Entry Level Digital SLR

max_power

Hi all, I'm hoping to pick up a pretty basic Digital SLR before heading on holidays this Summer, It'll be my first one, don't need anything to professional or expensive but I want the extra quality, creativity and freedom from a SLR.

I've done a small bit of research and found the Nikon D40, Olympus E-46 and the Canon E05 Rebel all within roughly the same price range and spec (it seems to me anyway).Jst wondering if any of you guys could shed some more light on these or any other options and give me a recommendation, cheers.

Ballyman

I was in the same boat as you a while back and I ended up with a Canon 350D (which is an EOS Rebel in the US)

Essentially the camera itself for an amateur isn't the real biggie but the lenses. There are more lenses available for the Nikon and Canon than most other brands so that should eliminate the Olympus.

The latest beginner model of Nikon is the D40 and the Canon is 450D (Rebel XTi in the US) It won't really matter which you choose as they should both deliver excellent shots when the right lenses are used.

Finally, the reason I chose the Canon was a) I got it reasonably cheap second hand and b) I believe the Nikon doesn't have an internal motor for autofocusing lenses so you need to buy lenses with internal motors.

I'm still pretty new to all this so thats just my tuppence worth. Ultimately it's your decision and either should suit your needs.

CabanSail

My Brother went through the same thing & asked me for advice on which DSLR to get.

After asking a few questions it was apparent he was not going to use anything but the Kit Lens, so really there was no need for it to be an SLR.

He saved a lot of money & got one of the Fuji's It has most of the features he needed & quite good glass. This was for half the price of a D40X at the time.

duffarama

Ballyman wrote: »

Essentially the camera itself for an amateur isn't the real biggie but the lenses. There are more lenses available for the Nikon and Canon than most other brands so that should eliminate the Olympus

More lenses doesn't eliminate the Olympus at all, what are you basing this on? The Olympus has 3 tiers of lenses available for it and all of good quality, with some great wide angle lenses 2 superb macros and small light telephotos. Also, no confusion when it comes to choosing a lens. Is it good on full frame or cropped sensor, does the lens need a motor or is this an old film design that isn't designed for digital.

As for the OP's request, all these cameras will take good pictures in the right hands. However you say you want to be able to take better photos and if you want to get great jpeg's out of the camera the Olympus has a great jpeg engine. Also the twin lens kit is great value and they are both sharp across the frame and if you get the E-520 all your lenses will be stabilised as well as it has built in IS.

Freddie59

max_power wrote: »

Hi all, I'm hoping to pick up a pretty basic Digital SLR before heading on holidays this Summer, It'll be my first one, don't need anything to professional or expensive but I want the extra quality, creativity and freedom from a SLR.

I've done a small bit of research and found the Nikon D40, Olympus E-46 and the Canon E05 Rebel all within roughly the same price range and spec (it seems to me anyway).Jst wondering if any of you guys could shed some more light on these or any other options and give me a recommendation, cheers.

Hello Max.

PM sent.:)

Freddie.

ThOnda

Pentax K200D. Read the specs and you'll understand why I am recommending it to you :-)