Hi all :) I've been wanting to upgrade to a dslr for a while now. (I currently take all my photos with a Nikon Coolpix L110) I have asked friends many times to borrow their cameras so I can familiarize myself with handling them and I've also read a few books on the basics of digital photography. I'm a far cry from knowing all that I should know, but I think I'm ready to finally make the leap. I feel like I've outgrown my camera. I still love it but I want more creative control.
All that said.. I'm looking to buy a used camera. I've heard that the 450D is a good entry level choice and I found one on Craigslist but don't know where to start when it comes to knowing what questions to ask and how to avoid a bad deal.
Here is the info that the seller has provided.. He/she is asking for $300, body only.
"Canon DSLR XSi digital camera... I bought this when I was in Japan. Not used too much, EOSInfo says 7963 shutter count. Shutter life for this model is 100k, so plenty of life left. It's always kept in a sealed box in a dry 68 degree room year around. Never been dropped. Rarely switched lens. Battery still good for two days of shooting without charging. No scratch, no dust visible on F8 picture, no dead pixel on the screen or sensor.
Includes original installation disk, video cable, USB cable, unused canon strap, original battery and charger, body cap. Sell it for upgrade."
To me, this looks like a deal.. but like I said I don't know the first thing about what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to avoid scammers. If you guys have any advice at all I would greatly, greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.
Just throwing this out there - the cheapest lens on Amazon for that camera is $115, for an 18-55mm "kit" lens. Unless you already have a lens on hand, you'll have to buy one, which will put you at about $415 plus change. You can get a brand-new Canon EOS Rebel T3 on Amazon for $499, only about $80 difference. JUST food for thought.
As to the scamming issue - what gives me more pause are the ads that claim "I know nothing about cameras, I'm just selling this for my uncle/cousin/friend/etc.". With the level of detail he's put on that, it is probably fine. Try it out first - make sure you have a lens and potentially a camera card with you when you do so. Take one of your camera friends with you, if possible, so they can weigh in. Good luck!
@beautifulthing Thanks so much for your advice Shelly. To be honest it didn't occur to me that I don't have a lens to try out the camera with. I'll definitely ask to borrow a friend's lens and ask them to tag along also.
I will probably end up searching for a lens on craigslist too, if all goes well. Trying to save however possible, hoping I don't regret buying used but you get what you pay for. Crossing my fingers I get lucky. Thanks again :)
We bought a Nikon d70 & a bag of 3 lenses for ~$300 through craigslist and a "nifty fifty" for $90.
I have no regrets, both sellers were photography enthusiasts & very patient, letting me take the time to shoot with the equipment and take it outside to test it in different light etc.
The seller should be patient and able to answer your questions. I'd ask if they have a lens you can test with since they had to use it somehow & are supposedly upgrading; if you have a laptop bring it and upload sample photos to check out. Also look up how to get the shutter count on that camera to see if it matches the #given, because if it's like 30k more they're obviously full of crap.
@attraversi I have the Canon Xsi and while I'm not a professional photographer by any stretch (I am a person with a camera that likes to take pictures)...my advice would be to follow the advice of @beautifulthing and @agima ...its not that this camera doesnt work for me it definately does but there are so many other features the upgraded versions and if you can get the kit for close to the same price why not do that? Otherwise if you go with the Xsi I think you'll still be satisfied as you are moving in to the DSLR world.
@attraversi I agree with @beautifulthing and @agima, If you can, wait a little longer and try to save up a little more (or borrow a little) and buy a NEW Canon T3 with two lenses. If you just don't want to wait and want to buy a DSLR now, I can only say good things about my Canon XSi. I bought mine 1.5 years ago from ebay for $350, body only, used, but in excellent condition. It had just little less than 10K on in. I bought new Tamron lens 18-270mm VC that was on sale + rebate ($450). About half a year ago I bought Canon 50mm 1.8. That's all I have in my camera bag. I'm pretty happy with it. From what you wrote about the camera that you plan to by, it looks good, but I would definitely be cautious and follow advice given above. Good luck!!!
I am a 450d user, but i would save for the Canon t3, as Zuzana mentioned. The 50mm 1.8 is a great lens for this camera its one of my favourites. Women love this lens because its light to carry around with the camera, and its great for portraits etc, and also you can buy macro rings with this lens which is a double bonus which work really well together.
Good luck
I've decided to pass on the 450D after all and pursue a new T3 kit like most of you suggested. Mostly for the reasons mentioned, and I realized I want the security of a warranty. So I'm spending a little extra. I'm convinced it'll be worth it. And if not.. well.. you guys will be the first I'm coming for ;-) Thanks again wonderful 365ers.
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As to the scamming issue - what gives me more pause are the ads that claim "I know nothing about cameras, I'm just selling this for my uncle/cousin/friend/etc.". With the level of detail he's put on that, it is probably fine. Try it out first - make sure you have a lens and potentially a camera card with you when you do so. Take one of your camera friends with you, if possible, so they can weigh in. Good luck!
I will probably end up searching for a lens on craigslist too, if all goes well. Trying to save however possible, hoping I don't regret buying used but you get what you pay for. Crossing my fingers I get lucky. Thanks again :)
I have no regrets, both sellers were photography enthusiasts & very patient, letting me take the time to shoot with the equipment and take it outside to test it in different light etc.
The seller should be patient and able to answer your questions. I'd ask if they have a lens you can test with since they had to use it somehow & are supposedly upgrading; if you have a laptop bring it and upload sample photos to check out. Also look up how to get the shutter count on that camera to see if it matches the #given, because if it's like 30k more they're obviously full of crap.
:)
Good luck
Thanks everyone for all of your advice.
I've decided to pass on the 450D after all and pursue a new T3 kit like most of you suggested. Mostly for the reasons mentioned, and I realized I want the security of a warranty. So I'm spending a little extra. I'm convinced it'll be worth it. And if not.. well.. you guys will be the first I'm coming for ;-) Thanks again wonderful 365ers.