Which DSLR camera shoud I buy?
I'm about to start a beginners digital photography course (just for fun not work) and I want to buy a DSLR camera - probably a Nikon or Cannon. I'd like to stay between £450-600 budget and although I'm a novice its a 18 month course so i'd like the camera to be able to grow as my ability does
Any suggestions
Being a Canon guy I only recommend their cameras. They've discontinued some models recently but for around $500 US you could land the 1100D. Don't fall into the marketing trap of the higher mp count is better because it's not. Mega Pixels aren't the only quality issue with any dlsr. It's really about the sensor size and the quality of the processor inside the camera.
For your budget, the 1100D would be excellent I believe.
Pentax are just as good as the two you mention, and Sony's SLTs do better video.
All DSLRs are basically the same, but anyone who can't see beyond Canon and Nikon shouldn't be allowed near one - find a dealer, look at All the alternatives, and buy the camera that feels right in your hands.
Look into a Pentax they are really underrated with most of the contributors following Canon *the camera not the gun cannon & Nikon, You should be open to everything as asmart person picks a DSLR for the way it feels and viewing without a lot of icons and focusing squares. Pentax allows your to use older lenses dating back to film era, Canon & Nikon can't do that! Canon & Nikon had to invent a whole new system for there digital entrance!
There really isn't a right or wrong answer to your question, people can only recommend you what works for them… I'm with Andrew & Nick… Pentax is definitely worth some serious consideration…
… I always advise popping into a camera store and getting a demonstration of what each brand has to offer… Your budget is pretty good, and you really should try holding cameras to find out which one appeals to you the most… Some cameras just don't feel right and a demonstration will give you the added reassurance that you are making a decent decision…
… With your budget you might also be able to squeeze in a 18-105mm lens or something similar, this gives you a little more scope to be creative than the standard 18-55mm lens…
Nikons D5100 is worth considering it is pretty good value for money… Though get a demonstration and get something that you personally like… Cameras in your price range offer similar quality and the specification is much the same… Don't buy a camera because it has more 'megapixels' than another… Get the one that you enjoy holding and feel most comfortable with…