Help Me Help Someone Choose a dSLR

[underexposed]

I'm a bit guilty of posting yet another 'What to buy?' thread, but if I were at a stage to move over to a DSLR, I'd be pouring over review after review and going to shops and trying the cameras out, but since I haven't been into photography for a long time, it's difficult to do this one my own.

A relative of mine wants to purchase a DSLR. They are moving to this after using a Canon PowerShot A620 for a few years. The choices have been narrowed down to the 400D and the D40x. They are aware that it's not lightweight and that extra lenses and flash must be bought.

Also, is the 450D worth the wait?

I'd appreciate your inputs on this. I'll be looking at comparisons at a few places, but opinions from users are always good to know.

Thanks.

[Saralonde]

I saw this (http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/2008-01-29-cameras_N.htm) in the technology section of USAToday today. There is a brief comparison of the two. I think it depends on what you want to spend. The newer cameras are nicer but will cost you closer to $300 more. My preference would be to go with the older model and buy a decent lens, but it's just an opinion.

[underexposed]

Thanks for the reply and the link, Saralonde. They are not as keen on the 450D as they are about the other models I listed, but curious nonetheless. From what I heard, the two are priced more or less the same, and there is some big sale going right now where they live.

Also, if they were to buy just the body of either camera and get a separate lens, what would be a good lens with a nice focal range to start with? (I don't think they want premium pricey glass right now. :D)

[Taallyn]

The D40x is being replaced by the D60 next month or so. That said, the D40x are very good cameras. The Canon is as well. If he isn't interested in any of the added features in the new versions, then I suggest he go handle them at a local store. One will probably feel better to him than the other.

The D40x can sometimes be purchased with a two lens kit that includes an 18-55mm and a 55-200mm VR lens. If you can find such a kit at a good price, he will have most of what he will need lens wise to start learning. I believe that I've seen similar kits for the Canon, but I honestly don't pay as much attention to them as I used to.

[Ovidiu]

Underexposed.

Pentax k10D has been replaced by K20D. K10D is a good camera, despite what nikonians and canon..ians !!? :) might say. The camera sells for a very good price if you look at the balance price / quality . You might look at k200D. Some pretty good features there.

[mattdm]

The D40x is being replaced by the D60 next month or so. That said, the D40x are very good cameras.

If you want to go the Nikon route, though, save a couple of hundred bucks and get the "non-x" D40. The x just adds more megapixels, which translates into bigger files for questionable gain unless you routinely print bigger than 30"×20" poster-size. By the time your relative wants more than the D40 offers, they'll want a new model anyway.



(I also would like to nod to Ovidiu's last post -- I've got a Pentax K10D and love it.)

[Saralonde]

Thanks for the reply and the link, Saralonde. They are not as keen on the 450D as they are about the other models I listed, but curious nonetheless. From what I heard, the two are priced more or less the same, and there is some big sale going right now where they live.

Also, if they were to buy just the body of either camera and get a separate lens, what would be a good lens with a nice focal range to start with? (I don't think they want premium pricey glass right now. :D)

The kit lens is actually a pretty good bargain with either camera. They generally only add about $100 US to the price. There are some third party lenses by Tamron and Sigma that are good as well, such as the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Tamron-28-75mm-F-2.8-XR-Di-Lens-Review.aspx) and the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Sigma-18-50mm-f-2.8-EX-DC-Lens-Review.aspx). The 50mm f/1.8 is available for both Canon and Nikon and is excellent for less than $100.

[underexposed]

Thanks for the replies. I'll let them know about the two-kit lens, the non-x version, and the "third option." (Pentax) ;).

[underexposed]

Just an update, to anyone who might be wondering: They finally went with the Nikon. For a similar price as the Canon, the Nikon came with a 55-300mm Nikkor lens and 2GB card.

Thanks again for the replies. :)

[RexK_Cozumel]

yay nikon.