What is the best Digital SLR camera under 700 dollars?

[223dog]

We are thinking of getting a new camera for this years Christmas.  I would like to get into wildlife photography.  I would Like to hear what you would suggest.  I really would like to get a 10-12 megapixel with two lenses.  I would like one that is easy to learn how to use and takes great pictures both with and with out a tripod.   I really don't know that much and think that it would be a great hobby.   

[shooter]

I've been using Nikons for about 30 yrs and love them.Right now im using a D50 with a 70-300 nikon VR lens.
I'd suggest the D80 ,D90 or D200.Heck ,if you can find a D50 somewhere ,buy it.For Wildlife look at Nikons VR (vibration reduction ) series of lenses.Nothing Nikon makes is inexpensive ,be prepared to pay but shop around and find a better price at places like Beach Camera out of NJ.These VR lenses allow you to handhold a camera almost 3 stops slower before getting camera shake.Note ,if you use Tripods most of the time these VR lenses wont make it anymore stable ,save your money.Also look into a shoulder stock type of device (similar to a gunstock).I used to own one sold buy L.L.Rue enterprises.
Shooter

[Tusker]

I think the price listed might be a bit unrealistic. As already noted. However, there are options. Many camera people have to have the latest and greatest and there are used ones around. I maybe shouldn't even be posting this as I have only used Nikons since the '70's. I use a D80, and carry a Coolpix SC50, everywhere. I don't go out the door without it. I do a lot of what you want to do, and am about to pick up a D300- I need a second body, and it will meter my 500 lens where the D8o will not.  From what I have seen, Costco's offers about the best deal at retail around. However, if you are  careful, e bay deals can be found. I would stay away from refurbished ones if it were me. I don't need any lenses so just looking at the body will save me a grand at least, more I would expect. Just a few thoughts I have on the subject. GOOD LUCK!!

[Don Fischer]

I really believe that when you start talking "best" your splitting hairs. For shooting wildlife I would look at Cannon, Nikon and Pentax and a min 70-300 lense. I really like Nikons because I have Nikons. My point and shoot is an IS5 Cannon, super little camera. If you can only spend $700 on a camera, an image stabilizing lense might well be out of the question. My DSLR is a Nikon D70 and I use eithe a 70-300 Sigma lense or a 150-500 Sigma lense. They might not be the best but they work better than I can work them!

[tangob5]

Buy a Cannon Digital Rebel body only.  Then get a Tamron AF Aspherical XR DI lens I have 2 of them.  One is 28-75mm and the other 28-300mm.  Lenses will cost almost a much as the camera body but I think you'll like them.  Basically, between Cannon or Nikon there is no difference in quality.  At one time there was but not anymore.  They are both great systems.  With the Tamaron lenses they have great reviews and I swear by them and are about 1/2 the cost of a Cannon or Nikon equivalent.

[Ahab]

Pentax D200, great camera and the kit lens's 18-55 and 55-200 are the best in the business. The Tamron 70-300 is a nice tele too!

[Explorer1]

The above are all correct, personally I decided not to pay for the advantage of a removable lens and save some money.

I have a Kodak Z712IS, it has a 12x optic zoom lens (36-432 equivalent), has a stablizer, and is something like 10-12 megapixel.  Great camera for my uses and cost was under $300.

Just another option.... make your choices, pay for a good brand once and never look back having bought quality.

[pastorp]

223, I too have been looking for a new digital camera. I have SLR film cameras and thought thats what I wanted in a digital. I think I am going to buy a Nikon P80. Convient size, 18x zoom, Nikor lense(not changeable)
As far as the best deal on a DSLR, I believe Tusker is right about Costco. You won't get techinical advise, but if you know what you want you can save a few bucks. Last night they had a Nikon D60 with 2 kit lenses for $699.
You really need to decide if you want/need the ability to change lenses, if not look at the higher end point&shoots. The Nikon P80 was $289 at costco and may do everything you need.
Regards, Byron

[Bob Riebe]

If anyone is still shopping, check out KEH on the net.
I bough a Leica lens that is rarely found for less than 4,000 dollars from them for a hair over 3,000 dollars.
It looks like new.

