Reasonably priced DSLR? - 1
I'm looking for a cheap(ish), good-quality digital SLR camera for personal use and for a photography class. I can't spend any more than $450, and anything cheaper would be appreciated. Oh! And the camera has to have a removable lens. I would prefer a Canon or a Nikon over other brands.
Buying a DSLR on a tight budget is problematic, because nobody really tells you just how much other gear you will need/want on top of the camera.
Even if/when you DO find a DSLR plus lens in your price range, there will always be way more expenses ahead.
You'll want and/or need a few other things such as tripod, filters, a bag, sensor cleaning gear, a second battery, memory cards, perhaps a remote shutter release etc.
That's just the small stuff - I can guarantee you that you'll also want more lenses. You'll probably buy cheap ones at first, then regret that, then start saving for the good quality ones, instead.
You'll also want a decent flash some day.
See how that list just goes on and on?
Owning a DSLR isn't cheap - at least not until you have built up a nice stash of gear. When you look at an advertised kit price, you do NOT see all the other gear that need/want with it.
Just some food for thought… I'm not trying to talk you out of this, just trying to be helpful in case you haven't thought about all this yet.
If you must have a DSLR and it must be cheap, consider buying second hand and living with only a very basic lens until you can afford a better one. Either Canon or Nikon is fine… You'll grow into whichever camera you choose.
This is a very reliable and competitive site. Beware if you find a lower price elsewhere.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...rtclk=sort
If you can't trickle out a few more bucks then your money is more than enough for a more than decent secondhand dSLR. It's a pity though. The brand new one is within your reach.
Canon Rebel XS is the best
You're at the lowest range but luckily there are two models that are so cheap from Canon and Nikon. It's the Canon EOS XS/1000D and Nikon D3000, you can get them from Amazon for $450.
Here's a DSLR Buying Guide - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/11/which-dslr-to-buy/