[rivanprincess]

Can anyone help - I currently have a Pentax MZ30 Film SLR - which i have always found to be good for my purposes.

I am now thinking of changing to digital, have a Dimage Z1 which i take on holiday but that's the only digital i've used.

There's so much information around on the manufacturers and type - question is where to start.....

[Dabhand16]

You need to start by making the decision as to what system you are buynig into. This will depend partly on the useage of your camera - for instance for sports/action work you need a camera that will write to the card quickly, and has a good range of fast long lenses. You see lots of sports photographers using Canons.

Nikon allegedly have a good flash and metering system, so if you are intending to do lots of studio work, maybe this would be a good choice.

Pentax, Sigma Samsung and Sony, and probably some otheres all produce dSLR's with differing features.

Best is to get a short list of cameras that will do what you want, then get your hands on them to see how easy you find it to select and adjust the controls. If the camera does not feel comfortable or has a control system you don't get on with, you will not be happy with it.

[Charlotte]

I'd advise buying some photo mag's to scout thru their reviews. I think Digital Camera Magazine do a monthly Camera Shopper (can't remember the correct name of it). Then start to narrow down your choices to a short list before settling on the right model for you. I fully recommend the Nikon D50 as an entry level DSLR + great for getting started with DSLR - although few are selling these new anymore - there are plenty of 2nd hand ones around. Otherwise the D40, or if you want to go beyond entry level then the D80, or my personal favourite the D200.

As Graham said, work around your particular needs + the type of photography that you do. Nikon DSLR's are also reputed to have great colour rendition BTW.

[_MB_]

If you've already invested substantially in Pentax lenses then I'd start with a look at the Pentax DSLR range.

I've seen great results out of the K110D

[rivanprincess]

Thanks for the suggestions

Complicated business, are the pentax lenses usable on a DSLR then?

I know nikon are V.V good cameras. I'll go get a magazine and get some more knowledge. I enjoy taking landscapes, but would like to get in to Weddings or some sort of portrait work - would be great to take pictures worthy of selling somehow.

BTW some of the pictures on this site are Amazing!!

[_MB_]

Yep - your existing lenses will work on digital bodies. Pentax are really good with backwards compatibility.

[rivanprincess]

Ooh that's good then - thanks

[water]

Originally Posted by rivanprincess

Thanks for the suggestions

Complicated business, are the pentax lenses usable on a DSLR then?

I know nikon are V.V good cameras. I'll go get a magazine and get some more knowledge. I enjoy taking landscapes, but would like to get in to Weddings or some sort of portrait work - would be great to take pictures worthy of selling somehow.

BTW some of the pictures on this site are Amazing!!

You may need to get a new wide angle lens for landscape work as a 28mm film camera lens becames roughly a 42mm lens on a DSLR!!

[rivanprincess]

Thanks Water

That's a big difference to the lens and I would have been disappointed if you hadn't said

[_MB_]

The standard zoom lenses that come with DSLRs are usually no more than £50 though and cover 18mm which roughly translates to 28mm effective focal length.

Quick check of Pentax prices online suggests you'd be paying around 20 quid extra for a body + 18-55mm lens combination.

[rivanprincess]

Thanks - from memory do you remember how much a body would be?

Any good websites you know that you would recommend?

[_MB_]

Warehouse Express

Ffordes

Park Cameras

Cheapest of the bunch looks to be Park - £289.99 for a K100D with 18-55mm lens.