Newbie Camera Recommendation? Used or New?

[vagaphotos]

Hey! I'm a newbie looking to get my first DSLR. I'm not going to try to make photography my career, but I do want a good quality DSLR for travel photos/videos. My only requirements: vari-angle monitor and can shoot video. I was hoping to get a used T3i but since they were discontinued, they are obviously few and far between. I was hoping to get a used camera because of price and since I'm a beginner, it would be something that would give me a good opportunity to learn. I'm open to suggestions on what camera to get. I know nothing, so any info would be good. Thanks!

[ebiggs1]

I am not a big fan of buying used.  Especially buying consumer grade cameras and/or lenses.  It is OK and a good way to get some equipment but you must know either the person you are buying from or how to test the camera/lens very throughly.

Buying use pro gear is usually a good deal as it is so much more durable.  It is also worth reparing if necessary.

A good place to get used cameras is KEH.  They give you a good return policy.  B&H and Adorama are good sources, too.

Be careful on Craigslist.

[ScottyP]

If you can get a good price on Craig's List and you can see the seller and get a good vibe, I think it can be a good deal. I have never bought there but I have sold, and people got a very good deal on perfect equipment from me. But yes be careful.

A used lens should be no more than 70% of retail, and a body should be less than that. A lot less if it is 3 models out of date.

A T3i would be a good starter camera.

[ebiggs1]

Personally I would never be a buyer at 70% on a Rebel.  Especially three models back.  More like 50% is in order.  And, IMHO, no more than 50% on EF-S lenses.  They are just built too flimsy.

The "L" line is quite different though.  Some actually go up in value on the used market.  And 1 series cameras seem to hold value well. 

[amfoto1]

You should check out the Canon Online Store (assuming you are in the U.S.), the refurbished camera section.

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-digital-slr-cameras

They are out of stock of the T3i right now, but get it in from time to time. You can put yourself on a list to be notified when stock is available. They sometimes have sales there, too.

It looks like T3i usually come with an EF-S 18-55 IS II lens. If you are interested in other lenses to complement it, there's a refurbished lens section on there on the website, too.

Refurbished are often just demo models or similar that have seen very little actual use and I believe they all come with a full warranty.

***********

Alan Myers
San Jose, Calif., USA
"Walk softly and carry a big lens."
GEAR: 5DII, 7D(x2), 50D(x3), some other cameras, various lenses & accessories
FLICKR & EXPOSUREMANAGER 

[Janekong]

If me I would consider a lower-cost new camera. A second-hand high-end camera may not be easy to use at the first.