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Author Topic: What is the best dslr camera you can get that isn't very expensive?  (Read 11878 times)

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« on: September 11, 2012, 12:33 »
0
I want a dslr camera that is under about 300 dollars that can take very good quality pictures. I know most dslr cameras are very expensive, but I am looking for the best camera that isn't as expensive. And also, is it a good idea to look for a used dslr camera so it can be cheaper than the original price?


traveler1116

« Reply #1 on: September 11, 2012, 12:50 »
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Are you in the US?  KEH.com has a large selection of used cameras, a used Rebel series camera with 12mp+ is a good starter camera.  You can also look at bhphoto.com and adorama.com.
« Last Edit: September 11, 2012, 12:52 by traveler1116 »

« Reply #2 on: September 11, 2012, 13:54 »
+2
For that sort of money I'd definitely look for a second-hand camera. You might even get a full-frame Canon 5D Mk1 for that nowadays (truly excellent 12MP sensor).

The cheap bottom-of-the-range cameras and kit lenses are cheap for a reason __ they aren't built to last.

Check out the data on the Camera Shutter Life Expectancy Database here;

http://olegkikin.com/shutterlife/

« Reply #3 on: September 11, 2012, 14:22 »
+1
Yeah, I'd certainly buy used.  I'd go into a store (or ebay) and just get the best Canon or Nikon I could.  I don't follow used cameras too much but like gostwyck said a 5D MK 1 or a 30D 40D 50D etc.. the highest number you can afford :)

For a lens, skip the kit lens and just get the 50mm 1.8

tab62

« Reply #4 on: September 11, 2012, 14:32 »
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The 50mm prime is a must like leaf recommended! Also if you budget can allow look at the 24-70 lens as well. I probably shoot 80% all my pics with just these two lenses.

« Reply #5 on: September 12, 2012, 11:51 »
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If you are in a decent sized city in the US start looking at craigslist - there are some potentially very good deals on 2-3 year old cameras often with better than the kit lenses. The advantage is you get to go check out the actual camera and see how it works before buying it.

« Reply #6 on: September 12, 2012, 12:44 »
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used nikon d 200

OM

« Reply #7 on: September 12, 2012, 18:49 »
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My first DSLR was a Nikon D80 (10Mp CCD) which I've still got and like (40K shots and still going). You can get a good one used for under $200 I would think + standard 50mm f1.8 for say $80.
A much better buy (also with an eye on 'versatility') would be the Canon 5D full frame as proposed by gostwyck. I sort of regret having Nikon because only Nikon lenses can be used.

A Canon camera + adapter can be used with just about any lens including old M42 Pentax lenses, Olympus OM lenses etc some of which are excellent as long as you don't mind using the lenses on manual.
A friend of mine recently picked up an ancient 35mm f3.5 Pentax M42 at a market for 10 and discovered that at f8 in the studio that it's the sharpest corner to corner lens that he owns. Far superior to his Canon 28-70mm f2.8-4.0 zoom. The only thing I doubt is that you will be able to get a 5D body within your budget. Price here in NL seems to be between 400 and 500 at present. Good hunting.

gillian vann

  • *Gillian*
« Reply #8 on: September 19, 2012, 05:37 »
+2
I sort of regret having Nikon because only Nikon lenses can be used.

Nikon lenses are the reason many of us choose Nikon. :D

RacePhoto

« Reply #9 on: September 19, 2012, 09:20 »
+1
I sort of regret having Nikon because only Nikon lenses can be used.


Nikon lenses are the reason many of us choose Nikon. :D


Same with me but Canon. Either one is very well produced and supported.

Here's and example for the OP of what someone can find for entry level photography and good quality. Not mine, not and AD, just an example of FM forums buy and sell where I've picked up a few cameras and many lenses. Everything in the open, no eBay shipping fee games or Craigslist scams.

This is about as good as it gets for around $300. I would agree if someone can get a camera and the 50mm prime, it would be better quality than the kit lens. You can find camera only for $210 and 50mm f/1.8 for $90, there's your $300 Kit!  :)

Price: $325.00
Payment method: PayPal
Item condition: 9 Shows signs of use, but very clean
Shipping instructions: Insured UPS shipping within the CONUS

For sale is a Canon EOS 20D camera with EF-S 18-55mm lens kit, plus BG-E2 grip and additional battery. In very good cosmetic and perfect operating condition. Some wear marks on the hot-shoe. The kit lens has barely been used, with no wear marks. The included battery grip is like new and includes the AA battery tray. An additional battery is provided for a total of 2 batteries.


http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1149425/0?keyword=20d#10967220

Two batteries, grip and a lens, you'll need a CF card. Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS usually goes for around $100

« Reply #10 on: September 19, 2012, 10:39 »
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I'm not sure the 20D would be a good choice. It's an early model and the image quality wasn't so good back then. Noise could be a problem.

RacePhoto

« Reply #11 on: September 19, 2012, 11:31 »
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I'm not sure the 20D would be a good choice. It's an early model and the image quality wasn't so good back then. Noise could be a problem.

But the OP wants, $300, or under, DSLR with a lens, what can someone get? It was the best for $300 that I could think of and really, I still sport shoot with a 10-D and a 20-D they aren't that noisy. ISO 100 Has everything gone Pro-Only? Big sensors are better I don't care if someone has a P&S with 12MP, the 20-D will crush it for image quality and lower noise.

