hobby, photographing our pets, holiday snaps, pictures from track days that I attend (compulsory), landscapes or action shots while we are out on the mountain bikes or snowboarding etc etc, so just a general all rounder really, I assume there are add ons or carry bags which will be needed so a package might be a good idea if that exists.

Not sure how much is appropriate but ill suggested a budget of about £300 to get things going.

many thanks

Graham

[Simpo Two]

Entry level Nikon or Canon DSLR with kit lens
Spare battery
Memory card
.
.
Bag with enough space for an extra lens or two
.
.
Photoshop Elements
.
.
... keep going until you run out of money!

[PJ S]

Budget opens door to pre-owned models of 1-2 years old.
Upping it a bit, offers Pentax Q10 for size, and K30 (with £50 promo it's almost on budget).

But in all truth, I would say you're best to take her to a local Jessop's and let her look, handle, shoot with some, and see which she prefers.
Sure, it's not as exciting as surprising her on Xmas morning with something she's not expecting, but at least she'll get the camera which feels right her.

[Upatdawn]

Fuji HS30EXR

Light, big zoom, easy to use, built in flash

Start her on "auto" and train her up


£199 used.........