Advice re' best DSLR under $1000. ?

OK, my first real post here on this forum: I just went through this process (D40x/XTi) and finally chose the XTi. I don't think anyone mentioned my reasons yet for selecting the canon.

1) Fit: Pick up both cameras and see how they feel - the canon has a smaller grip, but it works well for my hand size. I do know someone who liked everything about the Xti except the grip so he put on a battery grip and it fits his larger hands. See what feels good to you.

2) Size: My old film SLR (Nikon) and favorite lens are great, but heavy. This time I wanted portability. The xti is very light and smaller than some of the other cameras (put them side by side - you will be amazed at the difference!)

3) I'm a newbie to dSLR and the digital world is changing so quickly, I assumed that after a few years (and thousands of clicks) I may want to change bodies. At that point, I will know myself better and what/how I like to shoot. I could do a direct replacement or choose to step up to a better body - Canon has wide selection of bodies at various price/performance points.

Good luck and have fun!!!

The best values are buying used here or locally on Craigslist. Like a lot of other people, if you're on a budget, I also recommend buying used. Just keep in mind that there are risks involved.

In sorta the same boat, have s2is/710is and love them but wanted dslr and because of a health problem,$ constraints. Held and played with xti/30d/40d and watched the boards here and fredmiranda a lot. Could buy 40d body or lens but not both at this time. Member here had a great deal on new xti with extras for less than i could but it new anywhere [even provided copy of invoice] so i bought it about a week ago. Waiting on 50mm 1.8 and off eBay got 35-80ef and 80-200 ef lenses [I know not the best, but can add better later]. I have about 750 in the package with grips/remotes/extra batteries/etc and for now it is great. Point is keep looking at the want to sell areas and jump if a deal appears - either lens or body based on your financial situation.

In my case i need a macro lens, want the 70-200l f4 is, and either the 100-400l or the 1.4x tc but they have to wait. A body and a 50mm 1.8 or something like the 17-85 lens makes good sense to me. ymmv

I'm still researching and enjoying and appreciate all these good suggestions.

I can get an "open-box" 30D from a local "big-box" store with an 18-55 kit lens and a 1 year warranty for $1000. How does that sound to you experienced DSLR people?

She said it was not a floor model, but just a camera that someone took home and returned (for some reason??) and it had no scuffs or anything on it. Do you think it's still too risky, even though it has a 1 yr. warranty?

From what I've read, it seems that the 30D body is one of the best ones that Canon has made and should last me for years, so I can gradually just add better glass, right? Most seem to be saying that the 18-55mm kit lens is almost throw-away quality, but at least it'd get me by while I save up for a better lens (I guess?).

What say all of you about this option?

N/A wrote in post #4181702
I'm still researching and enjoying and appreciate all these good suggestions.

I can get an "open-box" 30D from a local "big-box" store with an 18-55 kit lens and a 1 year warranty for $1000. How does that sound to you experienced DSLR people?

She said it was not a floor model, but just a camera that someone took home and returned (for some reason??) and it had no scuffs or anything on it. Do you think it's still too risky, even though it has a 1 yr. warranty?

From what I've read, it seems that the 30D body is one of the best ones that Canon has made and should last me for years, so I can gradually just add better glass, right? Most seem to be saying that the 18-55mm kit lens is almost throw-away quality, but at least it'd get me by while I save up for a better lens (I guess?).

What say all of you about this option?

I still like a mint 20D (which has the exact sensor and AF system)
at $500-$550 and a nice used lens like a 70-200 f/4L which would
run $450-$500. If you need to feel warm and fuzzy find one with
time remaining on a mack warranty...

N/A wrote in post #4181702
I'm still researching and enjoying and appreciate all these good suggestions.

I can get an "open-box" 30D from a local "big-box" store with an 18-55 kit lens and a 1 year warranty for $1000. How does that sound to you experienced DSLR people?

She said it was not a floor model, but just a camera that someone took home and returned (for some reason??) and it had no scuffs or anything on it. Do you think it's still too risky, even though it has a 1 yr. warranty?

From what I've read, it seems that the 30D body is one of the best ones that Canon has made and should last me for years, so I can gradually just add better glass, right? Most seem to be saying that the 18-55mm kit lens is almost throw-away quality, but at least it'd get me by while I save up for a better lens (I guess?).


What say all of you about this option?

You can get a body-only from B&H brand new for the same price. The kit lens is worth $60 or so.

cdifoto wrote in post #4152432
Under $1000? 30D.

I agree, 30D without a doubt.
There are plenty of places to buy a new 30D for under $1000
Some of these places are better than others so check the ratings.
http://cameras.pricegr​abber.com/digital/m/17​423818/

Both of these places have excellent ratings.
Adorama - 30D - $949.95
Buydig.com - 30D - $929.00 and 20D - $849.00

I've seen the 30D for $899 in a local camera shop.

The Nikon D200 is a pretty good camera.
It has a built in intervalometer and a built in strobe mode.
They must be pretty cheap now in light of the new arrivals.

You can't get a new D200 for anything even close to $1,000.

harrydog wrote in post #4182152
You can't get a new D200 for anything even close to $1,000.

I thought, due to some of the other posters comments, second hand was an option!

N/A wrote in post #4181702
I'm still researching and enjoying and appreciate all these good suggestions.

I can get an "open-box" 30D from a local "big-box" store with an 18-55 kit lens and a 1 year warranty for $1000. How does that sound to you experienced DSLR people?

She said it was not a floor model, but just a camera that someone took home and returned (for some reason??) and it had no scuffs or anything on it. Do you think it's still too risky, even though it has a 1 yr. warranty?

From what I've read, it seems that the 30D body is one of the best ones that Canon has made and should last me for years, so I can gradually just add better glass, right? Most seem to be saying that the 18-55mm kit lens is almost throw-away quality, but at least it'd get me by while I save up for a better lens (I guess?).

What say all of you about this option?

I would not buy an open box DSLR of any make from a Big Box store unless you are willing to do a thorough inspection of the camera and most likely send it in for cleaning or repairs immediately after purchase. You can get a good deal, but may be without a camera for a few weeks after the initial purchase.

The Big Box stores in my area put DSLR's on display with no lens mounted and no body cap. The mirror stays completely exposed for the entire time it's on display. As a result, the camera is full of dust and the mirror will potentially have a scratch or fingerprints. They later take the display items and sell as open box at a very big discount ...

If I were to buy used my three choices would be:

1. Buy from B&H (they also sell used gear)
2. KEH
3. From a reputable member of this forum.

B&H is also a Canon distributor and they have their own repair center. I bought a used lens from them and it looked and worked like brand new.