Entry Level Cameras?

I've got a few questions, I'm hoping to get a DSLR next year, sooner than I expected to but I blame you lot for that.

First, would you always advise getting an entry level DSLR first? What are the advantages of getting an entry level DSLR compared to the next step up?

Also, would you compromise on the body if you could buy better lenses straight away? What's more important, the body or the lense?

Thanks in advance

The lens is always more important - unless you specifically need something a higher end camera can offer.

The Nikon D40 is incredible value right now - I still love mine, it is incredibily good and does so much of the hard work for you. If I want great shots with minimum of fuss that's what I would reach for!

The good thing about getting an entry level DSLR is that you can learn how to use DSLRs with it, and when you get to a good enough level, the newer cameras will have probably dropped enough in price or their spec gone up even more. In other words a more advanced camera to begin with will be a little 'wasted' because by the time you learn all the basics newer better and most likely cheaper cameras will be out.

The D40 and the kit lens is an excellent starting point imo

I had a D50 (pre D40) and I still think some of my favourite pictures came from it.

I'm inclined to agree with Azz - the D40 is a fab camera and is available at a great price. Whilst you'll have a huge range of lenses one BIG downside (unlike the D50) is the AF wont work on some.

Scan the magazine reviews and don't be afraid to get 'hands on' in the shops to see what feels right for you.

Think good lens is the most important followed by the body, only thing I would say is don't buy on recommendation alone, you must handle the camera before you decide, some will not fall into your hand comfortably or you will find the important buttons out of your comfortable reach. Also necessary with the body is to make sure the viewfinder is OK for your use.

Having said that the Nikon D40 is a good camera and so is the equivalent Canon but you do have to watch for idiosyncratic like not all the lens fitting the camera with full function, as a Pentax owner where all lens with the correct mount fit and work this factor came as a big shock to me.

Why did I choose Pentax, well not for it's performance although that is well up to the competition, I choose it because it fits my hand and the view finder happens to have enough adjustment for my sight as standard, none of the others did although you can buy a different viewfinder or an adaption.

Gina
You ask about getting an entry level DSLR camera for the first time. I would say it depends entirely on how much you are thinking about paying. The higher up the price list the more features a camera has. Don't forget they all have the basic fully auto mode where we all start from. What I would say is buy the best you can afford, ok to start with total bewilderment at all the features, but they are there which, when you get used to the camera, will be used more. It also saves having to upgrade at a later date with the relevant loss of selling second hand.

Second of your questions you can't beat having good lenses, even a basic DSLR can produces great pictures if a good lens is attached. Lenses will stay with you even if you swap camera of the same make.

So really you need to find that balance between a camera your happy to use and a good lens to put on it. It all depends on how much you want to spend.

Bazza

Canon or Nikon are the best ...but as others have said ...the lens is worth really checking out

Chiming in on the Nikon family of DSLRs. My D40X is great for the price. The two kit lenses, 18-55 & 55-200 zooms cover everything i need and both have a full macro mode for really closeup shots.

D40
D40X
D60

The above are all entry level cameras.

Thanks for the help everyone.

Originally I was thinking of the Nikon D40 or the Canon 400/450D, but then I saw some photos from the Canon 40D....

I also like the Nikon D90, simply because of the video feature, but I haven't seen any photos taken with it and it's very expensive...

So, if you had the money for a Canon 40D, would you go for that or would you be looking at the Canon 450D and maybe a really nice lense?

I'm using Canon as an example, still haven't decided on the Canon vs Nikon.

If you're a beginner I would still go for the D40 or other entry level camera - because by the time you learn all the more 'advanced' stuff, new cameras will be out with even more new features and cheaper And the money in the meantime could go on a new lens to add to the new camera when you get it.

I still use auto P mode on my D300 quite a lot of the time in hindsight, I could have waited at least another 18 months before upgrading. (I do love my D300 tho - just I don't use all it's manual features as much as I should).

Some good advice here - I too would go for a 400/450 as a first DSLR - both will produce professional results with the right glass on them, and they are both equally technical once you take them off the auto settings. I use a 400 on A-dep, AV, and M settings to give me exactly the shot I want...... by the time you have learned your craft the 400/450 will still be a great back-up body when you want to progress onto bigger things.