Cheapest DSLR?

[360bhp]

Thinking of getting a DSLR camera, but was wandering what would be best for a beginner, and also cheapest. All I really want it for, is to get some good shots of cars.

[Tarffie]

I've heard the Canon 400d has been available at Sainsburys for £200.

[BUFF]

Sony A200 + kit 18-70mm is available for £260 from a reputable dealer with UK stock (grey imports may be less).
TIPA best entry level DSLR for 2008.

[kalniel]

Nikon D40 is another one to add to the around £200 group.

No doubt someone will come along and say 'you're buying into a system' at some point But if you have a clearly defined purpose for the camera and only want a specific lens then I don't see a problem in buying a cheap single setup and swapping the whole thing later if you did want to change anything.

[Funkstar]

And at between £200 and £300 then junking it for another system in a couple of years is definitely feasable.

[ACiD303]

Just seen the Nikon D40 for £220 on Amazon (Taken from HUKD)

[360bhp]

Thanks

Is the 18-55mm 1 single lens? Is it enough to start taking photos with?

[kalniel]

Yes to both. Assuming you aren't shooting your cars from a great distance.

[Saracen]

There may be a good answer to this, but if all you want is good shots of cars, does it need to be a DSLR? There are some very good compacts out there, capable of very good results. SLRs are great, but probably the biggest single benefit is the interchangeability of lenses, and the range of both quality and purpose available from that, but if your needs are that specific, do you need that interchangeability?

[Flibb]

I would go high end compact, fits your needs more. Something like a canon g9 will have better lenses than a cheap dslr, retains the manual controls if you want to play, and is a hell of a lot more portable than a dslr. dslrs are very popular at the moment, but most people keep the camera in auto mode, and never change lenses.

[kalniel]

I'd argue against a compact - the high end ones are the same price, if not more, than a DSLR. Unless you need the pocketability then you're trading off with the sensor density and corresponding very poor ISO performance.

[360bhp]

Close to getting a Nikon D40. Just reading a few reviews.

I would prefer a DSLR over a compact one, as I am quite interested in photography, so would be good to learn and get new lenses over the years.

[Saracen]

In which case, as I understand it, be careful about the D40, because you'll need AF-S lenses to get auto-focus, and if you have (or get) older design AF lenses which use body-mount AF, you'll only be able to use them in manual focus.

The D40 is a nice camera for a starter in some ways, but it's got a couple of major gotcha's if you buy it unawares. Of course, if you know that and aren't bothered, then fine. But just be careful to be sure you're getting what you think you're getting. It DOES reduce your lens options, and if you're planning on a system expansion, it may well not be the best starting point.

[j.o.s.h.1408]

I've heard the Canon 400d has been available at Sainsburys for £200.

wow really? link?

[kalniel]

In which case, as I understand it, be careful about the D40, because you'll need AF-S lenses to get auto-focus, and if you have (or get) older design AF lenses which use body-mount AF, you'll only be able to use them in manual focus.

The D40 is a nice camera for a starter in some ways, but it's got a couple of major gotcha's if you buy it unawares. Of course, if you know that and aren't bothered, then fine. But just be careful to be sure you're getting what you think you're getting. It DOES reduce your lens options, and if you're planning on a system expansion, it may well not be the best starting point.

Agreed.

360bhp, I only suggested it because you had one purpose in mind and it's cheap enough to sell on and get a better system when you want to get more lenses. With the D40 you can get a couple of so-so lenses to cover the most common uses, but that's all. If you are thinking of getting a camera now to build a proper lens collection with high quality lenses then you should look elsewhere.

wow really? link?

You can't link to stores - and that's where the offer will be, not on a website. Sounds about right given it's discontinued.

[Zero 101]

You may get PC World to price match +10% off either of these deals, if you can find a Sainburys near enough with the 400d in stock or that the D40 is not from a 'partner'.
400D would be £185 and the D40 £215.
If you do go the PCW route take no notice of their Reserve & Collect system if it says no stock go and check in store and don't mention price matching until they produce the goods.