DSLR camera buying advice

[janwes]

any advice abought a good but inexpensive DSLR camera? How about refurbished?
Thanks

 

[dioxide45]

Costco has a deal starting today. You can get the Canon Digital Rebel T6i with a case, chip and extra zoom lens for $449. Seems like a pretty good deal. It is one step below their current Rebel line which is at the T7i. We have also just sold a bunch of older cameras on Ebay. Got much more for them than I thought we would. You would of course be buying them used, but you do have buyer protection if they are not working when you get them.

 

[janwes]

Thank you.


Costco has a deal starting today. You can get the Canon Digital Rebel T6i with a case, chip and extra zoom lens for $449.

 

[GetawaysRus]

Is the camera for travel? I think size and weight are big issues. I enjoy my DSLR (I have a Canon SL-1, which I believe is smaller than many other Canon DSLRs), but I wish it were smaller and lighter. I travel with only one lens, a Tamron 18-300, which I use as an all purpose lens, but it too could be smaller and lighter.

That price for the Rebel T6 looks pretty good. Consider its size, weight, and how many lenses you will need if you plan to use it for travel.

 

[linsj]

If you already own a film camera with one or more lenses, buy a DSLR body that fits those lenses. I did that years ago when my Minolta died. The lenses fit Sony bodies, and I saved a bundle of money.

 

[pedro47]

Are you planning on packaging this DSLR camera in your carry on luggage (airline travel); then size will matters?
However, if you are driving directly to a resort from home, then size does not matter or the camera weight plus all the extra lens will matters.
I normal will bring my DSLR camera and a small point & shoot camera on our vacation trips.

 

[pedro47]

If you already own a film camera with one or more lenses, buy a DSLR body that fits those lenses. I did that years ago when my Minolta died. The lenses fit Sony bodies, and I saved a bundle of money.

DSLR film cameras are out unless you are truly a professional photographer. IMHP
with a Disk Camera you can shoot over 400 photos depending upon the ScanDisk size and the raw quality of the photos you trying to capture.

 

[pedro47]

I liked & only will used Canon & Nikon cameras.
Personal bias.

 

[DaveNV]

Are you talking about digital or film version of a DSLR? If film, buy what you know you can get parts and service for. Be sure to test it out before you buy used, because there may be issues with used equipment that may not be seen till you are actually using it. If buying new, be sure you get what you know you want, because it's a fairly expensive commitment.

If digital, buy new. You'll get better features, more megapixels, larger CCD or CMOS image sensor size, and you won't be buying someone else's castoffs. If the used camera is being sold, it's most likely because the owner got something better. For me, that's a deal breaker.

I strongly recommend buying the deal at Costco. You can use the camera, learn what you like (or dislike) about it, and if it doesn't suit your needs, you can return it for a full refund within the 90 day policy timeframe. If you are new to a DSLR system, that may be a great way to get your photographic hands wet with zero risk.

Dave

 

[DaveNV]

Personal experience: I own a Nikon P500 super zoom digital camera. It was a gift from my spouse, who has a degree in commercial photography, and who owns a dozen very expensive cameras and tons of other equipment. I said I wanted a great camera that was easy to use but that had versatility, and I received this Nikon for Christmas that year. It was a perfect choice.

It's not a DSLR, but it takes excellent pictures. It has a zillion features I've never used, and likely never will. What I especially like about it is that I can carry one small-footprint camera body with its fixed lens, but I can easily make it act like a standard DLSR system with interchangeable lenses. (Focal length is 23 to 810mm, counting the optical zoom.) It all fits into a small carry case I throw into the backpack I carry when I travel, and it's always with me. If I know I need to carry it for the day, the over-the-shoulder strap is easy, and it doesn't weigh much.

Add to that my point-and-shoot smaller Nikon S700 I've had for years. It's a great little camera, fits in my pocket, and is perfect when I want something smaller than the P500. I've used these two for a long time, and I'm pleased.

But this year, I purchased a Fuji XP130 waterproof camera to use instead of the S700. It is a substantial, very small camera that has the added feature of working underwater - perfect when snorkeling in Hawaii. (Which will happen in just a few weeks. ) Depending on how it works out, it may become the second carry along in my backpack. Add in my cell phone camera, and I think I'll be covered for just about every experience.

Dave

 

[linsj]

DSLR film cameras are out unless you are truly a professional photographer.

I know that, but many people have old cameras sitting around and might not think about moving the lenses to a digital body.

 

[bbodb1]

Just to be a bit of a contrarian......Jan, have you truly mastered the capabilities of something you will likely have with you at all times - your (hopefully modern) cell phone?

 

[janwes]

Thanks for all the responses.

Looks of homework and deal searching ahead. Appreciate you all!

 

[dioxide45]

Are you talking about digital or film version of a DSLR?

The D in DSLR stands for Digital. A film version would just be SLR. I am not sure you can or would ever want to buy a film camera any more.

If the used camera is being sold, it's most likely because the owner got something better. For me, that's a deal breaker.

Not sure why someone buying a new camera and selling their old one is a deal breaker. It isn't like the old version has something wrong with it. Not everyone wants or needs the latest and greatest. We just sold a very old Canon Rebel XT, a Rebel XTi, 50D and still have a T3i that we have to put on on Ebay. Nothing wrong with the cameras, but of course the newer models are much better.

 

[DaveNV]

The D in DSLR stands for Digital. A film version would just be SLR. I am not sure you can or would ever want to buy a film camera any more.

You're right, of course. Not sure what I was thinking. I only saw the SLR part.

