Any cheaper DSLRs? Hi, I recently bought a Nikon Coolpix L120 and enjoy taking pics. I want to move into the DSLR world, but can't afford the >$500 price tag. Any suggestions on...

Ugly Hedgehog Newsletter

Hi,

I recently bought a Nikon Coolpix L120 and enjoy taking pics. I want to move into the DSLR world, but can't afford the >$500 price tag. Any suggestions on cheaper models that are a good learning instruments or where best to shop for something that might be in my price range? Thanks.

Eugene

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

Go to `the following websites; adorama.com, keh.com, or b+hphoto.com click on used. These are the most trusted and recomended names for new and used(except keh who only sells used. You can find older dslrs in your price range. They wont be 14 megapixel with all the latest doodads but will work fine. I got great shots with a 6mp nikon d-100. Remeber though whatever one you pick up (Cannon,Nikon,Pentax Olympus) you are locked into their system Once you start buying lenses it becomes increasingly difficult to switch. For example I own Nikon equipment. If I wanted to switch to say pentax I would have to replace four lenses as well. Some of the used websites even offer a limited warranty. I bought a used Nikon n-9o film slr from adorama and was very pleased with the camera and customer service.

Ray Bullock Loc: Redding, CA

You might check newegg also, they usually have decent prices.

millervito

You can always check some of the other forums around the net. They usually have a sell forum for thier members good quality cameras at affordable prices example: potn or fred miranda canon 40d 450 bucks

Freddie Loc: Orlando, FL

There are many used DSLR's available for not much money. Lots of value and cheap experience. You can get a good Nikon D50 or D70 for around $300 with a lens. You can learn to shoot with it and get your money back when you upgrade.

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

the advantage of buying from the websites I mentioned are twofold. 1 you are buying from a reputable business that inspects the camera before it list it they will also rate it from like new to bangd up bargain. with an individual you are relying on their honesty. I have won bids on ebay where the camera equipment was no where near as good as claimed and have bought used from the above websites where the camera shipped was in better condition than described. I know that adorama puts a 30 day guarwentee on their used equipment. The others probably do also. The stores take plastic while the individuals dont, and depending on what time of day you order your camera can be shipped out the same day. TRUST me you cant go wrong with buying used from any of the three shops. good luck

Freddie Loc: Orlando, FL

I agree with Sinatraman, buying from the listed websites has it's advantages, especially for someone new to digitals with a set budget. Buying from an individual has it's risks, you have to know your product and how it works. Most people are honest, and although I have had no problems with individually purchased cameras and lenses, the possibility looms out there with very little recourse if something goes wrong. I'm an adventurer... I recently bought a 3200 shutter activation D70 with accessories for $100. My risk, my gain.
Freddie

millervito

sinatraman wrote:

the advantage of buying from the websites I mentio... (show quote)

Although I agree with your recomendation of adorama and b&h On the forums I mentioned the more active members really value their reputation and buy and sell there equiptment in order to upgrade. Most do use paypal so you can use plastic and they provide good photos and descriptions. I have bought several items from all the sources and never had a problem. But do your research and check out the seller

henrycrafter Loc: Orem Utah

If you can get a high quality DLSR for $500 you are lucky.
Try Ebay.
Make sure you are buying the camera and lens

Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

Ugly Hedgehog Newsletter wrote:

Hi,

I recently bought a Nikon Coolpix L120 and enjoy taking pics. I want to move into the DSLR world, but can't afford the >$500 price tag. Any suggestions on cheaper models that are a good learning instruments or where best to shop for something that might be in my price range? Thanks.

Eugene

Buy a recent but 3 year old loss leader.
The D3200 will take the same picture as a D7200. And lenses, flashes, etc
With @ $400 price delta.

flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

Harry0 wrote:

Buy a recent but 3 year old loss leader.
The D3200 will take the same picture as a D7200. And lenses, flashes, etc
With @ $400 price delta.

You are responding to an 11 year old post.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

flip1948 wrote:

You are responding to an 11 year old post.

Not only that, but the OP's post is the last one he made. He has been MIA as a poster for close to 11 years.

BebuLamar

Freddie wrote:

There are many used DSLR's available for not much money. Lots of value and cheap experience. You can get a good Nikon D50 or D70 for around $300 with a lens. You can learn to shoot with it and get your money back when you upgrade.

You should be able to get a D70 with kit lens for may be $100.

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

Ugly Hedgehog Newsletter wrote:

Hi,

I recently bought a Nikon Coolpix L120 and enjoy taking pics. I want to move into the DSLR world, but can't afford the >$500 price tag. Any suggestions on cheaper models that are a good learning instruments or where best to shop for something that might be in my price range? Thanks.

Eugene

There is a d3300 for sale right now in the classified adds here. 195.00. My wife has one and it is an excellent camera. If you can afford 400.00 you can find a used Nikon 7100 or 7200. An excellent camera that may well satisfy you for several years.

MDI Mainer

This thread is proof that on the internet old posts NEVER die, they lie in wait to bite someone in the ass a decade later. In this case dumb but harmless, but in many others to the great detriment of the OP.

In another decade DSLRs will likely be museum pieces, with some selling at collector prices!