Budget Used DSLR Advice

chrism_scotland

chrism_scotland

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Chris
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Sadly I'm having to sell up my A700 and 16-105 however I would like to be able to pickup another DSLR in the next few months once I can get some cash together.
However I expect to only be able to spend maybe £300 and having taken a look at the used DSLR's that pop up it seems that I would be better going for an older body, to keep myself with a camera, I guess its probably going to be Nikon or Canon if I want to buy something that is 2-3 years old for the price but can anyone reccomend a decent, cheap used DSLR?
 
For that price, Canon 1000d? Great starter DSLR. Also a canon 450d if you can find a good condition one around.
 
Not sure about the Nikon but im sure you could pick up a Canon 10/20/30D on ebay for that money.
 
You could get a film SLR, there are lots on ebay for peanuts. Get the pictures loaded on to CD and maybe get the best of both worlds.
 
I'vr had a play with some Nikon / Canon current models to get an idea on size, I had quite large hands so really need something with a larger body, an older Version of a Nikon D300 or D90, or probably the smallers Canon body would be an older 50D.

I had thought about film but I'm not really sure I have the patience to wait on getting photos developed!
 
I can't really advise about Nikon, because I'm a canon person, but...

Even in a few months, I doubt you'll get a 50D for £300! They are all over £500 body only, (I've just bought one in very good condition for £570). However, if you want the bigger body, maybe look into something like a 30D? Same size as the 50D, but a few years older, and will probably just fit in your budget. Or is the £300 to include lenses as well?

I'm upgrading from a 450D, I have big hands, and while it does feel quite small, have you tried it with a grip? It totally alters how the body feels!
 
Definitely go s/h, I'd suggest D70s or D100 or Canon wise maybe a D30? Yes its old but then you can get yourseldf a better lens. D100 is 2002s version of today's D300s. Pro build etc. Though aparantly not as sharp/fast as the D70/70s.
 
If you've got any A-mount lenses left or if you're thinking of coming back at a later date what about an old A100 or a KM5d. If you're interested I might be temped to let my KM5d go. It's probably older than you'd like but it had a new shutter mechanism last year.
 
I would not expect to get a Canon 50D I was only saying something like that!
If I though an extra bit of cash would make a big difference I may save longer, the Nikon D200 looks to be really good although its more cash again.
Ideally I want something that will have a decent low light performance and I know the older Sony's are not great in that respect,
 
Hmm, if it's low light performance you're after, you might find a newer body is better, even if it's from a lower range. Sorry to confuse the issue even more!
 
I've got big hands Chris and find the 40D lovely to handle....if you look around some deent 2nd hand ones sell for under £400 body only! The IS 18-55mm kit lens is way better than the sony kit lens and can be found for £60 ish....

It'll be worth saving that little extra!!:thumbs:
 
Slimbert said:
I've got big hands Chris and find the 40D lovely to handle....if you look around some deent 2nd hand ones sell for under £400 body only! The IS 18-55mm kit lens is way better than the sony kit lens and can be found for £60 ish....

It'll be worth saving that little extra!!:thumbs:
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Is the 40D the same size as the 50D Slimbert? I've had a shot of a 50D and felt it brilliant to hold and the same with the Nikon D300 so I guess a D200 would be similar.

I think I would be best to save up a bit longer and buy either a 40D or D200 tbh, make do with my camera phone for a month or two!!!!
 
chrism_scotland said:
Is the 40D the same size as the 50D Slimbert? I've had a shot of a 50D and felt it brilliant to hold and the same with the Nikon D300 so I guess a D200 would be similar.

