Please recommend a good USED SLR

[dud]

I am not necessarily new to Digital Photography as I have been using a dig camera since 1995 ... but not an SLR. I have been wanting to get into (somewhat) experimental digital photography. My interests are in general picture taking (would like a LOT of manual setting capability), possible light video and I would love to focus (no pun intended) on some time-lapse work.

As in most things digital cameras depreciate over time. If you were wanting to get a good, used digital camera with these capabilities ... what would you get? Assume that you are able to buy the used camera from a reputable person and camera can be found in great shape. My budget is $400.

Thank you ...

 

[jpeyton]

Being a self-proclaimed expert on the used camera equipment market, I can tell you that your mileage may greatly vary depending on the used market in your area. I see incredibly hot deals on Craigslist from time to time, but you have to check often and be ready to pounce.

Since you want video, that knocks out quite a few older models.

The Nikon D5000 is Nikon's least expensive camera that shoots video. Not only is it an awesome still camera with great high-ISO quality, but it's good enough for light video work (it takes 720p24 video in MJPEG format, which is easy to play and edit, but not adequate enough for pro-video). Additionally, Nikon has a built-in interval timer on the camera so you can do time-lapse photography without purchasing a timer-remote accessory. It's more than your budget, but fits your needs quite nicely, and you might even find one used on Craigslist for cheap (I've seen them under $500 for the kit) if you're vigilant about looking (set up an RSS feed). You can also pick up a factory refurbished D5000 kit from Adorama for $520; the included lens is great for the money, but you can always sell it and knock the cost of the body down to the $400s.

On the Canon side, the cheapest model that fits your bill is the Canon T1i. Compared to the D5000, it's slightly behind in still image quality, slightly ahead in the video department, and requires a timer-remote for time-lapse work.

Another option would be a micro-4/3rds camera or Sony NEX camera. They offer a lot of value for the dollar and a kit would clock in around $500, but the lens lineup for both systems (especially the NEX) is a LOT smaller than what Nikon and Canon offer. They also lack optical viewfinders, which I personally find indispensable for shooting still images.

 

[slashbinslashbash]

Video is new enough in the DSLR world (only 1 or 2 generations with video so far) that you will have problems finding good used deals on DSLR's with video. I honestly don't think you would be able to find any in decent shape under $400.

For full manual controls (separate wheel controls for aperture and shutter speed) you need something like the Canon 20D or 30D (both can be found under $400; the 30D only slightly, the 20D usually $300 or less). You can go older and get cheaper (10D, D30, D60) but I would not recommend it, as the 10D and older bodies are limited in their lens choices. On the Nikon side, D70, D80, D90 models all have dual control wheels as well. I am not sure on the pricing on used Nikons, but surely at least the D70 would be within $400 or close to it.

For time-lapse stuff, on the Canon side you will need a separate control module (not sure about Nikon, but I think the same applies). It plugs into the shutter release socket and sends signals to take photos every so often (basically it is a programmable timer that triggers the shutter). It can also take long exposures (in bulb mode - more than 30 seconds). The Canon model is TC-80N3 and it is about $170. I have one, and it is fantastic. There are generic equivalents to be found on eBay and elsewhere for much lower prices. Note, Canon has 2 kinds of shutter-release sockets: one found on the pro/prosumer bodies (3 pins in a little round socket) and one found on the consumer Rebel line (looks like an audio mini-jack). The TC-80N3 works on the pro/prosumer bodies (those being the Canon bodies with one or two digits: 1D, 5D, 7D, 20D, 40D, etc.). So be sure to get the right one for your kind of body. Again, I recommend that you go with a 20D or 30D which will use the 3-pin type of connector.

For under $400 with body and lens you are pretty much looking at kit lenses. These are usually 18-55mm lenses with variable f/3.5-5.6 apertures. If you can, try to find the Canon version with Image Stabilization (IS), usually called the 18-55 IS. But it is not likely you will find one with a 20D or 30D body. If you get a 20D body without a lens, you can probably find an 18-55 IS for around $100. The older, non-IS versions go for less -- $50 or so (although it's a bit hard to tell since they're rarely sold on their own).

 

[dud]

Thanks for your responses. I appreciate them all. Just reading them has lead me to hours of research on these models.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

T1i. The high res screen alone should sell you on that camera. The D5000 is nice but once you go to 920k, you will NEVER go back to 230k.