New Camera or 2nd Hand

[Boogiean]

Hi
This is my first time posting on Club Snap and also my first time buying a digital SLR. My preferred brand is Canon. I'm pretty clueless :dunno:about buying a dslr as I'm new in photography. I will be using this camera to shoot mainly events and landscapes. I read from the website that 1000D is light and suitable for a girl. I am on a budget :sweatf not more than $1,200. It will be better if it can be as lower than that.

Here are the options that I have.
1) 1000D kit (new)
2) 450D kit (new)
3) 400D + lens (2nd hand)
4) 300D + lens (2nd hand)

If I were to buy a 2nd hand camera, what are the things should I be looking out for?

Hope someone can help me.

 

[ptwong]

have you used a dslr before? If you have not, borrow one from a fren and spend time shooting with it. See if you like it.
400d is small in size and good for ladies' handhold.
Word of advice, keep to your budget

 

[Benpattern]

I think probably u should first check the following information first before you decide to buy any particular used camera:-

1. Shutter Count (Normally shutter life will be well over 50000 but it does depend wht model)
2. Whether or not the camera can accomadate u need (go to wesite such as dpreview to check out the details)
3. Personally I think lens is always more important than the camera...so if u r really on a budget I think u should probably look at what kind of combination (camera + lens) can you get with u budget...(My advise is spend more on lens...2 cents)

b

 

[Rashkae]

If you only want to look at Canon, then I suggest the 450D. The 1000D just feels too toy-like, doesn't inspire confidence in it's durability.

 

[Phygee]

Hi Boogiean! Welcome to Clubsnap. This forum has many useful resources and threads for everyone and many helpful members always ready to share their experience.

Just to share my buying experience : I'm a newbie too - just got my camera in May. Was just like you wondering what i should buy and whether i should get a new or 2nd hand... and like you, i was looking for a Canon (for me, no special reason why). As a learner, I wasn't sure how far i would take this hobby so after much thought, i decided to start slowly so i bought a 2nd hand 400D body (which had about 3 months warranty left) plus spare battery, SD card and 400D guide book from a nice bro on this forum. In fact, all my gear is 2nd hand. I spaced out my purchases... bought 2 other lenses (18-55mm lens & a 50mm f1.8 also from this forum! :thumbsup and ended up spending under $900 for everything. You find that there are always people ungrading.

I don't shoot everyday and i bought a DSLR so that i could explore taking some creative shots while travelling and during occasional events. As a pint-sized female, my 400D is managable to handle and travel with so no worries.

All the best with your purchase and hope to see some of your photos soon!

 

[checkers]

1000D is the smallest