Not sure why someone buying a new camera and selling their old one is a deal breaker. It isn't like the old version has something wrong with it. Not everyone wants or needs the latest and greatest. We just sold a very old Canon Rebel XT, a Rebel XTi, 50D and still have a T3i that we have to put on on Ebay. Nothing wrong with the cameras, but of course the newer models are much better.

For me, the idea of used electronics isn't appealing. Probably due to all my years in IT - I'd never buy a used computer, either. In my mind, if it's a used electronic device, it's either broken, doesn't have the right features, or something better came on the market. Generally, as electronics have improved, the speed and performance has increased, and the price has often decreased. Buying used seems like chasing "old" technology.

It could also be because of how I was raised: As a kid, my Mom went to garage sales all the time. I rarely had "new" clothes until I was an adult. Just about everything I got was a hand me down from an older brother, or was bought second hand someplace. As a grown up, I have trouble buying anything second hand.

I know, first world problems.

Dave

 

[Passepartout]

This is a subject I barely know enough about to be dangerous. But at my experience level (barely) and with the velocity that new models hit the market for those who need the latest and greatest, I think I'd consider a FACTORY REFURBISHED prior model with a warrantee.

Jim

 

[cp73]

If you already own a film camera with one or more lenses, buy a DSLR body that fits those lenses. I did that years ago when my Minolta died. The lenses fit Sony bodies, and I saved a bundle of money.

I dont think this is possible with most cameras. I know it didn't work with my canon lenses when I went digital in the 90s. The mm scale of the lenses are different and they dont fit.

 

[cp73]

any advice abought a good but inexpensive DSLR camera? How about refurbished?
Thanks

The deals at Costco are pretty good. Sometimes though their bundle packages do not have their best quality lenses, but for someone starting out they are fine.

 

[dioxide45]

The deals at Costco are pretty good. Sometimes though their bundle packages do not have their best quality lenses, but for someone starting out they are fine.

It seems that the Costco kit lenses are the same kit lens that Canon sells in most of their kits. Definitely not the best, but you get the same if you get the kit from Amazon or Best Buy. If you want a better lens, you are going to have to pay for it.

 

[DaveNV]

It seems that the Costco kit lenses are the same kit lens that Canon sells in most of their kits. Definitely not the best, but you get the same if you get the kit from Amazon or Best Buy. If you want a better lens, you are going to have to pay for it.

Generally, the kits made for Costco add a feature of item not contained in the kits available elsewhere. That would be things like a larger memory card, or an extra battery, maybe a carrying case, and sometimes even an additional lens. The idea is that if you want the camera body itself, the rest of the kit adds value to that. As Dioxide 45 says, if you want a better lens, you'll probably have to buy it. But as a way into the product, the Costco kit can be a great start, especially since it often sells for lower cost than elsewhere, even with the extra add-ons. And you won't find that generous 90-day return policy anywhere else.

As I said earlier, if you find the camera doesn't suit your needs for any reason, you can return it to Costco within the 90 day period for a full refund. So if you find the lenses aren't up to your standard, return the camera, then turn around and buy it elsewhere, and pick the lenses you DO want. You have zero risk. But in the interim, you've had three months to learn the camera features, and decide if it's the right camera for you.

Dave

 

[bizaro86]

I would suggest a micro four thirds camera depending on your requirements/interests. They are smaller and cheaper than a true dslr, but offer much of the same functionality. The sensor is much larger than any point and shoot, and there are a wide variety of interchangeable lenses. In fact, most SLR lenses (even old ones) can be used with an adapter.

My wife and I have matching DSLR cameras we bought for a safari. They were expensive. Then I bought a micro four thirds (Olympus) when we had kids so we'd have something smaller instead of hauling around the big camera. We haven't used the DSLRs since then, as the four thirds takes great pictures and is way smaller/more convenient. I have a variety of lenses that cover basically every situation.

 

[WackyLucy]

I would suggest a micro four thirds camera depending on your requirements/interests. .... I bought a micro four thirds (Olympus) when we had kids....the four thirds takes great pictures and is way smaller/more convenient.

Please forgive my ignorance on the subject, but what on earth does "a four thirds camera" mean?

 

[Timeshare Von]

Following this with great interest as my current DSLR equipment (Olympus E-volt 500/520 with 4/3's lens) is about 12 years old and should be replaced soon.

 

[Timeshare Von]

Please forgive my ignorance on the subject, but what on earth does "a four thirds camera" mean?

Mostly Olympus are 4/3's. From Wiki . . .

"The Four Thirds System is a standard created by Olympus and Eastman Kodak for digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) and mirrorless camera design and development. ... The size of the sensor is significantly smaller than for most DSLRs and this implies that lenses, especially telephoto lenses, can be smaller."

My DSLR equipment is Olympus and thus 4/3's. I love that for some features (like internal stabilization) the IS is inside the camera body and not the lens, making it much less expensive to buy multiple lens set ups for my camera.

 

[dioxide45]

Costco has a deal starting today. You can get the Canon Digital Rebel T6i with a case, chip and extra zoom lens for $449. Seems like a pretty good deal. It is one step below their current Rebel line which is at the T7i. We have also just sold a bunch of older cameras on Ebay. Got much more for them than I thought we would. You would of course be buying them used, but you do have buyer protection if they are not working when you get them.

Correction, I think this sales starts today. It was still showing $549 on the site yesterday but is now listed as $449.

https://www.costco.com/Canon-EOS-Rebel-T6-DSLR-Camera-2-Lens-Bundle.product.100288979.html