Wanting to buy a digital slr camera..............?

I think you need to be careful with this. All the major camera maufacturers produce digital SLRs that will take excellent pictures. The deciding factor should be how it handles - and that is down to personal preference (for example - Olympus great for small hands, Nikon often too large for small hands). So - allow your husband to choose.

If you don't know a lot about digital cameras do a little research first. Shop around at a camera store or buy some magazines. How big of prints do you intend to make? Most printers only print 8 x 10, so anything over 7 megapixels would be a waste of money. A good 300mm lens will cost almost as much as a camera body. Memory cards are an issue too, as most cameras don't come with one, and if they do they are very small. As far as name brands go, Stick with any of the big brand names - Nikon, Canon, Pentax etc. If you already have any 35mm equipment I would stick with that brand as the lenses will work on digital too. Once you decide what you want, start checking prices. There are several online and mail order stores where you can get good buys. B&H Photo, Adorama etc. They all have huge adds in the back of all photo magazines. Just make sure it comes with a USA warranty. Some places sell grey market stuff. It is basically the same thing but was intended to be sold overseas and it is a real hassle to get warranty work done. I recently bought a Pentax K100d kit from B&H Photo. It came with the body, a 24 - 70mm zoom lens, and a 2 gb SD card. It has shake reduction which is really handy in low light conditions. After rebates I only paid a little over $500 for it and I love it. I had several lenses from my film pentax and the all work without a hitch. If you need a lens I would suggest a Tamron 28-300mm aspherical. It is a good all around lens that works well for almost any situation. You should be able to pick one up for around $250. Hopr this helps!

go for the Nikon D80, this is a superb little camera capable of true professional results.

it has 10 megapixels ,shhots the highest quality raw files and uses the sd cards that he may have from his compact although in the highest quality setting he will only get around 50 photos on a 1gb card.

it comes with a superb quality 18-70mm lens.It has 11 selectable focus points does 3 frames per second. for 100 jpegs.

it has full auto modes and a full array of manual odes as well so as he grows in confidence he can take ore control whilst still getting the best quality photos.

it is also fully compatable with the nikon speedlight creative lighting system

cost around £650 for camera and lens allow £30-£35 for a high speed memory card such as sandisk ultra 2 2gb

it also feature the 1005 sector matix metering,

It is also compatble with almost every nikon auto focus lens ever made

I prefer Olympus cameras. They work great for general photography and Olympus uses lenses designed for digital photography. Most other companies use lenses based on the film SLRs. Quality will be good no matter which DSLR you choose, they are high end for a reason, and that is quality. Olympuys also is a best value because the pricing is a bit less that others. This can help you to buy additional lenses, a professional carry case, extra batteries, etc. Before choosing, spend some time looking at reviews on www.dpreview.com/, they also include some image samples for you to view and compare.

Take a look at:

Nikon D40

Canon Rebel XT

Pentax K100D Super.

All of these are under $500 with a lens.

If he can handle the cameras personally, then he can pick the one he likes that feels right in his hands. All of these cameras are great shooters, so you won't go wrong getting any of them. All will provide images far better than a point and shoot.

If you want to surprise him and he can't handle the cameras ahead of time, then I would personally recommend the Nikon D40. Alternatively, you could just set aside the cash, and then let him take the cash and pick out which camera he really likes.

Going upwards in price, the cameras to consider are:

Nikon D60 or Nikon D80

Canon Rebel XTi or Rebel XSi

You won't go wrong with any of these cameras; just make sure you get a camera that feels right to the user.

The Canon Rebel XTi is great, and the price has just dropped a lot recently since the newer version (the XSi) will be coming out soon. I suggest you get him the XTi with the kit and a nice lens. The 50mm 1.4 USM lens is great for portraits.

Nikon D40 gets fantastic reviews from my photog friends. I am actually looking to buy an SLR myself soon. The other one I've heard good things about is the Canon Rebel XLR.

Enjoy!

Olympus 510 or higher , Olympus have a good range of camera's easy to use ,good all rounders no mater what the subject , i rate Olympus everytime i use them.

after you take a zillion photos, i dont think you need entry level beginner SLR's. get him a canon 40D coincidentally he's turning 40 years old. i have a 40D and it kicks as.s (entry level camera as.s that is) yup. get out there and BUY NOW!

wad a coincidence! get him the Canon EOS 40D or Nikon D40! hehehehe. he's 40 too! =p