I realize that this is a thread for camcorders but I don't really visit any other AV type of forums and thought I may be able to get some help here. I am in the market for a used digital SLR, I won't use it a lot but will use it for kids sports and may upgrade in the future. I have been looking at the Cannon 300D and see them on eBay for around $300, anyone have any other suggestions across all brands or models and may be able to be found on the cheap?

Mike

I realize that this is a thread for camcorders but I don't really visit any other AV type of forums and thought I may be able to get some help here. I am in the market for a used digital SLR, I won't use it a lot but will use it for kids sports and may upgrade in the future. I have been looking at the Cannon 300D and see them on eBay for around $300, anyone have any other suggestions across all brands or models and may be able to be found on the cheap?

Mike

Nikon D70S or the nikon D70

I have a Nikon D50, and it's a wonderful camera - you don't need more than 6 megapixels unless you're printing posters, and it has the same sensor as the more expensive Nikons.

Save your money for lenses - that's what will matter more for picture quality.

Edit: Quick check of ebay shows them going for $350 - probably not much savings there vs buying a new Nikon.

Hey Mike,

The Canon 300D was definitely a, industry changing camera, but there have been so many advancements since the release of that camera. I would look into a used 20D or a used Rebel XT as they are more responsive than the 300D. Skip the Rebel XTi as it has bad color noise problems at ISO 400 and up. I sold mine due to this. The XT has better IQ in my opinion. Also, the 300d have been out a while and you have to be careful regarding shutter actuations. These shutters won't last forever and it would be pretty disappointing to get the camera and find a couple months later that you need to replace a $200 shutter. Just something to think about. I actually have a 300d sitting in the closet with less than 10,000 actuations.

In other words, if you can, you probably should get a newer SLR (even if it feels like less of a deal), as many things improved dramastically on the low-end SLR market in the last 3 years.

I actually have a 300d sitting in the closet with less than 10,000 actuations.
Funny, I've got an XT sitting in mine... with a lot less actuations, sadly. I've really gotta sell that thing -- should've done so long ago.

Canon DSLR bodies are the best, with two exceptions: Nikon D3 & D300, both of which match or better Canon DSLR bodies, but these two Nikons just came out months ago, and they are the first Nikons that meet or exceed Canon in DSLR image quality. Prior Nikons, especially the D70 and most others, even their pro bodies (prior to the D3 & D300) were just too noisy at ISO 800 or faster.

If you go Nikon, get the D3 or D300 because any Nikon under these are still too noisy at ISO 800, and even the later Nikons (under the D3 & D300) appear "noise free" at higher ISO's but at the expense of precious image details...sure they look "noise free" but they're also short on nuances and details especially in the shadows.

So to summarize, get any late model Canon DSLR for best image quality, or get a Nikon D3 or D300, but they're a tad pricy. If you want fullframe, very low noise, and awesome pro image quality at a decent price, the Canon EOS 5D is it. It's body is just prosumer quality, but it's images are nearly the same as the $5,000 Nikon D3 fullframe, and the Canon 5D costs just $1,800-$1,900 new these days. Sure it is a bit old, but it still holds up to the 2008 Nikon D3. Both Nikon D3 & D300 are awesome fantastic bodies. All the other Nikons I would stear clear like the plague for their too noisy high ISO performances.

I shoot pro weddings still photography, but want to use my new HF10 Canon for personal fun stuff only...I really don't have the passion it takes to really embrace pro video, at least for now ;-)

So to summarize, get any late model Canon DSLR for best image quality, or get a Nikon D3 or D300, but they're a tad pricy. If you want fullframe, very low noise, and awesome pro image quality at a decent price, the Canon EOS 5D is it. It's body is just prosumer quality, but it's images are nearly the same as the $5,000 Nikon D3 fullframe, and the Canon 5D costs just $1,800-$1,900 new these days. Sure it is a bit old, but it still holds up to the 2008 Nikon D3. Both Nikon D3 & D300 are awesome fantastic bodies.
Ouch. Total overkill for what he wants and needs.

Mike, PM me if you're interested in my XT. I'm not a pro, so it's hardly (and gently) used. :)

How is Olympus E510? They can be had for very little with two Olympus zoom lens.

How is Olympus E510? They can be had for very little with two Olympus zoom lens.

The trouble with Olympus is that they still provide too much noise at ISO 800 and faster. I would stick with Nikon or Canon these days. Oly does make some really great lenses however.

Ouch. Total overkill for what he wants and needs.

Mike, PM me if you're interested in my XT. I'm not a pro, so it's hardly (and gently) used. :)

How are the latest Nikons, or Canons overkill? Do you suppose only pros deserve best image quality? If he is price sensitive, I would strongly suggest the latest Canon Rebel DSLR, as it can be had for under $800 and it provides the same or nearly the same image quality as Nikons and Canon models costing $5,000+ in most circumstances.

You said "If you go Nikon, get the D3 or D300..."

