edit: (Apologies, I should have been more specific in the thread title, I meant to put used or new cameras in there, but forgot. Again, my apologies.)/edit
Well, some of you probably remember one of my old threads asking which camera to buy (though I know you guys also see hundreds of those). I've decided which two models I am interested in, due to the money I can spend. The question now, is, which is a better use of the money?
I have started looking at a Nikon D50, because it has the autofocus in body... I haven't been able to find if it has a sensor cleaner yet. Its about $350 used, from what I've read. Is buying a used Nikon D50 off ebay a fairly safe bet (if I make sure it is in working condition before I bid on it?), or are they prone to die early deaths?
Second one I was thinking about was a Cannon XS(1000D), $450 new off Cameta, I think. The problem is, I just barely have $450, and of course, I'll need some kind of good, protective case to carry it around in.
My question is not Nikon or Cannon. I've come to the realization that I can probably do whatever I want with either system, and I'm not planning to get into it too deep, for now. My question is how safe is it to buy a used dSLR off ebay (I haven't found the d50 used at any other respectable photography website that I have heard of, though I am sure there are respectable sites that have it that I haven't heard of), does anyone have suggestions for good, protective cases for the above cameras (just basic is fine. I'll get a bigger for more lenses later), and are there any other accessories I should purchase with a camera? I guess I could go without a case, but I am going to a week of summer camp as a counselor for 4-6th grade kids, and I was thinking about bringing the camera along with me, which of course, would require a case.
So, let me sum up what I am looking for answers to:
Used Nikon D50 or New Canon XS(1000D) (brand doesn't matter... Just reliability, and best value for money, brands aside)?
Case or no case (from the day I get the camera)?
Anything else I HAVE to have with a new camera?(I have SD cards, and storage is fairly cheap, anyway)
Thank you everyone! Sorry for the long, confusing post... I'm just trying to make sure I do the right things from the get go.
Well, some of you probably remember one of my old threads asking which camera to buy (though I know you guys also see hundreds of those). I've decided which two models I am interested in, due to the money I can spend. The question now, is, which is a better use of the money?
I have started looking at a Nikon D50, because it has the autofocus in body... I haven't been able to find if it has a sensor cleaner yet. Its about $350 used, from what I've read. Is buying a used Nikon D50 off ebay a fairly safe bet (if I make sure it is in working condition before I bid on it?), or are they prone to die early deaths?
Second one I was thinking about was a Cannon XS(1000D), $450 new off Cameta, I think. The problem is, I just barely have $450, and of course, I'll need some kind of good, protective case to carry it around in.
My question is not Nikon or Cannon. I've come to the realization that I can probably do whatever I want with either system, and I'm not planning to get into it too deep, for now. My question is how safe is it to buy a used dSLR off ebay (I haven't found the d50 used at any other respectable photography website that I have heard of, though I am sure there are respectable sites that have it that I haven't heard of), does anyone have suggestions for good, protective cases for the above cameras (just basic is fine. I'll get a bigger for more lenses later), and are there any other accessories I should purchase with a camera? I guess I could go without a case, but I am going to a week of summer camp as a counselor for 4-6th grade kids, and I was thinking about bringing the camera along with me, which of course, would require a case.
So, let me sum up what I am looking for answers to:
Used Nikon D50 or New Canon XS(1000D) (brand doesn't matter... Just reliability, and best value for money, brands aside)?
Case or no case (from the day I get the camera)?
Anything else I HAVE to have with a new camera?(I have SD cards, and storage is fairly cheap, anyway)
Thank you everyone! Sorry for the long, confusing post... I'm just trying to make sure I do the right things from the get go.
