Dslr for a newbie

No, that's reading too much into it - none of us here are making such specific personal recommendations. We're all talking about cameras in general in relation to a 'type' of photographer (be that a 'newbie' or 'the likes of' Alan & co). Michael above also referred to such things as lightness and range of colours ... is that not second guessing the needs of someone we don't know as well?

The viewfinder focus indicators are a feature that I believe are important in assessing focus, making focus choices and understanding how the camera is seeing a scene, for any photographer really, but a learning aid for sure.

K-R every time! Newer, focus points visible, feels nice to handle & use!

My first camera was K-R that I sold a few month ago ... and now, after reading all your suggestions, I will recommend to my friend to buy the "little" Pentak K-r.

Just picked up a K-r today for use as a second body. Great little camera and the ideal Pentax for a novice IMO.

Papa, what are some of the things about it that make it ideal for the novice?

I found a K-x (white) for my partner and a K-r for our son, sadly it was taken from him at gunpoint in Mexico recently - guess that says they are in demand!

Both are/were very happy with the cameras, she started with a film ME Super but both had mostly compact digital point and shoot experience. Their photos are excellent, so much better than anything they had taken with p & s, and they enjoy using a viewfinder. Son is now looking for a K-30 or K-50.

The advantage with these, (and the later K-30, K-50, and K-500) is that they offer full automation, scene settings, or full manual control which makes them easy to learn with but still good for snap shots. Best advice would be to try to find someone who will let your friend's daughter try it out.

If she is showing interest in photography, it's probably a good idea to spend less on the camera leaving something for lenses as Mark pointed out - there is always a good selection of inexpensive ones on ebay.

Congrats on thinking outside the box. I would have initially suggested a K-r at the start of this thread but we are assuming she wants a DSLR from the title!

I have recently got an MX-1 and think it could be worth asking the question. It has more portability and a good zoom range with it's purpose built lens. It takes great pics in the "do-it-all-for-you" green setting or you can go fully manual if feeling creative.

Probably worth asking a few more questions of the recipient

K-r if it's defo a DSLR, MX-1 if not.

The price.

but by making reference to a 'type' that's a pre-judgement. W

I don't believe there is a "type" of noobie. Some people new to photography could get to grips with the features of a Nikon D4 and some would have trouble with even the most basic point and shoot

Th OP asked for a recommendation for a camera around £250. There was no mention of lightness and range of colours.

I just don't think it's fair to second guess that just becuase it's someone's first camera they're intellectually limited in some way.

No need to read so much into it. A beginner has a lot to learn, so a camera that's straightforward to use will be very helpful in that early stage. It's not that anyone is intellectually limited, and indeed there was no suggestion made of that, it's more that they don't have any extensive knowledge yet.

Therefore, it's perfectly legitimate to put oneself in their shoes having been asked for a recommendation. And to explain the rationale behind it.

So please don't pick at people's innocent opinions and make them out to be something they are not.

Now, back to topic please.

OP, have you seen this complete kit for sale?
https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/fs--pentax-k-x-setup-48369

Thank you for info ...