On Sun, 25 Mar 2001, Ralf Engelmann wrote:
> As far as the cameras are concerned, I would recommend the Pentax
> MZ-5N/ZX-5N and the Nikon F/N65. Both cameras offer everything needed
> for serious photography, and avoid the omissions of Canon and Minoltas
> entry offers.
Except that the F65 does not let you override the film speed (unless you
mess about with exposure compensation) and does not give you control over
your metering modes, IIRC. The ability to select spot metering (or at
least partial, like the MZ-5n has) is very important, IMO, especially for
a beginner who wants to go beyond the multi-pattern averaging that is so
common nowadays. The F80 would be a better choice or that, and gives her
a few other toys as well, including an easier method of selecting focus
points quickly.
But it all depends on what she prefers. The MZ-5n's retro layout isn't
for everyone, and she might love it or find it awkward to use. Let her
play with a few different models to see which she prefers. I agree with
Ralf that the MZ-5n is a good Pentax model to suggest, as the MZ-7 doesn't
offer enough upper-end features for someone looking to go further with
photography, IMO. The Elan 7 (Canon) is also a good camera to look at and
compare to the others. That being said, there's nothing wrong with
starting off with an MZ-7 or F65 and then upgrading once you start to miss
the features they didn't include. However, if she wants to just buy the
one body now and be done with it, get a good one from the start.
chris
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