First camera, $250ish budget -- need guidance

[Milkma42]

I'll try to keep this short. I'm looking to dabble in photography as a new hobby. Haven't owned anything more than a cameraphone. I'd be shooting a wide variety of things, but mostly stationary subjects (no sports). I'm frugal and buy most things used, so I'd prefer to get an older higher-end model that is in my price range (assuming this is the best approach) versus something brand new and lower-end. I'd like it to be somewhat future-proof in terms of the lenses (if I chose to get any), so I was thinking of getting something from the Nikon/Canon lines.

As an aside - I sort of crossed mirrorless off my list because I figured that the size/weight savings doesn't really matter much. If I can't fit it in my pocket then any size savings is pretty much useless. It also seems that mirrorless are just now getting close to DSLR quality so I would probably be 'forced' to get a new one which would likely be out of my budget. Anyone have an argument against this?

 

[The_Traveler]

There are about a gazillion p&s cameras that fit into your budget and you would be best served by doing an Internet search for reviews of budget P&S.
Magazines and online sites get a bunch of these cameras and review them.
The best you would do here is get 'opinions' from individuals who may ahve used one or two of this huge field.

dSLRs and lenses in this price range would be old and the results less than a decent P&S

https://www.google.com/search?q=rev...s=Palemoon:en-US&client=palemoon&channel=fflb

Photography is not an inexpensive hobby.

Sorry

 

[Milkma42]

Also, what are some good places to look for used gear? I buy a lot of other stuff on Craigslist, but I'm uncomfortable buying something that I don't know much about. I've been looking around on KEH Camera, are there an others worth browsing?

 

[Milkma42]

There are about a gazillion p&s cameras that fit into your budget and you would be best served by doing an Internet search for reviews of budget P&S.
Magazines and online sites get a bunch of these cameras and review them.
The best you would do here is get 'opinions' from individuals who may ahve used one or two of this huge field.

dSLRs and lenses in this price range would be old and the results less than a decent P&S

https://www.google.com/search?q=reviews+of+budget+p%26s+cameras&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=Palemoon:en-US&client=palemoon&channel=fflb

Photography is not an inexpensive hobby.

Sorry

Many of those reviews are for brand new cameras, mostly P&S at that. I was hoping to get into the change-able lens DSLR realm by going used. When I expand my search in this way it gets much more confusing for me, having little/no knowledge, to muddle through all the options.

 

[Light Guru]

I'd prefer to get an older higher-end model that is in my price range

You won't find a older higher end DSLR in your price range. Probably won't even find a old "high-end" film camera in your price range ether. For example the nikon f6 which is a old high end 35mm film camera still go for $800 on eBay.

 

[Milkma42]

For instance, is this with a cheap lens better or worse than a new P&S?

https://www.keh.com/208784/nikon-d40-6-1-m-p-digital-camera-body

 

[Milkma42]

Alternatively, what should be my minimum budget for the best value camera that I can learn with and not outgrow in a few months? My $250 budget is largely random -- I just wanted to get started sooner rather than later but I can certainly save a bit. I just got a good job out of college so while I have other expenses, I can definitely afford more if need be.

 

[Light Guru]

Alternatively, what should be my minimum budget for the best value camera that I can learn with and not outgrow in a few months? My $250 budget is largely random -- I just wanted to get started sooner rather than later but I can certainly save a bit. I just got a good job out of college so while I have other expenses, I can definitely afford more if need be.

Out grow in a few months? Why wast many on something you are planning on outgrow in a few months. Sounds like a waste of money to me.

FIRST figure out and learn what your needs are photographically and then buy accordingly. People on the forum can help you figure that out. Foe starters what are you interested in photographing.

 

[Theo2]

->Commit to Canon or Nikon
->Buy cheaper DSLR body (any choice would work for an absolute beginner)
->Buy lenses, tripod, filters if you're having fun
->Buy upgraded body if you want to after you are much more experienced

Algorithm!

 

[KmH]

Get 1 of these instead of a D40
https://www.keh.com/208766/nikon-d50-6-1-m-p-digital-camera-body
and it will likely take a couple of years or so to learn enough about photography to out grow a D50.

With rest of your budget get 1 of these - https://www.keh.com/296621/nikon-18...s-vr-autofocus-lens-for-aps-c-sensor-dslrs-67