How does an old DSLR compare

[Andrew1990]

I currently want to get into photography and perhaps make some side cash in a year or so after I have gotten better at it.

Currently I have a Fuji S700 DSLR-like camera. It takes decent pictures but I feel like I am missing out on the advanced features of a real DSLR.

I was just wondering how my Fuji compares to older model DSLRs like the Cannon 10D and similar. I can not afford to spend $400-500 on a new DSLR and would like to keep it under $200 even if I must buy used or refurbished.


Also, what should I be looking for in terms of condition? Is there an easy way of determining a camera is at the end of its life?

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Originally posted by: Andrew1990
I currently want to get into photography and perhaps make some side cash in a year or so after I have gotten better at it.

Currently I have a Fuji S700 DSLR-like camera. It takes decent pictures but I feel like I am missing out on the advanced features of a real DSLR.

I was just wondering how my Fuji compares to older model DSLRs like the Cannon 10D and similar. I can not afford to spend $400-500 on a new DSLR and would like to keep it under $200 even if I must buy used or refurbished.


Also, what should I be looking for in terms of condition? Is there an easy way of determining a camera is at the end of its life?

Canon 10D would mop the floor with the Fuji S700.

The real expense for you will be purchasing lenses.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Even older DSLR cameras will easily outperform the S700 in many situations. In fact, about the only situations where a DSLR isn't better are situations where you want to be able to stuff the camera in your pocket.

Be aware, however, that most DSLRs are initially set up to require post-processing so the default settings will not yield images that have as much "pop" as the images from most point and shoot cameras. You can adjust the DSL'Rs settings to achieve this, but this is something that has thrown people off in the past.

ZV

 

[Andrew1990]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Even older DSLR cameras will easily outperform the S700 in many situations. In fact, about the only situations where a DSLR isn't better are situations where you want to be able to stuff the camera in your pocket.

Be aware, however, that most DSLRs are initially set up to require post-processing so the default settings will not yield images that have as much "pop" as the images from most point and shoot cameras. You can adjust the DSL'Rs settings to achieve this, but this is something that has thrown people off in the past.

ZV

Well the S700 allows me to change a few things in manual mode and I am enjoying seeing what does what.

Do you have any recommendations for a cheap DSLR, even if it is years past its prime? Also, is there a standard piece of glass you would recommend for the first timers?

 

[jpeyton]

What is your budget?

 

[Andrew1990]

$200 or less for both a body and lense. If that is too low I could save up a little but wouldnt want to spend over $350 used.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Originally posted by: Andrew1990
$200 or less for both a body and lense. If that is too low I could save up a little but wouldnt want to spend over $350 used.

Damn, I just sold my Pentax K100D w/2 lenses for $365. I would have been happy to sell for a little less to a fellow ATer.

You have a really tight budget. Have you checked out Craigslist? Maybe someone will be looking to dump his Nikon D40 or similar for under $300.

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: Andrew1990
$200 or less for both a body and lense. If that is too low I could save up a little but wouldnt want to spend over $350 used.

Canon Rebel/Rebel XTs sell at the forums over at Photography-on-the.net for $200-300 with a cheap lens. Sometimes you will even find Rebel XTi bodies (which aren't that old) for sale for under $300.

Canon 10D is another good choice in the ~$200 range, but be aware that you cannot fit Canon EF-S lenses to it (all other EF lenses are fine).

Alternatively you can look into Nikon D50/D70s. I found a D70 with the excellent 50mm f/1.8 D lens for $300 last year.

You could look into Olympus/Pentax/Sony, etc also; they make some great cameras with great features, but I would recommend sticking with Canon/Nikon because the used market for lenses is much greater (and the selection of lenses as well, esp. for Canon).