What is the cheapest way to get a digital SLR camera?

Question

And don't say steal it!
I am a student photographer, and I used a standard canon digital camera, but I wan't something with more optical zoom that can be digital. I already have a canon film slr that my mom used to have, and frankly it is quite old and a hassle to carry around. I decided it might be best if I went ahead and invested in an slr, but i know those are extremely pricey! So, do you know where the best deals are for slr cameras, both on and offline?

Or, if not, do you know what the best slr STYLED digital cameras are that are out there?

Thank you so much!

Answer 1

Depending on how serious you are into photography and what type of photography you are doing. I would personally recommend a second hand or refurbished digital SLR for starters. I bought mine second hand and paid only 1/4th of the original price.I own Canon EOS 10D,you can see some of my photography on my website.

Then for the lens, the only problem with second hand is to be very very careful. You'll need to check and make sure that the glass has no marks and there is no dust inside, otherwise buy a new lens. Oh as you said you have a canon film slr, if it has autofocus lenses, you can use them with the digital slr so buy a body only and use existing lenses.

Also note that, because the digital slr doesn't have sensor same size as 35mm, so whichever lens you use, you have to multiply it by 1.6 so for example 17mm lens will be converted to approx 27mm on digital slr.

Hope this helps.

P.S. : To start a photography as a student, none of the compact digital or bridge cameras will help, u'll need digital slr (depending on how serious you are as i said). Otherwise yes there are some digital bridge cameras which provides you with almost all features of an SLR but too slow and quality is not same. A canon bridge camera for example is Canon PowerShot G series or Canon PowerShot S2IS.

Answer 2

If you aren't quite ready to pony up for a DSLR, consider a Canon S2 IS, while they are still on the shelves. It's NOT the same as a DSLR, but it's a nice camera. Otherwise, I agree with Manish.

Consider a refurbished camera with a warranty if you are trying to get decent equipment at a savings. Often, "refurbs" are just returned merchandise that can't be sold as new. These cameras are fine and never had anything wrong with them.

I've bought a couple without problems. Some refurbs are cameras that actually needed a repair, but they are repaired and certified by the factory to be as good as new and they should come with a warranty. Do not buy a refurb if it is not a "factory refurb" item. Although a refurb should come with a 90-day or 1 year manufacturer's warranty, you can buy third party warranty for 5 years for about $40-50. (You can do this for new equipment, also.) This may not be a bad idea if you are buying an "upscale" refurb. It would still cost a lot less than a new item in most cases.

You can find refurbs at rebutable dealers on eBay, among other places.

Answer 3

Try to pick up the Canon S70 Powershot on Ebay. It is a great camera that also shoots camera raw. The results are great. Canon discontinued it. You can only get it on places like Ebay now.

On the other extreme the Canon Ds MarkII. A little pricey and more difficult to use. Seriously, I've tried them both and am amazed at the quality of the S70. The S80 was not as good.

Answer 4

The T3i definitely delivers in picture quality and video. Granted, if you have another $1,500+ to spend and money is no object...then go for the higher end Canon DSLR's. But if you want to spend under a $1,000 but want very good quality for photos and video...the T3i is great! There is not a humongous jump in features vs. its T2i brother and for some, the T2i may be enough, in fact, if you are not planning to shoot video, some people may want just the XSi which I still see people using and have taken great pictures with it.

Answer 5

Abe's of Maine has some good deals. Check:

http://www.dpreview.com

...for reviews and places to buy. A note on DSLRs...you won't get any greater zoom with a DSLR than a prosumer "point & shoot". My Panasonic FZ30 has a 12x zoom (35-420mm equiv.), more than what'd you'd get with a DSLR off the shelf. Mega-zooms are pretty popular nowadays.

Answer 6

Look on www.craigslist.org for a used Canon Digital Rebel, 10D or 20D. I have a 20D and it's GREAT.

More used stuff at www.keh.com

If you want a new one - the cheapest online store is www.bhphotovideo.com

Answer 7

check out b&h photo www.bhphotovideo.com if they don't have what you are looking for then no one else will have it you can also call them free at 800-221-5743

Answer 8

I believe e-bay is the best bet

Answer 9

E BAY