I'm looking to purchase my first DSLR. I have a friend with a ton of surplus Canon lenses, that he'd be willing to sell for quite cheap, so I'm looking for a (probably used) lower level canon dslr.

List of possibilities:
EOS 350D (Rebel XT)
EOS 400D (Rebel XTi)
EOS 450 (Xsi)
EOS 500D ( T1i)
40D
50D
Nikon D40
I don't want to spend over like 350 for the body. Where should I look for cameras. Craigslist? Ebay, amazon? Also do you guys own any of these/have any input?

AyeH

United States534 Posts

September 16 2010 01:30 GMT

are you looking to buy a used one? most decent bodies still cost well over 500 last time i checked. i have a t1i and got the kit lens (have more lenses as well) and it works really well.

Froadac

United States6733 Posts

September 16 2010 01:39 GMT

On September 16 2010 10:30 Dr3w wrote:
are you looking to buy a used one? most decent bodies still cost well over 500 last time i checked. i have a t1i and got the kit lens (have more lenses as well) and it works really well.

Yeah, looking used. I'll spend what I need to though...

konadora

Singapore66357 Posts

September 16 2010 01:54 GMT

Depends on what you might be using mostly for. If it's just outdoor shoots, XTi does the job fine (I own one too). However, if you are willing to spend a bit more and get better quality images + video recording function + better indoor shots (XTi has terrible noise control, especially at ISO1600), I recommend getting the T1i. 50D is obviously better but for a beginner, the 500D/T1i does all you need.

apm66

Canada943 Posts

September 16 2010 02:13 GMT

From personal experience ( I have been doing photography since 2004 and now use a 40D + 5Dmk2 and do photography for a living by shooting bands/portraits/weddings ), my first dslr was the rebel xt. I found it absolutely amazing, until I had my hands on the 40D.

XT
I will always cherish the XT as my first dslr, but it was seriosuly crap ( once i grew out of it ). The viewfinder is awfully small (you'll be spending more time squinting), and considering the fact it's pretty old, it's ISO is really bad ( but ok for a consumer-level dslr ) -- starting at ISO640.

XTI/XSI
No hands on experience with any of them, but I believe one of them use SD card instead of CF cards. If you're gonna get that make sure you think longterm, because, eventually, you will decide to upgrade, and all other Canon dSLR offers only CF card.

40D
Excellent semi-pro level camera.
it's LCD screen is pretty crappy compared to the 50D, but the ISO is slightly better than the 50D. But hey! the LCD screen should be the least of your concerns because you should be spending more time shooting, and less reviewing.

50D
Not really worth it. The only major upgrade they did to it was the LCD screen. The rest is practically the same as the 40D. Same features, etc.

PS. Personally, you should go in a store and try your hands on various dslr and to see what fits you best. Test them over a few days or even weeks if you have to, because most people jump in too quick.

My taste ≠ your taste.

Froadac

United States6733 Posts

September 16 2010 02:28 GMT

Gracias :D

lac29

United States1485 Posts

September 16 2010 02:34 GMT

My dad got a 40D and is happy with it.

iceburn

United States303 Posts

September 16 2010 02:34 GMT

for 350 you won't get beyond the xt/xti/xs.

lens are what make the shot. i promise you don't go for the crap lenses. i see pro's work all the time with older bodies but their lenses are always high end.

personally if you can get a xti for 350 or less do it, the xs is meh. also compact flash cards are what are you used in the xt/xti/40d/50d the rest are sd cards

good places to look for used is on fredmiranda or photo.net used sell forum. way better than ebay imo.

linky

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/board/10

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=14

or do it big go 7D or 1dm4

I personally don't see a use for the 5dm2 unless you really need the full frame.

benjammin

United States2728 Posts

September 16 2010 02:40 GMT

nikon for life! a used D40 is a better deal than anything listed, in my opinion

Froadac

United States6733 Posts

September 16 2010 02:45 GMT

#10

On September 16 2010 11:40 benjammin wrote:
nikon for life! a used D40 is a better deal than anything listed, in my opinion

Explain. I"m fine with nikon if it's a great deal. I'm just thinking that becausem y friend has an epic 18-200, as well as a 18-55 he's willing to sell me... Still, go ahead and praise the D40 and convince me :D

apm66

Canada943 Posts

September 16 2010 02:57 GMT

#11

D40 might go for cheap, but obv, you get what you pay for.

a176

Canada6688 Posts

September 16 2010 03:04 GMT

#12

the 18-200 from both canon and nikon are pretty bad. they have poor sharpness, are big and heavy, and are way overpriced. consider starting with 18-55 + 55-200 (or other similar zoom) as a starter.

i think craigslist would be a good place to start for used camera gear, alot of photographers post on there. you also can meet the person/see the gear before you buy it.

as far as brand, at this level, you cannot go wrong with most manufacturers. sony, nikon, canon, olympus, pentax, they all have good entry level cameras.

though, newer entry level cameras come with video capability, such as the T1i/D5000. the more popular brands like nikon and canon, you'll find alot more used deals for them just because more people buy them.

i think you should hop onto ebay, do some quick research as to what people are paying for bodies, then search of CG for local deals for that pricing.

Froadac

United States6733 Posts

September 16 2010 03:21 GMT

#13

The reason I"m trying to stay with canon/nikon is that they have the best lens compatibility, if at some later time I want to upgrade.

Anyone have other thoughts, or thoughts on lenses/cost benefit ratio.

Or thoughts on the nikon d40?

pikaaarrr :3

United States593 Posts

September 16 2010 03:52 GMT

#14

20D and 30D from canon are also great starter cameras. Invest in lenses, not bodies, however. I'd get a "crap" body like any of those you listed or the 20/30D and spend the extra few hundred on lenses. There are lots of good sites around where you can find reviews on which lenses are good. I'd start with a 50/1.8.

TheMunkey

Canada470 Posts

September 16 2010 04:01 GMT

#15

Not to steal the op's thunder, but what do you guys think of the a33 by sony?

I think it just came out recently so im not sure if anyone is familiar but i have my doubts as Sony is not really known for their cameras. was it a good buy?

Taku

Canada2036 Posts

September 16 2010 04:02 GMT

#16

Isn't the 60D coming out soon? Wait out a bit and you might be able to get a better deal from people upgrading? (even though the 60D is *so not worth it and I lol at people who upgrade to it)

phosphorylation

United States2935 Posts

September 16 2010 04:06 GMT

#17

I would say get a used Xti or Xs (1000D). I really don't think the Canon 10X "pro" series are worth the money or heft. The only real upgrade is to the 5-series or the 1-series imo.

If you are willing to look outside mainstream, I also think Pentax k10d or Samsung gx-10(which is identical) is good choice.

I like shopping on ebay or craiglist. You can also try photo forums like fredmiranda, photo.net, pentaxforums etc.

Froadac

United States6733 Posts

September 16 2010 04:27 GMT

#18

I refused to get he 1000d lol. Such a fail camera (in build that is, it seems really chincy when I've dealt with it)

phosphorylation

United States2935 Posts

September 16 2010 04:28 GMT

#19

The build is identical to all rebel series. Otherwise, your only option (at least in canon) is to get a 10D or 20D, but I would rather really get a newer Rebel. Trust me, they are better built than they feel.

TimmyMac

Canada499 Posts

September 16 2010 04:31 GMT

#20

Pentax is making the best consumer level DSLRs right now. Obviously the Canon and Nikon full frame bodies and semi-pro stuff like D7000 and 7D are a huge step up. But, if you have access to Canon lenses, pick up a second hand Rebel XSi or something with no lens and have at 'er.

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