Buying a used DSLR camera?
Hi i'm starting to get into photography a little and currenntly only have a nikon point and shoot thats 16mp. I want a slr but don't want to spend a ton of money on a slight hobby i'm just getting into. I'm looking at used slrs that are only about 7-10 megapixels and can't be beat for the price i can buy a nikon/cannon body with 2 lenses and filters for about $250. Do you think the lack of features or megapixels for being so cheap will hurt me? If so what do you recommend are the minimum specs for a beginner keep in mind the MAX i want to spend for a kit is about $325 and only want a nikon/cannon or other high end brand and i'm looking at b&h's website along with ebay craigslist ect
Added (1). Thanks for all the additional info guys! And i know megapixels are not necessarily the biggest deal but i was worried i would buy a camera so old that is basically already considered completely obsolete and useless.
i'm currently looking at nikon D50, D100, D70 (Maybe a D3000 if i get a good package)
i was also looking at 3/4 slrs that are smaller, are these worth it? Like the olympus E-p1
do you have any experience with the cameras listed above? I'm open to recommendations about other nikons or any other brand
If you buy off of craigslist make sure you fully test the camera and lens before you pay for it.
You need to be looking on the KEH website. They have a huge selection of used gear, it is well inspected and rated, prices are the lowest, and they even give you a warranty. I have bought lots of gear from them… Never any problems. Usually the equipment is better than what they rate it.
Don't be concerned with megapixel numbers. Even the kit lens on a DSLR, in conjunction with the huge sensor (as compared to the point and shoot), will give far better photo quality than a point and shoot. The little cameras have TOO MANY pixels crammed on the sensor for marketing reasons aimed at people who do not know better.
Megapixels affect the image's resolution. The Nikon and Canon entry-level bodies are well-equipped for a beginner. Get the ones that have additional lenses included so you can practice on different focal lengths. High-end bodies are faster and process less noise in low-light conditions. Entry-level bodies are noisier and slower, which isn't really noticeable unless you're shooting professionally.
List down the models you see on eBay, CL, or B&H, and look them up. I look up camera reviews here: www.dpreview.com. Or just Google the reviews on that specific model you're looking at.
If you think megapixels matter you have two choices
1.read a buyers guide
2.look elsewhere for something to impress your friends with
HI, I have been using d slr's since quite sometime now, please consider the following.
1. Canon vs Nikon - Both are fabulous, Choose one and stick to it forever. DO DOT CONSIDER A THIRD BRAND.
2. Megapixel Count - Doesn't help, It's all the same as long as its over 10 MP.
Consider a nikon d90, its the most popular cam on flickr and far far ahead of any other dslr, closest competitor being iphone 4 in terms of no of uploads a day, been in the market for a long time now, so its tried and tesed, Its priced extremely well for an intermediate level Dslr, It comes with a fabulous 18-105mm lens as compared to 18-55mm that comes with normal entry level cameras, + the camera has a built in focus motor, which means the cheaper lenses such as 70-300mm lenses auto focus when mounted on a d90 body, a huge cost saving in the long run, + penta prism viewfinder instead of penta mirror, which means the handeling is much better, + individual controls for each attribute + a fablous display for controls as well on the top of the body.
Good deal + value for money+tried and tested+ the older nikon lenses would also autofocus+ a much better kit lens with excellent VR.
Nikon D series are all good. I have an old D100 and it still works great! There's one D40 on this site, http://www.houseofnothing.com Talk to the owner and see if you can get a good deal.