Cheap but decent digital SLR camera?

Question

I want to buy a digital SLR, but it has to be cheap because I'm only a high school student. Seriously, it doesnt hae to be anything special, just at least 3x zoom, manual focus, light meter, at least 6 megapixels, manual zoom, manual shutter/aperture.
Any ideas?

Does the Canon S3 IS have manual focus right on the lens?

Answer 1

The cheapest DSLR that is worth owning is probably the Pentax K110D, and this is coming from a Nikon fan.

This is a decent camera and it has all the features you have requested. In other words, it can work fully automatic or it can work just like the good old days of film cameras before anything was automatic at all. We don't generally refer to "X" power zooms for SLR lenses, but this one happens to work out as a 3X zoom. (55 divided by 18 = 3X)

You can click on individual user comments on this page: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/read_opinions.asp?prodkey=pentax_k110d

You can also read this review of the K100D, which is the same camera as the K110D, except that it also has image stabilization in the camera: http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/k100d.html

Check out this set-up. You can get the body, the "kit" lens for $440 after a rebate from B&H Photo in New York. This INCLUDES a good memory card, too. (Rebate ends 3-27-07) You can find B&H by going to Yahoo! Shopping, as they are one of the retailers that Yahoo! links to.

"Pentax K110D, 6.1 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera Kit with Pentax Zoom Super Wide Angle SMCP-DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Autofocus Lens and Sandisk 2GB Ultra II Secure Digital (SD) Card"

This is the type of camera you are looking for. The S3-IS is a great camera - for what it is - but you cannot focus by turning a focus ring on the lens.

Answer 2

You have two questions here...

Where to get an affordablt dslr.

Go to KEH.com, which is a reputable store in Atlanta that sells used equipment on line (I have bought many things from them). First you have to decide whether you want Canon or Nikon (of course there is also Pentax or Olympus - but with Canon or Nikon you are buying into the biggest lens collection and will also find more used gear). A few models worth checking out are the original digital rebel (the 6.3 mp model) and the Nikon D50 (I would stay away from the D40 which is crippled by not being able to use all the Nikon lenses). Search KEH and look for a used one. Their bargain items are in surprisingly good condition. Right now there is a Digital Rebel in excellent condition listed for $415 and there is a Nikon D50 in Like New condition for $399. Either of these would be a good camera (don't forget to save some money for a lens - a 50mm prime is a good start and very cheap - $60-70). I don't know what your budget is, but this is one way to get started cheaply.

As for your second question. The S3 is not an SLR (as someone has already noted) meaning it is not a single lens reflex camera where you look through the lens using a mirror system that is moved our of the way to expose the media. It is a nice little camera and does have manual modes, so it is also a good way to get started. It does have a manual focus mode which is controlled using buttons, but it has a fixed lens meaning you can't change the lenses (although you can add some adaptor lens). A digital rebel or a Nikon D50 is a much more capable camera and really the way to go if you are serious about photography.

Good luck and have fun!

Answer 3

I could be wrong, but I don't think the Canon S3 is a true SLR...it has "SLR convenience". For true SLRs, you may need to consider a refurbed digital Rebel, 10D, or 20D. You'll get all the manual controls, but you will need to add an interchangeable lens, which you will appreciate over the fixed one that comes with the S3. The zoom lens that comes with the kit will probably okay for your applications. Try Refurb Depot or look in Adorama's refurb section.

Answer 4

A DSLR is about the system, more than the individual parts.

On the lower end, but good DSLR systems are

Nikon D40/D50
Canon Digital Rebel XT or XTi - (350D or 400D)
Pentax K100, K110

Lenses can be purchased in a multitude of different focal lengths, and the kit lenses that can be purchased with the camera bodies are very good as well.

The price range for all these camera bodies are around $450-$800.

Answer 5

Go to www.beachcamera.com and check out the Canon S3 iS for only $350... 6 megapixel and all the controls you will need (plus automatic features) and the lens is 12X! Check it out... even if you decide not to buy it, just look at it.

Answer 6

Well it depends on your definition of cheap...I recently bought a Sony 100 SLR because I am getting ready to open my own studio.
It is my first semi-pro camera ,at best buy it sold for $699.00 on sale. There were better cameras but this one is a great starter. If this price is too steep maybe try e-bay.
I hope this helps good luck!

Answer 7

go to www.dpreview.com - they have great reviews.

so does www.dcresource.com

S3 is not a dslr, but it is a good camera.