DSLR Camera advice...

What do you really want from the camera? Lots of manual settings? Portability? Would you consider second-hand? Or a bridge camera? The Canon Powershot range looks fab, and is within budget, and is a good size/weight option compared to a hefty DSLR.

For £300 you're going to be looking at entry level DSLR, so I can't really say what features are a must etc really, as you'll just get whatever they provide at that level.

I have the Canon EOS 450D which I love but I think is over your budget (about £450), but the Canon 1000D is a bit cheaper although still possibly too much. You might be able to find an older model entry-level Nikon in budget - have a look on Amazon I reckon.

PS I am a complete amateur, so will await superior knowledge to arrive!

Sounds like you're looking for what I was with the same budget no less! I had a sony point and shoot and wanted to progress up to a dSLR, after much research in magazines and playing in shops I plumped for the Sony alpha 200 and I haven't been disappointed yet.

I wanted it to have decent auto functions until I figured out how to use all the other functions and it takes fab photos just using the auto settings. Since buying for £275, I have invested in an off camera flash, UV lens and polarising lens - the polarising lens has made an amazing difference to photos I've taken outside:

For an entry level DSLR it does exactly what I wanted, I like the feel of it and it won lots of awards and in all the comparisons of entry level DSLRs that were around in the magazines like Which? etc that I was reading at the time it always came top.

Wow what an amazing shot! I know a few people with Sony Alphas and they've been very pleased with them ?

Dr Doolittle - when you say polarising lens do you mean filter? If so I neeeed one - that photo is lovely.

In answer to the original qu - I have the entry level Nikon, the D40. It's now been replaced by the D60 I think, but there aren't loads of differences. I love love love my camera although a lot of users complain about its inability to manual focus on lenses other than the kit lens (unless you pay heaps) but I don't mind that - I like the control MF allows.

General advice seems to be get into a shop, have a feel

Sorry yes I meant filter, it's been a long day ?

Sorry for the late reply. Just wanted to say thanks... going to have a look and feel round Jessops tom.

Cheers

If you get a polarising filter, there are two types.......don't get a linear type........they confuse the meter.......opt for the circular type polarising filter. Ask the shop, they should advise correctly.....