Can someone advise me pls about Dslr cameras and lenses. Especially Sony.

[VivaLeBeaver]

Dd wants to start gcse photography and I've been thinking about getting her a dslr camera.

I've seen the Nikon 3100 recommended and had been thinking about getting that. I've got some of my dads really old slr cameras and lenses which are mainly Nikon. However I don't think they're AF. I know that as dd gets more proficient they may be of use but I imagine that been a slightly lazy teenager she'll prefer aF when possible so not convinced she'll use them.

I've also found a Minolta slr. It's a dynax 404si with a 35-80 af lens. Have also found a Minolta af 70-210 lens. Now these lenses I think will fit a Sony Dslr. Would they work in auto mode?

Can anyone recommend any Sony dslrs which would be compatible with the lenses for approx £200-£250. Am happy to go second hand. Would prefer for camera to be as light weight as possible.

Or are Sony cameras not as good as the Nikon. If I'm better off scrapping the dynax lenses and starting from scratch with Nikon I can do.

I'm no expert just a BCM (big camera mum).

usually the debate is between Nikon and canon, with everybody generally happy with their choices (largely I suspect because they are quite expensive and so people can be defensive of their choices)

I found the best thing to do was actually handle the cameras and see which felt right for me. I went for Nikon and have had no problems.

as for the old lenses, they won't have the motor for AF like you say which is a bit of a pain tbh for general photography.

Thanks. So will even the Minolta af lenses not have a motor?

I've seen on YouTube a video someones made using the Minolta lens and a modern Sony dslr (but an all singing model) and it seems to be focusing in video mode ok.

crikey, I don't know. I know I ventured onto a DSLR forum for advice. a bit intimidating but got the answers.

Thanks, will find a photography forum and ask there.

Nikon or canon
Refurb or second hand
Af lens are good
Would look at entry d40x (discontinued but would pick up second hand) with 18-55 mm 18-200mm or fixed 50mm lens

Thanks. Just seems a shame to have to buy more lenses.

But I guess I can sell my Minolta ones and use the money to get second hand whatever brand ones.

Amateur photography forum folks have suggested I look at compact system cameras. I swear my head will explode! I've never heard of them till a coup,e of days ago and can't work out if single lens CSCs are better or interchangeable lens ones. Whether or not I really want one of these for dd rather than an slr. Think we might go to Jessops tomorrow so she can handle both and see what she reckons.