Refurbished DSLR?

[Mutton]

I really want to get into photography, and my parents want a new camera. (Sick of the Sony 3.1MP point and shoot)

So I was thinking DSLR, but their budget is *maybe* $250.
I'd be willing to put in $100-$150, so for intensive purposes I have a budget of $400.

Anywhere I can get a decent, starters kit (Body, Lens, Memory Card etc), refurb is fine, for that much?

I've read some reviews, maybe a low end Nikon?
D40/D50?
I'm open to anything though.


Thanks in advance.

[Frog]

Just remember the body and even the body and one lens are just the beginning.
You could try ebay for a used one but be very careful and pay attention to ratings, how long the seller has been selling, etc. Look for a local seller if you can so you can see/touch.
I saved for a year for my d80.

[rsimmons]

try cameta camera. They sell factory demo equipment with the full warrenty. They have an e-bay site at http://stores.ebay.com/Cameta-Camera put demo in the store search

here's an example of what you can get
http://cgi.ebay.com/Olympus-Evolt-E-...QQcmdZViewItem

[c-licious]

try cameta camera. They sell factory demo equipment with the full warrenty. They have an e-bay site at http://stores.ebay.com/Cameta-Camera put demo in the store search

here's an example of what you can get
http://cgi.ebay.com/Olympus-Evolt-E-...QQcmdZViewItem

I just bought a Nikon D80 with a Nikkor AF-X 18-135 lens from Cameta, both factory demo, for $699. Saved me about $100 (compared to the cheapest on amazon).

The camera and lens seemed to be in brand new condition, I couldn't even tell it wasn't new (except for the box it came in). I got the item 2 days after purchasing it (only paid $2 extra for priority mail) which means they must have shipped it right away. The camera registered 545 shutter releases when I got it. That's what some folks shoot in a day or two.

I got a 90 day Nikon warranty and 1 year Cameta warranty. According to the customer rep I talked to, Cameta will send the cameras (or equipment) directly to Nikon for repair if you need to use the warranty. So its basically as good as a Nikon warranty.

IMO it was definitely worth the extra $$$ which can now go towards a flash...

[mn shutterbug]

I recently bought a refurbed Canon Xt with the refurbed 18-55mm IS lens from Adorama, for $369, and it's a good combo.I just had a 16 X 24 printed, and it looks great. The camera and lens both look like new.

[Anbesol]

Yeah, look into the Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D, Digital Rebel XT, and the Nikon D50, most should come with a kit lens, which is nothing spectacular. For starters, be sure to get the specific manufacturers 50mm prime lens, you should be able to find those between $70-$110. Those are super fast f-stop, great resolution, super fast AF, and great performance across the board (distortion, abberation, etc). Its a great lens for starters, and that kit lens will cover range outside of that if and when needed.

[timbuck4]

try cameta camera. They sell factory demo equipment with the full warrenty. They have an e-bay site at http://stores.ebay.com/Cameta-Camera put demo in the store search

here's an example of what you can get
http://cgi.ebay.com/Olympus-Evolt-E-...QQcmdZViewItem

Thank you, I was looking for a starter myself and that helps me.