[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by reignofchaos

If he's willing to spend 500 or so, I'd suggest he get a DSLR.

Is it possible to get a DSLR for that much? (Camera + Lenses) For lens, lets say base minimum 50 - 300. Could be wrong here, but I think you would end up spending close to 7 - 800 on that.

[reignofchaos]

A 400D with the basic kit lens would be close to that. The person can add more lenses once familiar with the camera.

[s0uljah]

Wouldnt a Dslr be little to complicated for a first time camera user?

His only experience is with a Phone cam !

Budget is a strict 450-500$

[jaibir]

Originally Posted by s0uljah

Wouldnt a Dslr be little to complicated for a first time camera user?

His only experience is with a Phone cam !

Budget is a strict 450-500$

For someone willing to spend $400-500 on a camera, a DSLR makes more sense. Most current generation DSLR's have easy to use green modes. A beginner can start with these and move on to the more advance modes as he/she becomes familiar with the camera.

Apart from the Canon 400D mentioned above, one can also consider the Nikon D40, Olympus E-410/510 and the Sony Alpha A100/200. There are often two lens kit deals available, some of which would be within striking distance of the budget range you mentioned. Check out bhphotovideo or adorama to see what options fit your requirements.

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by reignofchaos

A 400D with the basic kit lens would be close to that. The person can add more lenses once familiar with the camera.

Body itself is $560 with shipping (we can ignore taxes for online purchases).

And a basic Tamron 18 - 200 will cost $200.

Have not found an autofocus / IS lense cheaper then this.

Was planning to pick up a SLR next month from B&H or Abes of Maine but cheapest kit that I could build was coming to 800. That too because I already have Tripod/ filters / batteries / cards.

[given2fly]

I will agree with Jaibir, but not Nikon D40. Rather than D40/x, it could be D60 or whatever their latest model is (if the budget permits). D40/x has the focussing issue (won't auto-focus with normal lense, only AF-S lenses/ Auto-Exposure issues) for which I wouldn't recommend it for long run.

Anyway, don't pay much attention to my words. If YOU like it, buy it. You're the user, not me!

Originally Posted by jaibir

For someone willing to spend $400-500 on a camera, a DSLR makes more sense. Most current generation DSLR's have easy to use green modes. A beginner can start with these and move on to the more advance modes as he/she becomes familiar with the camera.

Apart from the Canon 400D mentioned above, one can also consider the Nikon D40, Olympus E-410/510 and the Sony Alpha A100/200. There are often two lens kit deals available, some of which would be within striking distance of the budget range you mentioned. Check out bhphotovideo or adorama to see what options fit your requirements.

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by navin

I dont think that will happen. The IS-1 is still more than that and it is much older.

Fuji S100fs is down to 680 now

But noticed that it not longer takes AA batteries (unlike S9000/ S9100) have spent quite some $$$ on batteries / chargers in past.

[jaibir]

Originally Posted by given2fly

I will agree with Jaibir, but not Nikon D40. Rather than D40/x, it could be D60 or whatever their latest model is (if the budget permits). D40/x has the focussing issue (won't auto-focus with normal lense, only AF-S lenses/ Auto-Exposure issues) for which I wouldn't recommend it for long run.

The D60 has the same issue with lenses - only AF-S lenses autofocus on it. Really cuts down the options. However, the kit lens plus the basic 55-200 VR AF-S are a reasonable combo for someone starting out. Seen them as a kit on amazon a few times. Its when you want low light lenses or macros that you start running into problems

[reignofchaos]

This is 449$

Canon | EOS Digital Rebel XT Digital Camera (Black) | 0209B003

Completely worth the price.

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by reignofchaos

This is 449$

Canon | EOS Digital Rebel XT Digital Camera (Black) | 0209B003

It is a good kit. Could not figure out is lens is autofocus or not.

Is there a zoom lens (up to 300/400 mm) under $200 with IS and autofocus?

[jaibir]

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

It is a good kit. Could not figure out is lens is autofocus or not.

Is there a zoom lens (up to 300/400 mm) under $200 with IS and autofocus?

The lens is an autofocus one - most lenses these days are. For Canon in particular, a lot of the old manual focus lenses are not compatible with their current cameras as their autofocus mount is different from the old manual one.

The Canon 55-250 is a good option for a zoom with IS. However, its above the $250 mark. There are other, non-IS options in a lower price bracket by Canon as well as third party brands such as Sigma and Tamron.

[Samurai]

Now there is one more choice: Olympus launches E-520: Digital Photography Review

[inder]

Hi guys, recently I had used a friends canon S3 IS for a couple of days.I was very impressed by the camera.Currently I am using an olympus digital camera (ancient one) maybe 2MP. I wanted to upgrade to a new camera,checked the prices on canon India.S3 and S5 both are costing 20990.I reconfirmed on compareindia.com where both are priced around 18k.What would be the grey market prices?
I have a friend coming from US.What price will I be able to get there.Also since 3S is older one,can I get it at a lower cost (both here and in US).
Advice gurus

[Fountainheader]

Hi
S3 and S5 cost at around 290 and 310 USD respectively. You can check up with amazon.com. I guess that would be the range across the US. So I would advise you to get the camera, whichever model it is, from the US

[kb100]

Originally Posted by inder

Hi guys, recently I had used a friends canon S3 IS for a couple of days.I was very impressed by the camera.Currently I am using an olympus digital camera (ancient one) maybe 2MP. I wanted to upgrade to a new camera,checked the prices on canon India.S3 and S5 both are costing 20990.I reconfirmed on compareindia.com where both are priced around 18k.What would be the grey market prices?
I have a friend coming from US.What price will I be able to get there.Also since 3S is older one,can I get it at a lower cost (both here and in US).
Advice gurus

Inder -

If the price of this camera is $310 = then with taxes etc landed cost (if purchased in US) would be around $335, plus freight if any. That equates to INR 14k plus freight. IF you can go to the shop and negotiate I am sure you will get the same for about 16-17k here in India. Even at 18k the difference is at THE MAX 4k - for this you get a 2 yr Indian warranty MINUS the additional hassle of trying to coordinate the purchase etc.

I would buy it in India.