New or Used DSLR?

A

aquagurl

New member
I have been wanting to get a DSLR for at least a couple of years now but just haven't had the "need" to drop the money on one. Well I have a trip to the Grand Canyon and other various sites in a little more than a month and wondering if now is the time.

I have had my eye on the canon XTi due to the entry level price and more than adequate features. But I have also been looking at used cameras and wondering if that is my best bet. I have been looking at the canon D60 or the 10D etc (discontinued canons in that range). I like the feel of the heftier cameras better than the rebel. I would like to get some opinions. Older camera for the around the same money (or cheaper) or a new XTi? Thanks for any input!
 
I bought a used Nikon D70. I kinda knew the guy that owned it, and it was a backup, backup camera for his adult-based site. It might of had 2000 pics through it. He has a D200, and a couple medium format cameras... like 10 grand or something crazy.

I personally prefer Nikon. The loyalty is usually like Ford and Chev, Apple and PC, Good and Evil. People swear by the one they like.

The new ones are nice due to the speed of transfer, and easy of operation... but cost is the factor. What I suggest, and what I did, was spend as much as I could for the core system. Just the body, then add accessories as you can. Get enough to get you buy, then start saving again.

But, definetly get a DSLR. Even if it is an old model, you will not regret it. I went through a buncha point and shoot... even with options and accessories... they are toys in comparison.

Good luck in your hunt. Check the kits at Cameta Cameras (they have a site on Ebay too.) You wont regret it.
 
It wont really matter whether you go Nikon or Canon. But the question is if you buy a new DSLR, can you afford a good lens to go with it?

With Canon, I probably wouldnt go as old as the 10D. If you dont need the higher megapixels for huge prints, the 20D would be great. You can now get a 20D for under $500. That would free up some cash for a decent lens.
 
No need for really large prints. That is the kind of advice I am looking for. Any other opinions on new v. old? Thanks guys :)
 
:) If you're looking for an older body there are lots of 20D and 30D's around now. Check on B&H, last time I looked through their used section they had quite a selection of used bodies. And don't get too caught up trying to get the best body, if you're on a bit of a budget go for a slightly cheaper body and spend the money on glass. Bodies come and go - if you get good glass it possibly could be with you for 20 years or more.
 
:) Oh, and one other thing - it might be nice to go with something 20D and newer as then you'll be able to use the Canon EF-S series of glass with it if you so want. The EF-S glass is designed for the crop bodied sensors but you cannot use them on 10D or older cameras because their mirror boxes are not made for the design of the lens (basically it'll trash the body the first time its tried ;)) as the EF-S lenses came after those bodies.
 
Thanks dinoman. Thats exactly the type of insight I was hoping for (lens incompatibility etc). I am fine with the features of the XTi...more than enough camera for me. I just really like the feel of heftier DSLRs which unfortunately means more $$$. That's why I started looking at older bodies. So as long as I go 20D or newer I would be more than ok?
 
One more thing. If I have the option of the typical kit lens or just the body and buying a different lens - suggestions? Keep in mind I am on a budget right now. :mad: And any lens recommendations for say a tourist trip to the Grand Canyon :D I will worry about taking macro shots after the trip - right now my reason is the trip.
 
I would always say no to the kit lens. Not very sharp at all and could definaitely use a better range if you can only have 1 lens. If you can't afford an L lens, there are other options. One lens that I have tried and thought was a good value is the Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-75mm f/2.8. It has pretty good sharpness for a $350 lens. The range will give you good general and landscapes. You can even find them used for around $200-250 and its way better than the canon kit lens. Even better than the Canon 28-135 IS lens.
 
:D I know what you're going through! Its hard trying to get set on one camera when there is such a range out there. I'd say - if you're looking at an XTi I would maybe check around at some local camera stores so you can actually feel (and maybe even use) one for a little bit, just because you keep mentioning the hefty issue. And that is one of the reason's people decide to go for the XXD series rather than the rebel series. I personally have an XTi/400D right now and love it, but once I round out my lens selection I'm going to be excited to move up to a XXD series of camera just because of size ad weight. The IQ (image quality) will be nearly identical between the XTi/20D/30D.

I would say, do a comparison between the XTi and the 20D and see if there is any features in the XTi that you would get that you absolutely can't live without. If there isn't, look for a 20D body as they're selling for about the same price right now.

