Best value in entry level DSLR for $300-$400

[dave43]

What is the best value in the $400 range. I was thinking about getting a Rebel 300D kit for around $200 but after reading a little bit found out there were better options for a little more. What do you think?

[sonnyc]

30D or up another $100-$150 and get the 40D.

[elader]

I agree, gently used 30D or a little more for a 40D.

[cito17]

The 30D is helluva lot of camera for $400.

[jsphotos]

Just save up and get a decent Canon 40d

[Tom Reichner]

I've gotta agree - a 30D.

I don't understand the comments about it being "a little more" for a 40D. The vast majority of 40D bodies are now selling used for $600. That's 50% more than the $300-$400 that the OP budgeted. 50% / $200-$300 is not "just a little more" - it's a lot more.

[gjl711]

There is a Canon XSi for sale here at POTN for $400. That's a pretty new camera.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=846746&highlight=xsi

And another for $375.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=845701&highlight=xsi

Feature wise it's quite a bit more than the 30D, nice large LCD, 12mp, 14bit raw, DIGICIII and supports both CF and SD cards.

40D's are still in the $550~$600 range.

[That_Fox]

I'd go for a 20D and put the rest towards better glass, as there aren't many great differences between the 20D and 30D. And the 20D can be had for about $100 less than a 30D, which is half way to a 430EX or a decent amount towards a nicer lens.

[HoosierJoe]

The above are good deals. A 20D or 30D is in your price range. You do know that most of these are body only without lens? If you are looking for a lens/body combo, I'm not sure what you will find out there.

[alpha_1976]

Get a decent 20D then buy a used 430EX or something. May be $500 total or less.

[sonnyc]

I've gotta agree - a 30D.

I don't understand the comments about it being "a little more" for a 40D. The vast majority of 40D bodies are now selling used for $600. That's 50% more than the $300-$400 that the OP budgeted. 50% / $200-$300 is not "just a little more" - it's a lot more.


If you put down 50% more, it may sound like alot but $150 more doesn't sound much. Well, to some members, $150 is lunch :D

to the OP, the 40D is worth much much more than $150 over the 30D.

[MichaelBernard]

30d and a used 18-55mm IS to start.

[dave43]

Do any of the cameras listed above have video capabilities?

[MichaelBernard]

Do any of the cameras listed above have video capabilities?

No. If you get a T1i for $400 it's probably going to be beat to crap... There are better bodies to spend you money on.

[dave43]

Thanks everyone. Is their a big difference between the 400D and 450D (XTi and XSi)?

[HinkelJm]

There is a Canon XSi for sale here at POTN for $400. That's a pretty new camera.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=846746&highlight=xsi

And another for $375.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=845701&highlight=xsi

Feature wise it's quite a bit more than the 30D, nice large LCD, 12mp, 14bit raw, DIGICIII and supports both CF and SD cards.

40D's are still in the $550~$600 range.

I'm pretty sure the XSi only uses SD cards.

[gjl711]

Thanks everyone. Is their a big difference between the 400D and 450D (XTi and XSi)?
Not if you compare spec to spec but there are quite a few improvements.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos400d%2Ccanon_eos450d&show=all

Big difference is the larger LCD. DigicIII, Live view, Spot metering more resolution.

Check out Bob Atkins comparison between XTi, XSi, 40D
http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_eos_xsi_vs_xti_vs_40D.html

[gjl711]

I'm pretty sure the XSi only uses SD cards.
My bad..

[RandyS]

Hey OP ...

Most these guys are talking bodies only. Do you have to include a lens in that same budget?

[dave43]

Yes...I'm looking for a kit. I need batteries, charger, 18-55 lens, etc...Also what's the difference between a rebel like a 450D and a 20D/30D?

[RandyS]

Yes...I'm looking for a kit. I need batteries, charger, 18-55 lens, etc...Also what's the difference between a rebel like a 450D and a 20D/30D?
I can't answer any real specifics on those myself, like pixel density, high ISO, etc, but on ergonomics ...

The rebel, while well built, won't feel as robust (or large or heavy) in your hands as either of he xxD bodies. The interface is different. The Rebel doesn't have a back wheel or a top (of the body) LCD display.

Having never used a Rebel I can't say the interface doesn't work. I do know I've seen some very nice pictures taken with them so there's that. and there's *LOTS* of folks that like the size/weight.

ETA: I've little doubt that you'll be able to find a decent kit in that price range. You might want to consider getting the 50 1.8. Great first lens on a first DSLR. And it's cheap enough so that a 2nd lens can come quickly. Especially if you can find a deal on the body/memory/etc.

[dave43]

I see alot of suggestions for the 20D/30D...

i'm guessing there alot of serious photographers that need a larger/heavier camera built like a tank. I will be more of a casual shooter so I actuallly would like something lighter/smaller. I also baby my toys so I doubt the durability of more plastic parts on the rebel will make a difference to me. I read the Bob Atkins review on the XSi vs. the XTi and it seems like his conclusion was that the picture quality would be the same on the two, so at a hundred dollars less would a XTi/400D be a bad choice for my profile?