The D300 is around $1700 to $1800, and the D3 is a $5,000 camera. :)

True those Nikons I mentioned are a bit more then the $300 old Rebel he was thinking of ;-)

I guess he mentioned family, kids, sports, and me being a family guy myself, I am very anal about image quality, and so I transposed my own needs onto him, which was not really helpful. Apologies!

The D60 and D80 are fine entry-level DSLRs if you want to go the Nikon way.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond60/
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond80/

They're comparable to the Rebels and are currently available new between $620-$720 for the body only.

Of course, the Nikon D300 and D3 are better SLRs, but so are the Canon 40D, 5D and EOS-1D MarkIII. They're just not entry-level SLRs.

Obviously, member "eos5d" is a Canon pro user and has selected that maker because it was probably the best choice for his needs at the time he chose. It's no surprise that he will recommend Canon technology over any other (no disrespect whatsoever "eos5d").

But, bottom line, Nikon and Canon are providing very competitive products in the digital SLR market, and at any given point, one has a better edge over the other depending on what you're looking for (price, noise, lens, color, etc). It's important to note that while their models are competing in the same market, Canon and Nikon cameras are not necessarilly directly comparable (features, quality and performance vary even at the same price point).

My suggestion for somebody looking to buy a SLR camera? Spend time reading reviews and user feedbacks on entry level SLR cameras at http://www.dpreview.com. I would personally start reading about the latest Canons and Nikons, but you might want to look at the others too.

The D60 and D80 are fine entry-level DSLRs if you want to go the Nikon way.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond60/
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond80/

They're comparable to the Rebels and are currently available new between $620-$720 for the body only.

Of course, the Nikon D300 and D3 are better SLRs, but so are the Canon 40D, 5D and EOS-1D MarkIII. They're just not entry-level SLRs.

Obviously, member "eos5d" is a Canon pro user and has selected that maker because it was probably the best choice for his needs at the time he chose. It's no surprise that he will recommend Canon technology over any other (no disrespect whatsoever "eos5d").

But, bottom line, Nikon and Canon are providing very competitive products in the digital SLR market, and at any given point, one has a better edge over the other depending on what you're looking for (price, noise, lens, color, etc). It's important to note that while their models are competing in the same market, Canon and Nikon cameras are not necessarilly directly comparable (features, quality and performance vary even at the same price point).

My suggestion for somebody looking to buy a SLR camera? Spend time reading reviews and user feedbacks on entry level SLR cameras at http://www.dpreview.com. I would personally start reading about the latest Canons and Nikons, but you might want to look at the others too.

No offense take ;-)

However I did go with Canon because at the time, the 5D provide the best image quality in the world, and it offered a full frame sensor. The 5D even bettered it's big expensive brother, the 1DS Mark II which went for $8,000! But today, if I had to choose, I might choose Nikon for their awesome D3, so you see, I'm no Canon fanboy ;-) I have to say, Nikon hit a homerun with their fullframe D3.

In fact, it was only after the recent announcement of the Nikon D3 & D300 that Nikon finally caught up or surpassed Canon in image quality. Nikon bodies before the D3 and D300 produced just so-so IQ, as they were way too noisy, to be sure.

No offense take ;-)

However I did go with Canon because at the time, the 5D provide the best image quality in the world, and it offered a full frame sensor. The 5D even bettered it's big expensive brother, the 1DS Mark II which went for $8,000! But today, if I had to choose, I might choose Nikon for their awesome D3, so you see, I'm no Canon fanboy ;-) I have to say, Nikon hit a homerun with their fullframe D3.

In fact, it was only after the recent announcement of the Nikon D3 & D300 that Nikon finally caught up or surpassed Canon in image quality. Nikon bodies before the D3 and D300 produced just so-so IQ, as they were way too noisy, to be sure.

I know what you mean. Right now, if I had $5000 burning in my pockets, the choice would be simple. But I'm sure Canon will counter attack with something even better very soon and the cycle will continue on. :) The good news for all of us is that neither Nikon nor Canon can sit on their laurels for too long, and we gain major technological improvements every year.

The Nikon D60 now goes for $650-750 with their VR (lens stabilization) lens. The only downside is that the body doesn't have a motor. The build quality seems far superior to the Canons which is shocking and the Xsi Rebel is still at $900. Is it worth an extra $250? Most say no and agree with you guys. IF you're blowing all that money for the Canon Rebel you might as well spend an extra $200 to get their next level. All this is still more than what I need, lol, and I'm hoping the Xsi comes down to the right price point it should or else the D60 might be just too good to pass up (and I'm not buying many lenses.)

Anyone have any updates on the Nikon D90? I think it is getting closer to being revealed?

I just found this on the D90...will be interesting

Nikon prepping D90 for early September?
Nikon has scheduled a press event that could see the release of an anticipated upgrade to the D80, say multiple reports. One claims that the media is receiving invitations to a gathering to be held on September 3rd, three weeks before the Photokina photography expo in Germany. The camera maker often announces

I have the Sony 12 mp SLR, absolutly love it. Heres an image, beware... its 8megs.

http://www.silverti.com/family/DSC04143.JPG

Only problem is: Damn its hard to store all the picture data.