[Arcadion]

I'm considering getting a digital SLR camera to replace my Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P72 at some stage, does anyone have any thoughts on these? Know of any good models that don't cost as much as a new car? The Canon Digital Rebel seems like a good place to start (I've read good reviews of it) but I'd like to hear from anyone who actually uses a dSLR.

[deepdiver01]

Good evening,

I changed over to a dSLR late last year.

After much thought, asking people and going on gut feelings, I decided on the Canon 300D (digital crebel in your part of the world.
I have since shot about 5000 images, most of them underwater. the camera lives half of it's life in a very corrosive environment. I have not had even the slightest hint of a problem, and the casing is looking as new as the day it was bought.

The final decision came down to either the Rebal or the Nikon D70.

There are many others out there that are also ok.

The main reasons for choosing the Canon were

Price
Good sized CMOS chip
Ability to shoot in raw
Have total control over the camera settings.
A good range of lenses
A good company for backup
Ability to obtain underwater housing at a fairly good price


The lens that comes with the kit (18-55) does give some amazing shots for a budget lens.

I have added a 100mm macro and a 70-300 zoom to the kit. With the addition of a semi fisheye in the near future I reckon that I can scare most thingy's with the best of them.

Therefore, I would highly recommend the Canon

If you have any queries about the Canon or would like to see some shots, just send me a private message and I will forward you my email address.

[etaf]

canon 300D or the new 350D
rebel or reble XT

reviews here
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/300d.html

[deepdiver01]

Hi,

I am using the 300D.

The 350D & XT is not out here in Australia. They released the 20D (it may be one of these rebadged) after I purchased mine, and I am sure that this one would also be more than ok.

I guess it comes down to personal choice.

Happy hunting,

Mark

[buck52]

I have a D-70 as a backup...great starter DSLR...

buck

[acraftylady]

If you register for free at NY Times there is an article on 8 megapixel cameras under $750.

I was considering the Minolta Maxxum 7 because I own the SLR version and could use my Maxxum lenses but the cheapest I could find it was $1,300. A friend just bought the Olympus E-Volt and it seems really nice for the price so I think I have decided on that one when money will allow unless the Minolta comes way down in price at some point. I have the Olympus C-3000 now and love it but I have always been used to a full size camera with lenses and want to have that in a digital.