Pentax ZX-50

One of the cheapest autofocus compact SLR available.It is well built, layout of the various controls are easy to reach without removing your eye from the view finder. With Pentax FA lenses the autofocus is fast (though a bit noisy) and reliable. Focus lock facility is available.The metering system based on two zones is okay, except in a very contrasty situation. Film loading, winding and rewinding are smooth and rarely fails. Automatic exposure modes are useful, though one may stop using them after the beginner's phase. Aperture and shutter-speed priority modes are perhaps the most useful. Complete manual override is also possible. The view finder is a little bit dark, but contains almost all information a photographer needs.In short, a very useful camera for the beginners intermediates.