I'm getting an entry level DSLR, i'm looking to spend about £400 to £450?

I do not want to get the nikon d3100, any other suggestions?

CANON 550d or the PENTAX k-X OR k-7

Too bad you don't want the D3100 (£440).It is THE dSLR with about the most bang for the buck especially if you are into shooting in low-light

Look at the Canon 500D (£640) or 1100D (£425) and see if you like them

Sensor camparison

http://www.dxomark.com/...nd3)/Canon

Feature comparison

http://www.dpreview.com/...on_eos500d

How about the Pentax Kr?

http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/c/460/Pentax-K-r-Digital-Cameras.html

Usual disclaimer just a very satisfied customer over many years, probably the best prices in the UK, full guarantee, next working day delivery by courier.

Streets ahead of any other entry level DSLR, read any review you like.

http://www.dxomark.com/...d3)/Pentax

All the Pentax range has All the functions you will ever need (some only available on a Pentax), Pentax don't 'dumb down' their entry level cameras like Nikon do (no AE bracketing, not even a remote socket on the D3100) the Kr has an up to date sensor with the best low light performance of any entry level DSLR, again read the reviews.

http://www.dpreview.com/...=ascending

I've added the K5 to this list, which really blows the others away, the first camera awarded a Gold Award by DP Review.

All very well spending £400/450 on the camera, but what about the accessories you'll need?

extra lenses, filters, bags, memory cards, tripod, flashgun, cleaning stuff.

the cost all mounts up…

and you'll need something like a UV filter to protect your existing lens(es)…

you'll end up spending a greater amount than you thought, and for what?

better to look at a bridge camera - Fuji HS10/HS20 or Nikon P100… A lot of camera for the money…

Pentax K-r is one of the most capable entry level SLRs. Pity, Pentax's range is a bit patchy.

Second choice, is getting second hand. There are some really capable systems out there, Canon's 40D may be old, but it's a warhorse, and the Nikon D90 after many years still part of Nikon's lineup shows how good it was and still is.