[skwannabe]

I'm looking to grab a dslr under $400 used. So far I'm considering the following

Rebel XS/XT/XSI (whats the difference between the three, besides megapixels?)
D3000
D40/50/70
E-P1 for it's form factor and "retro" look
G1
A300

Are the image sensor really that important? CCD vs CMOS? Will an untrained eye really notice any difference between the two?

Alittle about my self, I bought a sony T something point and shoot camera awhile back when I went to Japan. After that, my younger sister lost my camera and have been using my phone to take pictures. Never used a DSLR but would like to learn.

I take alot of nature/environment pictures. I often travel alot with my parents to go site seeing around our area.

So what would you guys suggest?

Thank.

 

[capitaltpt]

I would grab a D40 kit for $400 http://www.adorama.com/SearchSite/Default.aspx?searchinfo=D40 IMO, it's easier to handle than the D3000 and doesn't require as much menu digging. I also think the entry level Nikons are a bit better than the entry Canons. You will not see a huge difference between CCD and CMOS except in noise levels at high ISOs. I started with a D40 (CCD) and moved to a D300 (CMOS) and honestly couldn't tell you which camera took which pictures.

 

[GamerKingFaiz]

I grabbed myself a Canon Rebel XS for $300 (final price) using the Canon Loyalty Program.

You can find out more here.

I detailed how I got it for even cheaper in the same thread, here is my post.

 

[laboitenoire]

Quote:

Originally Posted by capitaltpt

I would grab a D40 kit for $400 http://www.adorama.com/SearchSite/Default.aspx?searchinfo=D40 IMO, it's easier to handle than the D3000 and doesn't require as much menu digging. I also think the entry level Nikons are a bit better than the entry Canons. You will not see a huge difference between CCD and CMOS except in noise levels at high ISOs. I started with a D40 (CCD) and moved to a D300 (CMOS) and honestly couldn't tell you which camera took which pictures.

$400 is way overpriced for a D40.

Honestly, I'd go on eBay, pick up a broken Canon P&S for $15, then buy a refurbished Canon through the Canon Loyalty Program (see the stickies in this forum). You get a camera that's in perfect shape for a really good price.

 

[mz-n10]

what lbn said, buy a old broke camera and get a rebel t2i.

or if you must choose out of the list you have i would get the ep1. pretty good IQ and the form factor is a plus.

 

[jsigone]

I have both the XS and XSi, The XS hunts more, Iq isn't as good as the XSi. You can use all the FPS with the XSi unlike the XS. That's the biggest difference. I modded the XS for Astrophotography by removing the IR filter in front of the CMOS chip.

Got the XSi body for $250 on craigslist.