DSLR for under $300?

[raptor84]

Erm DSLR's are generally bigger than most compacts but the D50 or maybe even D40 and 300D are quite small in terms of SLR sizes.

You can take a look at the Pentax models too as those can be quite affordable though the lenses and accessories might be harder to come by.

All the DSLR's mentioned should be above 4mp

[roastpuff]

Originally Posted by anubis404

As long as it is above 5 megapixels, is not too big, and has a decent LCD, I'm fine.

Uh. Just a heads-up. You don't shoot pictures with DSLRs using the LCD. That's only for viewing pictures you have taken. The viewfinder (yes, that little window in the camera body) is where all the action is.

Only the new-new DSLRs have the "Live View" feature, and they're still not recommended as the primary mode of picture-taking.

[anubis404]

Yes, I realize that. However, I want a good view of the pictures that I take after the fact so I can decide to keep them or not if I am running low on memory. Because I go on long hiking trips, memory space may be limited depending on what card I have.

[skyline889]

The D100 is pretty old tech, imo it has been eclipsed by the newer consumer bodies. The thing it does have going for it is build quality though.

If you look hard enough, you can find a good condition D50 body for about $275 and you can pick up the original 18-55 kit lens for another $50 on eBay. To be honest, that should be all you really need to get started, as the body won't be holding you back for a while. The one bad thing is it's not SDHC compatible so you're looking at a max of 4gb per card, if you can still find the 4gb non SDHC versions.

[anubis404]

Originally Posted by skyline889

The D100 is pretty old tech, imo it has been eclipsed by the newer consumer bodies. The thing it does have going for it is build quality though.

If you look hard enough, you can find a good condition D50 body for about $275 and you can pick up the original 18-55 kit lens for another $50 on eBay. To be honest, that should be all you really need to get started, as the body won't be holding you back for a while. The one bad thing is it's not SDHC compatible so you're looking at a max of 4gb per card, if you can still find the 4gb non SDHC versions.

Thats ok, I have 2 2gb SD cards and one 256mb card. I can also borrow my sister's or my mom's 2gb SD card if I REALLY need it, so thats not a problem. What I don't want however, is some expensive proprietary card (Xd, Memory stick). But, if I can get a camera that takes one of those for a very good price, then I may just use the rest on one of those cards. How is the D40 compared to the D50? I've heard very good things about the D40. Can I get one for around the same price as the D50?

[M0T0XGUY]

Originally Posted by anubis404

Thats ok, I have 2 2gb SD cards and one 256mb card. I can also borrow my sister's or my mom's 2gb SD card if I REALLY need it, so thats not a problem. What I don't want however, is some expensive proprietary card (Xd, Memory stick). But, if I can get a camera that takes one of those for a very good price, then I may just use the rest on one of those cards. How is the D40 compared to the D50? I've heard very good things about the D40. Can I get one for around the same price as the D50?

The D40 is a solid camera with few obvious flaws; except, of course, for the lack of auto-focus in non AF-S lenses. Personally, I think the D50 would be a better buy in general considering its built in auto-focus motor, and I think you'll have an easier time finding one within your price range. The only issue is that the D50's LCD cannot compare in any way to that of the D40 - it's true that the LCD isn't used for framing shots, but the different between 2 and 2.5 inches is glaringly obvious in playback. Still, you have to make compromises somewhere - and I'd suggest making LCD size a low priority if you want to keep your budget in check.

[skyline889]

Originally Posted by anubis404

Thats ok, I have 2 2gb SD cards and one 256mb card. I can also borrow my sister's or my mom's 2gb SD card if I REALLY need it, so thats not a problem. What I don't want however, is some expensive proprietary card (Xd, Memory stick). But, if I can get a camera that takes one of those for a very good price, then I may just use the rest on one of those cards. How is the D40 compared to the D50? I've heard very good things about the D40. Can I get one for around the same price as the D50?

2gb should be enough if you shoot jpeg but if you shoot raw, you only get about 300 shots per card. This is usually enough but if you're shooting all day, you should bring a few extra cards.

[anubis404]

Originally Posted by M0T0XGUY

The D40 is a solid camera with few obvious flaws; except, of course, for the lack of auto-focus in non AF-S lenses. Personally, I think the D50 would be a better buy in general considering its built in auto-focus motor, and I think you'll have an easier time finding one within your price range. The only issue is that the D50's LCD cannot compare in any way to that of the D40 - it's true that the LCD isn't used for framing shots, but the different between 2 and 2.5 inches is glaringly obvious in playback. Still, you have to make compromises somewhere - and I'd suggest making LCD size a low priority if you want to keep your budget in check.

A two inch LCD is definitely enough. The lcd is low priority for me, but I do want to be able to see the picture I took. I don't want to be squinting. This was a problem with my first digital camera. The LCD was pathetic. But, as long as the rest of the camera checks out as a good camera, the LCD is very low priority.

[ak622]

Since you're looking at older DSLRs, not all of them use SD so you may need to invest in some CF memory cards.. I'm not familiar with the Nikon models but I know the Canon ones don't use SD so that is an additional cost.

[anubis404]

Yes, but from what I remember, CFs are not that expensive. Not nearly expensive as memory sticks or xDs.