Budget DSLR

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soliberus

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Hi everyone

I have a friend that is interested in buying an entry-level DSLR. Her budget is max £350. What is the best budget DSLR at the moment and can you get something worthwhile for that price?

Thanks
 
Panny G1

The Panasonic G1 isn't a Single Lens Reflex camera, instead it is more of an advanced compact with interchangeable lenses (permanent live view). However, you won't get better (new) for £350 IMHO.
 
Avoid new! Main reason is that whatever your friend buys new will be worth quite a bit less as soon as she walks out of the shop with it. A second hand kit will be considerably cheaper and someone else will already have taken the depreciation hit on the gear.

Most camera shops that deal in 2nd hand kit offer reasonable warranties on the gear, so she shjouldn't get her fingers burnt, although the dealers will be a little more expensive than private sales. E-Bay could be an option but it's not a route I would take, especially if she doesn't really know what she wants (and some prices gear goes for seem to be ridiculously high!).
 
Has your friend considered buying second hand? Looking on the For Sale section here their are some great budget cameras like the Canon 400D and the 450D, ideal entry level DSLRs
 
Hmmm, I didn't even think to mention the 2nd hand option to her. We live in London, so it shouldn't be too hard to find a good 2nd hand camera store. Any suggestions? ;)

I own a D40 and I think it's a great entry level DSLR. I've just had a look at Amazon and they sell the D3000 (replacement for D40?) for £336. Can anyone recommend the D3000?

What about a Sony A230 (selling for £275 on Amazon)?
 
soliberus said:
I own a D40 and I think it's a great entry level DSLR. I've just had a look at Amazon and they sell the D3000 (replacement for D40?) for £336. Can anyone recommend the D3000?

What about a Sony A230 (selling for £275 on Amazon)?
Click to expand...

THe D3000 is fine, however you'll probably be able to get a used D60 or D40X for between between £250-£300. It's a very similar camera. Or even a used D40 for a bit less.

I tried a Sony A230 and didn't find the grip very comfortable.
 
Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lenses aren't cheap!

20mm f/1.7, £294.99
45mm f/2.8 Macro, £598.99
7-14mm f/4 £914.99
14-140mm £689.99
45-200mm f/4-5.6 OIS £240.

Above prices taken from a Park Cameras ad. Panasonic have a tie in with Leica over lenses. I think this is mainly in the design department but Leica may have some say in manufacturing as well.

Olympus also make MFT lenses -

17mm f/2.8 (unboxed) £274.99
14-42mm £295.99

Again, Park Cameras' prices.
 
I don't know if he still has any left, but Kerso (check the advertisers' forum) had some new D40x bodies for under £200 a while back
 
I'd suggest going for a used 450D with the 'IS' kit lens.......it's a very decent entry-level DSLR and will last her long enough until she is at a level where she feels the body is restricting her due to features such as frame rate.

I had the Canon 1000D which is the lower model, and that was certainly good enough and a joy to use when starting out.
 
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