Is it possible to buy a decent used digital slr for under 200?

[Arkitech]

or am I dreaming? any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

 

[angry hampster]

Not quite that low unless it's got problems. Your best bet would be a Canon Rebel XT for ~$250.

 

[ElFenix]

you're looking at something 6 or 7 years old if for that price on ebay. maybe you can find something on craigslist if you're quick to respond.

 

[Arkitech]

is it worth it to buy a camera 6-7 years old? I'm concerned about dust issues on a used camera

 

[corkyg]

Dust can be cleaned. 6-7 years old could be a worse performer than a new P&S camera. Look for an EOS 20D on E-bay and see what you can expect. The Rebel XT is an excellent suggestion. Assume you mean body only - sans glass?

 

[Arkitech]

Dust can be cleaned. 6-7 years old could be a worse performer than a new P&S camera. Look for an EOS 20D on E-bay and see what you can expect. The Rebel XT is an excellent suggestion. Assume you mean body only - sans glass?

lol, I'm so poor. I'm hoping for the body and at least one lens.

I might have to work out some kind of trade if I can find a willing person. Maybe I can repair a couple of laptops in exchange for a used camera.

 

[996GT2]

lol, I'm so poor. I'm hoping for the body and at least one lens.

I might have to work out some kind of trade if I can find a willing person. Maybe I can repair a couple of laptops in exchange for a used camera.

Canon Rebel (300D), Rebel XT (350D)
Canon EOS 10D, 20D
Nikon D100, D50, D70

All are good choices that can be found for around or under $250. All of them will perform better than your average $250 point and shoot camera in terms of image quality, especially in low light. All of these cameras are quite usable at ISO 800, some at 1600. While they are not as good as the most recent DSLRs, they are great ways to start off.

Forums (such as photography-on-the.net and fredmiranda) are good places to check for deals. I actually picked up a used (but excellent condition) 20D as a backup camera for $225 a few months ago, and the 20D is the most expensive of all of the cameras I listed above.

 

[996GT2]

Sorry double post

 

[Arkitech]

Canon Rebel (300D), Rebel XT (350D)
Canon EOS 10D, 20D
Nikon D100, D50, D70

All are good choices that can be found for around or under $250. All of them will perform better than your average $250 point and shoot camera in terms of image quality, especially in low light. All of these cameras are quite usable at ISO 800, some at 1600. While they are not as good as the most recent DSLRs, they are great ways to start off.

Forums (such as photography-on-the.net and fredmiranda) are good places to check for deals. I actually picked up a used (but excellent condition) 20D as a backup camera for $225 a few months ago, and the 20D is the most expensive of all of the cameras I listed above.

Thanks for the tips, I'll definitely check out those forums.

 

[MooseNSquirrel]

My d40 will be up for sale shortly, and it goes for about 200 on ebay these days.

And it still rocks.

 

[slashbinslashbash]

Another (still older) option on the Cannon side is the D30 and D60.... these pre-date the 10D. I actually sold a 10D for like $120 earlier this year (body only, no battery charger or any other accessories). Pretty much anything pre-dating the Rebel XT / 20D (so: 10D, D30, D60, Rebel) will be too annoying for a pro to use: the time to turn on, even from sleep, is several seconds. So their market is limited, even as a backup. Rebel XT and 20D (and all later Canon DSLR's) turn on in less than a second and are still used as backups by many.

You would have to search and wait patiently to get a body+lens setup for under $200, but it is definitely possible. And, if you don't mind the DSLR vs. P&S tradeoffs* then it will be well worth it.

*DSLR -'s: No video (for older DSLR's). Must look through the viewfinder to compose the photo, not the LCD screen. Significantly more size and weight.
DSLR +'s: Image quality much better. Autofocus much faster. High ISO (low light) performance much better. No shutter lag.

 

[basslover1]

My d40 will be up for sale shortly, and it goes for about 200 on ebay these days.

And it still rocks.

I sold my d40x locally + the kit lens for 300. Price was a bit high, but I sold it without issues. So yes, it's possible to find a used d40/d40x + lens in the 2-300 range.

 

[Arkitech]

thanks for all the suggestions guys, much appreciated. I can't wait to finally get my hands on a digital slr. In the meantime I'll just keep clicking with my 2000 Rebel. And honestly I still enjoy using it even though I have to wait forever before I get to see my shots. It's something so satisfying about looking for the right shot and then taking the time to get it framed just right and then finally taking the picture.