Good pro-sumer digital SLR for under 500

Santa Claus

Apologies if this isn't the right forum but looking for advice on buying a good digital slr for my sister for christmas. I was looking at fuji's website and found the s8000fd but just wondering if anyone has any recommendations (I did pop into Cons cameras twice this week at lunchtime but each time there were people nearly queueing out the door).
Thanks

nilhg

First of all the fuji s800fd is a bridge not a DSLR, it would seem to be a capable camera if not the class leader.

If you want a DSLR for that money you are definitely looking at buying over the web not in the city center, and also having to go for one of the older models, (not that there is any problem with that, most of them will be far superior to all but the very best bridge models).

Have a look through the ultimate sticky thread above and come back if you need any more help.

5uspect

Have a look at the gear sticky here:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055185444

A lot of folks here buy thier stuff through ebay etc as they can make big savings (including the duty).

Kea have the excellent 400D with kit lens for €430 +pp +Duty. That'd cost you around €700 here.
http://cgi.ebay.ie/Canon-400D-SLR-Camera-Kit-18-55mm-Lens-NEW-0E_W0QQitemZ200181036639QQihZ010QQcategoryZ31388QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

Thirdfox

You can find the Nikon D40 kit for less than €500 in Ireland.

But you're asking about pro-sumer cameras - the panasonic ultra zooms have gotten good press (except for their horrible high ISO images).

Zeppi

I own a fuji s800fd and I can tell is the leader from all the range.

Borderfox

What about something nearly new (hint hint! a proper DSLR too