Are Older DSLRs still worth getting?

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impaul

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I used to have a Canon 350D a few years ago but at the time I needed some cash so sold it.

I'd quite like to get another DSLR as I miss the quality of photo I used to get with it. I've been having a look on ebay and you can pick up a 350D for about £100. Is it worth getting something more modern? Have the new entry level Canon's moved on much, enough to spend 3 or 4 times more than a 350D? Or do they just offer gimmicky features and HD video (which I'm not too interested in)?

Any thoughts appreciated.
 
Newer cameras are a lot better, they offer increased resolution and improved image quality.

But whether that is enough to justify the extra cost to you, well only you can decide.

Personally if I were buying an entry level model now I would look out for a used 500D which is a remarkably good camera. Excellent image quality, especially up in the high ISO area.

That said, my old 20D was an excellent camera, and it can still deliver the goods today as long as I shoot within the limitations.
 
The body is just 1 factor, it depends what you want to get out of it, you could get a 350d, get some lenses and then later on upgrade the body
 
RichardtheSane said:
Newer cameras are a lot better, they offer increased resolution and improved image quality.

But whether that is enough to justify the extra cost to you, well only you can decide.

Personally if I were buying an entry level model now I would look out for a used 500D which is a remarkably good camera. Excellent image quality, especially up in the high ISO area.

That said, my old 20D was an excellent camera, and it can still deliver the goods today as long as I shoot within the limitations.
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This kind of reflects my feelings, cameras have moved on massively since the 350D but not so much in recent years (if you're not into video) so something like a 500D or a Nikon D5000 would be a great buy.

That said, you can't deny the image quality £100 invested in a 350D would get you.
 
I've used a 550d which was a good camera, technologically up-to-date. Then upgraded to the 60D for the swivel screen.

I then bought an additional 5D which felt really old !!! Not saying its not a good camera but I'm use to the controls on my 60D now so I sold the 5D.

It depends on how often you'll use the camera and whether you'll benefit from a newer camera.

After all its your choice ! Make sure you try before you buy ! Get a feel of the camera
 
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Should have said, for my money the Pentax K30 is the best DSLR bargain of the moment.

That spec and quality of camera for a shade over £400 (inc current £50 cashback offer) is unbelievable value.
 
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I think a 450D would be good for you? An upgrade from what you were used to but still resonably cheap second hand.

I picked mine up in mint condition, boxed with everything as sold new inc kit lens for less than £300 posted.
 
I have a D200, when it came out it was the bee’s knees. It took good images then, and it still takes good images now. So do not disregard older DSLR’s
 
Probably took one of my best shots this year with my 350D whilst my 7D was on video duty, so yes old cameras can still produce the goods, but yes they may be outperformed by more modern equipment in some situations, rightly so or else why are we spending money!
 
The 350D was my first DSLR and it's still an excellent camera, if you get a good one.

The kit lens is also far better than many on here seem to suggest, and if you are into macro then a cheap set of close up filters off Ebay can give you very good results with minimal outlay.

.
 
RichardtheSane said:
Newer cameras are a lot better, they offer increased resolution and improved image quality. But whether that is enough to justify the extra cost to you, well only you can decide. Personally if I were buying an entry level model now I would look out for a used 500D which is a remarkably good camera. Excellent image quality, especially up in the high ISO area.

That said, my old 20D was an excellent camera, and it can still deliver the goods today as long as I shoot within the limitations.
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:agree: Loved my 20D (RIP 2012). At the end of the day, unless you're a pro you're better off investing in glass (lenses) than a camera body. 20, 30, 40D would offer you a decent body at very little outlay.

Its all about putting the right lens on the front.

Images taken with a 300mm f2.8 and 70-200mm f2.8 on a 20D

300mm
IMG_5997_copy_1.jpg


70-200mm
IMG_6068_copy_1.jpg


300mm + 1.4 & 2x TC stacked
IMG_6377_copy_1.jpg
 
YES. If it took good photos 7 years ago, it'll still take good photos today. The money you save on a new model by buying an older model will allow you to purchase a much better lens than you otherwise could have.
 
Thanks for the advice guys. I'll keep my eyes peeled for a bargain after xmas! I think i'll looks for something slightly newer than a 350D just so I have something different to try out, or maybe a 20 or 30D.

Cheers.
 
I recon that a secondhand 40D is really good value for money at the mo
Fantastic Image quality:)
 
LCPete said:
I recon that a secondhand 40D is really good value for money at the mo
Fantastic Image quality:)
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I'd second that, 40d's are great bodies and produce great images.
 
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