[themadman]

Thanks everyone. Is their a big difference between the 400D and 450D (XTi and XSi)?

There are some

14 bit vs 12 bit raws
Ability to shoot RAW + Jpeg
Spot Metering
3.5fps vs 3fps
Live View
Bigger LCD (but not more resolution)

I might be missing some...

[cito17]

Ability to shoot RAW + Jpeg


Huh? I was able to shoot RAW + Large JPEG on my Rebel XT...

[HoosierJoe]

I see alot of suggestions for the 20D/30D...

i'm guessing there alot of serious photographers that need a larger/heavier camera built like a tank. I will be more of a casual shooter so I actuallly would like something lighter/smaller. I also baby my toys so I doubt the durability of more plastic parts on the rebel will make a difference to me. I read the Bob Atkins review on the XSi vs. the XTi and it seems like his conclusion was that the picture quality would be the same on the two, so at a hundred dollars less would a XTi/400D be a bad choice for my profile?Ok I can see a little better what you are needing.

In your price range, smaller body, you are looking at an Xti. The only lens in your price range would be the canon 18-55IS or maybe a stretch for the Canon 28-105.

Eventually, down the road look for a flash unit. The YN 465 units are very good for the money and run $70 new.


I have seen a whole lot of people on this board who really like the Xti. I have toyed with the idea of getting one for a back up.

[That_Fox]

I've seen XT's for under $200, there really isn't a great difference between the XT and XTi, so I would suggest taking a good look at getting one of those. There is a small resolution difference between the two, but 8MP should be plenty, heck I use the original Digital Rebel and it is plenty most of the time. Especially when I don't need large resolution images. That would give you $200 for lenses, so I'd look at the 18-55mm IS lens and a 50mm ƒ/1.8 which would cover everything except the telephoto end.

[dave43]

I've been reading dpreviews on the XT, XTi, and XSi...they gave bad marks on the kit lens for the XT and XTi so I'm thinking it might be worthwhile for the better lens on the XSi.

[booboo]

20D and a better glass

[gjl711]

I've been reading dpreviews on the XT, XTi, and XSi...they gave bad marks on the kit lens for the XT and XTi so I'm thinking it might be worthwhile for the better lens on the XSi.
Thats because those cameras use to come with the 18-55 non IS lens. That lens is dirt cheap but also the quality suffers. The newer 18-55IS lens is a far superior lens.

[That_Fox]

I've been reading dpreviews on the XT, XTi, and XSi...they gave bad marks on the kit lens for the XT and XTi so I'm thinking it might be worthwhile for the better lens on the XSi.

That's why I suggested the 18-55 IS version, you'd get the XT body only.

[windpig]

40D is so nice.

[RandyS]

40D is so nice.
I like pie.

[HoosierJoe]

I like pie.
Pie might be in the OP's price range. 40D is not.

I can't eat pie any longer ... sigh.

[windpig]

Wholesale on the 40D is about $350 to $400, the new Rebel is putting downward pressure on the 40D value.

[MichaelBernard]

Wholesale on the 40D is about $350 to $400, the new Rebel is putting downward pressure on the 40D value.

The 7d pushed down the 50d, which pushed down the 40d. You can get a 50d for $800-900 now, before the 7d dropped they were still going for $1,100 and the 40d was going for $700-800. It's rare that you'll ever see a Rebel push the value of an XXd body down because they are targeted toward different markets.

[omer]

Get Xsi with it's kit lens (the 18-55Is) - plenty of good deal on this combo
this is a very good starting point
The XSi has great IQ (by all reviews) and the 18-55IS is great value for $

[Mocows]

Just to be clear, I know you need a kit (body, starter lens, battery, charger, cables) but for your $400 budget, do you need to include memory cards, bag for storage and blower/cleaning items? Also would you possibly want to upgrade in the future to a XXD body once you get more cash flow?

The XSi is a great starter, that's what I used/still have, but if you intend on upgrading the SD cards will go to waste. If money is an issue, that could be a turning point. The XTi and XXD bodies take CF cards. I'm not up to speed on US prices but I'd shoot for a 30D kit or a XTi kit.

[dave43]

Thanks for all the suggestions Guys. I ended up getting a XSi complete kit within my range. If the body is too small I'm thinking I could get the battery grip?

[gjl711]

Thanks for all the suggestions Guys. I ended up getting a XSi complete kit within my range. If the body is too small I'm thinking I could get the battery grip?
Enjoy your new camera. :)

[Mocows]

Thanks for all the suggestions Guys. I ended up getting a XSi complete kit within my range. If the body is too small I'm thinking I could get the battery grip?

Cool, if the body is a little small, yea a grip would help. I enjoy using the XSi with a grip, got a phottix grip with 2 batteries for a decent price off ebay :)