Just got a new camera!

Well, actually it's a used camera. Our eldest daughter just made the yearbook staff at school, so we used that as an excuse to pick up a spare body for her to use. We got a used Digital Rebel (300D) in EX condition for $180. It arrived today, and frankly I'm amazed. There's no clear way to check the shutter count, but I'd be surprised if it'd been used for more than a few hundred shots. It's close to mint condition. The strap is still glossy, for Pete's sake.

How'd it come so cheap? Well, it's silver and only has 6.3mp. I figure of all the Canon bodies, there's just no demand for this one, but it's still a better camera than the $200+ P&S toys folks keep bringing to The Wife's intro to DSLR photography class. Now we've got a good quality, small "junk camera" to pack along when we don't want to trot out the 50D or 5DII.

Congrats! Owned one for years as photography went in and out of my hobby list. Actually the only paid shoots I've ever done were with a 300D. Just sold it less than a year ago and it was in absolutely perfect condition. Definitely had less thank 10k clicks on it.

And that teeny tiny screen will definitely stop you from "chimping" haha.

Oh yeah. That tiny screen is downright microscopic compared to the 5DII. Usable, but just barely. Also, the shutter sounds/feels slow compared to our other bodies--even the XTi. Much more akin to the old AE-1, with a more physical click than the newer models. Exposures are proper, as we tested it at different shutter speeds, it just feels different. That's the first thing The Wife and I noticed about it.

Don't compare your tiny screen to the others. I have the same tiny screen on my FF body and while I sometimes wish it were bigger, it certainly isn't a deal breaker. I only use it mainly to check the histogram anyways. Enjoy your rebel!

jblaschke wrote in post #12269183
How'd it come so cheap? Well, it's silver and only has 6.3mp. I figure of all the Canon bodies, there's just no demand for this one, but it's still a better camera than the $200+ P&S toys folks keep bringing to The Wife's intro to DSLR photography class. Now we've got a good quality, small "junk camera" to pack along when we don't want to trot out the 50D or 5DII.

And there you have it right there! I bought that camera when it first came out for a bit over $1000, and LOVED it! It will DEF beat out ANY point shoot! IMO if it was in perfect condition, for $180 I would have bought it in a heartbeat and given it to my parents to try and get them off the point shoots! VERY good find! Use and enjoy!

ben_r_ wrote in post #12272471
And there you have it right there! I bought that camera when it first came out for a bit over $1000, and LOVED it! It will DEF beat out ANY point shoot! IMO if it was in perfect condition, for $180 I would have bought it in a heartbeat and given it to my parents to try and get them off the point shoots! VERY good find! Use and enjoy!

Definitely true. My son has been looking at P & S's. Told him he would be far better off with a Rebel or and XT and an all purpose lens. Even if he just sets it on green box he is better off.

Man there a lot of people on here from Indiana.

To the OP - Just make sure she doesn't do like one of the girls did in my yearbook class in HS and try to use a print with the subject less than 1/2" tall and crop it close and expect it to get blown up to a 3x2... It was "fun" redoing her entire layout at the last minute when it came to light that it was completely impossible.