Starter DSLR?

[phosho]

Hey, I was playing with my girlfriend's DSLR the other day and it really got me thinking of the possibility of getting one. (Sorry I forgot what it was....all I know is it was a $600 (when she bought it a few years ago) Cannon) I'd like a nice starter camera, hopefully under the $500 mark, if possible, but other than that I don't know what's good for a starter dslr... please let me know what you think!

[Edited on 6/24/2008 by phosho]

[mkeefe]

That sounds like the Rebel or Rebel XT. I think Colin had one and so do a few other members so they will be able to comment on that.

[the_biggest_lebowski]

If she paid $600 for it a few years ago, you should be able to get it for dirt cheap now. It sounds like probably the 8 MP Canon Rebel XT. You can get those for around $350 now, I think. I know my $900 10 MP Rebel XTi that I bought a year and a half ago is now down to $600. It makes me get that early adopter nausea!

However, they make pretty good starter DSLR's. Also, the Nikon D40 and D40X have been dropping substantially in price as well lately. I would look into those also.

[Politik]

Im a nikon guy but i can say the XT is old, but still very capable camera. I swore it ws discontinued but target still carries it.

Under 500 wont get you a whole lot. Could look into a Nikon D40 or maybe a pentax K100

[mixedupmacandpc]

The rebel is out there! look at the canon site for things like d300, d350, etc. this camera is/was based on the old film version and is a great workhorse. 6mp d300 in the bag and after what is it now, 3, 4, 5 years? it is still going strong albiet a bit dated tech wise. i just love canon build quality...

[shadowman]

I really like our Nikon D40X, but wish it bracketing capabilities for HDR pics.

[mixedupmacandpc]

That's what is/was so interesting about the Digital Rebel design, it has most of the main features of a pro camera, just about, but not as granulated. for example, partial metering vs. spot metering. Not sure if this is still valid anymore, but there are firmware hacks to get more out of a low end canon (as apparently Canon puts high-end code in the low-end cameras but disables it). For example, the Russian Hack allowed a D300 to get an ISO of 3200 from just the enabled 1600. Anyway, enough said about canons entry level DLSR...its good.
coocoo

[phosho]

thanks for the input...i'm unsure if i'll be getting a camera now, as i'll be heading off to college in a few months and a p&s will do fine for all the drunken blackmail pictures i need...but I'll keep it in mind, cause ya never know!

Zoerb

[scorpio_e]

You can get the Rebel Xti at dell for just under $600.00
A VERY capable camera. What I like about the Rebel is the wide selection of lenses.

[Edited on 11/16/2008 by mkeefe]

[StylizE]

My first choice is Canon d40 but i'll recommeend Nikon d90

[mixedupmacandpc]

getting my DLSR replacement today - just 459USD - a canon G10! I'll be posting a review in about a week, i have to meet mero wife in BKK to collect. Just something to think about phoso, instead of a started DLSR, maybe a pro-compact? No additional lenses to buy per se, smaller, etc. and maybe 100USD less - or even more then that. a canon d40 is gunna run alot over 600$ and well over 1000 after getting a decent lens. just a thought...
coocoo

[TheDoc]

Originally posted by StylizE
My first choice is Canon d40 but i'll recommeend Nikon d90
That made me laugh considering the competition these two companies go through for brand recognition.

It's the Nikon that makes the D40, not Canon.