50D for $800? Yay or nay

[Jewny]

My friend is offering up his 50D with a 50mm f1.8 and a 17-50mm f2.8-4.5 for $800. For my first DSLR would this be a good deal, or should I buy something else (if so, what)?

Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

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[Jewny]

Bump.

[HughGuessWho]

What are the lens specifics? Canon 50 1.8? Am not aware of a "17-50mm f2.8-4.5"

You can buy a 50D Body for about $350.
If you are referring to the Canon EF 50 mm F/1.8 II, it can be purchased new for slightly over $100.

[Jewny]

Um, I don't know. so if I shouldn't get this what camera would you suggest?

[HughGuessWho]

Without more info on the "17-50mm f2.8-4.5" lens, I wouldnt really want to provide advice as far as if it is a good deal or not.
However, if it were me, and all the info I had was what you provided, I would say that $800 is too much, IMHO.

[Jewny]

Ok, then what camera should I be buying for around that price?

[unpopular]

quickly looking on ebay, $350 seems optimistic, and closer to $450-600 more common. From the specifications, though, the 50D looks pretty compelling. I think sticking to a 50D and spending another $300 on a lens might be a good option.

[HughGuessWho]

Thats a difficult question to answer. There are many cameras that can be purchased in that price range, both new and used.
You can buy a new Canon EOS Rebel T2i with an 18-55mm kit lens for $649.
You could offer the seller of the 50D less money and see if they will take it.
Check Amazon for used DSLR's.

[unpopular]

I would very much not recommend a new, entry level DSLR over a slightly older midrange model. The 50D has a pentaprism, as opposed to a pentamirror. This will be a significant drawback once the honeymoon phase ends.

[HughGuessWho]

Canon 50D Body on ebay for $489.
Several 50D bundles on ebay for under $800
But I agree with unpopular, there is no good anser to your question, but there are plenty ways you can get into a decent entry level dslr for $800.

[HughGuessWho]

quickly looking on ebay, $350 seems optimistic, and closer to $450-600 more common. From the specifications, though, the 50D looks pretty compelling. I think sticking to a 50D and spending another $300 on a lens might be a good option.

I somewhat agree, hence the "search for used" option.
The moral of my point was that there are many ways the OP can go and be a better deal that the one asked about.

[Jewny]

I have also been looking at the T3i, would that one be good for starting out?

[HughGuessWho]

They are certainly entry level. But there a a lot of people on this forum that have them. Maybe someone will give you their reponse. I have never used one so cant give an honest answer.

[Jewny]

Ok, I'll just wait for a response from one of them

[jrizal]

I have also been looking at the T3i, would that one be good for starting out?

Arguably best entry level dslr from Canon. It is on sale at Costco for $880 plus tax. It includes the usual 18-55mm kit lens plus 55-250mm telephoto and bag. Add a 50 mm prime later on if you have the budget and you're good. AFAIK, it has the same sensor as the T2i, 50D and 60D and possibly the 7D.