Best Budget Digital SLR

tomsco on 09/02/2016 - 20:39

Alright, wondering if any one can make a suggestion. Having a baby soon, so wife would like a new digital camera, maybe even an SLR.

Sparked by the 10% off on eBay, I thought I'd ask if any one has any recommendation for a good one. We looked at a couple around the Christmas period, when there were a few around the $300 mark, but missed out due to timing.

Don't really want to go over $400, even better if we can get one around $300.

So this is a two parter, I guess. Best budget camera and whether there is a reputable store (including eBay stores) selling it for a bargain.

Spanks in advance.

Electrical & Electronics Camera DSLR

Comments

  • spackbace on 09/02/2016 - 20:48
    +4

    Has been cheaper brand new, but something like this Canon 600d could be the ticket.

    Good entry level without going as low in the range as the 1200d. Starter lens will start her off ok

    • yuuki on 09/02/2016 - 21:03
      +1

      Highly agree with this. 600D is where the best bang for the buck is.

      • StewBalls on 10/02/2016 - 08:50

        Agreed, great value (we just got one for the in-laws), and accessories/lenses are available almost on any street corner! ;)

  • jabroni on 09/02/2016 - 23:41

    wait for nikon d3300 when on special again

    ow and tgg both had it under $300 with cashback

    • spackbace on 10/02/2016 - 01:49

      OP is having a baby 'soon', don't think they can wait for a once-in-a-year bargain ;)

      • jabroni on 10/02/2016 - 03:42

        ahh i skimmed it and missed that :P

        maybe the d3200 then as it still has that great image sensor and should be around $350 for a refurbished one with 1 yr warranty

        http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Nikon-D3200-DSLR-Camera-18-55-REF…

        seems like all the DS guys have sold theirs - maybe gumtree might have more luck in your area

  • Archi on 10/02/2016 - 08:52
    +4

    If you are only using the camera for the new baby and spend $400 to use a DSLR in Auto mode…unless you are an avid photographer I would suggest buying a better point and shoot.

    • lighter and smaller, more convenient to take out amongst other baby stuff you need to bring also.
    • single hand operation,
    • quick to start and take a video and photo of the moment. rather than fiddle with settings and loose the opportunity.

    Something like an sony RX or Nikon P series with a good lens.

    I have a pro level DSLR that I use a lot, but also a small point and shoot with F1.8 aperture lens that I use more often. just for those moments you want to capture rather than using the phone.

    • Randxyz123 on 10/02/2016 - 12:24

      I completely agree.

      DSLRs are great but they aren't exactly compact.

      If you can get a RX100 M2 or even M3 for somewhere around your budget you'll be much better off. It's small enough to put in your wife's hand bag but is probably the best high end point and shoot available.

      I forget the model but I'm pretty sure Sony has something a slight step down but still very good.

      If your wife is interested in photography however and wants something to get her started then the 600D is a no brainer. If she wants something to chuck in her hand bag when ever the entire family is out for the day then a compact point and shoot is possibly a better option.

    • tomsco on 10/02/2016 - 17:55

      thanks guys. I may consider that.

  • frondono on 10/02/2016 - 10:01

    I thought this deal looked pretty good.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/233493

    I would probably look at a nice point and shoot with the largest aperture you can find. every big brand makes them and they are all much of a muchness.

  • tomsco on 10/02/2016 - 17:54

    Oh wow. Looks like I'm looking after the baby. Wife's water broke today! 👶

    • spackbace on 10/02/2016 - 19:10

      Enjoy it :) Even if it's off the phone, get as many pictures/videos as you can :) you'll struggle to remember most of it amongst the next few years!

      And congrats :)

    • jabroni on 13/02/2016 - 02:10
      +1

      congrats

      now sign the baby up for the cba $150 cashback and ing orange free $75 :P

      • tomsco on 13/02/2016 - 17:48
        +1

        its the OzB way.

  • tonyjzx on 14/02/2016 - 18:30

    If you shoot with a kit lens then the SLR isnt for you.

    To me they only get good once you move to 2.8 glass.

    I do shoot with the kit lens every so often due to size but the photos are nothing that a pocket shooter couldnt do.

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