Digital SLR advice needed

[Julia]

I'm considering purchasing a Digital SLR, if you have got one what do you think of it and are there any particular models you would recommend?

I've been using a regular point & shoot digital for a few years now but really miss the depth only an SLR can capture and I don't fancy going back to 35mm so any advice would be appreciated.

[Riffman]

You want depth of focus?

Canon 400D with Canon 50mm f1.4 lens.

[Deemac]

Just bought a canon 40D today (with grip). Very nice (got one at work already)

My 350D (with grip) and twin lens kit (EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 & EF-55-200mm F4.5-5.6) will be available for sale shortly. Done me good service and in pristine condition. (see most of my previous posts on this forum for examples of output from this camera).

I'll post some images (of the 350D and kit) when I'm ready to sell. (I can also try out my new light cube!!) If anyone's interested PM me. (I plan to sell in about 2 or 3 weeks if all goes well) - sorry for the blatant plug!! (the thread just seemed relevant):D

[North Light]

Julia,
Until about two years ago I feel there would only have been one answer, Canon, but the market has changed, I used to use Canon, but have swapped to Nikon, not because the camera produces better photographs but because I prefer the camera to use.
All the big name camera manufacturers produce good Digital SLR's, the main differences are size, controls, and feel in the hand, I would suggest going to a reputable Camera shop, trying different manufacturers offerings, see which one you like the feel of. The nearest dealer that will have a decent stock, and knowledgeable staff is Ffordes, www.ffordes.com, they are just outside Inverness.
I recommend looking at this website for reviews of individual cameras.
http://www.dpreview.com/

Hope this helps.

[Julia]

You want depth of focus?

Canon 400D with Canon 50mm f1.4 lens.

No a smaller depth of focus, I liked how I could focus on the subject with my old 35mm and the background did not detract.

I have an old Exa quite like this one (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/EXA-35m-SLR-CAMERA-WITH-CASE_W0QQitemZ160226299813QQihZ006QQcategoryZ15241 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem), it took some getting used to peering down instead of through, take great photos tho

What sort of price range am I looking at for a decent SLR? I was quite interested in an Olympus E410

[North Light]

Julia,

Olympus E410 has now been replaced with the E420, but I notice www.warehouseexpress.com still have the E410 and two lens kit, circa £400.

[astroman]

Julia, I agree with North Light's advice - go to a shop and try out a few in your hand.

If interested in the E410 you might be interested to know that ebuyer.com has the camera and twin lens kit for just over £350 (see http://www.ebuyer.com/product/133781). There is also a good review of it (including a video review) at http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/OlympusE410/index.shtml.

I too am looking to purchase a DSLR and am keenly awaiting reviews of the new E420 - the light weight and live view appeal for astrophotography use.