[as2]

I know that there is a wide ranging opinion when it comes to the best dSLR, but I'm in the market for one, and thought I would get some feedback from more experienced photographers that lurk on here!

I have a budget of around £450/$900 and am looking for a dSLR kit (Body and 1+ Lenses)

Other than that I don't really have many requirements. I enjoy photography, and have borrowed my dad's fuji dSLR a few times, but want to invest in my own, and take some basic photography classes.

I've been taking a look around and seen a couple of outstanding offers.

Olympus e-410 with two lenses for £349 at Currys (+ £50 cash back)
Olympus e-510 with two lenses for $899 at BestBuy (heading to NYC next month)
Canon EOS 400D with 1 lens for £400 (+ £50 cash back)
Nikon D40X with 1 lens for £400

Read very good things about the above, especially the Canon and Nikon, but the E410 is crazy cheap, but not sure if it might be worth getting the newer 510.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Adam

[Steve SpotOn]

I have and love my Nikon D40X. Fantastic resolution and features for the price.
I've always had Nikon so I'm able to use one of my old lenses with it as well as the 18-55 that I got with the D40X. I find I either use the really wide 18 end or move to my other lens for telephoto.... don't really use the middle range.

Just get out there and getting shooting..... and have fun!

Steve
My website

[Remxed]

imo.. the little extra features in the d40x compared to the d40 is not worth the extra money. If I were you I would either get a d40 body only and get a decent lens or spend some extra money and get a d80 kit based I your price range.

[Veltliner]

Check out dpreview.com

Don't forget Pentax. The K 100 super is an excellent camera.

Check out lumious landscape, and read the introductory chapters about dslrs.

For example, while Olympus is an exellent brand, its sensor size is considerably smaller than Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Sony dslrs.

Don't buy a camera just off the web. You've got to hold it in your hands before you buy it. For me, for example, the D40 was too small and plasticky. Also, the number of lenses you can use with that camera, is limited. Most Nikon lenses DON'T work with the D40, because it has no autofocus motor in the body.

[Veltliner]

One more thing.

Get the camera and the basic zoom first. Only then decide what other lens you will need. Will you shoot more portrait, more under available light, with flash, landscape? Your lens decision might be different, depending on what you shoot.