Very low budget for first DSLR

Ok, hi all. I recently started photo course, and now is the

time for my first dslr. Im currently using my Kodak digital

camera and Samsung S4 for taking photos.

 

So, my budget i very low right now. About 150e, its

around 160-170 bucks i guess.

 

I saw that I can buy some old cameras with kit lens,

Canon 450D, Nikon D60, Olympus E-PL2... Because of

the newer version of the sensor, I wanted to purchase

Olympus E-PL2. Its small, compact, nice pics quality, ok

Zuiko 14-42 lens... but no viewfinder. Ok, theres

viewfinder that You can mount on the top, but thats

around 100 bucks more.

 

So, long story short, imagine that u have 160-170 bucks

budget to buy your first dslr. Which one would You buy?

<p>I'd try to haggle with a Samsung GX 20 seller. - I got my last one for 200Euro. If I can cope with limited low light capability, I'd buy a Pentax K10D (hopefully cheaper). If it is really just about surviving the course, I'd even go for Pentax K100D or Minolta 5D. <br>

Of the ones you mentioned I'd pick the Canon. - My neighbors are content with theirs and I know for sure that I'm challenged to warm up with less expensive Nikons' menu structure. -YMMV.</p>

<p>Your choices are certainly limited with a sub-$200 budget but you can still get a decent DSLR in my opinion. A Canon Rebel XTi DSLR would probably get you some good bang for your buck. You should be able to find a used one in your price range. Seeing as you're just jumping into the DSLR world from a P&S, I think you'll find that it has all the features you need and more. <br>

I'm also assuming that if you're taking a photo course you've got a long-term interest in mind here. If this is just a course you're just trying to get through and won't be using the camera much afterwards, you could certainly go a little cheaper and "get by". </p>

Tnx Jochen. I will see those cameras from Your

suggestion. That Samsung is rare here where I live, so I

will maybee hunt Pentax instead. Well, I can attend

course without camera, but I will better understand it

with some piece in my hands. Thank You very much for

Your suggestions.

 

Hey Jeff. Well, Im interested in photography for a long

time. Sadly, Im living in a country where's average month

wage about one used Canon 550D. So it took some time

for me to organize, so I can attend one of those courses

and finaly buy a starter dslr. Like I said, I was (and still

do) using old digital Kodak, and every time I go out, Im

not coming back home with at least 150-200 new

photos :) I will upload some of them here in forum, but

first I must dind tread meant for that. I already have an

account on web site called numbernumbernumber.px (I

dont want to advert them). So, lets say that Im in love

with photography. I dont know if its going to be my

primary job, and Im not thinking about that. I enjoy in all

that photography brings, and thats enough for me :)

I will surely google that Canon u mentonied.

<p>A nice used Canon EOS 20D is most likely below your price, probably with a basic (older) 18-55mm EF-S "kit" lens. An XT or even better an XTi, as said, is another alternative.</p>

<p>Many longer-term shooters prefer the "operating system (controls)" on the 20D and later cameras in that series to the "Rebel" series (xxxD in some parts of the world).</p>

<p>I still use my 20D frequently (especially for 'web' pictures) even though I have "upgraded" to higher pixel counts. Anything above 6MP is likely to work quite well. The 20D is 8MP and the XTi is 10MP, BTW.</p>

<p>The 450D is the XSi. That's what I have and have used for seven years now. That and the kit lens will get you started. I've added a a couple of lenses, and now that I have some experience I know there are some features in the newer cameras that might be useful for me, but it's just a fun hobby for me. It's 12 megapixels and I'm able to get pretty good 8x10 prints. It would make a good start that you could use for a while.<br>

I'm not familiar with the other cameras so I can't add anything there.</p>

<p>+1 to what JDM said. My Canon EOS 20D is also still in regular service, and they now <a href="https://www.keh.com/shop/canon-eos-20d-8-3-megapixel-digital-slr-camera-body-only.html">sell for under $100</a>. The camera with <a href="https://www.keh.com/shop/canon-ef-s-18-55mm-f-3-5-5-6-is-zoom-lens-116304.html">Canon EF-s 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens</a> should be well within your budget. You can get a 10D for even cheaper, but the 10D predates the EFs lenses, and they can not be mounted. That means you can not get a real wide angle lens for a 10D, and I find that extremely limiting. The 20D is compatible with Canon's full range of EF and EFs lenses.</p>

