I want to get the cheapest DSLR I can find

[firewolfsm]

I've always wanted a more professional camera as I travel a lot and it seems like everything I shoot with my 3 year old compact is a missed opportunity. I really don't have much to spend on it so refurbished or slightly used is ok as long as I can be sure the lens quality is still good.

I'm having trouble deciding between a 15-55 or a 28-90 lens. If the 28-90 can still do well at taking landscape shots I think I'll get that. I also want to try macro shots but if that needs a different lens it'll have to wait. I'm hoping the price can get close to $300 for a body w/ lens but that's probably wishful thinking.

Aperture width is also very important to me but with little money I realize I can't be too picky.

Any help would be very appreciated. Places to buy from, cameras to buy, etc. I'm looking at the Rebel XT as it's an older model and costs less now.

 

[Fardringle]

I can't speak for sharpness or picture quality of the lenses because I haven't used either one, but if the 15-55 you mentioned is the new Canon IS kit lens, I have heard it takes nice pictures.

Personally, I wouldn't want the 28-90 unless you are also going to get a very wide angle lens (say 12-20mm) to go with it or if you really don't care about wide angle shots. You mention doing landscape photos, and you generally want a pretty wide angle of view for landscapes. For reference, on a 1.5x crop factor camera like the entry level Canon DSLRs, you will get equivalent wide angle focal lengths of 22.5 mm on the 15-55 lens and 42 mm on the 28-80 lens. When you look at the gallery and understand that the 15-55 will be slightly larger than my 23.8mm shot, and the 28-80 will be a bit narrower than my 36mm shot, you'll get a pretty good idea of the differences you'll see with the two lenses you mentioned. (click on the thumbnails to see larger images)


wide angle comparison

 

[firewolfsm]

Thanks, that gallery really helped, I guess I'll stick with the standard kit lens. If I get the Rebel XT which is a dated model, I don't think it'll come with the new lens you mentioned though.

I found this Rebel XT with 18-55 for $420, but it comes with a tripod, case, and 1GB card.

http://www.fotoconnection.com/...ebel-xt-package-2.html

Also, a Nikon D40 with a similar lens for the same price but from a less reputable seller. This camera seems better in most aspects but it's only 6MP.

http://www.taaffephoto.com/ite...ail.php?item_id=114406

 

[touchmyichi]

used is the only way to go if you want the cheapest! Try craigslist, photography-on-the-net, or pentaxforums and look for their used ones.

Look for these-
Pentax- K100D, K110D, *ist DL, *ist DS- Seen all of these in the 200ish range
Nikon- D70- these go for really cheap!

 

[ultimatebob]

I'll bet that you could get an original used Canon Digital Rebel with a lens for under $300 easily. The Rebel XT with a lens is still going to be around $425, though.

The original EF-S 18-55 kit lens was pretty lame... get a better lens if possible.

 

[firewolfsm]

edit

 

[firewolfsm]

BUMP, Sorry for this but I've narrowed it down to either a

new Rebel XT with the kit lens, a tripod, case, and 1GB CF card

used Olympus E-500 with a 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/3.5-4.5 Zuiko Lens and 4GB CF card

both cost $425, if you know of anything in the range or lower I might get that.

 

[compman25]

A lot of people don't like eCost, but I picked up a new Nikon d40 kit from them for $399. Now they have this D40 for $403 with lens. And they sell SD cards for like $4. I'd buy from eCost again.

 

[soydios]

Nikon D50 used. End of story. It's a better camera than the D40 in all photography-related respects.

 

[Heidfirst]

considered a Sony A200?

 

[twistedlogic]

Originally posted by: soydios
Nikon D50 used. End of story. It's a better camera than the D40 in all photography-related respects.

Problem is there are very few new D50s on the market. I don't know about the OP, but making a big investment into a DSLR I'd hate to end up with a used camera with dirt/dust already on the sensor. I guess it wouldn't be so bad if you could try before you buy, .

The D50 isn't better in all respects. I agree it would be a better investment if the OP were to use the extra features that the D50 holds over the D40. If he has no plans on buying any prime lenses or doing any remote flash photography, hes just carrying around extra useless weight.

The D40 does have some features that would make it more desirable over the D50. For example the 2.5" rear LCD screen, compared to the 2" on the D50. Not only is the screen bigger, its also brighter and has a higher resolution. The D40 also offers slightly better(more pop) image quality than the D50, ISO 3200, support for SDHC, 9 RAW buffer, and faster SD read and write. Plus the D40 has the option to do In-Camera processing for those who hate to PP there photos on a PC.

So the million dollar question is....... will the OP be buying any Prime fixed focal lenses??? If so they STAY AWAY from the D40 unless you want to manually focus.

 

[firewolfsm]

I don't think I'll be putting more money into this system than the initial buy, I'm not a pro photographer, just interested. I do like the idea of a 50mm prime lens for portraits as those lenses are small, cheap, and usually have the quality of more expensive lenses.

By the way, I'm about to buy the used E-500 w/ two lenses today if no one thinks that's a bad idea for $425.

 

[davesaudio]

pretty sure E410s are selling new here for 499 for the 2 lens kit . 599 gets you the E510

 

[ghostman]

Fotoconnection does not seem reputable at all: http://www.resellerratings.com/store/FotoConnection_1

 

[firewolfsm]

Ugh...I picked up this camera from him, I don't think the focus ring works at all, I'm in MF mode too. Also, the aperture setting can't be changed no matter what I do, it stays on auto in every mode. It doesn't even display the value, just -.-

I updated the firmware and reset it, and tried both lenses, nothing seems to work.

 

[twistedlogic]

Originally posted by: firewolfsm
I updated the firmware and reset it, and tried both lenses, nothing seems to work.

Would he not let your try the camera before you bought it? Is it too late to take it back?

Have you taken any pictures and uploaded them yet? By looking at the exif data from a photo you can tell what aperture they where taken with. See if it changes at all or see if the aperture is stuck. Hard to believe the problem would be on both lenses. Must be the body.

good luck

 

[episodic]

If you get Olympus - get the 14-42 lens instead of the 14-45. Google reviews.