New to SLR - which camera?

[3sixty]

Not for me, but for my OH. She takes photography quite seriously, made it a little bit of a hobby over the past year. A lot of people on here refer to SLRs, and after a bit of reading I think it may be a good present for her.

So basically, what is a good SLR camera for someone who hasnt used one before? Would it be ok for me to find a good beginner SLR and buy it, or is this more a case of the user needs to find a camera to suit them? If this is the case, as shes new to this type of camera, what are the things to look out for? As you can see, I'm not too clued up on this photography malarky.

Any help is appreciated.

Edited by 3sixty on Friday 7th November 11:54

[Jack Blag]

What's your budget? Does she currently own a film SLR, if so what brand is it? Many digital SLRs (such as Nikon) will use the same lens fitting as the film SLRs.

[3sixty]

Budget, I'm not entirely sure. I would say no more than £300, but not knowing the price I dont know if this is realistic or not?

She doesnt currently have a SLR.

[Jack Blag]

In that case, go for a Nikon D40 with an 18-55mm lens.

Jessops have a starter kit for £279.97:
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Cam...

[N10k]

Jack Blag said:

In that case, go for a Nikon D40 with an 18-55mm lens.

Jessops have a starter kit for £279.97:
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Cam...

use XMAS20 as a voucher and get £20 off

[3sixty]

Jack Blag said:

In that case, go for a Nikon D40 with an 18-55mm lens.

Jessops have a starter kit for £279.97:
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Cam...

Thanks, looks good. Will have a quick look over some reviews.

N10k said:

use XMAS20 as a voucher and get £20 off

Thats why I love PH. Thanks also.

[cirks]

Whatever you do, take her along to see what she likes. The Canons, Nikons, Sonys etc all handle differently and she may prefer the feel of one much more than another. The present wouldn't be such a 'surprise' but if she really wants to take the hobby seriously and get used to using an SLR then it's better to do it with one she can get on with.

[djmck30]

Jack Blag said:

In that case, go for a Nikon D40 with an 18-55mm lens.

Jessops have a starter kit for £279.97:
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Cam...

my OH bought one of these for same reasons (getting into photography, first DSLR) and she thinks it's great

The manual's crap though - get her this as well:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-D40x-Digital-Field-G...