120nut Loc: Independence, Kansas

Old semi-pro and now fervent hobbyist. I have been fortunate to work (as in PAID!) In all still formats up to 4 X 5 and industrial pro video and Time-Warner Cable locally. Now I still use my trusty Minoltas and TLR's. Just for kicks and snaps, I have been using a Canon Power Shot SD 550 ( a pretty "smart" little point-and-shoot ). I love all the options of this little jewel, but now I am yearning for a "big boy" digital SLR. I am a young senior (76) but making life work with social security and a talented wife. ;) We do a lot of music related things to be able to live fairly well considering the times. All that said I want to make our first purchase a solid camera with a good "rep". All input would be greatly appreciated. In the meantime I have been enticing a little red squirrel to pose outside my back window, even named him "Bubba" and of course "Mrs. Bubba". They are the best-fed squirrels in the neighborhood and they get serious about other squirrels encroaching on their territory.
Pix to come!

chevman Loc: Matthews, North Carolina

Check Canons refurbished DSLRs here https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-digital-slr-cameras?cm_mmc=GA-_-CameraGroup-_-140911Brand%20Paid%20Search-_-canon%20refurbished%20dslr&Ap=EOS%20Cameras&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1-fVBRC3ARIsAIifYONWBWN_alHizTDDxHAzBkhlFe4GQ8c9RafEcGtMc_jXEfWFPLoA3J4aApR1EALw_wcBit’s the Canon USA store and they offer the same one year warrenty as for new.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

Just about any digital SLR produced within the last ten years or so should serve you well; brand is not really important. Decide what type of lens you want to go with your camera - the lens will often have far more impact on the images produced than the camera.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

if you know the canon menu system stay with canon. the cameras are all the same even the mirrorless ones they are just smaller and lighter.

120nut Loc: Independence, Kansas

Thanx! You are getting my "education" off to a flying start!

120nut Loc: Independence, Kansas

Duhh on me! Of course a LENS! Will do my homework on that today. Good advice since it has been raining for 48 hours here in Kansas. Maybe I should be prepping my boat too!

InfiniteISO Loc: The Carolinas, USA

I just joined but I feel qualified to jump in here since ALL of my DSLR equipment is used.

I think Amazon is a safer place, albeit a bit more expensive to shop for used equipment compared to eBay, but all sales of used gear through the Amazon site must include a 30 day return policy. In other words, you have adequate time to test. Of course with digital photography being much more immediate than film, you can test extensively for a couple of weeks and decide if the camera or lens that you purchased used is working correctly. BHPhoto Video in New York have a great website that includes a ton of used gear. Their used stuff is a bit pricier than most of the Amazon dealers but they have a fantastic reputation. If you get something from them it's going to work right or they'll make it right. As for me, I have never had to return any item, but maybe I have good luck. On average, you can acquire gear that is a couple of years old for about half of what it costs new. There are photographic hobbyists that stay on the cutting edge gear wise and are constantly trading in to trade up.

I am a Nikon guy and made the jump from Nikon film 35mm bodies, so being able to use most of my old lenses was something that was important. Most Nikon digital SLRs have a shutter count, and some dealers will tell you what the tally is on old bodies.

I bought a Nikon D90 two years ago. Even at that time it was considered dated, but I got a body that had less than 5000 shutter actuations, had decent 12+ MP resolution, and it would mount and focus my old AF-s lenses. Of course they all shoot at a focal length about 1.5 times what's on the lens barrel but that's a different discussion.

The bottom line is there is a lot of used gear out there and if you buy from a dealer that has a return policy you can not only save money, but have a bit of piece of mind.

120nut Loc: Independence, Kansas

Amen on the "menu" reference. I have still not commanded the entire menu. "Fraid I got lazy after I started doing goofy point-and-shoot stuff just to have to "fix-it-in-post" (my overburdened computer)! Just an "aside"...my younger brother is a retired photojournalist and a "Canon man". Guess it's sometimes better to listen to the "kids" ( he's 72 ).

axiesdad Loc: Monticello, Indiana

Do you have a collection of lenses from your film cameras? Some of them may be compatible with some DSLRs.

Dr.Nikon Loc: Honolulu Hawaii

I’m getting ready to sell my brothers equipment .., he is in California ..a mint Nikon 7100 with less than 5,000 clicks .. lenses .. Tripod ..bag .., batteries .. battery holder ..you want a budget entry into the DSLR market .., This is it ....

120nut Loc: Independence, Kansas

I am taking ALL of this in. When I was buying gear on the "corporate ticket" I used BHPhoto and I think the other was Calumet??? Anyhow, haven't been corporate-employed for more than 20 years, I tend to lean toward Amazon and a few (very few) others of good "photographic" status. I will admit I recently lucked out on that "bad-ass" Minolta motor drive on Ebay and Sunpak 500 series batteries and charger from Samy's Camera: Used & Collectables.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

1st, check "Quote Reply" so we know to whom you are responding

As I'm sure you know from experience, when you buy your 1st DSLR and lens and flash, you become somewhat commited to the brand. The best advice is go to any store with cameras on display, hold them, see what feels the best. Push buttons, turn dials, go through their menus. See what is most intuitive. Do this before you buy. You might even decide to rent. Then, if price is critical, chech REFURBISHED prices at either of the ABCs (Adorama, B&H, Cometa) or KEH, the 4 best rated stores here on UHH.

Whatever you do, best of luck!

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

What's your budget? You can get a used dslr and a wide angle and telephoto kit lens for anything from $500 to several thousand. Or you can get a used dslr and manual film lenses for less than $300.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

depending on your Minolta lenses, you may want to consider a Sony Mirrorless with an adaptor to use those lenses.

BebuLamar

With your experience you should not need nor consider any advice from the UHH.