Budget DSLR - Advice

[Chris Green]

Hello all!

I am considering getting a DSLR, on a budget of about £300.

Looking on ebay, I think I could get a D40 (new), or D70, or a EOS 300D, 350D or possibly a 400D.

I know nothing about any of these models, could someone give me some advice?

Also, I've noticed this Sony model, http://www.jessops.com/Store/s73443/...y=False&comp=y

Which seems reasonable. What do you think?

Thanks!

Chris.

[glypo]

The new Canon (1000D) will be out end of July and no doubt will be dirt cheap. Something to consider.

[Chris Green]

Hi Jason, thanks for the reply. the 1000D will be £499 for the body only by the looks of things.

i've just been speaking to a good friend of mine, who has recomended the canon 20D, or 30D. So at the moment, i'm considering one of those.

Out of interest, what camera do you use?

[glypo]

I've recently got myself a 40D, and it's great. But I've used compact cameras before to get shots for my site.... so goes to show you don't need to spend the dosh.

I used a 20D when I covered the 1/8th Euro Indoor race for Neobuggy and again when I done the Neo08 for Neo and Racer..... it's a superb camera and no doubt some bargains available. Really the age seemed of little relevance, it handles the low light conditions of both events excellently. Downside is the smaller LCD screen for looking back at the photos, and the speed of operation is a little slower. Apart from that very good camera, nice solid metal body rather then the plastic you get from the 400D/450D etc. 30D sees relatively little change over the 20D, so if there is a big price difference I'd look at the 20D, if it's a smaller difference the 30D is newer so a better option.

As for the 1000D price, the rrp is always misleading. When it hits the market it will go in below the price of the 400D/450D. It's a competitor for the Nikon D40 and Sony A200, so I'd expect prices to be in the £299 range with a basic lens.

If you don't mind a second hand camera the 20D or 30D are better then the budget cams. They have better low light handling, nice solid magnesium alloy bodies and generally quicker inside. For example 5 photos a second with 30D and 3 with a 400D, so lots going for it.

Good luck with whatever you chose Chris, all cameras are fun.

[Chris Green]

Thanks very much Jason. Appreciate it.

Looking at the 1000D, it seems to fit in between the 400 and the 450D, so the price will have to reflect that I guess. I'll keep an eye on some sites and see what its going to sell at.

I'll look out for a 20D. I'm a bit concerned about buying a 2nd hand one. If anything goes wrong, can they be repaired? Potentially a 20d could be 4 years old.

I'm also considering a Nikon D70, as there seems to be some proper bargains around for those.

Or if I go for a new one, I believe I'm limited to the following...

Nikon D40
Canon 350 / 400
Sony A200

[DAVIDZX5]

Ive gota 400D and i think it does the job realy good....

im very very happy with it....