Inexpensive Digital SLR Cameras |
Page updated: February 2009 |
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Today, finding an inexpensive digital SLR camera is much easier than it used to be While the average price for these cameras still hovers around $700.00 USD, there are many low-cost options out there. Digital SLR cameras are a lot like cars and computers: as soon as a camera is released, its value starts falling. That's why most of the inexpensive digital SLR cameras I list below are several months old. If you really want the latest and greatest digital SLR camera, then you're going to have to pay a bit more to get it. |
The Real Bargains
If you'd like to get your feet wet in the world of digital SLR cameras, and really aren't keen on paying a ton of money, then your best bet is to find a camera that's several years old.
Older digital SLRs work just fine - mine from 2004 is still plugging along - they just don't have all the latest features like dust control, live view and face-detection autofocus.
Since camera technology advances so quickly, many models from just 3 years ago are no longer available new - the only way to get your hands on one is to find one used.
The good news for you is that there are plenty of people out there upgrading to new cameras to get the latest features.
This means that a quick search of eBay should yield plenty of inexpensive digital SLR cameras for you to choose from.
Low-Cost Cameras
For those who aren't keen on the idea of buying a camera that's already somewhat obsolete, don't worry — you've still got options
Each manufacturer has at least one inexpensive digital SLR camera - while simpler than the more advanced cameras, the simplicity can be appealing if you're just a beginning SLR photographer.
Canon EOS Rebel XS (1000D) |
Release Date | August 2008 |
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| Key Features | 10 megapixels, dust control, live view | |
| Uniqueness | Lightest Canon DSLR | |
| Great For | Parents, travel | |
| Level | Beginner | |
| Avg. Kit Price | $530 | |
| Competitors | Nikon D60, Olympus E-420, Pentax K200D | |
| Compare prices for the Rebel XS at Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo Video | ||
Nikon D40 |
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Release Date | December 2006 |
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| Key Features | 6.1 megapixels, 2.5in. LCD, SD Memory | |
| Uniqueness | Helpful LCD | |
| Great For | Learning photography | |
| Level | Beginner | |
| Avg. Kit Price | $410 | |
| Competitors | Canon 350D, Pentax K110D, Samsung GX-1L | |
| The D40 features an innovative LCD display that actually shows you how changing camera settings affects your images. It's a great tool for photographers who are learning terms like aperture, shutter speed and ISO. The D40 is also one of the smallest, lightest and cheapest Nikon digital SLR cameras. | ||
| Compare prices for the D40 at Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo Video | ||
Olympus E-420 |
Release Date | May 2008 |
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| Key Features | 10 megapixels, dust control, face detection, expanded dynamic range | |
| Uniqueness | Smallest and lightest | |
| Great For | Carrying anywhere | |
| Level | Beginner | |
| Avg. Kit Price | $430 | |
| Competitors | Canon Rebel XS, Nikon D60 | |
| The E-420 is billed as the smallest and lightest digital SLR camera you can buy (size: 5.1 x 3.6 x 2.1 in. | 129.5 x 91.4 x 53.3 mm ; weight: 13.4oz. | 380g). This is especially true when you pair the camera with the new 25mm f/2.8 "pancake" lens. Despite its compact size, the E-420 includes a dust control system, live view LCD, face detection autofocus and expanded dynamic range. | ||
| Compare prices for the E-420 at Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo Video | ||
Sony ALPHA DSLR-A200 |
Release Date | February 2008 |
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| Key Features | 10 megapixels, dust control, image stabilization | |
| Uniqueness | Enhanced Dynamic Range | |
| Great For | Travel and low-light | |
| Level | Beginner to intermediate | |
| Avg. Kit Price | $500 | |
| Competitors | Canon Rebel xTi, Nikon D80, Pentax K10D | |
| The A200 is the third digital SLR released by Sony and it benefits from many of the improvements that Sony has made since the release of the A100. The camera includes 10.2 megapixels, a dust control system, built-in image stabilization and eye-start autofocus. | ||
| Compare prices for the DSLR-A200 at Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo Video | ||
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