is she intending to stay at novice, or to specialise in something in particular?

Either of the Canon or Nikkon entry DSLR models will be a good bet as starter kits, but the best system will depend on what she ultimately wants to do as the main driver for choice is which is the best lens(es) for the job.

ie Nikkon used to be top dog for action photography with its faster lenses, and Canon holds its own for macro photography (flowers, bugs and stuff) and it has some nice landscape lenses, and Nikkon used to have better cheap end lenses just for general bimbling around with.

If she just wants a good all round camera and won't be planning to spend hundreds or thousands on specialist lenses, then I'd possibly lean towards Nikkon as their kit lenses and 'next price up' lenses used to be better.

(I say 'used to be' as I bought into my Canon system 6+ years ago and haven't needed to upgrade since so I don't know the current market)

If the ?400 budget is just the start of wallets being opened for the hobby, then a new entry level DSLR body & kit lenses isn't a bad option if you will then buy beter lenses as money allows in the future.

If the ?400 is a 'that's pretty much it ever' budget, then look for an older model body (eg Canon 400D or Nikkon D60 and buy a decent lens to go with it.)

I'd lean to Canon or Nikkons as there is a bigger second hand market for lenses.

DPreview.com/forums used to be the best place for asking this sort of stuff, and you'll get a much better informed response than what I've just written.

Posted By: CWC, Apr 24, 09:33:45