2nd Hand DSLR

rscosworth · 21 Feb 2013 at 20:11

Guys,

Looking for some advise, been wanting a DSLR for a little while for the odd day trip/holiday.

I only use my iphone 5 at the moment but would like to dabble in something better quality.

Only have around 250-350 to spend but have been looking on gumtree / ocuk members market but really don't know what I should be looking for.

At my price point what should I be looking to pick up?

Thanks

K.C. Leblanc · 22 Feb 2013 at 14:13

You could actually get a new D3100.

http://camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod.php?n=NikonD3100LensKit18-55mmVR&p=1585

An Exception · 22 Feb 2013 at 14:35

RX100

Slinky1989 · 22 Feb 2013 at 14:42

If you can stretch to £400ish, you can pick up a Nikon D200 like I did. Got mine including kit lens and a load of filters + extra batteries and grip all in for £400.

Got it off a guy on talk photography

rscosworth · 22 Feb 2013 at 15:16

Seen a Nikon D50 with AF Nikkor 35-80mm, battery, charger accessories. £170

Is that a bargain?

An Exception · 22 Feb 2013 at 15:18

Pretty crappy camera. Tbh you would really be better off getting something like a used RX100. It's a compact but delivers midrange DSLR quality, perfect for holidays and days out.

rscosworth · 22 Feb 2013 at 15:25

An Exception said:
Pretty crappy camera. Tbh you would really be better off getting something like a used RX100. It's a compact but delivers midrange DSLR quality, perfect for holidays and days out.

Thought as much - thanks

D.P. · 22 Feb 2013 at 15:37

I also wouldn't go too old in DSLR land. A new D3100 if it is within budget would be a steal IMO. Going second hand on low end bodies tends to save you less money than you might think.

K.C. Leblanc · 22 Feb 2013 at 15:43

Slinky1989 said:
If you can stretch to £400ish, you can pick up a Nikon D200 like I did. Got mine including kit lens and a load of filters + extra batteries and grip all in for £400.

Got it off a guy on talk photography

D200 prices have really softened recently. There are bodies about for around £200. It is however getting on a bit now, it's not very good in low light when compared to newer models. It also lacks live view and video.

If you're prepared to wait around a bit I expect D90s will come into your price bracket.

Armageus · 22 Feb 2013 at 15:44

D.P. said:
I also wouldn't go too old in DSLR land. A new D3100 if it is within budget would be a steal IMO. Going second hand on low end bodies tends to save you less money than you might think.

I got a D3200 for christmas and have to say so far it has been absolutely brilliant as my first DSLR, I assume the D3100 will be much the same.

Looking at specs of older stuff versus the cost, until you get serious about photography (I am nowhere near yet - I have barely stepped out of Auto mode!) then knowing exactly what you are getting would be a bit hit or miss.

K.C. Leblanc · 22 Feb 2013 at 15:56

Armageus said:
I have barely stepped out of Auto mode!

Have a look at this, http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12578

And then have a dig around, Adorama have loads of videos on their youtube channel.

DampCat · 22 Feb 2013 at 20:15

On the Canon route you could go for a 1100D with a kit lens for around that budget second hand. I dont know how they stack up to the Nikons being recommended here but the 1100D is a suprisingly good camera for its range, if a little plastic-y.

Check out MPBPhotographic for second hand gear with a shop warranty and great support. You pay a little more than you might privately but you also know the gear has been tested and you have a fallback.

Dave L · 24 Feb 2013 at 21:06

You'd be able to pick up a 2nd-user 30D for that money, a very capable camera.

Might be getting on a bit now, though, bu well worth considering.