Planning to get a second-hand DSLR

[lil_princess]

Hi all, its been long since I wandered back into CS. Recently, I have been thinking of getting a DSLR. I have always been interested in photography, whether it is to be behind or infront of the lens. As it will be my first dslr, and being a student with a budget, I decided I should get a second-hand DSLR for now.

I am looking either into Canon or Nikon. I prefer something lightweight and small. I used DSLRs before, it gets pretty heavy after awhile. I know Canon 350D is rather light. Other than 350, are there any other Canon or Nikon models which I can consider?

Usually second-hand cams will come with kit lens, I suppose? Thats good enough for portrait shots? What about macro and far shots? What lens are needed?

I would appreciate suggestions and tips.
Thanks alot!!!

 

[azzurri]

Not so sure about Canon, but for Nikon, you might want to consider the D40, D40x, D50 or D60. They are all pretty small and light weight cameras. Note that apart from the D50, you can only auto focus using the AF-S or AF-I lenses, so that can be a bother if you intend to use lenses like the 50mm f1.8.

Not all second hand cameras come with lenses; it really depends on the seller. If you want a kit lens at an affordable lens, try looking for the Nikon 18-70mm f3.5-4.5 (D70(s) kit lens) or the 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 VR (D60 kit lens). Both should be a good starting point and the latter lens is really pretty light and compact.

For macro shots, you are probably better off buying a dedicated macro lens. For more affordable options, you can look for a used copy of the Nikon 60mm f2.8 or the Tamron 90mm f2.8.

 

[lil_princess]

Just to add, I am a newbie when it comes to DSLR. So the technical details will be foreign to me.

Also my budget is about 400-500 max.
Hope it is possible to get one at this price.

 

[Octarine]

What technical details are foreign? You can read here about the basics. For the rest just check with Wikipedia, Canon / Nikon Internet or ask here.
Canon 350D is lightweight, indeed. Lenses bundled in will depend on the seller. The kit lens can be used under good light conditions but don't expect too much. DOF is limited due to the small maximum aperture at 50mm. In addition, the kit lens needs stepping down to be really sharp.
Better have a look at the Tamron 17-50 in the B&S section, lots of offers there. Very sharp lens and constant aperture of 2.8 gives nice DOF control and more chances for low light usage.
Regarding budget .. check the B&S section so you can get a feeling for the price levels.

 

[TMC]

What is your fixed budget?

There are cheap D70 or D80 bodies around, some even bundle the kit lens with it. Those are pretty much value for money. I dunno about the canon side. Even the new D90 kit is under 1700 and it would be a good one to start out with.

 

[oTaRu]

canon and nikon dslr will be a good choice for you as when u plan to upgrade your lenses etc...

 

[swordman]

Just to add, I am a newbie when it comes to DSLR. So the technical details will be foreign to me.

Also my budget is about 400-500 max.
Hope it is possible to get one at this price.

I would suggest getting a 2nd hand canon 350D with kit lense. price ~ $400.

Light, small, great for beginners. No lenses restrictions which is a problem for nikon d40,d40x,d60.

 

[hamustar]

Just to add, I am a newbie when it comes to DSLR. So the technical details will be foreign to me.

Also my budget is about 400-500 max.
Hope it is possible to get one at this price.

May I suggest you try the Pentax K100D Super? The system should roughly agree with your budget, and it's not too backward a model as well. There's also a wide range of Pentax lenses to choose from, not too much that'll boggle your mind even before you can take a photograph. It's small, easy to use and uses AA batteries.

For a little more at abt $750-800, you can get a 2nd hand K10D which is a semi-pro body, weather sealed body and a TIPA award winner.

 

[dennisc]

Canon 350D is more than suffice in portraits. Check out the works at flickr using only kits and f1.8. Stunning, skill beats + presentation darn spiffy

 

[adiknaim]

May I suggest you try the Pentax K100D Super? The system should roughly agree with your budget, and it's not too backward a model as well. There's also a wide range of Pentax lenses to choose from, not too much that'll boggle your mind even before you can take a photograph. It's small, easy to use and uses AA batteries.

For a little more at abt $750-800, you can get a 2nd hand K10D which is a semi-pro body, weather sealed body and a TIPA award winner.

i am oso one who started off wif a Pentax K100D super.. great camera for a noob DSLR user... wif kit lens, u can get one set at abt $500 2nd hand... and pentax lens compatibility is :thumbsup: super old lenses oso can use...

 

[darrrrrrrrrr]

AF confirmation while using all manual focus lenses, even M42 lenses! No need to buy AF confirm chip, etc.

In-body Shake Reduction so you get a couple of stops worth of leeway with any lens you use.

Yet another K100D Super user who bought it as a first DSLR.

 

[lil_princess]

Sems like a few here who had K100D as their 1st DSLRs...
I felt that canon 350d is rather light, and not too bad for my pocket.
Of cos, I would prefer buying one as cheap as possible (that I can find), cos Im still a student.

Recently, I saw there is this pro-consumer by Canon, the latest one.
Seemed good. But not sure of the price.

Did most of you here jumped straight from a normal PnS cam to a DSLR?

 

[monsterants]

you can probably try getting a D40, saw some going at around 500..

 

[draeger]

Canon 350D is a good choice. That was my first DSLR and i loved it. You won't regret buying that camera.

 

[ombre]

I stand for 350D. Today, you shouldn't be looking at $400 for body or body + kit. $400 you should be expecting a body + grip. Wait around and check daily, you should be able to get $350-370 offers easily. Just got mine last week. =)

 

[ombre]

Let me just add, don't bother about the kit lens, you'll throw it right out the window =X Start with at least the 50mm F1.8 that goes for only about 120 brand new. But its just my opinion, others will think otherwise.

 

[adiknaim]

i tink kit lens is better.. coz at the user has a feel of a range of focal lengths... slowly then appreciate big aperture la... haha.. juz my opinion as well..

 

[Octarine]

i tink kit lens is better.. coz at the user has a feel of a range of focal lengths... slowly then appreciate big aperture la... haha.. juz my opinion as well..

I second that. No point getting a prime lens without knowing why (valid also for any other piece of equipment). Kit lens is a good start and once TS learns about the limitations then she can get other lenses because she knows exactly why. The best lens is useless if one doesn't know what to use it for.

 

[ombre]

I second that. No point getting a prime lens without knowing why (valid also for any other piece of equipment). Kit lens is a good start and once TS learns about the limitations then she can get other lenses because she knows exactly why. The best lens is useless if one doesn't know what to use it for.

I agree with that point, but I thought there are cheaper ways to go about that... I play with the kit lenses at Courts/Best to figure out the focal lengths. If you want to be mean to the sales man, you can use him as a "ruler" to position him and judge distances/angle needed. haha.

 

[Octarine]

If you want to be mean to the sales man, you can use him as a "ruler" to position him and judge distances/angle needed. haha.

Then go to MS Color and ask Florence or one of the other sales girls. Definitely a better choice then any grumpy uncle from Courts