Which DSLR from Canon/Nikon within 500$

[Franglais]

Hi guys!

I am an absolute starter in the field of Photography. Infact I am not a photographer but like photography as a hobby, not profession. At present I have a Sony P200 P&S camera and am planning to buy a DSLR either from Canon or Nikon with a budget of Rs.20000 to Rs.30000 (400$ to 500$).

I prefer a Canon and want something that wouldnt be too difficult for a starter as well as something that can cater me even after I get some experience, not something that after some days of experience will give me an impression of a low end camera.

So all you experienced guys, please recommend me a good camera in this range.

Thanks.

Prices vary over the world so I checked out some Indian web sites :

Nikon D60+lens or Canon 1000D+lens = about 30000 Rupees
Nikon 40D+lens = about 20000 Rupees
Nikon D80+lens = about 51000 Rupees

Normally if someone wants a nice quality camera then we would point them towards a medium-range system like the Nikon D80, D90, Canon 40D, 50D - out of your budget.

With your budget you're looking at the entry-level cameras. At the top end of your range you have the latest models (Nikon D60, Canon 1000D). These have many of the same components as the medium range but some components are simplified:

- fewer focussing zones
- small viewfinder
- fewer buttons. You can often to the same thing as with the medium-range cameras but you have to plunge into a menu to set it up
- kit lens with limited zoom range (18-55) made mostly out of plastic. Often a decent performer but it doesn't feel like a quality job
- mostly plastic body without weather sealing, feels more or less solid

Towards the bottom end of the range you have recently-discontinued models which are very similar to the current model but don't have quite the same features (Nikon D40, D40X, Canon 350D..)

Several of my collegues (respectable family men) have bought the Nikon D40 and they have been delighted with it. I have just added the D60 to my collection and I am very impressed with it. It doesn't seem like a cheap camera.

HOWEVER I bought my D60 with a good lens (16-85 - the whole kit cost me 1000 Euros = 63000 Rupees and it was a bargain..). Last weekend I lent my camera to a girl with a D40x+18-55 and she really wanted that lens. I guess that many people who are frustrated with their low-end camera are actually dissatisfied with the lens.

Check out the review section to see what real users think of the cameras + lenses I've mentioned