[Goldmund]

I used to be really into photography. Growing up I had a darkroom set up in my parents basement for black and white film and in my 20’s I had a gig where I took wildlife/landscape photos and photos of peoples pets for money—that was done with a Canon Rebel digital SLR with a nice lens attached and it worked well.

I got away from the hobby for the last 7 years and now am looking for another Digital SLR.

Please don’t recommend any faggy point-and-shoots, those do not get the job done.

I would preferably like one that is light, high res and durable (I do a lot of hiking, swimming, biking, etc…and it needs to hold up) and under $300.

Any recommendations?

[Espresso]

You want a DSLR for UNDER $300, and on top of that demands on performance and such?

I think there's only one DSLR (body only) that you can get for under $300, and that's Canon's Rebel T3.

Realistically, you need to increase your budget. If you can stretch to $600, I'd recommend the Nikon D5200. It's a great entry level DSLR in my opinion.

[Goldmund]

I've still got good canon lenses. Just need a body.

[Santoro]

I recently picked up a Nikon D40 off craigslist for $250 and it's perfect for what I need.

It's pretty inexpensive, so I don't feel so bad taking it out by the ocean or on hikes/trips

If you want more info, here's an in-depth article on just how much you can achieve with a 'budget' DSLR

[Akula]

Have you checked out the Costco 'kit packages'? They usually have some pretty good deals with Canon and Nikon SLRs, and you get 2 lenses with the body for under $1000. That might be way above your budget, but lenses are expensive and so once you factor that in it might be a wash. Just an idea. There's a Costco in Queens right over the bridge I think too.

[lurker]

Get on Fred Miranda or eBay and buy a used 5D.

[young_money]

The best selling Digital SLR is the Canon Rebel T3i. You can get one with lense for $439 on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/ctg/Canon-EOS-Rebel-.../100113265

This is a good breakdown:

http://www.filmbrute.com/2014dslrs/

[Goldmund]

I loved my Rebel back in the day...assuming they are still making quality...that's my #1 choice right now.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[germanico]

I got a Nikon D3100 I bought a couple of years bak on Amazon for $600, the same kit goes around $450 now.

[BoneDaddy]

(06-24-2014 11:04 AM)lurker Wrote:  

Get on Fred Miranda or eBay and buy a used 5D.

Co-Signed. ^^^

A 5d may not have the high-ISO performance of some of the newer bodies, but the 5d is a pro-quality image-making beast. Ideally, you would be shooting with good available light, or adding your own artificial light rather than relying on shooting at extremely high ISO values, regardless of the body you use.

The 5D is good to go at ISO 400 and below, and when images are properly exposed, can produce great results all the way up to ISO 800.

You mention having existing Canon glass. If you go the 5d route, be aware that it has a full-frame sensor and thus will require EF glass. EF-S (crop-sensor) glass won't fly.

[Renberg]

I would say to get a T3i Body on Ebay. As you know, the Rebel is a quality camera (photog and equally good for film).

[monster]

(06-24-2014 11:04 AM)lurker Wrote:  

Get on Fred Miranda or eBay and buy a used 5D.

or keh.com