Looking for new Digital SLR

[Sam1312]

Budget
~£500

Size
SLR

Features

megapixels? 6+

* What optical zoom will you need? (None, Standard = 3x-4x, Ultrazoom = 10x-12x, Other - Specify) Unsure

* How important is “image quality” to you? 10

General Usage

* What will you generally use the camera for?
Indoor & outdoor family photos, holiday snaps etc etc

* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?
Nothing bigger then A4

Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?
Possibly

Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?
Action as in movement yes, not necessarily sports

Miscellaneous

Are there particular brands you like?
Canon & Nikon
Are there particular models you already have in mind?
D50
D70 or D70s
Rebel XT

Other Info:
Currently have a Canon EOS IX (APS film) with USM 24-85 lens and a USM 22-55 lens (from an EOS IX7). Works well for me, but hate having to pay so much for processing only to find some photos I wish hadn't been processed because they're so naff !!

[Rhys]

Stick with Canon. Get an XT or a Digital Rebel if you can't afford an XT. The XT is 8 megapixels and the original Rebel is 6 so there's not much difference. Most dSLRs these days are 6mp with only the really expensive top-of-the-range models going to more.

[wxcloud9xw]

sorry I'm from the U.S. 500 British pounds = 867.1 U.S. dollars

If you want a camera that produces prints better than 35mm film I'd go with the Rebel XT with basic kit lens and upgrade the lens later. It's also a better choice in the long term if you don't plane to purchase a new camera every couple of years since it sports faster picture capturing thant he d50 and has an 8mp low noise sensor. If you think you'll purchase a new camera body every year or 2 then the d50 is fine if the utmost picture quality/detail is not needed. I don't care what others tell you..you can tell a difference in 6mp and 8mp in even smaller prints. 8mp captures more little details if thats something you care about. there would be no point in getting a d70 for your purposes since it sports the same sensor size. it shoots faster and has more features.

[Rhys]

I'd avoid the kit lens and get the 50mm f1.8 instead or even a secondhand lens from somewhere like KEH.

[timmciglobal]

If you ask me, i'd go with the D50.

Maybe I'm wrong here, but you seem to be more looking for a "high quality print" camera then a "pro camera to do studio work" with, which I think the D50 out of the box does a better job at then the XT.

Things like auto ISO and the AF assist light (versus the rapid flash firing) make it quite common user friendly, and while I do agree the 8 megapixels offers a bit of resolution advantage for 8x10 and under I don't think that difference is enough to value 6 v 8.

Also added into why I'd go with the D50 is the coming 18-200 VR2 nikon lens. That lens would make a perfect "walk around all in one" lens for someone, while costing 700 USD it isn't cheap if it holds up to previous nikon lenses in quality it'll be quite the lens for the perfect walk around kit.


Tim

[wxcloud9xw]

Nikons AF assist lights aren't as good in poor lighting as a flash. one is obtrusive and the other isn't, but atleast the flash gets the focus in very low light. I have this problem with my nikon in low light.

[Rex914]

I would stick to Canon. You have Canon lenses, and the 24-85 isn't exactly a cheapo lens if you ask me (costs $300 or so new). Purchase a Rebel XT and supplement with a 50mm f/1.8, and that should still be around your budget (aren't they also doing cashback in UK?).

[Sam1312]

Thank you all for your replies so far.

I do have a few other questions/queries I'd like to throw your way.....

1) I've been offered D100 - brand new out of the box with all manuals etc, just no physical box. Price? £600
I know its a bargain at that price for the body alone, but is it worth going that far, as I will still need a lens to fit which won't come cheap.
Bare in mind that my photgraphy will b elmited to holidays, kids and the like, and nothing professional.

2) wxcloud9xw said "there would be no point in getting a d70 for your purposes since it sports the same sensor size. it shoots faster and has more features."
I assume thats in comparison to the D50? Also, if its faster surely thats better??

3) timmciglobal "but you seem to be more looking for a "high quality print" camera then a "pro camera to do studio work" with, which I think the D50 out of the box does a better job at then the XT."
"whyI'd go with the D50 is the coming 18-200 VR2 nikon lens."
True. And I'm interested in this new lens as what I don't particularly want to do is be swappig lenses around much/at all (if I can help it)

4) I'm not too fussed about keeping my existing lens & body - probably be able to sell them as a kit and get a good price, as both are in absolute mint condition even after 5yrs of usage.

One thing I do need to do which I think everyone will agree on, is to go and feel the 2 cameras in a shop (D50 & XT - based upon what you have advised so far)
So until more replies and my touchy feely at the camera shop - THANKS for all the help & advice so far

[coldrain]

I think your APS lenses will fit on an XT and 20D. That may be a pro... especially since that 24-85 is quite a nice lens.

That the D50 makes better images out of the box is not true, both are very comparable in image quality "out of the box".

The D50 has stripped down features, the D70s has more volume and weight.
I prefer the XT's weight and compactness (much easier to carry around anywhere), others prefer the D70s's bulk and grip. That is a choice you have to make for yourself.

The 18-200 lenses are easy as walk around big range lenses. But it stops being a one lens system when you want more range (like a 70-300mm lens).
Also, keep into consideration that the 18-200 lenses (does not matter if they are from Konica Minolta, Nikon, Sigma or Tamron) have quite some distortion, that is unavoidable for a lens of that class and range (barrel distortion, pin cushion distortion).