[justin146]

I am looking to get a D-SLR camera and have about $400 to get started with. In my price range, I can get an older high end camera in the 5-6Mp or a new low end camera in the 10-12Mp range.

So with my budget, should I look at a new Sony a230 (or something else in that range), or an older Nikon D1x or similar? I know the Nikon will have a larger sensor; but given equal lenses, which would be better? Will a larger sensor with fewer pixels best a camera with a smaller sensor and more pixels?

[bucnasty]

Check out Canon's. I swear by Canon. See if you can't pick up a 50D or a 40D.

[Emay]

You can do better than what you listed on a used dslr body. Where are you looking?

There's plenty of crop bodies in that range in both the canon and Nikon range that you can go after.

I have a co-worker here with a Sony a230, and she wishes she got something different. There is not a lot of options for glass. Most of the stuff you will find is Carl Zeiss and overpriced for as slow as they are. ( they do make faster glass, but not with sony mount).

Glass is where your investment will ultimately end up. Make sure you have options in whatever you pick. The body is the cheapest part of this hobby.

[justin146]

Originally Posted by Emay You can do better than what you listed on a used dslr body. Where are you looking? There's plenty of crop bodies in that range in both the canon and Nikon range that you can go after. I have a co-worker here with a Sony a230, and she wishes she got something different. There is not a lot of options for glass. Most of the stuff you will find is Carl Zeiss and overpriced for as slow as they are. ( they do make faster glass, but not with sony mount). Glass is where your investment will ultimately end up. Make sure you have options in whatever you pick. The body is the cheapest part of this hobby.

I am looking on eBay; but like I said, I dont really know what I am looking for. I was told by someone that the Sony would be a good option because it can use old Minolta lenses. I havent played with an a230, but I did play with an a330 and liked it. But at the same time, I am comparing it to my point and shoot. Outside of an electronic store, I have never even touched an SLR camera.

[Emay]

Here's one thing to keep in mind, glass evolves yearly just like bodies do. Using old minolta lenses tells me people are itching for more variety hands down and searching for other means of glass.

[Lefty]

Originally Posted by Emay Here's one thing to keep in mind, glass evolves yearly just like bodies do. Using old minolta lenses tells me people are itching for more variety hands down and searching for other means of glass.

Tell me about it

[justin146]

I just bought a Canon EOS 300d. It may not be the best camera out there, but I got it for $180.