Digital SLR Camera Advice

[otolith]

Hello all,
I usually don't venture out here very often, so I'd appreciate any input you may have.

I have a line on a used Canon 20D, also included:
--ES-F 18-55mm lens
--battery handle, including 2 off-brand batteries
--all the other supplies that came in the box, including the box itself

The camera has ~15K actuations, but otherwise looks to be in good shape. I priced out this system on Amazon, and it came in around $1300.

Given this is a used digital SLR, what would be a reasonable price to pay for a setup like this? I would mainly be using it to take pictures of patients in the office, as well as my tank, if I ever set one up again. Or else, should I break down and buy a new 30D? I really like photography, but don't know how much I'll really get into this hobby at this point in time, given all the other things on my plate. I guess that said, should I get the Rebel XTI? I tend to be one who "overbuys" ones needs, as I would rather go for quality and pay for it the first time before instead of having to rebuy something.

Thanks in advance!

[tabblet15]

I not to sure on buying a used SLR, my reason being that you have no idea who used the camera before you, what conditions they used it in, and most important of all what kind of gunk was allowed to get on the sensor and stay there. They could have changed lenses in high wind conditions on the beach and may have let sand get on the sensor. just my 2 cents. But for the record i have a rebel xt and think it's a great little camera.

[wharyat]

Completely depends on the price. I would say around $700-800 is a reasonable price. The lens is worth only $70 or so as it is not the greatest.


15k shutter cycles is pretty reasonable, they will usually take around 150,000 before needing repair.


An XT (or XTI, if you absolutely need 10mp, and a 2.5" screen) would be the best route; and would also cost less for a brand new camera with a full warranty.

[otolith]

I could have gotten the camera for $800, and I believe the person took pretty good care of it, and I don't think I have to worry too much about sand in MN.

I think I'll probably buy a new camera after thinking about it, which means I'll probably go with the 30D, even though the sensor cleaning feature on the XTi seems pretty nice.

[tabblet15]

Go with what you are comfortable with. I used sand as just an example, lol.

[Troy]

I encourage people to go with a cheaper body than what they are thinking of and spend the money on a decent flash first and decent lens second. These two things have a much bigger impact on picture quality than the body. I'd put the worst SLR with a nice flash setup and lens against a pro body with stock lens and no flash any day.

Of course if you can afford the 30D and nice flash/lens than that's better yet.