Just picked up a used camera from ebay. Olympus E1, their first professional DSLR 2003, body only, $56. I have the Oly lenses and batteries for the mount so what the hell.
Few rushed, handheld shots to check it's functions, unretouched .raw file converted off camera to .jpeg, no processing. Lens is a 14/54mm Zuiko with a 2/1 crop. $1500 when new!
The simple no nonsense controls and handling have made an impression on me. May only be 5.5 megapixels but it does shot nice photos.

butthead

Good enough for really small images or a cheap backup body. Were it me, i would want an updated body to take advantage of the lenses (and the last decade of sensor advances).

Just an hobyist who likes a bargain.
The lens I used was originally sold with the E1.
I can deal with the "small sensor" "old tech" if the photos turn out.
Point I wanted to make is just that very good used equipment can be found at great prices.

butthead

You are right. Pretty soon, 20MP bodies will be almost free but perfectly fine for day to day use.

Just a general question since you've looked and maybe seen some stuff and have a general idea - how good of a small, light used DSLR and lens (wide-angle to short tele) could a guy get for around $500.

boonie, I'm most familiar and look for Oly systems, in 4/3rds sensor class. They are a bit smaller and lighter than competitors (at the cost of using a smaller sensor). Biggest developments have occurred in mirrorless systems from several camera companies.
DPReview mid range mirrorless cameras
Almost multiple yearly model changes done by makers equal lots of older version availability.

butthead

+1 on mirrorless. They are relatively tiny. The sensors are generally small - micro 4/3 or APS-C - but that is sufficient for 80+% of people who do web images or print up to 8x10. I've printed 17x22 with APS-C with very good results.

I like Sony NEX cameras. I have the NEX-7. You could find a used version of the NEX body with the kit zoom lens within your budget. Panasonic, Olympus, Fuji are all good options as well.

Glad you found a good deal.

i also shoot with mirrorless. NEX-7

- But i started with the NEW-5. Great camera, but I wanted some of the feature that the 7 carries.

Let me know if you have any interest in the NEX-5, and maybe we could find it a good home!

quote halvorsonchristopher: "Glad you found a good deal.


i also shoot with mirrorless. NEX-7


- But i started with the NEW-5. Great camera, but I wanted some of the feature that the 7 carries.


Let me know if you have any interest in the NEX-5, and maybe we could find it a good home!"

I also have the NEX-5. I shoot manual focus with Canon FD lenses. MY complete setup with 4 lenses, filters, adapter and extra batteries cost me well under $500.

Wanted to refresh this old post. Finally took advantage of the used market and bought what I have been recommending for some time. Found a used Oly OMD EM5 kit with 12x50mm EZ lens (had 270 shutter releases on the body), for half price. Small package, dust/water sealed magnesium body and lens, very nice shooter, exploring the macro settings.
My camera case just shrunk by more than 1/2!

butthead

PS: OMD next to E3 14x54mm lens. bh

Excellent. That is a nice kit.