First SLR

[emi_g13]

Hey,

I have always wanted to get invovled in photography and I think it was about time I actually did something about it. I have always loved SLR cameras, but unfortunatly I know almost nothing about them. I figure that the best way to get to know the camera is to get one and experiment a little, but I really need a camera in order to do that!!

What would you suggest for a beginners DSLR?

What accessories would I need?

Something not too expensive, but one that will still give a good picture.
As you can see I really know nothing about them , but please help me begin learning

Thank you for your help

[bittenyakka]

have you read the other threads on this??

My suggestion would be a d40/d40x or d60

I learn't on the d40 and my dads d70s and found everything pretty simple and easy to get the hang of. mainly it is just keep trying different things and keep learning.

good luck

[Jase555]

As you I am a DSLR newbie. Check out my similar thread - I'm happy with my purchase after a couple of days...

[aim54x]

I vote D60!! If you have to buy it retail, Camera House's latest catalogue just placed it at 1099 twin lens kit. That is tempting because they were clearing the D40x at that price not that long ago.

[Mr Darcy]

As mentioned, check out the many other treads on this topic.

But...
It is not the camera that takes the photo, but the photographer. The lens is second most important, then the body.
The beauty of DSLRs is that you can upgrade either the body or the lens as long as you stay in the one camp so...

Choose your brand with an eye to the future. Does it have the things you think you might want.
Spend more on glass than the body, though the kit lenses are often great value.

GO to a camera shop and try them out. Include the more expensive ones as you may be upgrading in the future.
Choose the one that feels right in your hands. Do the controls make more sense?. Is the balance right? If the "right" one is out of your price range, buy a cheaper one in the same brand. You will be able to move your lenses on when you upgrade. That will reduce (or at least spread) the future pain.

Finally , be aware that there is a move towards larger sensors. Canon have several 35mm models. Nikon have just brought out their second. Not all lenses will work happily with the larger format. This may affect the upgrade path in the future.

[aim54x]

As mentioned, check out the many other treads on this topic.

But...
It is not the camera that takes the photo, but the photographer. The lens is second most important, then the body.
The beauty of DSLRs is that you can upgrade either the body or the lens as long as you stay in the one camp so...

Choose your brand with an eye to the future. Does it have the things you think you might want.
Spend more on glass than the body, though the kit lenses are often great value.

GO to a camera shop and try them out. Include the more expensive ones as you may be upgrading in the future.
Choose the one that feels right in your hands. Do the controls make more sense?. Is the balance right? If the "right" one is out of your price range, buy a cheaper one in the same brand. You will be able to move your lenses on when you upgrade. That will reduce (or at least spread) the future pain.

Finally , be aware that there is a move towards larger sensors. Canon have several 35mm models. Nikon have just brought out their second. Not all lenses will work happily with the larger format. This may affect the upgrade path in the future.

Very good advice Mr Darcy! Come into a shop and ask for some assistance, then come back onto the forum and make sure the salesperson is not chasing a SPIV!!! It is definately about the feel of the camera, if you dont like the feel of it, you wont use it, so be blind to the brands initially and look for what feels the best to you, and then worry about the brand.

[wheels]

Have a bit of a look at the older model Canons as well. You can get 20D's, 30D's and 400D's for pretty good used prices these days. That way you can get a cheap body and spend your money on good glass.