Cheap DSLR?

[ashleighbass06]

Does anyone know what is the cheapest DSLR out right now? Is there anything for less than $300?

I currently am using a cheap P&S Samsung S860 that was literally the cheapest camera when I bought it (a whopping $89 lol). Its OK but I would like to advance to an amateur DSLR. What brand would you recommend for when I come into some money? :lmao:

I just found one thats in my price range. What do you think of a FujiFilm FinePix S1800?

Thanks for your help!

[photo_chick]

The Fuji S1800 is a nice camera, my daughter has the S1000, but it is not a DSLR. It's a great point and shoot though.

You're not going to find anything in the way of a new DSLR for $300. And as far as which brand, they're all good. It's about finding the features you want, at a price you can afford in a body that fits your hands.

[Bstanley]

Unless you are willing to buy something used I don't think there are any DSLRs under $300.

If you are willing to buy used I know that Adorama has had various relatively modern 10 megapixel DSLRs (with kit lens) from various manufacturers for $350 - $400 over the last few months. I assume other big name online stores have similar deals available.

And on occassion I've seen refurbs on the Adorama site for as low as $350.

[zackiedawg]

The one you mention isn't a DSLR. You might want to decide if it is a 'DSLR' you are looking for, or just a larger P&S camera with a bigger lens range and some manual controls (ultrazooms, prosumers). The DSLRs come as bodies, with separate lenses that attach to them...prosumers and ultrazooms are a single box with body and lens all in one. Even the cheapest DSLRs you find have significantly larger sensors and greater performance and image quality parameters than the best of the P&S cameras...but they also are bigger, heavier, more expensive...and require buying the lenses to go with them!

One of the least expensive DSLRs I've seen, which can get close to your budget, is the Sony A230. I see them on sale routinely in the $330 price range with an 18-55 kit lens. That's extremely low for a DSLR - it is a fairly basic one, but will still exceed the capabilities of any P&S model. Of course, the better lens you pair with it, the better the results you can get out of it...the kit lens can get you started. Check Amazon and Sears - both had it listed at $330 or so.

The next cheapest ones would be the Nikon D3000, Canon 1000D, or Pentax KX - all are around $450-500, with various sale prices - paired with the right coupon, that might get you under $450 on a good day. of those three, the Pentax KX is the most well featured and best performing for the money...the other two are again fairly stripped down models that get the job done.

[ashleighbass06]

Thank you for all your advice!

[WilsonFlyer]

This just in this morning... (I'm a Canon guy but this is a good buy)

http://www.buy.com/prod/sony-alpha-dslr-a230-digital-slr-camera-10-2-megapixel-3-05x-optical/q/loc/33409/listingid/49447554/211160901.html

[ashleighbass06]

Oh wow! Thanks!

[zackiedawg]

Yep...that's the one I mentioned above at Sears and Amazon at $330. BTW, it's a solid sensor in that camera - check it out in person if you can to see if it's comfortable for you to hold and carry - if so, it is more than capable of some lovely photos (I had its cousin, the A300, for 2 years before my current model, so pretty much any of my photography between mid-2007 and October 2009 would be from that camera). In-body stabilization means you can buy used and cheap lenses and still get stabilization.