I very much liked the newest episode, although it was a few months late to help me with my decision. I arrived at the same criteria that you suggested: Know your budget and take the camera in your hands and see if it fits. I started out doing my research and trying to decide which camp (Canon or Nikon) I wanted to join, but all that changed when I first took all the contenders in my hands. Both the Canon 450D and the Nikon D80 were rather puny in my hands and the latter too expensive. I own a film SLR and a couple of Pentax K-mount lenses, so I looked into the Pentax DSLRs … and ended up with one that uses my favorite manual 50mm lens.

I also often get asked by people what camera they should buy. I agree that the first question you should ask is what do you like to photograph. After that though you may need to ask if they already have an old film SLR. In this case it will tend to push me toward suggesting they stay with the company they know, especially if the old lenses are compatible.

Thanks again for an interesting show.