Need opinions..... on what to buy for my wife.

[Papa Deuce]

Ok, so I decided we don't need 8MP.....

We have always used a Coolpix series and want to step up to a DSLR. A basic lens hopefully comes with the body. We can always add great lenses later. Budget to start is $500.....

What should we be checking out?

The thing is, it need to be fairly easy to operate. Any suggestions?

EDIT.... I was thinking for Christmas, but now for our anniversary in 2 weeks.

 

[polkadotladybug]

Not a dslr, but my husband just got a Canon S3 for me for our anniversary.
It's easy so far, but the different options can be complicated - if I wish to deal with complicated. LOL! I just received my "Understanding Exposure" book that was recommended on here - so I need to sit down and do a self-crash course before our Disney trip!

 

[Master Mason]

Ok, so I decided we don't need 8MP.....

We have always used a Coolpix series and want to step up to a DSLR. A basic lens hopefully comes with the body. We can always add great lenses later. Budget to start is $500.....

What should we be checking out?

The thing is, it need to be fairly easy to operate. Any suggestions?

EDIT.... I was thinking for Christmas, but now for our anniversary in 2 weeks.

In that range your best bet I think is going to be the Pentax line with rebates I think they have 2 that will fit.

The entry canon and nikons are probably more in the $600 range. You might be able to find a canon XT (older model) or a nikon D50 closer to 5 than 6 but not sure.

 

[Papa Deuce]

In that range your best bet I think is going to be the Pentax line with rebates I think they have 2 that will fit.

The entry canon and nikons are probably more in the $600 range. You might be able to find a canon XT (older model) or a nikon D50 closer to 5 than 6 but not sure.

Well $600 is a smidge more.... but it can be managed....

 

[Master Mason]

Well $600 is a smidge more.... but it can be managed....

Then I would look at the following


Canon XT
Nikon D50 (you might have to search a bit but there are some out there)
I would avoid the Nikon D40 series personally
Pentax K100
Pentax K110

All of the above are great cameras with pros and cons. One of the Pentaxes has in body IS so all of your lenses would have IS with that one, might be a selling point to you might not depending on what you looking for.

As it sits right now, Nikon and Canon are the only 2 that have a profesional line if you ever think you might want to upgrade that far, then buying into one of those systems might make sence.

Remember when you purchase a brand, for the most part your making a commitment to that brand as when you buy lenses, flashes etc, if you stick with that brand most often those will carry over to a newer body.

Check out dpreview.com and steve's reviews I don't have the link to steves, but you can find it on a bunch of threads around here...

Your going to love it when you get it, what ever you decide.

 

[jann1033]

agree with master mason don't know about the others but for easiness, the canon has some full auto modes as well as manual and what they call semi auto( like you set the shutter or aperture) which is nice cause you can use it basic to advanced...i would guess most have something similar to that this might be tricky with a gift but it's nice to try them out yourself...some really did not fit my hands which don't seem all that puny to me but must be. ( i have a rebel xt) and think i would have had a harder time with a nikon