DSLR for under $300? - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

anubis404 · 05-05-2008, 04:43 AM

I am wanting to get into photography as a hobby, however I need a camera. My birthday is coming up in about a month and a half, and I am going to ask my parents for a camera. However, It needs to be under $300. Even that is pushing it. My parents don't like to spend over $150 on my birthday, however I think I can convince them to go a little higher because this is something that (hopefully) will be good for me, and not just another video game system or something of that sort.

I am a complete beginner, and have never touched a DSLR before, however I am very tech savy, already have a low-end P&S in which I am doing flower photography with, and I have already messed a bit with the P&S's manual control. Which good DSLR can you find for $300 or under? I was thinking the Nikon D40, however it still seems like that goes for way too much. Also, should I look into advanced P&S as another option, or should I stick with a DSLR?

RedLeader · 05-05-2008, 06:08 AM

Finding a DSLR for that price would be a miracle. I've been looking for a cheap one for months, and they just don't show up at that price, unless you can get lucky and find a first-gen digital rebel with a kit lens. You could try, but only if these people that are buying you the present are ebay/craigslist savvy. An advanced P&S with alot more control would be a cost-effective way to learn.

fureshi · 05-05-2008, 07:06 AM

you can always buy a used dslr. i believe nikon D50 are going for about $300 nowadays with low shutter actuations. i started down the dslr path with a D50 two years ago. it has all of the basic controls that the higher end cameras have so you can spend a lot of time learning on it. i'm itching to get a D300 but truthfully, i don't know how to use all of the functions on the D50 yet.

roastpuff · 05-05-2008, 07:14 AM

Originally Posted by fureshi

you can always buy a used dslr. i believe nikon D50 are going for about $300 nowadays with low shutter actuations. i started down the dslr path with a D50 two years ago. it has all of the basic controls that the higher end cameras have so you can spend a lot of time learning on it. i'm itching to get a D300 but truthfully, i don't know how to use all of the functions on the D50 yet.

I think he means WITH a lens under $300, which this doesn't fall under.

This is going to be tough, man. Used original Rebel, or D50 are probably the best choices, since they can take the best lenses (Canon and Nikon, respectively). Maybe a used Olympus E-Volt 330, though I don't know how good that is as I've never used an Olympus dSLR.

Iron_Dreamer · 05-05-2008, 07:59 AM

Nikon D50 or D70 w/ a 50mm 1.8, 70-300g, or 18-55 would be your best bet. Check out for sale forums and ebay, or craiglist (where I've gotten my best photo deals).

anubis404 · 05-05-2008, 10:54 PM

Yea, I've seen a lot of used DSLRs on ebay with a kit lens and the current bid is usually from $200-$300, however I don't know how much they go for. What would be the advantages of a DSLR over an advanced P&S camera?

Punnisher · 05-06-2008, 01:01 AM

Seeing the 8mp Rebels new for $4XX, I bet you could find used for that price, most likely with the kit lens.

Braver · 05-06-2008, 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by anubis404

What would be the advantages of a DSLR over an advanced P&S camera?

Most importantly:
- sensor size (equals image quality and performance with high ISO values for low-light shooting)
- creative flexibilty (replacable lenses give you true wide-angle or massive telephoto reach, and you get more depth of field control)

M0T0XGUY · 05-06-2008, 10:18 PM

If you're willing to purchase older technology, I'd look at an EOS 300D and a 50mm f/1.8 lens. The camera is more than capable of taking great pictures, and the lens is likely of better quality than the standard 18-55 kit zoom (not to mention cheaper...) Alternatively, you can look into a used Nikon D100 and Nikon's 50 f/1.8 lens; again, the technology is a bit old, but it should remain fairly budget friendly and give you tremendous creative flexibility.

anubis404 · 05-07-2008, 02:52 AM

I'm ok with older technology, as long as its not too old. I care about looks, and I don't want to be carrying around an old and big camera. However, lower resolution doesn't really bother me. As long as it is above 5 megapixels, is not too big, and has a decent LCD, I'm fine.