Used DSLR for a Noob

[Sesame]

Hi Guys,

I'm looking to buy my 1st DSLR and have been told that USED may be a good option to go for.

Was wondering what peoples views are on
- 2nd hand equipment
- where are the best places to buy
- which cameras are best suited for the beginner

I must admit I have preferred the feel of a Nikon to a Canon since I have been looking,
but having said that I haven't held any of the cameras listed in the poll.

Hoping you can help.

Thanks,

Sesame

 

[Yardbent]

budget and USAGE is a BIG factor here

I started with a D40..sold 18-55 kit lens.....got 17-70 Sigma = landscapes

6months later traded up to a D5000
added 55-200VR...now saving for a 35mm AF-S 1.8 = indoors

if you're into landscapes or fast action motor sports you will need a different camera/ lens combination ......so

budget..?
interests..?
future expenditure..?

 

[Roland200]

I would definitely go used, you get much more for your money that way
A couple of my friends who are beginners have got the D40 and they have taken some really impressive shots. The kit lenses are really sharp too, you will just have to make sure that you buy AFS lenses as the body has no autofocus motor.
Type 'Nikon D40 Ken Rockwell' in Google and read his review of the camera.
You should get one for around £200 with the 18-55mm lens.

 

[Sesame]

budget and USAGE is a BIG factor here....

budget..?
interests..?
future expenditure..?

Thanks for taking the time to reply to my thread

Budget - £500
Interests - Sport, Portrait - Family incl. Kids, Landscapes...a bit of everything.
Future - Once I've learnt the basics the sky is the limit (Full Frame)

Sesame

 

[Sesame]

.....you will just have to make sure that you buy AFS lenses as the body has no autofocus motor....

Type 'Nikon D40 Ken Rockwell' in Google and read his review of the camera.
You should get one for around £200 with the 18-55mm lens.

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my thread.


The above are the kind of nuggets I'm trying to learn in here.
Do you know which of the others have a body motor?

Sesame

 

[neoboy]

How about Canon XXD series? I prefer the feel of them a lot more to XXXD ones. Also seen a few Pentax bargains lately, might be worth checking them out.

 

[Flash In The Pan]

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my thread.


The above are the kind of nuggets I'm trying to learn in here.
Do you know which of the others have a body motor?

Sesame

It's only with the Nikons that you have the motor/no motor issue - the D70 and D80 are the ones in your list with a built-in motor. You could also add the D50 and D70s. All of the Nikons, except the D80, should be available for comfortably under £200 for a body only, the D80 perhaps £250-300 for a really nice one.

 

[Sesame]

I've just been told that DSLR cameras have a number of photos life...
Is this true?
I've been told that this varied between 100,000 to 250,000 shots depending on the model.

 

[dinners]

I've just been told that DSLR cameras have a number of photos life...
Is this true?
I've been told that this varied between 100,000 to 250,000 shots depending on the model.

It's like miles on a car Sesame or life expectancy - over the years different models form an average shutter actuation life span however some examples pack up early - others keep going.

I wouldn't get too hung up on it but when buying used - it's good to try and get the shutter count.

 

[Flash In The Pan]

I've just been told that DSLR cameras have a number of photos life...
Is this true?
I've been told that this varied between 100,000 to 250,000 shots depending on the model.

Yes and no - it's not as if the camera will suddenly switch off at 100,000 shots, it's just a rough estimate. One camera may do 300,000 shots without problem whilst an identical one might only take 100 before dying, average them all out and you get the quoted 100,000.

Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it, but if you do then buy new - there are always bargains to be had if you do your homework....

 

[Sesame]

.....there are always bargains to be had if you do your homework....

Where exactly ???

 

[Flash In The Pan]

Where exactly ???

If you're prepared to buy a just-replaced model, such as the Nikon D3000 you can sometimes find retailers that still have them in stock at "to clear" prices - Camera Price Buster is a good place to start looking for new kit.

For used cameras the sales fora here on TP can be a great place to find a bargain. Another option is to buy a manufacturer-refurbished camera, Jessops and several other reputable dealers often have these at up to £100 less than the cost of a similar new camera.

 

[Dave *]

How about Canon XXD series?

I would agree, a mint 20d or perhaps even a 30d could be found around £200. Under £500 anything up to a 40d could be had.

 

[Sesame]

I've seen a used D50 going quite cheap.

As this has a built in motor do we feel this would be OK to start with and learn about digital photography?

& a D70s too.

I'm trying to find which one would be better....opinions please..

 

[Scotty Pro]

I was in the same boat last week.

Looked at new and for around £450 there was a limited choice.

In the end I bought a mint Canon 40D with 3000 clicks for £350 delivered

ordered a 18-55 IS lens and am now looking for a longer zoom.

The 40D is head and shoulders above the entry level cams for around £500, I say buy used.

 

[lawrenceots]

D50 is a cracker - my first dslr, and one I'd gladly buy again if one comes up

 

[Sesame]

I just realised after further investigation that the camera name doesn't follow and therefore a lower model number may be a newer camera.

e.g D80 is older than a D60 (even though they are different user levels.

i.e.

Midrange (Consumer) - DX sensor

* Nikon D70, 28 January 2004
* Nikon D70S, 20 April 2005
* Nikon D80, 9 August 2006
* Nikon D90, 27 August 2008[38]
* Nikon D5000, 14 April 2009

Entry-level (Consumer) - DX sensor

* Nikon D50, 20 April 2005
* Nikon D40, 16 November 2006
* Nikon D40X, 6 March 2007
* Nikon D60, 29 January 2008
* Nikon D3000, 30 July 2009
* Nikon D3100, 19 August 2010

Taking this into account, could we say the D60 is a better unit for the beginner?
If, the motor-less body is ignored, but the inclusion of the Dust Reduction system?