Any recomendation for entry level DSLR?

Let me ask you, have you ever used any kind of SLR (Manual or other) before?

@ Les

The answer is no. I am totally clueless about photography, though i have my own little thoughts on that. I am hoping to get something within my budget 300–400pounds. Also, i heard that the camera body isnt that important as compared to the lenses. I dunno.. probably is wise to get a cheap body and invest more on the lense later if im really into photography? sry another question popped out from my mind all of the sudden.

DSLR almost screams ‘Not entry level’.
I haven’t quite got the priority or the budget to get a DSLR, but if I did, I’d probably go with the Nikon D-90.

What I’ve got, that I like very well, but is a simple Digital, not DSLR, is a Panasonic, Lumix FZ-12 (wish is was a FZ-18). Has a Leica lens and very good optical zoom. I love it, but would like the better wide angle of the 18.

The price is not bad, too.

The Nikon D40 is an extremely entry-level DSLR. I’ve used Nikons for a long time, they’re great cameras, skookum and robust. Though when looking at any “entry-level” piece of kit they’re never as tough as more pro/enthusiast oriented gear but that’s why they’re entry level.

I’d go with the Nikon, they have an excellent range of lenses that are backwards, forwards and sideways compatible.

Though you can’t go wrong with a Canon either, their Rebel series is an excellent place to start.

I’ve been looking into this as well. I’m considering the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi. Are you a member of Flickr? They have a great “camera finder” feature that shows you what people are using.

Camera Finder

I’d recommend Nikon as well. The D40 is a GREAT camera, and is a good place to start, I think. It has enough features to do what most people need/want without the ridiculous price tag of some of the other DSLRs out there. Canon and Nikon are generally both good and you can’t go wrong with either, but I think the D40 is a good choice.

Well, the problem with DSLRs is that they are not cheap. I didn’t know you were in the UK, but mine cost about $800 with just one lens (probably around 400 pounds?). I think what you should do is go to a camera store and look around. Hold all the cameras; see how they feel in your hand. I know a lot of people hate big bulky cameras. They are not easy to just throw in your bag when you want a camera. I’m the opposite; I love the big camera and all the tricks to it.

I don’t want to tell you not to get a DSLR; the only way to truly learn is to just delve right into the hobby. But really, go to a store and hold them and take some pictures at the store with them. Remember, the beauty of any SLR camera is that you get to adjust all the settings (aperture, f-stops, etc), and a lot od these cameras have an “auto” setting so they can be used just like a point and shoot. Be sure to make yourself use the manual settings, otherwise you’re just paying for a really expensive point and shoot.

Having said all that, I have a Nikon D50, and I love it. I think it is fairly entry-level, but there are lots of ways to make it more complicated. Look into the Nikon D50 or D60, but beware, with lenses and body and everything that goes with it, it is a pricey hobby.

I have to agree with Jamspoon. The D40 is a good camera. Saving money to buy one was my motivation to quit smoking. And it is 409$(285£) on Amazon. And yeah. If you get serious you will spend more on lenses.

I bought my first DSLR last November: Canon Rebel XSi (aka 450D), the latest in their line of entry-level DSLRs. This model improves many shortcomings of the earlier versions (XTi, XT). The picture quality is outstanding, though I wish I could afford one of their high-end “L-Series” lenses. (someday…)

I was torn between this model and the Nikon D90. In the end, I chose to save money with the Canon. I’m very happy with the camera – excellent photo quality, good blend of features and ease-of-use, and enough performance to keep up with an active 6-year-old son.

Mine came with a “kit” zoom lens. I added a 50mm Prime (non-zoom) lens, a more powerful flash unit (430EX-II), and a set of adapters to use my telescope as a 1800mm lens.

At this point, I’ve spent close to $1000 US, so I guess I can’t call it an entry-level purchase. The true entry-level models would be the Canon Rebel XS and either the Nikon D40 or D60.

I can recommend the site http://dpreview.com for reviews, though it is somewhat technical.

I got my first a few months ago, a canon rebel xsi. I love it and I am slowly learning how to use it. For pretty much not knowing what I’m doing, I take great pictures LOL. I have 2 lenses, a 75–300mm and a 18–55mm both made by canon. From what I was told they are good for beginners. I got a really great deal on amazon.

I love my D40.

I worked the heck out of my Rebel, carried it everywhere for two years, to countless sporting, musical, school and civic events. It never failed me. I felt so good about it, I sold it to a friend when I upgraded – to another Canon.