Where/What camera to get.... professional/inexpensive?

[seanclaesDOTcom]

I'm sure there's a link to this information somewhere (if so, please let me know) but I was asked by a co-worker today where the best place in Austin was to pick up a professional (detachable lens) camera.. and which one is the best one to look for for an inexpensive price (probably talking under $1k).

I personally shoot with a FujiFilm s9000 with an attached lens.. so I'm not the best person to ask this question. I feel someone (or somedozen) of you guys may have the perspective.

Thanks in advance.
Sean

[Kalrog]

The best place I know of to get advice is Precision Camera on Lamar at 38th. They are more expensive than internet places like B&H or Adorama, but they are a great group of folks to deal with. I'm open to other places though - I have no affiliation with them at all.

[ldelacruz]

Go with a good used camera.

[venchka]

Professional? Under $1,000? Right here..........

This one:

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=88784

or the first camera listed here:

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=88995

and of course this one:

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=87634

There aren't any digital cameras in the same price range that can compare to these.

Good luck!

[studiocygnet]

As was said above, the only place to actually look at dSLR's around Austin is Precision Camera. They are not necessarily priced over B&H, depends on the item at the time. Often they are the same as B&H. But go on an off time, definitely not lunchtime or Saturdays, you often can't get help at all then. They've got all the major contenders under a grand - Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony. It's always a good idea to try cameras in person, as the ergonomics are very important, and one of the big differences in cameras that are around the same price. I like small cameras, so I've got the Pentax K20D for digital use. But then you've got to figure in the price of lenses too.

[tc95]

Sean,

I would have them check out Craigslist....once they know what system they want...you can always get a good deal....

[Kalrog]

One thing I would caution everyone about - yes you can get a great deal from Craigslist or many other places if you know what you are going for. The problem is that all of us here would be safe doing so as we know what to look for. For a first camera from a non-expert user, the chances of getting the wrong camera from something like that is quite high. I mean a 20D looks a lot like a 50D, but they are not the same camera.

So if a novice is knowledgeable, deals can be had. But if not, it can be safer and cheaper in the long run to just pay for a real camera shop.

[tc95]

Nathan,

So true....thank you for adding that...

[toverman]

Originally Posted by Kalrog

One thing I would caution everyone about - yes you can get a great deal from Craigslist or many other places if you know what you are going for. The problem is that all of us here would be safe doing so as we know what to look for. For a first camera from a non-expert user, the chances of getting the wrong camera from something like that is quite high. I mean a 20D looks a lot like a 50D, but they are not the same camera.

So if a novice is knowledgeable, deals can be had. But if not, it can be safer and cheaper in the long run to just pay for a real camera shop.

Good advice!

But a 20D is "better" than a 50D in one regard: a lot cheaper!