Quote Originally Posted by Andy Stringer View Post
  • Cheap film cameras might not offer the same range of focus points, focus tracking, exposure modes and other features that a cheap dSLR would provide.
These are not the basics. Composition, exposure, depth of field are basics. When I moved to digital I found exposure to be the most difficult. I found that film, with its better exposure latitude, looked good with a little over exposure. Also discovered I was not as good as I thought at nailing the exposure. To teach someone the basics with DSLR, make them operate it in manual with a hand held exposure meter. Maybe even make them focus manually. Most of the inexpensive DSLRs I have seen are not ergonomically set up to operate manually which can be frustrating. The Canon XXD models are pretty easy to use manually. You can pick up a canon 10D at KEH for $225. Get an FD to EOS adapter and your set.
The EXIF data really is very helpful. When I was learning on a Minolta SRT201, fully manual film camera, I had to carry a pad with me to write down my settings so when I looked at my shots I could better see what I did right and wrong.