I have never had a problem with anything I bought from them, but people who were dissatified have said they will replace or refund with no questions asked.
Bob

[Skunk]

I bought a Leica lens that is rarely found for less than 4,000 dollars from them for a hair over 3,000 dollars.

For one camera lens! And I thought scopes were expensive. Would like to see some of your photography someday, Bob.

[epanzella]

I have a question on this same subject & didn't know if I should start another thread or jump on this one. If I should have started anew pls let me know & I appologize if I stepped on any toes. I have a Nikon N70 with 20mm & 70-300mm auto Nikor AF lenses. You guys mentioned D80, D60, D300 and others. What's the difference and will all the features on my lenses work with those digital bodies.
Thx
Ed Panzella

[Bob Riebe]

I have a question on this same subject & didn't know if I should start another thread or jump on this one. If I should have started anew pls let me know & I appologize if I stepped on any toes. I have a Nikon N70 with 20mm & 70-300mm auto Nikor AF lenses. You guys mentioned D80, D60, D300 and others. What's the difference and will all the features on my lenses work with those digital bodies.
Thx
Ed Panzella

This will answer a lot of Nikon questions.
http://www.aiconversions.com/compatibilitytable.htm

Get the best camera body youu can afford, actually it is like a good handgun or rifle, get more than you need and can afford.
I used to carry my developing gear, negagives and some prints in the trunk of my car. (THank God not my cameras)
One icy morning on the way to gunsmith school I rolled the car and as I sorted threw the jumble of wrenches, photo stuff and just years of STUFF I had in the trunk, I got disgusted with myself and burned or threw away most of anything not made of metal.
I am getting back into photography after doing nothing for closer to two decades.I bought more than I needed (film) with the intention of selling the excess for some extra money (Ebay used to go in semi-predictable cycles up and down) but the collapse of the economy now has me sitting on some top line gear that I do not need and am not going to sell for a loss. (I sold a Nikon F3 and Angenieux 200 f2.8 lens for 700 dollars which means I pretty much gave away the camera and motor-drive. I needed the money then but that so disgusted me I will sit on the rest till I can at least break even.)

[epanzella]

Thanks Bob, that chart was a big help.
Ed Panzella

[tgun6542]

You might want to try Olympus I got a E-500 body of of E-bay for $130.00 and  18-55 and 40-150 lenses for another $150.00. It took a lot of bidding but love them. and they take great pics. I would love to have  a  300mm lens now for outdoors pics. But I think E-bay is probally the way to go, just watch feedback.

[leather5to1]

one year since last post- if they didn't buy a camera by now they probaly won't

[The Pistoleer]

The above are all correct, personally I decided not to pay for the advantage of a removable lens and save some money.

I have a Kodak Z712IS, it has a 12x optic zoom lens (36-432 equivalent), has a stablizer, and is something like 10-12 megapixel.  Great camera for my uses and cost was under $300.

Just another option.... make your choices, pay for a good brand once and never look back having bought quality.

I realize this thread is pretty old but the above post put me on to looking for the Z712 on e-bay.  I did find one for $175 but then found a Z981 which is a step up.  It has 26X optic zoom and14 mega pixels with image stabilizer.  It was under $230.00 shipped.  It will probably do everything I want to do, which is some wildlife and bird pictures.  Thanks for the tip.

[luckydawg13]

I have a question on this same subject & didn't know if I should start another thread or jump on this one. If I should have started anew pls let me know & I appologize if I stepped on any toes. I have a Nikon N70 with 20mm & 70-300mm auto Nikor AF lenses. You guys mentioned D80, D60, D300 and others. What's the difference and will all the features on my lenses work with those digital bodies.
Thx
Ed Panzella

i have the n80 when i made the switch i got the D 90 yes you can use your lens and the auto foges will work