Need help and advise for a co-worker. Most sub $400 set up for alaska trip?

My coworker is gong to Alaska for 2 weeks and wants a camera. He doesn't wanna spend over $400 since he thinks he'll never use the camera again. I found a 350D on CL with 18-15 and 2gig card for $250. I was thinking if he paired that with a used 55-250 and he'll have a camera thats versatile enough.

I know its nowhere near top quality stuff, but I can't imagine putting together anything better for his budget. He's not looking for high res prints or anything.

Can anyone think of a better solution?

How about buying the camera and renting some glass?

Thats another option...but wont 2 week rental cost him quite a bit?

Why not just buy a P&S.
Does he know how to use a DSLR?
Theres no point throwing him in the deep end with something he has no idea of how to use it and no desire to learn.
Just seems to me to be a direct line to disappointment - and it will be your fault because that's what you "told" him to get.
This could end in tears for you.
Also what's the point of getting a DSLR if he's not going to use it again.
A P&S would be far better in this instance.

Google will no doubt pull up some prices. If thats not an option for your pal, how about buying glass used, and selling it upon return. Do you know what he wants to shoot,,wildlife landscapes?

philwillmedia wrote in post #10157725
Why not just buy a P&S.
Does he know how to use a DSLR?
Theres no point throwing him in the deep end with something he has no idea of how to use it and no desire to learn.
Just seems to me to be a direct line to disappointment - and it will be your fault because that's what you "told" him to get.
This could end in tears for you.
Also what's the point of getting a DSLR if he's not going to use it again.
A P&S would be far better in this instance.

GOOD POINT! a trip of a liftime is not the best time to go through the learning curve.

It'll be wild life and landscape for the most part. I've fed him the Point and shoot line once in a while. He said he'll probably only ever use the camera after his trip for pictures of his boat and stuff he sells.

He has 3 months of work with me before he takes his trip so I can def get him familiarized with the camera if he gets a DSLR

Sony HX-1, or Canon SX20. Both great cameras, both under 400 dollars. 20x zoom on the Canon, 25X zoom on the Sony.

Only gripe with the Canon is the AA battery's, but going on a trip AA might be beneficial.

Canon does have a hotshoe to accept a flash.

WRXTACY wrote in post #10157856
Sony HX-1, or Canon SX20. Both great cameras, both under 400 dollars. 20x zoom on the Canon, 25X zoom on the Sony.

Only gripe with the Canon is the AA battery's, but going on a trip AA might be beneficial.

Canon does have a hotshoe to accept a flash.

Good suggestions.

And AA batteries are great for travel. A pocket full of charged Eneloops will get you through even the most image-intensive day.

I really would never suggest a DSLR for this trip. The man sounds like he has zero interest in photography as a hobby, and the learning curve is quite steep for someone with no interest. An SX20 would serve him well.

Just looked at both, the canon looks nice!