If he didn't say DSLR I would have answered G-12

I want a Porsche and only have $3000 what can I get.  ;D

ShadySue

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« Reply #12 on: August 06, 2014, 14:36 »
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may i know if anyone can recommend the best dslr camera for stock photography?
It depends what your area of interest is, and the lens is generally more important.

« Reply #13 on: August 06, 2014, 15:46 »
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i m not sure if there is a best camera . but for 300 bucks, i would suggest visiting the used camera stores locally or maybe someone here on MSG has one to sell u.
300 isn't much to spend for a camera. even the lense alone would be over that.
maybe used prime lens and a camera would no doubt be the way to go for you.
prime lens is cheaper and faster and better glass in most cases for the same cost as zoom.
i would say, go with more money on the lens vs the camera, it is the lens that takes the photo.
still, in the early days of microstock some people actually made money using PNS. but today a PNS cost as much as a DSLR, so best , as u say, get a DSLR. an older one of a Nikon, Canon, Pentax,etc.
only thing is you still have to spend a lot more on the lenses. unless you shoot everything using the sweet spot for the lens you have.

Ed

« Reply #14 on: August 06, 2014, 19:40 »
+1
Not a DSLR, but you can pick up a used Fuji X-Pro1 at B&H for between $670 and $730 depending on condition and get a 35 f/1.4 lens for $490 and that will compete with ANY DSLR camera body and 50mm lens out there.

Image quality on that setup is as good if not better than my Canon 5D MK III (and yes, I own both and have compared them).

Goofy

« Reply #15 on: August 06, 2014, 20:21 »
+3
As the King already told us -  Nokia 808 PureView 41 MP Cell camera is the future of Microstock... 8)

Gino

« Reply #16 on: September 04, 2014, 03:57 »
0
Nikon D5200 is a good option. Second hand you should get it for that money with the kit lens. It was my first camera and it made me a lot of money with stock. I have a D7100 now but this does not make me more money it's just something I wanted to have. :) So if you would ask me go for a D5200.

« Reply #17 on: September 04, 2014, 09:55 »
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Nikon D5200 is a good option. Second hand you should get it for that money with the kit lens. It was my first camera and it made me a lot of money with stock. I have a D7100 now but this does not make me more money it's just something I wanted to have. :) So if you would ask me go for a D5200.

I second this. And along the same lines, any Canon T2i or later (T3i, T4i..., the "i" is important) used is great. My T2i saw some heavy use and most of my port was made with it. Once I got my 6D, I just replaced worn-down rubber grips with original spare parts and now it is still doing it's job in the hands of my girlfriend. What a great little camera.

Uncle Pete

« Reply #18 on: September 05, 2014, 10:38 »
+2
Both good points and keep in mind this is a 2012 thread that got revived. Back then a 10-D would have been interesting. 6MP on a crop sensor would still be a good quality image for Microstock.

Right now someone might find a used T2i with a 50mm and be off and shooting at 18MP. For the required $300 price limit.

D5200 is going to cost more, maybe $500, and $700 with a lens, but has 24MP sensor. Not a $300 camera.

Here's something interesting if someone watches. EOS-M 18MP, modern sensor, with the 22mm lens was selling for $299 at some places, including the little ETTL flash. I grabbed one. Nice!  :)

Nikon D5200 is a good option. Second hand you should get it for that money with the kit lens. It was my first camera and it made me a lot of money with stock. I have a D7100 now but this does not make me more money it's just something I wanted to have. :) So if you would ask me go for a D5200.

I second this. And along the same lines, any Canon T2i or later (T3i, T4i..., the "i" is important) used is great. My T2i saw some heavy use and most of my port was made with it. Once I got my 6D, I just replaced worn-down rubber grips with original spare parts and now it is still doing it's job in the hands of my girlfriend. What a great little camera.

Gino

« Reply #19 on: September 05, 2014, 11:21 »
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Sorry... I meant D5100.

« Reply #20 on: September 05, 2014, 18:24 »
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I bought two Canon 40D's about a year ago used for around $300 each. They are a little cheaper now and there are a lot of low shutter count bodies still out there. The sensor is 10 mp and with a good lens, they are a decent body. I use one for most of what I shoot with a Canon 50mm F/2.5 Macro lens and the combo produces a great image. Hope that helps a little.

I would also recommend KEH.com for used gear. Used them a lot over the years and they are great to deal with.

PaulieWalnuts

  • We Have Exciting News For You
« Reply #21 on: September 06, 2014, 06:54 »
+1
The OP is still looking for a camera two years later?

Sheriff

« Reply #22 on: September 06, 2014, 19:35 »
+2
The OP is still looking for a camera two years later?

There should be some good deals now  :)



« Reply #23 on: September 19, 2014, 01:49 »
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Checkout this list, especially first one:
1. Canon 40D.
2. Nikon D 200.
3. Nikon D80.
« Last Edit: September 22, 2014, 02:57 by Alan333 »

« Reply #24 on: September 19, 2014, 09:09 »
+1
I wonder if the OP who wrote this post actually bought a camera? Or, since it was his/her one and only post, went the more sensible route of failed photographers and started an agency or photography school?

However, if we're keeping this thread current for interested visitors, I'd recommend a used entry level canon 1000d and the the fantastic plastic 50mm 1.8 which if used within their limitations still provide plenty of scope for learning the craft on a budget and the opportunity of making some real folding money at the same time.


 

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