£300 on a secondhand DSLR

[AB]

The OH has finally listened to my incessant ramblings about getting a DSLR and said she'll get me one for an upcoming birthday.

A couple of friends of mine have recently got them and I think the snaps they are taking look excellent.

They both bought secondhand on eBay and both paid less than £300. I don't think more needs to be spent at this point.

Am I looking for something like this?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Canon-EOS-450D-Rebel-XSi...

[londonagent]

have a look at the canon ebay store, they currently have a 600D for £400 and a 550D for £380. I know it's a bit more than the budget but might be worth it...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Canon-EOS-600D-18-0-MP-D...

[AndrewEH1]

I'm guessing you have weighed up the pros/cons of either a Canon or a Nikon system.

Once you buy one camera you'll want a few more lenses, then maybe another body as a 'back-up' then you'll need another few lenses for the 'back-up'. So it is important that you decide now, or you might have to sell up if you want to swtich!

Thought about video? If you are tempted at all by that maybe look for a Canon 500D, or a Nikon DSLR that takes video as well.

[Cactussed]

As it happens, I am trying to talk my best man into buying a Canon 60D with me.
He has said that he would only consider it if he sold his current Canon body.

If you're interested, its a 550D (I think? - flip screen, does HD video etc).
I know he wants more but I suspect he would take £300 if offered.

Takes v nice pictures. His website is below (you can get an idea of camera quality) with contact details.
http://www.alexmurphyphotography.com/
BTW, he's not a pro (as you can tell), just likes taking photos.

Just a thought.

[AB]

Cactussed said:

As it happens, I am trying to talk my best man into buying a Canon 60D with me.
He has said that he would only consider it if he sold his current Canon body.

If you're interested, its a 550D (I think? - flip screen, does HD video etc).
I know he wants more but I suspect he would take £300 if offered.

Takes v nice pictures. His website is below (you can get an idea of camera quality) with contact details.
http://www.alexmurphyphotography.com/
BTW, he's not a pro (as you can tell), just likes taking photos.

Just a thought.

Just body? No lens?

I cant justify adding more to it unfortunately.

I also can't expect my OH to pay more.

[Cactussed]

Dunno. Prob best ping him an email and find out.

[JDRoest]

Easily in 450d, maybe 500d territory with kit lens for s/h. Just sold a 400d for $200 (body only).

[MysteryLemon]

I have exactly the same budget for the same thing.

Currently looking at the Nikon D5000. Seems a good compromise between entry level and intermediate. Basically a slightly scaled down D90 (same sensor etc) so is a very good bit of kit.

The 450d did cross my mind though. I had one a few years back. Only thing that got on my tits about it was that it didnt have an AF assist lamp. Only flash stobe, which is st and blinds your subjects.

[central]

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5...

[AB]

I'd rather pay less and get 2nd hand seeing as it's a starter camera.

It's Nikon vs Canon at the moment.

[LocoBlade]

This
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-18-55mm-VR-Lens-Kit/...
and this to give £55 cashback
http://www.nikon.co.uk/sites/cashback/offer-uk-nov...

= brand new Nikon D5100 with 18-55 kit lens for £350, absolute bargain.

[LumicoPhoto]

It depends on your level. If you know what you are doing get a Nikon D300 second hand. Great camera but no "auto" mode.

I prefer Nikons. The Canons menus just didn't make sense to me but the guys are right try both as soon you'll be spending a fortune on gear you will convince yourself you'll need!

Really you need time, talent and patience!

[Simpo Two]

LumicoPhoto said:

It depends on your level. If you know what you are doing get a Nikon D300 second hand. Great camera but no "auto" mode.

Well, it has P for Programme, you just have to open the flash if you want it. Much more sensible. But can you get a D300 for £300?

[petrolsniffer]

400d with lots of accesories is well within reach for that.

I got one off ebay back in april for £225 came with loads of filters,kit lens,two memory cards,spare batterys.

[JDRoest]

petrolsniffer said:

400d with lots of accesories is well within reach for that.

I got one off ebay back in april for £225 came with loads of filters,kit lens,two memory cards,spare batterys.

I'm with you on the 400d, but, it is getting a little long in the tooth and if he has a budget of £300, then he's not talking about extra glass, just body+kit lens, hence suggesting the 450d or 500d.