DSLR for under $300?

[roastpuff]

Originally Posted by anubis404

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

High-capacity CF is still very expensive compared to SD's. It's one rather bad thing about them, though the more robust construction and the better read/write speeds are advantages there.

[jjcha]

Originally Posted by skyline889

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.

I've never been a believer in the mythical "decisive moment." Bresson himself clearly wasn't a true believer in it, being more than happy to take repeated shots of a scene to get the right one.

But I have to say, saying 600 shots is not enough? I think you're in the wrong field. You should invest in a high definition video camera instead.

Best regards,

-Jason

[skyline889]

During the summer I shoot regatta paddling which is an all day event with 40 races throughout the day, each ranging from 1/4 of a mile to 1 mile. 600 shots for a day like this is about average and though I'm definitely not a pro, many of the pros from Rebel Shots, etc, are shooting over 1k shots a meet. Also when I backpack, I can be gone for up to a week at a time. Once again, 600 shots in a week is not much, especially if you've never been to that location before. I know on my most recent trip, I was only gone for a day and I went through 3 2gb CF cards on my D200 (360 shots) and 1/4 of a 2gb card on my D50 so in all, a little over 400 shots in a day.

With film, yeah I would only need 2-3 rolls to get through a day of shooting because I would think about the time needed to develop and enlarge the negatives (B&W) or the cost to have the developed and printed (Color) but with digital, I like to shoot and not worry about how much memory I have left. I shoot what I like to shoot and usually shoot about 3 shots of the same composure just in case one, or though it's unlikely, two are blurry or mis-focused (Mis-focusing is quite common at 300mm with my 70-300mm VR). I also usually don't delete files until I can view them at 100% on my monitor at home. I don't know, maybe some people have different habits than mine, but this is just what I prefer.

[jilgiljongiljing]

I would suggest getting a Canon S5 or even the S3 instead. I moved up from the S3 to the Sony Alpha 200 DSLR. I would recommend that you get the S3/S5, cos it has a good zoom range, has most of the manual controls, and will be a good learning tool before you step into the DSLR world. Get your basics right with the S3/S5 and then move on to a proper current model DSLR later on, giving you more lens options and better service/support.

[Ooztuncer]

What about a 10D with 50mm f/1.8? I saw one in POTN couple of days ago for $300.

20D is a big step up in my opinion but you need to spend close to $500.

[anubis404]

I really want to get a DSLR, however its not looking good. I've only seen one DSLR on ebay for $300, and its condition was questionable. I think I may go for an canon S5, because all the D40s and D50s are going for $400 at the cheapest, which is a little too much. What advantages would a DSLR have over an S5 (advanced P&S)? I am completely new to photography, so I think an S5 would be a good way to start, however I won't be upgrading for a very long time, so this will have to do. I will be mostly shooting outdoor and landscape photography, however I may do sports or party photography too. Would the S5 be sufficient? I've seen pics from the S5, and they look pretty good.

[raptor84]

it might not do so well for indoors as the AF might take a while to lokc. the high ISO will destroy detail and the direct flash will make the pics look flat but for its price its pretty good. A major upgrade would be to get a speedlite which can also be carried over to their DSLRs

[anubis404]

What about the Pentax K100D or K100D super? Are those DSLRs any good?

[Braver]

they're ok, but not quite as good as Nikons or Canons. Just read the DPreview.com review
The main question is however, would you be happy with the Pentax lenses and other options a couple of years down the road?

[anubis404]

Pentax seems to be compatible with some pretty good lenses. Its the camera itself I'm asking about.