Camera body for under $300? - New user joining the Canon world!

Hello POTN, I was recently doing a photoshoot and training my friend to become an assistant photographer. Turns out he's in love with photography and was catching on so fast about everything and such...I own about 10 lenses so I am willing to loan him one in the meantime while he can save up for his own glass. My question is what would be the best under $300 ? He was handling my 60D but I think anything that has live view (camera recording isn't needed). I had a XSi back then but even then that still goes for a good $400 ish. I don't even know what models exist before the XSi, so I'm a bit lost before that gen.

I'm curious. Why is "live view" important to him if he's not doing video? I mean if he's into macro or tripod/landscape photography... I can see that. But if he's shooting people/somewhat moving things... live view doesn't really come in all that handy.

As for cameras... dpreview.com has an EXTENSIVE listing of camera manufacturers and models from before the Stone Age (it seems). So one can look through their archives and see the announcement/release dates for previous generation camera models.

jwcdds wrote in post #13095997
I'm curious. Why is "live view" important to him if he's not doing video? I mean if he's into macro or tripod/landscape photography... I can see that. But if he's shooting people/somewhat moving things... live view doesn't really come in all that handy.

As for cameras... dpreview.com has an EXTENSIVE listing of camera manufacturers and models from before the Stone Age (it seems). So one can look through their archives and see the announcement/release dates for previous generation camera models.

He kept using live view over the viewfinder which I kept stressing to him when he gets into photography he'll barely use it unless he's just adjusting settings but to still use the viewfinder. I'll check out dpreview.com! Thanks so much for guiding me there..I was looking through BH and couldn't even find the 20D. lol >>

At the $300 price point the best you'll be able to find would most likely be a 30D. Forget about live view. Unless you're doing extensive video, or maybe macro, it's not needed and should be discouraged.

Is the 30D better than the XTi? I see it in the same price range ish.

If $300 is a big deal, what are the chances that your friend will ever own any decent lenses? Sometimes I wonder about recommending SLR cameras to people with limited budgets as you really need to spend on glass and lighting to make them worthwhile.

I've seen xs (1000D) for about 300 lately

tkbslc wrote in post #13096116
If $300 is a big deal, what are the chances that your friend will ever own any decent lenses? Sometimes I wonder about recommending SLR cameras to people with limited budgets as you really need to spend on glass and lighting to make them worthwhile.

Yep yep..he's well aware, but for the time being I'm gonna help him start out with the 50 1.8 to get him out there, but I told him he's welcome to borrow some of my lenses (not like I can use all 10 on my camera body at a time). LOL

mkville wrote in post #13096121
I've seen xs (1000D) for about 300 lately

I can't find one for $300, I actually see it in the $400's with the XSi which is why I went down another level for the camera gens. I was hoping he could get an XS / T2i ..something close to the recent years.

check out my sig about the canon loyalty program. find or buy a busted canon point and shoot or film camera, and he can get an XSi kit for $319.99