And yep, as long as you get something post 10D it'll work with all of Canon's lenses as well as all aftermarket lenses designed for the EF lens mount. What is your budget? As obviously there is a little bit of difference between say a $1,000 budget and a $2,000 one. Also what type of photography are you planning on doing mostly at the Grand Canyon? Mostly landscapes? Or perhaps a little bit of everything? (family/friends, landscapes, perhaps the occasional critter?) That'll really determine your lens choice, fortunately if you're planning to do some landscape stuff even some of the cheaper lenses will give you decent results because you're usually stopped down which helps the IQ on a lot of lenses. :)
 
I will probably be doing pretty much a little bit of everything while on the trip. A lot of landscapes thats for sure. Yeah I know I have said it a couple of times but the additional size is why I am not completely swayed to the XTi anymore. I have tried them out a couple of times and I have a 35mm rebel that I got like 6-7 years ago that has sadly been sitting in the bag while I use my p&s digitals. I like it just fine - just trying to find other alternatives in the same budget. I wish my budget were $2000. Perhaps if I wasn't addicted to my tanks! Doesn't help I also have to pay for the trip too...but I digress :rolleyes: Preferably under/around $1000. Right now I am just browsing adorama and B &H in the used. If there are any other suggestions of where I should look I would appreciate it and of course lens or other recommendations for the newb. :) I feel like if I am going to get one for the trip (leave March 19th) I need to get a move on - I just don't want to make any costly mistakes in the rush so I really appreciate the help.
 
:D Here is an great site if you want to do some reading on different lenses for the Canon line up (and also other equipment reviews, and Canon camera reviews). Unfortunately I can't give much on shorter focal length lenses as my "niche" is mostly wildlife and animal photography so for me reach is king ;). I can say since this will probably be your main (or only) lens for a bit it'd be good to go with some kind of zoom. For $1,000 you should be able to pick up a body and one of the cheaper but still very good wide/normal to short tele zooms. Also don't forget to figure in CF cards and maybe a spare battery or two into your cost. Canon batteries are expensive but fortunately there are aftermarket batteries which work just as good as the Canon brand ones for about 1/4 of the price :D.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/
 
I apologize for needing to be spoon fed! Is this:

Canon EOS 20D Digital SLR Kit
Kit Includes Canon EF-S 18mm-55mmf3.5-5.6 Lens, Canon BG-E2 Battery Grip, Canon BP-511 Li-ion Battery, Generic HL-511 Li-ion Battery Pack And (New) Generic Battery Charger. (E+/E++)

[(E+/E++) = average condition, shows normal wear, looks okay/better than average, signs of use but nice & clean.]

worth $579.00?
 
:) I just looked on B&H and they're selling body only used 20D (well, all of them are used by this point since they've been discontinued) for $479. So I'd say that is more than a fair price as long as its in good condition. The lens they state is the kit lens - which while its not L glass for being a kit lens it does pretty darn good. Stopping it down really helps I've heard (I can't say as I've never used it, bought my camera body only).

So yes, I'd say that is more than a fair price - especially with the extra batteries and grip (grips NIB for the rebel series at least are ~$120). Is this on a local place where you can do local pick up? Or is it from a camera site? :)
 
It is from the site that Imzadi recommended - Cameta Cameras. They have a good ebay rating. I was perhaps not going to go with the kit lens but yeah I compared the B&H body price to this one and I thought it sounded good. Kit lens is something to get started with anyway. :)

I think I might just have to go for it! :D

I guess time to start some lens research. Now its really time to get confused. :confused:
 
:D The kit lens isn't that bad - and if you don't like it, can always sell it to somebody else who might be looking for one! And it'll give you something to use until you save up the money for a more expensive lens that you really want. I've seen some superb shots taken with the kit lens - just remember, gear is only part of the equation! The person behind the lens is what really makes the shot! ;)
 
Well I did it :) Got the Canon 20D that I just listed. Hopefully there will be no regrets. I should get it by next week! It was a little more than $100 more than the used 20D body on B&H and I got all that I listed. Now I just need to get a CF card and I will be on my way. I don't think my 512mb will get me too far. Hopefully I can get some practice in to make it worth the purchase before my trip. :) I thankfully already have a nice bag and an external flash from my previous Canon (which will hopefully work).
Yes I am more worried about my abilities than the camera's!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

R
Black Screen Issue with Aquarium Camera or Smart Lighting App
Replies
1
Views
89
griss
griss
Coral Dilema
Using an old new tank?
Replies
2
Views
174
Reefing102
Reefing102
C
Powerheads
Replies
6
Views
122
wvned
wvned
M
Where to buy an used 100G tank
Replies
1
Views
118
griss
griss
isseym328
LF Caribsea Fiji Pink Dry Sand used or new in bag
Replies
0
Views
156
isseym328
isseym328
Back
Top