Looking for a Decent SLR for a Beginner

[Tomm1992]

Hi, I've been doing some research in to slr's as I would like to start photography. I have seen quite a few decent ones for good prices too. They are the Nikon D60, Olympus E-450 and the canon 1000D. Just wondering would either of these be an ideal camera to start with, If not could you reccomend any, I've got a budget of £300 but would like to keep it under that.

[Kit80]

I started with a D60 and its a great camera to start on, not overly complicated good quality pics and can pick one up for that price. I don't have any basis for comparison though.

[Waugh-terfall]

I'm pretty impressed with my Sony Alpha A230l

[dibbly dobbler]

Tom - does it have to be brand new ? There's a very good second hand market in DSLRs which would give you a bit more choice for your budget

[CooperD]

I find my Olympus great to use. I'd certainly recommend it for a beginner.

[Tomm1992]

dibbly dobbler said:

Tom - does it have to be brand new ? There's a very good second hand market in DSLRs which would give you a bit more choice for your budget

no, not really. another person has recommended a canon 400d which are quite cheap second hand.

[RobDickinson]

Pretty much anything with a removable lens from the last 3 years is a hugely competent machine.

The only one I dont like is the old low end nikons (D40, D40x) as they have poor autofocus no DOF preview no mirror lockup no bracketing etc.

[Dave^]

RobDickinson said:

Pretty much anything with a removable lens from the last 3 years is a hugely competent machine.

The only one I dont like is the old low end nikons (D40, D40x) as they have poor autofocus no DOF preview no mirror lockup no bracketing etc.

The D40 does have mirror lockup (for cleaning anyway, is there any other kind or mirror lock up?).

I bough a D40 about 18months ago, and to be honest, I wish I'd doubled my budget or gone preowned...

[RobDickinson]

Dave^ said:

RobDickinson said:

Pretty much anything with a removable lens from the last 3 years is a hugely competent machine.

The only one I dont like is the old low end nikons (D40, D40x) as they have poor autofocus no DOF preview no mirror lockup no bracketing etc.

The D40 does have mirror lockup (for cleaning anyway, is there any other kind or mirror lock up?).

Yes. On most SLR's you can use mirror lockup prior to a shot which prevents mirror slap from causing vibrations. Used in landscape photography a lot.

[thinfourth2]

Go and see which one fits your hand best

It doesn't matter what wonderful features camera X has if it don't fit your hand then its useless

[Dave^]

cheers for that, every day's a school day...!

Definitely don't get a D40 then!

[RobDickinson]

Dave^ said:

cheers for that, every day's a school day...!

Definitely don't get a D40 then!

In itself its a minor thing but theres too many minor things missing on a D40 for little aparent reason, it lacks the versatility I would expect in an SLR.

[dibbly dobbler]

Check this lot for second hand kit.

You can get a Canon 450D for £300 - great camera (I've got one )

OK - minor detail, you will need a lens but you can pick up an 18-55 kit lens for peanuts (literally - you can have mine for a bag of peanuts if you are willing to pick it up from Edinburgh. I prefer dry roasted )

[onomatopoeia]

Wilkinsons are doing the Sony A450 + 18-55mm lens for £299 at the moment. Good camera for the price and a step up from the entry level models, but not if you want to use it like a compact point and shoot as it has no "live view" mode.