Which is better (DSLR Cameras)?
I've been told from a few people "you can't get a (new or used) DSLR under $400". However I've seen a few used ones popping up quite cheap. As I'll probably only be taking a few hundred photos while I'm overseas I don't need something brand new.
The first two I've noticed at a similar price point (~$200) are the Nikon D50 and Canon EOS 350D both come with 18-55mm lens.
Which is the better of the two? Or is there an even better used DSLR around the same price?
While you can get a used DSLR for under $400, you have to really know what you are looking at. You can't look at brand or model, you have to look at condition.
The D50 is a good 8yrs old, and 8yrs in the evolution of digital cameras - especially DSLRs is huge. While not exactly a dinosaur, you are looking more at model Ts.
In a 8yr old camera, condition is more important than brand or model. So it is impossible to recommend one camera model over another.
The real issue is whether or not you can judge condition. The best bet is to buy from a reputable camera shop that deals in used equipment that offers an unconditional money back guarantee if you return it.
And you have to be familiar enough with the workings of a DSLR to ascertain it everything is working properly - which is why most people - including myself - do not recommend buying used for anyone not highly experienced with DSLRs already.
You may not discover something is not working until months after you bought it, and after the return period has expired.
Refurbished… A different story. You can indeed buy a refurbished camera for $400 or less, and I highly recommend going that route if you don't want to buy new, and do not have enough experience to fully check out a used camera for yourself.
Refurbished D3000 ($350) with kit lens:
http://www.adorama.com/...100KR.html" class='ext_link'>http://www.adorama.com/...100KR.html
Refurbished D5100 ($435) with kit lens:
If you can stretch your budget to $450, you can get a new Nikon D3100.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...av-Search=
Or a refurbished by Nikon, a Nikon D3100 for $350. This has my hearty recommendation.
http://www.adorama.com/INKD3100KR.html