<p>Early Rebels would be an alternative, but the 20D is a somewhat more robust camera. Considering the age of those cameras, I'd rather throw my luck in with a 20D than with a Rebel. That said, a Rebel XT (350D) was my very first DSLR, it would fit your budget, and I had great fund shooting it at the time. Especially if you could pick one up locally for a good price, I don't think you'd regret it!</p>

<p>And for what it's worth, the Olympus E-PL2 is no DSLR. If the course you want to take demands that you use a DSLR, that camera would not fit the requirement.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>To expand a little on what Frank says:<br /> If you can get the newer IS (image stabilized) version of the EF-S 18-55mm lens within your price range, it is considerably better. However, the older lens version was much better than its reputation, and is often available very cheaply, important when cost is a factor.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>"That Samsung is <strong>rare here where I live, . . </strong>"</p>

 

</blockquote>

<p>I think that is a fundamental premise you should consider. I think that when choosing a DSLR to buy, it would be best for you to consider a BRAND that is more common in your area.</p>

<p>That goes to buying another lens or other accessories; sharing lenses with those you might meet on the course for which you are preparing; spare parts and repairs. If you know the course that you want to take then I suggest you talk to the teacher, they might have spare cameras or lenses.</p>

<p>In general terms I suggest that you think laterally as to how you and others in your position could share your resources, remembering that is only possible if you have the same brand of gear.</p>

<p>I would <strong>guess</strong> that Canon and Nikon might be the more common brands of DSLR's where you live.</p>

<p>I use Canon DSLR's and I too still use my 20D: it is a robust model.</p>

<p>I concur regarding the advice about the EF-S 18 to 55 F/3.5~5.6 Kit Lens. <a href="/photodb/folder?folder_id=941500">Here are some samples made with the original model (non-IS) lens and the 20D used at high ISO </a>I also have a later IS model - both are good, but the IS version is better.</p>

<p><a href="/photodb/folder?folder_id=1000031">Here are some sample images where the 20D is used at ISO1600 and ISO "H" (equiv ISO3200).</a></p>

<p>Double click on the images to view them "large"</p>

<p>WW</p>

<p>I would not discount the EPL2 because of the viewfinder. The camera is still really fully functional without is, and you could add the EV at a later stage when your funds permit. I have owned a myriad of SLR's, including the Nikon D3, and I enjoyed my EPL2 more than any of them. I have just recently starting looking to repurchase one for times when I absolutely must shoot digital. They are smaller than an SLR, so you might be more inclined to have your camera with you more, they have amazingly sharp lenses (no retro focus required like an SLR), and have some fun art modes as well for times when you want try something different.</p><div></div>

Thank You for replies guys. I was very busy last two

weeks, and I didn't buy camera yet. Maybe its good,

because now my budget get bump and raised to 250e ( I

think thats about 280 green ones). So, again Im in

trouble... now on my radar are: Nikon D3200 with kit

lens, Nikon D3100 with prime 1.8 50mm maybe, Canon

550D with better lens than kit... lots of choice. I didnt

consider Sony Alpha and Pentax. Is there any in that

price range, and quality range like Nikon and Canon?

<p>I got a Used Nikon D3300 24mp with 18-55 VR II kit lens with Battery, charger, Caps, Cords for $350.00. Watch Reviews on this Camera.</p>

<p>Hello! I would prefer buying a Nikon d60. I had this camera, it is quite suitable as the first DSLR camera, as for me. Personally, I bought a D60 body and the lens was purchased separately. I found a great Helios lens on here <a href="http://helios44-2.com">http://helios44-2.com</a> and immediately ordered it. It does not have autofocus, but I quickly got used to it, and it makes excellent photos. Simply put, for your money, you can choose a nice camera, but you just do not have to buy it with a lens. Good luck!</p>

Tnx guys. After long run i finaly got my new toy. It's

Nikon D5200 + 18-55 dx vr II, 11k on shutter counter

 

Its amazing! I really enjoy using it.<div></div>