Digital SLR Suggestions

davej99 · Jul 16, 2009, 15:52:06

Does anyone have a recommendation for an entry level DSLR or paraDSLR (looks feels, manually controls like an SLR but no mirror). Must have TTL view finder, ease of manual use, low noise and 28mm min focal. Video not important at all, nor long focal zoom or lens mount. Price point under £600. Any thoughts Rik?

Ray · Jul 16, 2009, 16:10:57

If you don't want a full DSLR, Dave, have a look at these by Panasonic they look like an SLR and are a similar size and are very good, this model gets excellent reviews, I have the previous model to this one and I am very happy with it.

Rik · Jul 16, 2009, 16:26:07

Try the Nikon D60, Dave.

Amazon have it for £377.90, if you have access toa CostCo you can get a better deal there.

Steve · Jul 16, 2009, 17:12:08

Can recommend the Canon EOS 400D excellent, especially with the EFS 17-85 IS USM lens,The latest is the 450D I believe.

trophymick · Jul 16, 2009, 18:52:06

I have two DSLR's both Pentax's, the K100D Super and the K10D both are excellent cameras and are built like tanks with stainless steel frames.
The K10D has weather and dust sealing.
I went for Pentax for the lens compatibility, nearly all the old manual lens will work on my cameras, the list is endless.

The model up from mine is the K20D, it has a larger sensor and a few more whistles and bells, it's well within your budget.

Have a look on here http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/ I can't recommend them (SRS) highly enough for service.

Let us know what you end up with.

psp83 · Jul 16, 2009, 19:04:30

Quote from: Rik on Jul 16, 2009, 16:26:07
Try the Nikon D60, Dave.

I agree with Rik, i have a D60 and its a great camera.

Rik · Jul 16, 2009, 19:08:11

I believe Nikon optics are probably the best of the lot, Paul, and their camera designs are first rate now. Examples I've seen from the D90 at 3200 ISO are unbelievably good.

davej99 · Jul 17, 2009, 10:14:57

Thanks for the advice, everyone.

I think I have gravitated towards a DSLR rather than a compact that behaves like a DSLR. Also inclined towards CMOS rather than CCD for speed/noise. I think that blows my budget. However, my Pentax SLR is about 25yrs old so I dont think it is extravagant. It cost about £300 in 1982, but I am not sure the lenses are much use today. I have not really tried a DSLR, but the AF seems painfully slow at times. Any thoughts on a mid range (ie not Pro) choice.

Thx Dave

Rik · Jul 17, 2009, 10:16:40

Nikon D90, about £770 with kit lens.

davej99 · Jul 17, 2009, 10:52:42

Strange you should say that Rik, I just read a review and it does really well. That might be the one.

Thx, Dave.

(Heard you were on tour in God's own recently. Was it good?)

Rik · Jul 17, 2009, 10:55:46

It was brilliant, Dave, thanks.

davej99 · Jul 17, 2009, 11:15:36

How about the Nikon D5000 with the angleable screen, great if you wear varifocals?

Rik · Jul 17, 2009, 11:21:24

That has a lot going for it (I hate using cameras with vari-focals, it makes life a real pain!).

davej99 · Jul 17, 2009, 11:41:31

To see a flat screen I have to wind my head back as far as it will go and lean over backwards like Fred Dibnah. Out doors the screen is hardy readable anyway and viewing face up to the sun blinds you for a week. Laying in a hide you need to double back over like a gymnast checking for hemaroids!

Rik · Jul 17, 2009, 11:52:35

Being short-sighted, I usually revert to wearing a distance prescription and lifting them to read the camera's details...

trophymick · Jul 17, 2009, 17:26:32

Quote from: davej99 on Jul 17, 2009, 10:14:57
Thanks for the advice, everyone.

I think I have gravitated towards a DSLR rather than a compact that behaves like a DSLR. Also inclined towards CMOS rather than CCD for speed/noise. I think that blows my budget. However, my Pentax SLR is about 25yrs old so I dont think it is extravagant. It cost about £300 in 1982, but I am not sure the lenses are much use today. I have not really tried a DSLR, but the AF seems painfully slow at times. Any thoughts on a mid range (ie not Pro) choice.

Thx Dave

Have a look on here Dave http://kmp.bdimitrov.de/ it lists all the Pentax lens and what is/not compatible.