Noob looking for best $300-400 DSLR

[o hey tyler]

Everything you need to know about buying a camera | The Verge

I don't agree that Pro DSLRs are hard to use. They are easier to use than entry level DSLRs because you don't have to mess around in the menus as much.

For someone who is just first getting into DSLR photography, an entry level camera will definitely be easier to use right out of the box. They're probably going to be shooting on an auto mode, and the entry level camera's use the rear LCD to hold your hand through the picture taking process. Canon has Creative Auto mode which you get to choose if your background is "less blurry" or "more blurry" (or something to that effect). And entry level Nikons show you the aperture diaphragm and they also flash the screen if "subject is too dark".

Pro cameras don't do that.

 

[Ballistics]

My D7000 does that as well tyler. I wouldn't consider it entry level. It has auto scenic modes.

 

[o hey tyler]

My D7000 does that as well tyler. I wouldn't consider it entry level. It has auto scenic modes.

Well I guess I should have said Entry Level and Prosumer. I'm sure the 60D has Creative Auto as well.

 

[nickzou]

My D7000 does that as well tyler. I wouldn't consider it entry level. It has auto scenic modes.

Is that what that SCENE thing is? What's U1 and U2? Man... I should really read my manual more.

 

[o hey tyler]

My D7000 does that as well tyler. I wouldn't consider it entry level. It has auto scenic modes.

Is that what that SCENE thing is? What's U1 and U2? Man... I should really read my manual more.

Or you could google it. You're at a computer.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

Best 300-400 cam = your smart phone.

 

[potownrob]

found a few like new ones on another forum, also look good. Only 350 too....a canon rebel XSi w/ a 50mm lens for 350

also found a D3000 body for 350 as well

EDIT;

also, how is the D40X any worse or less desirable than the regular D40?

The XSi (or XS) or D40 would be nice. The reason people keep saying to get the D40 over the D40X has to do with the flash sync speed (what shutter speed it can run at while using flash), and also the D40 is said to handle noise better since it is 6mp while the D40X is 10mp, plus it's cheaper. The kit with the XSi and 50mm lens is probably not the most practical since 50mm is a limited focal length (duh!) and likely too long for at least some of what you typically shoot (unless you do portraits or macros or happen to use that focal length a lot). That said, it might still be a good deal (since the 50mm prime can cost more than the kit lens from what i've seen and is optically superior), then you can buy another (hopefully more versatile) lens like the 18-55 or something like a 35mm prime (more of a normal focal length on these cameras). I personally recommend trying for a zoom with image stabilization, though not having it can help you to work with the limits of the camera more.

 

[djacobox372]

Used D80 = $275-300
Used 50mm f1.8 af-d = $90

The d80 has an AF motor which will allow you autofocus less expensive non af-s lenses.

 

[wumpus]

thanks for all the help....think I am going to get the D3000 with lens and bag for 350

 

[o hey tyler]

Well, at least you made your decision.

I hope you don't have buyers remorse when you realize the bang/buck ratio... But it is just a starter camera, so it's something to grow on.

 

[maaatter]

Glad you figured it out. I'm sure you'll be happy with it, and It'll help you figure out what you want on your next camera.

 

[zamanakhan]

u can get a used nikon d5000 on keh for less than $500 with a 18-55


edit... went for the d3000 i see. Hope u like it.