Purchasing a Digital SLR Camera for the first time!?

Question

I'm looking to purchase a Digital SLR camera but I have NO idea what to look for! I know that I want it under $1,000 and user friendly for a first timer.

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

It is excellent!

http://www.jdpower.com/electronics/ratin...

http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40/d40-rec...

Answer 2

If this is your first dslr, I would definitely recommend going with the Nikon D40. If you get the D40 from Amazon, it is only $450, with a 18-55mm lens. And because it is so cheap, it would give you some extra cash to buy lenses, etc.

http://www.nikond40.ca/

One thing to keep in mind is the D40 does not have a motor inside it, so it is limited to Nikon AF-S and AF-I lenses. This should not be a big problem unless you already have lenses that you want to auto-focus with the D40. If you do not, than stick to buying from Nikon's large collection of AF-S and AF-I lenses. note: Nikon D40 can still operate other lenses, just you will have to manual focus.

The D40 is a great camera to start with. It is extremely user-friendly, much more than Canon!

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/...

http://kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-...

http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40.htm

Answer 3

Not sure what you want from you budget exactly - are you just looking for one standard lens or a kit with 2 lens including a zoom.

I am thinking of buying the Olympus E-510 next week for my upcoming holidays - it is 10mp and well under your budget (approx £350-370 in GBP with standard lens a little bit more if you add a zoom lens in as well). I would suggest you take a look at it.  There are great reviews for it on amazon.co.uk.  It also has a image stabilisation feature to help avoid blur at low light levels - something that really annoys me with my current digital compact.  

Canon are good (e.g. EOS 400 or 450D) but seem to be the same spec for more money as Olympus or Nikon for more money.

Really suggest you look around amazon for reviews on what people like and dislike.

Answer 4

D40's good, but i'd look at the Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR. Better Megapixel and it gets 5/5 on Amazon, see source below.

Must say though can't really go wrong with a Nikon, by far the best Digital SLR's. Well in mine and many other peoples opinion!