'Cheap' Digital SLR? HELP!

**JeffreyJim** · 12-13-2006, 03:40 PM

Just like it says, I'm sick and tired of the lag that standard digis have so I'm looking to get a digital SLR. I really don't have the money to do this but what the hell, that's what 0 percent 24 months is for right?

Nixon has an offering at about 600 bucks, Olympus has their cheaper model....

I am a photo jong but it's something I think I'll have fun learning about and getting into.

Edit: Woh. I just realized I wrote "Nixon"...can you tell my backround? (hint, who made a bike part by that name)

**cj001f** · 12-13-2006, 03:46 PM

Don't buy a cheap SLR.

**JeffreyJim** · 12-13-2006, 03:54 PM

okay, why?

**The Kids Are Alright** · 12-13-2006, 03:55 PM

start here he knows what hes talking about. I went with the D50 bc of price, and i couldnt ask for a better camera. Good luck, oh and...

SEARCH FUNTION JONG!!

**JeffreyJim** · 12-13-2006, 04:00 PM

I did search, but thanks, that's exactly what I'm looking for.

**The Kids Are Alright** · 12-13-2006, 04:01 PM

that site does really kick a serious amount of ass. Great reference, and has helped me with countless questions that ive had

advres · 12-13-2006, 04:02 PM

I got a Nikon D50 too. It seemed the price was right compared to feature functions. I could have gone with a better one but it wouldve been too much camera.

Check dpreview out. They have a knowledgable staff and write nice, non-biased reviews of most popular cameras and even head-to-heads.

**The Kids Are Alright** · 12-13-2006, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by advres

I got a Nikon D50 too. It seemed the price was right compared to feature functions. I could have gone with a better one but it wouldve been too much camera.

Check dpreview out. They have a knowledgable staff and write nice, non-biased reviews of most popular cameras and even head-to-heads.

2nd that. also a great site that i used when deciding on my purchase

**summit** · 12-13-2006, 04:16 PM

I have an awesome EOS 3 with a BPE2 adaptor I'll sell for cheap

**cj001f** · 12-13-2006, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by JeffreyJim

okay, why?

Why? Because to get good things out of it you'll need to spend more money. You don't have more money. Delay the gratification; there will be something better out next year, and what you wanted this year will be cheaper.

**summit** · 12-13-2006, 04:27 PM

A cheap camera takes better pictures than no camera at all. A "cheap" digial SLR provides decent quality for the average user who never really prints much beyond 4x6 and the occaisional 8x10.

I believe Canon Digital Rebels (300D) can be had in the $500-$700 range. If the camera meets your needs, the price is nice.

NOw the real question is, do you have enough money to buy good lenses for your cheap camera? You better have another $200-$400 at least. If not, do like cj said and wait.

Any camera + shitty lens = suck

**Tri-Ungulate** · 12-13-2006, 05:06 PM

Any folks looking into the Pentax K100D? I imagine good used Pentax lenses could be found for somewhat reasonable prices. If I were stepping up to a "beginner" dSLR I figured it might not be a bad place to start.

**JeffreyJim** · 12-13-2006, 05:59 PM

I should have clarified why I want a camera at all...

1)Currently, I own no digital camera, no camera...(besides a GL1 vid camera)

2)Coming from a pro mtn bike backround I was surrounded by photo dudes and I feel like I'd really enjoy learning something new. I want a camera that I can grow into

3) Lag time annoys the shit out of me

4) An SLR will be better suited for action than most standard digis

5) 600 dollars into an SLR is a better investment for the long term than 600 dollars into a standard 10 megapixle guy that fits in my pocket.

I REALLY just want some pictures I can look back on and remember cool parts of my life...not to publish photos or really make it my number one passion.

**MrDirt** · 12-13-2006, 06:25 PM

BUY a cheap SLR ($600-1000). Don't buy cheap lenses.

**yesIsaidyes** · 12-13-2006, 06:31 PM

Check out the Nikon D40 - now THAT is cheap. Stick with Nikon or Canon - you are more likely to find good used lenses for cheap.

**yesIsaidyes** · 12-13-2006, 07:13 PM

Actually, based on this review:http://www.dpreview.com/articles/nikond40/, I would skip the D40 (no auto focus for standard Nikor lenses)...

**cj001f** · 12-13-2006, 07:58 PM

If you've only $600 all in, get one of the higher end P&S cameras. I believe some of the Canons come with full manual capability, and they are capable of some very good pictures if used well.

Originally Posted by yesIsaidyes

I would skip the D40 (no auto focus for standard Nikor lenses)...

No autofocus on older Nikon AutoFocus lenses - the newer (i.e. more expensive) AF-S & AF-I lenses will work fine (the D40 doesn't have a focusing motor, so all lenses need to have a focusing motor such as a SWM built in). Lighter weight, cheaper and smaller - just depends what you want. For some people that's worth the tradeoff.

**summit** · 12-13-2006, 11:08 PM

I agree with CJ... if you only have $600, get a Canon G7... or...

Or if you really want good results for action, get a Canon 35mm SLR and a good lens or two, then when you have enough money for a DSLR, get the DSLR and you already have some lenses. $600 budget gets you a Canon A2 (EOS 5) + 28-105 USM + 50 1.8 gives you 5fps and good lenses and $150 left over for film and processing.

**deeppo** · 12-13-2006, 11:37 PM

I have a friend whos selling his d50. PM me if your interested
Deeppowder

**squirrelmurphy** · 12-13-2006, 11:42 PM

^^ is that best camera prices site legit? crazy prices...

**yesIsaidyes** · 12-14-2006, 12:01 AM

Originally Posted by squirrelmurphy

^^ is that best camera prices site legit? crazy prices...

No, absolutely not. But it's within 20-30%.

**JeffreyJim** · 12-14-2006, 08:22 AM

I'm going with the Canon EOS 350d. Just because it's such a good price I'm going with the kit. (lens/body) Pick up other lenses down the line....

**JeffreyJim** · 12-15-2006, 10:54 AM

Picked up the camera today, very happy with. Thanks for the suggustions.

**ColMan** · 12-15-2006, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by squirrelmurphy

^^ is that best camera prices site legit? crazy prices...

It's a scam: http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Infiniti_Photo_3

I also ran into a scam last night involving www.expresscameras.com when I ordered a Canon Rebel XT for $279. Should have known the price was too good to be true.

**SnowToad** · 12-15-2006, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by ColMan

It's a scam: http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Infiniti_Photo_3

I also ran into a scam last night involving www.expresscameras.com when I ordered a Canon Rebel XT for $279. Should have known the price was too good to be true.

This once again confirms the old saying "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."