Buying my first DSLR: New or Used?

[sonnyg95]

Greetings all,

I was weighing my options on whether to buy a brand new slr or a used one from ebay or even the ad section on this forum. I'm still quite a newbie so I think I should get a used camera and eventually upgrade to a brand new one later on when I'm much more experienced. That and I'm also a poor college student =p. I've started to do some research but so far, I'm still at a loss when it comes to looking for features I need, etc.

I do know I'll be using it for multi-purpose tasks. I'll use it when my family needs a photographer, and I am very much in love with nature photography so I'll be doing tons of that. I would like to create HDR photos with the snapshots I take with my camera as well. My point and shoot also died so basically it will also replace the job of my point and shoot.

Also, before I even bid for a used one on ebay, I dont know what questions I should ask to make sure that the camera is in tip-top shape. Are there any specific questions I should be asking the previous owner about the camera?

Thank you in advance.

[Frog]

You might consider buying refurbished from places like B&H or Adorama. I think Cameta on ebay sells refurbished too. They'll usually come with at least a 1 year warranty.
Asking questions is a good idea but you need to research the camera you're thinking about before you'll know what questions to ask. And then you need to be able to trust the answers.

[Liz]

Hi and welcome to the forum! You might consider the Rebel XT which is an excellent camera - and a great step up from a p&s. I used this camera until I upgraded to the XTi which isn't really that different. Here is one listed at KEH.com - they are a very reputable dealer. I've purchased items from them with never a problem.

They have a few XT cameras (aka "Kiss" (Japan) same camera. The one listed on this link is used and in EX+ condition (click on the EX+ and you will see what exactly it means). KEH has a lot of used equipment. This specific one is $339.

See the specs here:
http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/Produ...BCL=&GBC=&GCC=

You will need a lens - and might consider the 50mm/f1.8 which is a favorite around here. It runs $89 new (another link to KEH - but this lens is new as KEH sells both used and new).

http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/Produ...BCL=&GBC=&GCC=

Or......if you want a zoom, the 18-55IS is a new and very nice lens with Image Stablization. The price is excellent for an IS lens and the IQ is good. $174 new

http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/Produ...BCL=&GBC=&GCC=

Also - check out the 50mm/f1.8 thread on this forum and you'll see what great results you can get with this lens.

50mm Walk About

Please feel free to ask questions - or if these options aren't within your budget, please post your budget and other info that might be helpful in your decision.

Liz