I think I would be best to save up a bit longer and buy either a 40D or D200 tbh, make do with my camera phone for a month or two!!!!
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The 40D and 50D are exactly the same size...might be 1mm in it!!:thinking:

I honestly think that looking at 400D's etc would be too much of a drop in build quality for you...you'll be too used to the build quality of the A700. The 40D is a very well made camera, I doubt you'd be disapointed with it Chris!:thumbs:
 
Slimbert said:
The 40D and 50D are exactly the same size...might be 1mm in it!!:thinking:

I honestly think that looking at 400D's etc would be too much of a drop in build quality for you...you'll be too used to the build quality of the A700. The 40D is a very well made camera, I doubt you'd be disapointed with it Chris!:thumbs:
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Well I think thats what I'll aim for then, save enough for a 40D or 50D, I take it the 40/50D is the Canon equivalent to a Nikon D80/90?
 
chrism_scotland said:
Well I think thats what I'll aim for then, save enough for a 40D or 50D, I take it the 40/50D is the Canon equivalent to a Nikon D80/90?
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Ish...!! Similar money, but they beat each other in different areas. I think the D90 pips the 40D IQ wise....just.....but the build of the 40D is very impressive, not that the D90 is made from tin foil and gaffa tape...!!

I think it comes down to that thing of what feels right in the hand, and as a fellow sausage fingers, the 40D/50D is loads better. The Nikons just feel a little too fiddly for me....

As an old Sony user, I found the menu and screen layout of the Canon to be very similar which made things a lot easier too!!:thumbs:
 
Slimbert said:
Ish...!! Similar money, but they beat each other in different areas. I think the D90 pips the 40D IQ wise....just.....but the build of the 40D is very impressive, not that the D90 is made from tin foil and gaffa tape...!!

I think it comes down to that thing of what feels right in the hand, and as a fellow sausage fingers, the 40D/50D is loads better. The Nikons just feel a little too fiddly for me....

As an old Sony user, I found the menu and screen layout of the Canon to be very similar which made things a lot easier too!!:thumbs:
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Cheers mate, I certainly liked the size and feel of the 50D I had a play with, I almost went for a 50D when I bought my second A700 so a 40D would be a good choice for me when I can get some cash together.

Another thing, if looking for a general walkaround lens with a bit of width what should I be looking for?
 
chrism_scotland said:
Another thing, if looking for a general walkaround lens with a bit of width what should I be looking for?
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Define 'a bit of width'! If 17mm is enough, then look no further than the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8! Or would you prefer something a bit slower with greater range (sigma 17-70), or ultra-wide (something like a 10-20, or 10-22)?

Chris
 
Another thing to consider which will no doubt be of use to people who don't know what to look for (i.e myself and other newcomers to the hobby), what sort of things do you check when buying a used camera? Obviously visually inspecting it's external condition is one thing but is there anything else that should be taken into account?
 
Willenium said:
Another thing to consider which will no doubt be of use to people who don't know what to look for (i.e myself and other newcomers to the hobby), what sort of things do you check when buying a used camera? Obviously visually inspecting it's external condition is one thing but is there anything else that should be taken into account?
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Shutter count is the main one I guess....and who you buy off can be quite important too!! With warranties few and far between with second hand equipment, the sellers word is all you have to fall back on sometimes!!
 
17mm would do to start off with, when I got more cash I would want something wider, the Sigma 10-20 was always good on the Sony but is there any UWA available for Canon thats not available on Sony?

I would probably try and buy from here secondhand, everyone here seems to be very reputable!
 
chrism_scotland said:
the Sigma 10-20 was always good on the Sony but is there any UWA available for Canon thats not available on Sony?
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There's the Canon 10-22, which is obviously only available for Canon! It's considered just about the best ultra-wide angle lens for crop sensors (for canon anyway), but it has a price tag to go along with it!

The general consensus is that the Canon is better than the Sigma, but not proportionally to the price. New prices are Canon (£559.98) compared to the Sigma (£355.99), for only a little bit extra sharpness. If you can afford it, then fine, but if cash is short then the canon might not be worth the extra.

Chris
 
"There's the Canon 10-22, which is obviously only available for Canon! It's considered just about the best ultra-wide angle lens for crop sensors"

I'm not too sure about that. I had one and I sold it and got the much superior (IMHO) Sigma 12-24mm, which is also FF compatible so I can use it on my film body and keep on using it on digital if I go FF.
 
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