best cheap DSLR for beginner?

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tikigod19

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Hi all,

I've had a few DSLR's in my time but only really know about what I've owned.

My 12 yr old neice now wants one for christmas. I think what she likes is being able to use prime lenses so was thinking of getting something like the 35mm 1.8 nikkor or 50mm 1.8 or canon equivalent depending on body.

However... what is just about the cheapest body I can get thats compatible with this lens? I think I'd like her to have a body with kit zoom lens, and then a prime.

I have a panasonic GH1 but hate the electronic eye piece, much prefer something like the canon 60d or nikon d90 actual look down the lens eye piece so my ownly proviso would be it must have this (however I think the GH1 is the rarity as most cameras dont have this electronic viewfinder)

I suppose canon might be a good idea actually as I have a few canon compatible lenses since selling my D90 and buying a 60D.

I'm open to suggestions and would love to get this sorted as soon as I can!
Many thanks
 
Ignoring the fact you have canon lenses to loan, the best camera is as always the one she finds most comfortableto use and most intuitive.

Consumer/entry level models tend to be smaller which may help a 12 year old girl with fairly small hands.
 
My 9 year old has a D70s and can handle it all too well :thumbs: I wanted her to start on a DSLR instead of a point and shoot as I'm an in at the deep end type.

She can also borrow SOME of my lenses.
 
yeah I'd like something small.

I know how important glass is so not having the money to buy flash lenses I think me just lending her my 1.4 prime or a wide angle lens every now and then would be a big plus so I think I'll go canon.

It seems the 1000d is the lowest model, is this correct?

Would it still be compatible with lenses used on other eos models like the 60d?

edit: have just seen its compatibel with EF/EF-S lenses so it appears all should be fine.

I think the 1000d is winning so far then...
 
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are they any cheaper? I dont want to buy 2nd hand and you can get the 1000d for £350 with kit lens.

The 300 and 400 seem much harder to get hold of
 
How about Pentax K-x? You can pick it up brand new with 18-55 and 50-200 (latter one may be heavy for a child) for around £375 and the camera was designed with travel in mind. Also offers 720p video and better ISO ranges than 1000D.
 
You could definitely get an xxxD for under £350, think I saw one in the for sale section for about £200. Plus, although I've never used a 1000D and have only had a little look at a 400D, I reckon it'd be the better camera :thumbs:
 
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