I am not a DSLR expert, but I think I am becoming a DSLR shopping expert. I am researching, very slowly, for my first DSLR too. Not only are there many facts to consider, but obviously people develop loyalties to their brands, and this is a good thing.
After weeks of research, I was sure I wanted the Canon Xsi. Great technology, big ol' screen and good kit lens. If I had had the money I'd have run right out to get it when it was released. But I didn't have the money, so I just observed from afar all the forum talk about it at http://www.dpreview.com/ .
Then I started falling for the Sony A300, and watched that forum for a while. It's great too! Better prices, in camera IS and better live view. But oh, the Pentax K200. It's a tough little gem and I just love the shots I've seen! In camera IS too, and great deals to be had.
But for the past two weeks, I am sure I want the Oly 420 or 520. Again, in camera IS (on the 520), excellent image quality,great deals, manageable size (especially the 420!). I tell ya it's a good thing I don't have the budget yet, cause I may change my mind yet again. But at least it's given me time to follow actual owner's opinions for each brand for a while, both new and seasoned owners, and see what their experiences are.
The above mentioned site is very good for research, especially the forums, but lately this one is my favorite for reviews...
http://cameralabs.com/
It has fewer camera reviews listed, but most of the current crop is there. It's very straightforward and easy to follow. It provides enough info but not too much. Maybe you and your DD can check out the cameras you're interested in there first, and then she can see how they feel in real life to decide.
What a great gift for her. As is often said here and elsewhere, there really are so many great cameras these days. It sounds like she is a photographer at heart, and I'm sure she will love whichever one she ends up with and would make any one of them great.
Please come back and post her first photos. As I said, I'm still shopping and I love to watch other people actually buy the cameras.
After weeks of research, I was sure I wanted the Canon Xsi. Great technology, big ol' screen and good kit lens. If I had had the money I'd have run right out to get it when it was released. But I didn't have the money, so I just observed from afar all the forum talk about it at http://www.dpreview.com/ .
Then I started falling for the Sony A300, and watched that forum for a while. It's great too! Better prices, in camera IS and better live view. But oh, the Pentax K200. It's a tough little gem and I just love the shots I've seen! In camera IS too, and great deals to be had.
But for the past two weeks, I am sure I want the Oly 420 or 520. Again, in camera IS (on the 520), excellent image quality,great deals, manageable size (especially the 420!). I tell ya it's a good thing I don't have the budget yet, cause I may change my mind yet again. But at least it's given me time to follow actual owner's opinions for each brand for a while, both new and seasoned owners, and see what their experiences are.
The above mentioned site is very good for research, especially the forums, but lately this one is my favorite for reviews...
http://cameralabs.com/
It has fewer camera reviews listed, but most of the current crop is there. It's very straightforward and easy to follow. It provides enough info but not too much. Maybe you and your DD can check out the cameras you're interested in there first, and then she can see how they feel in real life to decide.
What a great gift for her. As is often said here and elsewhere, there really are so many great cameras these days. It sounds like she is a photographer at heart, and I'm sure she will love whichever one she ends up with and would make any one of them great.
Please come back and post her first photos. As I said, I'm still shopping and I love to watch other people actually buy the cameras.
To be fair, it would be a bit heavier, but some of that is the pentaprism, and believe me, that's worth a few extra grams. 
