Hi, I have a small budget, and am about to start a 2 year part time photography course. As a keen amateur, I want to buy a DSLR that will see me through the course and then some. So far I have whittled the choices down to:
CanonEOS 400D and Sony Alpha 100. Any advice or experience with these choices to guide me? Ta!

Hi Lorraine,

I think you could also consider the Pentax K10D, Samsung GX10, Nikon D40x and Olympus E-510 on your budget.

Thanks Mark, I'll do that. Appreciated.

I would also recommend the Pentax K10D. I am doing a lot of research on cameras right now and for the money it seems like it is hard to beat. It compares to the higher end cameras from Nikon and Canon.

You might want to go to a camera store and ask them to shoot with a few different ones. I have found the grip and feel, placement of controls and buttons to differ widely and make a big difference in how comfortable you are with the camera.

Thanks for the info Matt. I ended up buying a Nikon D80, which I think will be all that I need for the next couple of years. A local independent camera store near me had an excellent deal on it with lens, grip and extra battery - along with help and repair where needed.

Hi Lorraine,

Make sure that you share some of your pictures in our Gallery!

Lorraine,

I am jealous. How are you liking it? That is a nice rig. If you post pictures let me know I would like to see them.

So far it is taking me a while to figure out all the functions it has, but what an improvement on my last one...a point and click that drowned two months ago in the Dordogne. it's amazing how you can upturn a very stable canoe when following an otter!

I have taken a few shots so far and will upload one ot two. Am not a very competent photographer yet, but an sure going to enjoy getting there.

Will upload a few onto the site.
Lorraine