Good idea to buy this second-hand dslr?

[geo909]

Dear all,

I would be really grateful if you could give me some feedback on the
following..

I'm new to photography and I was looking for an entry-level dslr. I'm on
a budget of $500-$600 so I thought I'd go for a second-hand. Since I'm
a beginner, I don't have any specific requirements apart from learning,
but I'd still like to get something that will last and won't be set aside if I
eventually progress in this new hobby of mine.

I found the following used cameras (the prices are in $CA):

Nikon D60 $550
Nikon D60 With 50mm AF-S 1.8 Lens - Ottawa Cameras For Sale - Kijiji Ottawa Canada.

Canon XTi 400D $500
Canon XTi (400D) Kit + Extras! - Ottawa Cameras For Sale - Kijiji Ottawa Canada.

Given of course that they are in good condition, would you recommend
those for the price?

The only new camera that I found close to my budget was the EOS T3
for around $650 (taxes incl.). I could stretch to that price if it is really
worthwhile.

Thank you very much for your time!

[dakwegmo]

You might also want to look at refurbished cameras. This fits your requirements: 25452 BKD Nikon D5000 DX-Format 12.3 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Kit - Refurbished - by Nikon U.S.A. with Nikon 18mm - 55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX (VR) Vibration Reduction Wide Angle Autofocus Zoom Lens, - Refurbished - by Nikon U.S.A. FREE: Red Giant A and comes with a 90 day warranty.

you could pick up a NEW t2i body for $509.00 at B&H and a starter lens for about $100!

[geo909]

Hmm.. I think you guys are right, there are probably better offers around.
The other thing is that, since I'm a beginner, there may be a flaw that I
may miss when buying from a person, maybe I'd better buy it from a
store.

dakwegmo: I'll consider this, thanks.. Have to check if it's expensive to
ship to Canada or if I have to pay customs, tbthough.

ntinlizi: will consider this option, too.. Although maybe a Canadian store
would be better for me.

I'll do some more research and update.. Thanks!

[OsmosisStudios]

Ta-daa!

Black's - Product (Canon EOS Rebel T3 18-55 IS Black Kit)

CANON REBEL T3 W/18-55 EF-S IS II(BLACK) 5157B003

Canon EOS Rebel T3 w/ EF-S 18-55mm IS (Black) Digital SLR Camera 5157B003 - Vistek Canada Product Detail
Nikon D3100 w/ AF-S 18-55mm VR Digital SLR Camera 30707 - Vistek Canada Product Detail

Those are all camera-specific stores in Ottawa: Black's has several locations across the city, Henry's has 2 (Orleans, Innes@10th Line rd; Downtown, Bank@Cooper), and Vistek is very nearby (Bank@Flora). This isnt even counting FutureShop, BestBuy, etc.

[geo909]

Ta-daa!

Black's - Product (Canon EOS Rebel T3 18-55 IS Black Kit)

CANON REBEL T3 W/18-55 EF-S IS II(BLACK) 5157B003

Canon EOS Rebel T3 w/ EF-S 18-55mm IS (Black) Digital SLR Camera 5157B003 - Vistek Canada Product Detail
Nikon D3100 w/ AF-S 18-55mm VR Digital SLR Camera 30707 - Vistek Canada Product Detail

Those are all camera-specific stores in Ottawa: Black's has several locations across the city, Henry's has 2 (Orleans, Innes@10th Line rd; Downtown, Bank@Cooper), and Vistek is very nearby (Bank@Flora). This isnt even counting FutureShop, BestBuy, etc.

Apologies for the late reply; I did try to do so a few days ago but my post is still
waiting moderation (!), hope you get to read this one.. Here's pretty much what I
previously wrote:

Thanks a lot!! I'll definitely go with one of those stores. I think I'll pick the D3100..

But, there is another thing that got in my mind while I was browsing the 'used' list
at Henry's, although this is quite a diversion from my original post.. They sell a
really cheap old canon rebel (300D) for $180 incl. taxes. I know the features are
light years away from the current models, but I'll get to know the basics of
photography for less than $200! This way of getting into something (start with
'obsolete' old tools that are available for cheap/free until I learn the basics) has served
me very well in the past with other hobbies of mine. If I see I'm getting hooked and
improving, I could then invest to a better camera.

Any feedback on this thought? Would you absolutely stay away from such an old
camera or it's not such a bad idea?

Thanks a lot for your time..

[mbrobich]

Very nice D200 body here for $400. Get a cheap $150 50mm lens and your done.

D200 10.2MP Used Digital SLR Body - London Cameras For Sale - Kijiji London Canada.

I called them last night. They said they have lots left in stock. Quite an upgrade from the D60.

[veritasimagery]

Originally Posted by geo909

But, there is another thing that got in my mind while I was browsing the 'used' list at Henry's, although this is quite a diversion from my original post.. They sell a really cheap old canon rebel (300D) for $180 incl. taxes. I know the features are light years away from the current models, but I'll get to know the basics of
photography for less than $200! This way of getting into something (start with
'obsolete' old tools that are available for cheap/free until I learn the basics) has served
me very well in the past with other hobbies of mine. If I see I'm getting hooked and
improving, I could then invest to a better camera.

Any feedback on this thought? Would you absolutely stay away from such an old
camera or it's not such a bad idea?

Thanks a lot for your time..

The biggest concern with a camera that old (other than many P&S cameras will have better sensors) would be with how much life it has left in it's shutter.

[geo909]

Originally Posted by mbrobich

Very nice D200 body here for $400. Get a cheap $150 50mm lens and your done.

D200 10.2MP Used Digital SLR Body - London Cameras For Sale - Kijiji London Canada.

I called them last night. They said they have lots left in stock. Quite an upgrade from the D60.

Thanks.. But I'm in Ottawa and I don't know if I'd like to have something
shipped through kijiji..

Originally Posted by veritasimagery

The biggest concern with a camera that old (other than many P&S cameras will have better sensors) would be with how much life it has left in it's shutter.

Hmm.. So there may be a chance that it dies sooner or later, I guess?

[veritasimagery]

Originally Posted by geo909

Hmm.. So there may be a chance that it dies sooner or later, I guess?

Yeah, the 300D is good for an average of 50,000 shutter uses.

I've had my T3i/600D for less then a year and have right around 5,000 shutter releases on it. So, depending on when that particular 300D was sold (I think it was introduced in 2003), and how often the owner used it, you could be looking at being near the end of it's lifespan (5,000 x 9 = 45,000).