I havent been in search of a dslr but the cheapest one ive happened to see is the cannon rebel... for about 500. I dont think that includes any lenses or anything else but I could be wrong.
At that price you may have to look for a 2nd hand one. Also consider your choice of lense/s. These will add considerable cost to your setup and should form part of your budget / selection process.
My suggestion is to buy the best you can afford. However, it always pays off to spend more on your lense than the body. Lenses will out last
the body by many years.
Define what awesome DSLR means to you. Things to consider include:
- what you will be using it for mostly (the type of potography you want to do now)
- low light sensitivity (maximum usable ISO, cheaper bodies produce grainy images)
- maximum shutter speed (important if you have an interest in high speed action)
- auto focus system (better systems are more acurate / expensive)
- built-in autofocus motor (very useful if you will be using lenses without their own motor)
- flash controls (some Nikon bodies have CLS which makes using off camera flash easy from the outset)
- size / weight
- brand (your choice will lock you into a lense system, there is a lot more choice if you go with Canon or Nikon)
- new / refurbished / used (you may be able to pick up an older body for a lot less money, but remember that it will not have the latest features)
- price (depending on how important some of these features are to you, they will definitely influence the price range)
Have fun doing some research, narrow down you selection and make a choice and enjoy the experience. Try to avoid developing equipment envy by focusing on learning how to use your system.
I'm not any help, sorry. But try comparison websites :)
My suggestion is to buy the best you can afford. However, it always pays off to spend more on your lense than the body. Lenses will out last
the body by many years.
Define what awesome DSLR means to you. Things to consider include:
- what you will be using it for mostly (the type of potography you want to do now)
- low light sensitivity (maximum usable ISO, cheaper bodies produce grainy images)
- maximum shutter speed (important if you have an interest in high speed action)
- auto focus system (better systems are more acurate / expensive)
- built-in autofocus motor (very useful if you will be using lenses without their own motor)
- flash controls (some Nikon bodies have CLS which makes using off camera flash easy from the outset)
- size / weight
- brand (your choice will lock you into a lense system, there is a lot more choice if you go with Canon or Nikon)
- new / refurbished / used (you may be able to pick up an older body for a lot less money, but remember that it will not have the latest features)
- price (depending on how important some of these features are to you, they will definitely influence the price range)
Have fun doing some research, narrow down you selection and make a choice and enjoy the experience. Try to avoid developing equipment envy by focusing on learning how to use your system.