I need help with SLR Camera ideas?

Question: I need help with SLR Camera ideas!?

Hey, I'm thinking of asking for an SLR camera for Christmas!. Currently I own a compact Pentax, and I'm looking for something practical and easy to use!. Any ideas!? Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Great idea!

A first step would be either the canon rebel xti, the new rebel xsi or nikon D80!. These are the best rated entry level slr's!. I own a rebel xti and its awesome but my friend has a nikon D80 and swears by it!!

Read up on the pros and cons of each (there's just tons of info on the web so a one line answer is not possible!)

Its a great world once you get into it and I would just say, Welcome!Www@QuestionHome@Com

if you are interested in digital, then any of the DSLRs on the market will serve your needs providing that you have the lenses that do what you want to do (Macro)!.

If you want film, there are hundreds of models of ages past that will do what you want them to do!.

There is no best or worst in digital photography!. Most people in this group only push what they have and thus have little or no experience with other equipment!. The best idea is to purchase what you can afford and nothing more!. My other idea is that you should not spend any more than you want to throw away if you don't like taking pictures in the future!.

Remember, all digital cameras that are on the market today will be obsolete within about a year, so you can spend a lot of money in a hurry only to find out that your camera is not the latest and that its value when it has been made obsolete is about zip!. Www@QuestionHome@Com

Lots and lots of choices!.

The Nikon D50 and the Mamiya RZ67 come to mind!.

Nikon D40 and Canon Xti are well regarded!. What kind of photography did you have in mind!? All dSLR cameras are easy to use!.

Addendum 3:35PM 10/21/08

Ah, landscape, fine choice!. I would recommend the basic and well built Mamiya RZ67 SLR for landscape photography!. The Body and a 65MM prime can be had for a little under $500!. Kind of an expensive Xmas gift!.!.!.but not too bad!.Www@QuestionHome@Com