New to Digital Photography

One of my friends knows that I like photography. He asked if I would point him in the right direction to purchase a new digital SLR. He's a complete newbie. I would like to give him the best start possible. Any suggestions on websites to educate himself and to compare cameras, brands and models (of course, I'd like him to choose Canon but I'd like him to make that decision himself). He has an older Nikon film camera that they don't use very much and a couple of lenses. I don't know if these would work on a new DSLR or not. I don't know what his budget for this is. My guess is probably entry to mid-level pricing. Thanks in advance for your help in steering him to make the best possible choice.

John 20d gitzo and stuff

http://www.dpreview.co​m/reviews/compare.asp

There is no reason to steer him away from Canon, so if you are a Canon user and are in a position to advise him, then why not recommend Canon equipment and steer him in the direction of POTN as well?

Mike

A good series of cameras to start off with is canon's Rebel line. Right now I would suggest a Rebel XTi or Rebel XSi depending on budget.

Mike-DT6 wrote in post #6739208
There is no reason to steer him away from Canon, so if you are a Canon user and are in a position to advise him, then why not recommend Canon equipment and steer him in the direction of POTN as well?

Mike

Yes, and then it is easier for you to give him advice.

The Digital Picture for information and reviews of Canon DSLR's. Digital Outback Photo for practical real-world observation on a variety of cameras.

A friend of mine asked me what he should get & I said Canon 30D. He went to the store & came back with a Nikon. Then he started asking me questions about it that I couldn't answer. I send him back to the store each time. So...
I suggest that you find out what he needs & what his budget is, & tell him what to buy.

PhotosGuy wrote in post #6740853
A friend of mine asked me what he should get & I said Canon 30D. He went to the store & came back with a Nikon. Then he started asking me questions about it that I couldn't answer. I send him back to the store each time. So...
I suggest that you find out what he needs & what his budget is, & tell him what to buy.

Sounds like my brother in law. He wanted a SLR so I outlined all the Canon options and pointed out that when we were together he could use some of my gear.

So he bought a Nikon D40.

JeffreyG wrote in post #6740892
Sounds like my brother in law. He wanted a SLR so I outlined all the Canon options and pointed out that when we were together he could use some of my gear.

So he bought a Nikon D40.

I saw a D40 today, and I swear I've seen P&Ses bigger than it.

powerslave - thanks for the tip on the website and for responding.

John 20d gitzo and stuff

Mike-DT6 wrote in post #6739208
There is no reason to steer him away from Canon, so if you are a Canon user and are in a position to advise him, then why not recommend Canon equipment and steer him in the direction of POTN as well?

Mike

Mike-DT6 - thanks for responding. I'm not trying to steer him away from Canon, as I mentioned in my post, I would prefer that he did chose Canon but I'd like him to arrive at that decision. Since he already owns 2 Nikon lenses, I pointed out to him that possibly, he could purchase a body and use the lenses he already has in order to save some $$. I did mention POTN to him as a good source of information. Thanks again for your response. I offered to let him use my gear to get a feel for a DSLR and Canon equipment.

John 20d gitzo and stuff

Grimes - Thanks for your response. We did talk about those cameras.

JeffreyG - I agree it would be easier to give advice if he bought Canon. I appreciate your help.

DC Fan - thanks for the websites.

PhotosGuy - we did talk about needs & budget. Being new, he's not sure (other than some sports and general photography), what he would use it for. I'm sure we will talk again before he makes his purchase. Thanks for your comments.

John 20d gitzo and stuff

johnohio wrote in post #6741822
Mike-DT6 - thanks for responding. I'm not trying to steer him away from Canon, as I mentioned in my post, I would prefer that he did chose Canon but I'd like him to arrive at that decision. Since he already owns 2 Nikon lenses, I pointed out to him that possibly, he could purchase a body and use the lenses he already has in order to save some $$. I did mention POTN to him as a good source of information. Thanks again for your response. I offered to let him use my gear to get a feel for a DSLR and Canon equipment.

John 20d gitzo and stuff

John, yes, I know you aren't trying to steer him away from Canon I wasn't being scornful or anything, rather that I meant it factually!

Mike