Need suggestions for a DSLR and lens under $700

[Robburrito]

Pentax K10D is an excellent camera, with some judicious shopping you might be able to buy one within your price range. I'm also a big fan of Tamron adaptall lenses, if you are willing to sacrifice auto focus they offer some fantastic values- provided you know which specific model to look for. I use the Tamron SP 60-300 quite often, and I see a number of those selling online now from $50-$100.

in fact i see new Pentax K10D with 18-55 Kit lens offered from $726 online now.

 

[cjm]

Thanks for the advice.

You a fan of HWM? I flew from California to Orlando to catch their first reunion show this year.

Yep, but I haven't seen them in about 8 years! That was at the Glasshouse with Leatherface and Small Brown Bike. I'm hoping to see them in May in San Diego since I missed their Irvine show.

Anyway, good luck with you search for a DSLR. Since your local, I've noticed there's never a shortage of DSLR's for sale on Craigslist in OC and LA.

 

[Mike Ip]

I'd check out some of the deals on fredmiranda.com.

I too would suggest a Canon 20D and 35/2 combo. Might as well add a 28 2.8 in there as well.

 

[Al Patterson]

There's also the Samsung branded versions of the Pentax dSLRs which, i the UK at least, tend to be cheaper.

A year ago, I paid 1100 USD equivalent for my GX-10 and two lenses. They can be had for significantly less now.

I'll second this. Back around Christmas last year, Amazon was selling the GX-1S for $350 dollars. It is now $435 or so. Not a bad price, although it is a 6 megapixel camera.

 

[anandi]

My pick Pentax *istDS

My pick Pentax *istDS

I like the Nikon suggestions too, but bang for buck would be a used Pentax *ist DS. Bright Pentaprism viewfinder, great image quality, should be ~$250 on the used market now and compatible with MF lenses all the way back 30 years to M42. Lots of inexpensive glass around. What personally swayed me to Pentax over Nikon was their backward compatibility with MF lenses. The lower end Nikon models (e.g. anything less than a D200/300) doesn't meter with the AI/AIS lenses. Canon obsoleted it's FD stuff a while ago.

Also a point that I don't think has been made yet is that the Pentax kit lenses like the 16-55 and 50-200 are inexpensive and good (saw 16-55mm lens on Pentax forums for $60). Also check out dpreview for their lens tests.

Cheers,
AN

 

[zuikologist]

I picked up a second istDS body for less than $150. I love the output from this camera - film like and not over sharpened. As Anandi says - also a great viewfinder and build quality is good.

These older SLRs are amazing value. I am also considering a Fuji S1 Pro (probably a bit old now) for under $100 - just to try out some Nikon lenses.