Could I suggest the Olympus e500?.

The two lens kit is available for under 600 dollars. Compared to about 1000 dollars for other two lens kits, it's a pretty good deal..

It's not the newest thing out there, but it's adequate, and the two lenses aren't bad..

Now, you'll have to buy memory cards, a card reader, a bag, maybe some spare batteries, and maybe some filters. All that will probably come out to be about 100-200 dollars, regardless of what camera you get, so keep that in mind when looking at the prices..

Check out the e500 review on this site. Swing by a store (i think best buy and circuit city still has them on display), and hold it, make sure it feels nice. If you're satisfied, then it's a pretty good deal..

(note- I bought my first DSLR, an e500, not too long ago for these reasons).

If money's a major concern (as it was for me), then this is certainly a good deal...

Thanks for the advice, I'll check it out. I was looking at Nikon and Canon because a lot of what I read said to take into consideration the greater availability of lenses, but as I'm hardly a pro and will probably have to space out the aquisition of lenses quite a bit, should this be a real consideration for me?.

Also, in general, are lenses for one company generally more reasonable than another? (I would look them up to compare, but am still getting to grips with it all and am not sure what an equal lens would be for various types.).

Thanks...

Go to http://digitalphotographyclass.net and do some reading. That site should answer your questions..

Jerry..

From what I hear (granted mostly from the olympus forum), olympus kit lenses are more usable than other company's kit lenses. The pro grade lenses are usually excellent from all companies..

As far as lenses for growth, you can go to four-thirds.org to see what lenses are available..

Compared to the hundreds of lenses available on C and N mounts, it doesn't look like much (there are 28 total), but it's more than enough for most people..

They also seem to be introducing new lenses regularly, so I wouldn't be too worried about that..

The main draw of the e500 is that it is bargain priced, but you still get a good camera with two good lenses..

And with the money you save, you can get to buying more lenses sooner...

Did you read the reviews of S6000fd, the DSLR-like camera from Fuji? It's a good choice since you are on a budget. Around $300...

Thanks again for the opinions. I'll look into Olympus some more then. And I'll check out that website, thanks..

I did look at the Fuji, but I figure if I'm putting money into a camera it probably makes more sense to put it straight into one that's expandable. However if I decide I can't afford an SLR I'll probably upgrade to one of these instead...

Full featured for the price and the SSS (Super Steady Shot) in-body image stabilization is wonderful. Any lens, new or old, Sony or non-Sony that you mount on the body instantly becomes stabilized. Chosen best entry level DSLR:.

Http://www.popphoto.com/...as/4241/editors-choice-2007-entry-level-dslrs.html.

Henry Richardsonhttp://www.bakubo.com..

I enthusiastically recommend the Canon XTi! It is a quality camera and perfect for the beginner because it has all of the features of a "real" dSLR on the "creative" side of the dial, but also gives you the fully auutomatic features of a "point and shoot" camera as well. By getting the Canon you gain the advantage of getting the Canon lenses and you also get the third party lens makers (Sigma/Tamron/Tokina). If you are in a tight squeeze for repair/parts/etc., Canon is the make that is easiest to find the repair facilities for. The XTi has a great sensor, advanced features, and the reliability of a quality camera, while remaining affordable, light weight, moderate priced, and ergonomically sound. Find yourself a camera store and try the different models out to see how they fit your hand. After you make your decision, go to B&H Photo/Video to make you purchase. They are the choice of the pros, so you may as well start using them from the very beginning.Magic_Puzzle..

Gemma17 wrote:.

Now the question is, what's a good starter SLR that doesn't cost theearth? I've read a few articles, most recommending the Nikon D40 orCanon Rebel XTi, plus a 50mm lens. Is this what you'd recommend?.

When you consider cropping (1.5x on Nikon, 1.6x on Canon), 50mm is a portrait length good for an extra lens, but probably too long for a "one and only" lens..

If you want a good normal lens, calculate (50 / crop_factor) and look for fast and affordable lenses in that area (e.g., on a Nikon, a 35mm f/2.0 lens can serve as an approximation to a (non-existent) 33mm f/1.8)..

I believe that the Nikon D40 lacks an in-body autofocus motor and cannot adjust focus on some Nikon and third-party lenses like the 35mm f/2.0 or 50mm f/1.8. A Nikon D80 or a Canon Digital Rebel XTi would not have this issue...

Gemma17 wrote:.

Also, out of curiosity, are the "SLR-like" cameras any good? Mightthat be a cheaper option to segway into SLRs, or are they not worththe money?.

The Canon S5 IS might make an interesting travel camera all the features of the S2 IS / S3 IS, plus a hot shoe for a dedicated external E-TTL tilt/bounce flash...

Just to complete the set - since Canon, Nikon, Oly, and Sony have had mentions - don't forget the Pentax K100D. It's about the cheapest DSLR out there and has in-body image stabilisation / shake reduction. IMO it's a better bet than the Nikon D40 because of this, and also it is compatible with a much wider range of third-party lenses..

Most important point - been said many times by many people - pick them up and see how they feel in your hands. This intangible point is as important as the relatively trivial technical differences between the cameras mentioned. All are good and all will work well and take good pics - don't worry about the differences. If one is more comfortable in your hands than the others and feels nicer to use, that's the one to go for.Mike..

Check out the new Olympus e410 and e510. The e500 is good but these are better. The e510 has IS, and both have a live-view LCD. All the cameras mentioned in this thread are good entry level DSLRs, however it's a matter of personal preference...