Budget DSLR, used/new?

[1823alex]

I've been wanting to do photography for awhile now and all I have is a simple point and shoot Canon Powershot A400IS. I really want to get a nice DSLR for myself, hopefully used (craigslist) and reasonably priced. So I was wondering what should I look for and at what price points? I'm mostly checking http://ebay.comand https://chicago.craigslist.org/ for some deals, the problem being I don't really know whats a good deal and all that type of thing. I did find this and this however, my budget is around $200ish.

edit:

By the way, I'm more of a nature photographer, Flickr is being weird with links so my name is just 1823alex. Here's a search link, just click on my name https://www.flickr.com/search/people/?username=1823alex

[PhantomChevron]

Try to get the 7D, that is still very good for the price

[handymanshandle]

If the 7D is too much, perhaps look for a Canon 60D.

[.spider.]

this

Keep in mind it comes without a lens so you would need additional money for a lens.

[1823alex]

Keep in mind it comes without a lens so you would need additional money for a lens.

How much would a nice wide angle lens or maybe a standard zoom lens cost me, and if I find one used what should I look for besides no scratches on the lens?

 

If the 7D is too much, perhaps look for a Canon 60D.

The used 60Ds I'm finding are more around $400-500, kinda out of my price range, what about a Rebel T3? https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/ele/5042622057.html or a Nikon D60 https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/ele/5041872858.htmlOtherwise I might be able to wait until around July and maybe get a more expensive or new camera from Amazon or something.

[.spider.]

How much would a nice wide angle lens or maybe a standard zoom lens cost me, and if I find one used what should I look for besides no scratches on the lens?

 

Ef-s 18-55 IS II cheap and a bit nice

[handymanshandle]

How much would a nice wide angle lens or maybe a standard zoom lens cost me, and if I find one used what should I look for besides no scratches on the lens?

 

The used 60Ds I'm finding are more around $400-500, kinda out of my price range, what about a Rebel T3? https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/ele/5042622057.html or a Nikon D60 https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/ele/5041872858.htmlOtherwise I might be able to wait until around July and maybe get a more expensive or new camera from Amazon or something.

A T3 would work, However the T5 would have a better sensor and grip. If you have National Camera Exchanges in Chicago area (we do in Minnesota) they might have a used T3i or T5i or maybe even a 60D for a pretty good price. a NCE in Golden Valley had a 60D for about $350 and the only problem was the grip(s) was(were) either separated or separating. I should also mention as someone else did too, you'll need a piece of glass for that DSLR the cheapest (new) Autofocus lens at least for Canon is like the 50mm f/1.8 STM which cost $125, also do remember that with 50mm on a Canon crop sensor (APS-C) is 80mm. Unfortunately Canon does not have cheaper full frame bodies, as the 7D Mk1 is too a crop sensor.

 

@ However a successor has came out for that dated lens. Though if he does find a really cheap and good condition used 50mm II then sure it'll do the job but if buying new it's almost just worth it to go with the new one even though it cost maybe $25 more. It's bokeh balls aren't lemons or as lemon like on the new one. Though I guess he did say he was into nature photography so bokeh might not be as common as an occurrence but just the standard shallow dof.