[Spafon]

I'm looking to buy my first DSLR, and am on limited funds and so have been looking at older cameras. I think the Canon 30d ticks all the boxes, but I wonder if anyone would think me foolish (or sensible) getting older, but perhaps more robust, camera, rather buy a newer 400d/450d, Sony 200/300, Nikon D60 etc. Canon 40d is out of my price bracket. Obviously pixel count is less in the 30d but is the image quality necessarily any poorer?
I would be looking to take mainly landscape/nature/urban type subjects - namely stuff that doesn't move too fast and I want the camera to be reliable and able to put up with harsh handling and conditions.
Thanks

[Yandros]

A 30D is overkill if you're not doing action shooting, as the main advantage it has over the entry level new cameras is a good autofocus module and fast frame rate.

Having said that, it is more robust. The other one to look at, which is even more robust, and properly weather sealed is the Nikon D200 (I have one).

What sort of harsh conditions are we talking here?

[wicker_man]

I was in a similar situation last year when I was looking to buy my first SLR. I couldn't decide between a new entry level Sony A200 or an older mid level Canon 20D. I eventually got the A200, but then after 3 months of use and trying friend's D90 and 40D, decided to spend a chunk of my student loan on a Canon 40D (used). It is an awesome camera and I am happy with the performance, handling and image quality (most importantly!).

The main thing about mid range cameras is the build quality and handling. You usually get a second scrolling/control wheel and little LCD at the top showing aperture/shutter speed etc. They are usually a bit chunkier than entry models, and tend to be made from better materials (magnesium alloy) with better weather sealing on doors.

Obviously, the main thing to consider when buying an SLR is the lens system, as that is what you invest in. A good quality lens can last you for decades, and the value can even go up! Therefore, even going for an entry level camera and spending more on a good lens can get you impressive results rather than a mid range camera and budget/kit lens.

Regarding older models, you still get many people still using bodies like the 20D today and get impressive pictures. I believe the shutter life of the Canon XXD series is 100,000 shots (mean time before failure), so if you buy from a pro who heavily used the camera, it may be nearing the end of it's life. But, it's just a guideline figure and could fail after 2 shots or 200,000! I'd suggest if you are looking at an older/used camera, try looking at camera shops who deal in used equipment, as they usually supply a warranty on used purchases (and worth paying a little extra for peace of mind imo).

8 megapixels is plenty for larger prints, apparently up to 24x36" (from a quick google) depending on how many dpi you print at etc.

But at the end of the day, irrespective of the equipment, it is the person behind the camera which matters!

Hope this helps!

[Spafon]

Thanks people, much to think about.
Harsh treatment basically means that while I'll attempt to look after a camera, I want it to be able to put up with mildly rough treatment in that I view it as a tool and not a precious object (and I'm fairly clumsy and ham-fisted ). Scuffs and scratches are not a problem. Conditions will include heat and humidity, sand, jungle and heavy rain.
I'll have a look at the D200 but think that with a lens or two it might be a a bit expensive for me. Though weather sealing seems important.

[senu]

Originally Posted by Spafon

Thanks people, much to think about.
Harsh treatment basically means that while I'll attempt to look after a camera, I want it to be able to put up with mildly rough treatment in that I view it as a tool and not a precious object (and I'm fairly clumsy and ham-fisted ). Scuffs and scratches are not a problem. Conditions will include heat and humidity, sand, jungle and heavy rain

The 20=40D canons are better in that. The D200 a swell but it may ( even second hand , be too costly)
I have the Canon 350 30 and 4D. As well as the D300 ( had the D200) and would suggest that a Second hand 30D well used would not give its owner an inferiority complex next too the 40D ( which is definitely a nicer camera but probably not so hugely better as to make the 30D gather dust if you have both)

I'll have a look at the D200 but think that with a lens or two it might be a a bit expensive for me. Though weather sealing seems important.

Your needs are better known to you but I dont think any of the camera is a "toy"