Looking into a DSLR

[ToastBucket]

Anyone here good with cameras? Mainly in the help-me-get-a-good-deal sense. I'm looking for an entry level DSLR. I have a very low budget, willing to spend about $350 at most for a body and an 18-55mm lens "kit". Since my budget is quite low for DSLR's, I'm not expecting to be able to get a very good camera, but as you can imagine I'd like to get the most bang for my buck. That's why I'm definitely not going for a new camera. Here's a few models I've been looking at:

Nikon D3100
Nikon D80
Canon Rebel XTi

 

[samjc3]

I would certainly recommend Nikon over Canon. They've just always been better in my experience. Beyond that, any reasonable DSLR is fine. Its more about taking a good picture than using a god tier camera - doing it right using a $300 camera will net as nice of picture as just doing it with a $20k camera.

 

[ToastBucket]

Yeah I realize, I just don't want to drop a hunk of cash on a camera and then find out that I could have gotten a better one for the same price. At the moment looks like I'll be snagging a $300 D200. I'd prefer a D3100, but I don't really want to spend $40 more for it.

 

[Twilight Wolf]

My sister uses a Nikon and she loves it. She's an experienced photographer too -- she's beaten professionals in photography contests. I like it too.

 

[DNT]

I did some training on a Nikon D5000. I really liked it.

 

[ToastBucket]

I ended up settling on a Nikon D200. Should be here on Friday.

 

[Ishwhale]

Canon T1i. They are pretty cheap now that they are on the T4i or something. I hate Nikon. They suck.

 

[ToastBucket]

My roommate has a 450D. After playing around with it for a few weeks, I'm not really a fan of the Canon control layout :/ Also from the samples I've looked at, I really like the vivid color in most Nikons

 

[DK]

I still use an D1X which must be about 10 years old now. Proper warhorse of a camera, still works perfectly after all those years.

 

[ToastBucket]

I still use an D1X which must be about 10 years old now. Proper warhorse of a camera, still works perfectly after all those years.

Yeah my D200 is about 7 years old I believe. It works perfectly and I have no complaints.

 

[DNT]

Just to add in, I bought a FujiFilm HS20. It's not a DSLR, but I get the same performance out of one. The only bad thing I can say is that you get grainy shots in the high-ISO settings.