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compact Digital SLR recommendation

post #1 of 19
4/27/10 at 12:50am
Thread Starter 
I'm looking to buy a small-mid range digital SLR. I'm traveling a lot, so I need it to be fairly light. Maybe something in the $400 price range. Anyone have any recommendations?
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post #2 of 19
4/27/10 at 1:15am
fwiw, it's the lenses that bog you down, not the body... I have a relatively large pro-quality body and a considerably smaller prosumer body. When you have to carry multiple lenses the weight of the body makes little difference imo.
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post #3 of 19
4/27/10 at 2:15am
Ooohh.

I'd look for some slightly used DSLRs on Craigslist.

Check out Canon Rebel XSI or a Nikon D5000. If you get lucky, you may even be able to pick up a Canon 30D or 40D. A brand new Rebel XT or Nikon D40 complete with a decent lens kit can be had in that price range, too.
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post #4 of 19
4/27/10 at 2:55am
pentax k-x
Quote:
The K-x is one of the most compact DSLRs on the market and has the design of a typical entry-level camera. Like its peers it does not feature a top-LCD and comes with a relatively small number of external controls. The latter is made up for by an interactive status screen that is displayed on the rear-LCD and gives you, in combination with the hard button, access to all important shooting settings.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxkx/page3.asp
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post #5 of 19
4/27/10 at 10:46am
Thread Starter 
Thank all. The Pentax is something I am looking for.

GQgeek, I am not looking to have detachable lenses. My gf has a Nikon D3000 right now, but it's a hassle to carry around, so I know exactly what you mean.
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post #6 of 19
4/27/10 at 11:06am
$400 is tough, especially with a lens. Used would be the way to go. Canon prosumer (X0D) range is probably bigger than you want, though I agree that it's the lenses that end up taking up most of the space. For travel where size is a major concern, I'd forget the DSLR and look at Micro 4/3 (E-PL1?) if you can stretch the budget a bit.
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post #7 of 19
4/27/10 at 11:27am
Thread Starter 
^ Nice. Micro 4/3 might be what I'm looking for. I'll have to do some research.
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post #8 of 19
4/27/10 at 12:24pm
You should really look at the Micro 4/3 cameras, especially those that have adapters that will allow you to use the existing 4/3 lenses. I was eyeing the GF1 and the Olympus E-P1, but I think both of those are above your price range right now. If you can wait a little the while and look for deals, you might be able to get the E-P1 at around $500. Edit: the lowest price for the E-P1 right now is $550 from Costco.
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post #9 of 19
4/27/10 at 12:38pm
I have a Nikon D40 with the 18-55 and 55-200 Nikon lenses. Also lots of extras like SD cards, 2 cases, extra batteries, and UV filters. And a great aftermarket book about the D40. Here's a link about the D40 by Ken Rockwell. It's a few years old and truly in perfect condition. I really only used it for about 1,000 actuations ( I just find a point and shoot camera easier and more suitable for my needs ). I'd sell it for $350 with everything included. I might even have an extra charger and all the original paperwork. This is a truly good deal. If you or anyone is interested, PM me and we can talk directly. Sorry to threadjack sort of. But I don't know that much about cameras and I thought this would be a good deal for someone that wants a light weight beginner's DSLR. Note: Rockwell is known as a Nikon aficionado but his information is generally correct. The D40 is a great beginner's DSLR and is very light as he points out.
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post #10 of 19
4/27/10 at 12:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rnoldh View Post
I have a Nikon D40 with the 18-55 and 55-200 Nikon lenses. Also lots of extras like SD cards, 2 cases, extra batteries, and UV filters. And a great aftermarket book about the D40. Here's a link about the D40 by Ken Rockwell. It's a few years old and truly in perfect condition. I really only used it for about 1,000 actuations ( I just find a point and shoot camera easier and more suitable for my needs ). I'd sell it for $350 with everything included. I might even have an extra charger and all the original paperwork. This is a truly good deal. If you or anyone is interested, PM me and we can talk directly. Sorry to threadjack sort of. But I don't know that much about cameras and I thought this would be a good deal for someone that wants a light weight beginner's DSLR. Note: Rockwell is known as a Nikon aficionado but his information is generally correct. The D40 is a great beginner's DSLR and is very light as he points out.
Great deal on a great beginner's setup. I'd buy this as a backup to my D90 in a heartbeat if I had more space for camera gears.
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post #11 of 19
4/27/10 at 12:52pm
Great deal.

The D40 was my first camera.

Maybe I'm confused, but the Pentax had detachable lenses.

You won't find a DSLR without them.

Well, maybe a Leica, but good luck at that price.

Maybe you are interested in an advanced point and shoot with a high zoom option? If that's the case, I'd go for Sony. Mainly because of the Zeiss lens. Panasonic has a couple good options as well.
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post #12 of 19
4/27/10 at 1:29pm
Also worth noting that Sony's response to m4/3 will be released on May 11.

rnoldh's offer is a great deal; someone should take him up on it.
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post #13 of 19
4/27/10 at 10:37pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rnoldh View Post
I have a Nikon D40 with the 18-55 and 55-200 Nikon lenses. Also lots of extras like SD cards, 2 cases, extra batteries, and UV filters. And a great aftermarket book about the D40.

Here's a link about the D40 by Ken Rockwell.

It's a few years old and truly in perfect condition. I really only used it for about 1,000 actuations ( I just find a point and shoot camera easier and more suitable for my needs ). I'd sell it for $350 with everything included.

I might even have an extra charger and all the original paperwork. This is a truly good deal. If you or anyone is interested, PM me and we can talk directly.

Sorry to threadjack sort of. But I don't know that much about cameras and I thought this would be a good deal for someone that wants a light weight beginner's DSLR.

Note: Rockwell is known as a Nikon aficionado but his information is generally correct. The D40 is a great beginner's DSLR and is very light as he points out.

Hijack away. I'm learning as well. All I ever had were point-and-shoots. I need to be a big boy now.
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post #14 of 19
4/28/10 at 3:29am
you can save a good chunk of money on factory refurbs. the warranty will take care of you if there's a glitch they missed.

the d40 is a good choice. that package is a steal at $350.
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post #15 of 19
4/28/10 at 5:32am
Is size the most important thing to you? If so, I'd go with either the Canon S90 or the Panasonic Lumix LX series.

I have the Canon S90 and I'm very pleased at it's features and especially the size. I did buy a grip from Richard Franiec online. Looks very sleek!
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