...for a birthday present for someone who's been using a conventional SLR for a couple years, now. I'm asking for links to the best I can get for under $400.

This might be replacing a perfectly functional SLR and accessories, so if you know of a deal where I could find a decent, entry-level dSLR for this price, I'm all for it.

Right now, though, I'm considering a www.digitalcamera-hq.com/sony-cybershot-dscw7-reviews.html#user_reviews.

Let me know what you guys can come up with.

tia.

So does it have to be a digital SLR? Cuz if its under $400, that's a bit impossible. A digital camera is more likely. I'm biased towards Canon, so I'd recommend the Pro-1 or the G series cameras.

Edit: entry level dSLRs are at least $500, sometimes not even new.

go take a look around on ebay or www.Photographyonthenet.com for canon digital rebels..they're goin for below 500 now. and even the canon rebel Xt's are starting to get that low since the introduction of the 30d.

Brian, i have the cybershot and i am not 100% happy with it. The Kodak i bought the G/F 4 years ago takes nicer Zoom pictures ect. Now Blair has a similer Cybershot and he doesnt have the issues I have so i am not sure exactly why my Zoom pictures are not focused well and my lighting is not as good. When i use her Kodak it takes excellant pictures and i have never had any bad things to say about it.

My sony is the 5.1 megapixel. I love Sony for everyone of their products but htis one just left me slightly unimpressed.

Edit: wow they dont even show my camera on that site anymore, its only 1 year old. Her Kodak is only 4.3 MP.

Terry

I have a Fuji Finepix s5000 and I like it alot. Takes pretty decent pics, feels like a SLR in your hand, looks like an SLR and you have full control in manual mode. 22x zoom taboot. :thumbsup
I paid right around $400 a few years ago. I'm not sure about now. Actually, I'm not even sure if the still make it. They have to make something comparable though...

If she is used to an SLR, she is probably going to want something with some manual controls. I would look on ebay for a used Canon entry-level DSLR. But most likely its going to be in the $500 range. $400 is kind of cutting it way to cheap.
I have a 7mp Canon SD550 and its nice but doesnt have any manual controls. Basically point and shoot but beautiful pictures.

I would spend more $ and not get a POS. My dads first digital was a Konica Minolta before he bought is Nikon D200. I'm pretty sure you can get a used Minolta for the price you are looking to spend. I new one is around 700 I think.

Canon Digital Rebel. No substitutes.

http://www.ccicameracity.com/canondrxt.html

Originally posted by thedawg
Canon Digital Rebel. No substitutes. http://www.ccicameracity.com/canondrxt.html

Word. Seriously Brian don't buy a Sony, get a canon. I got one for the Girlfriend for xmas for like $250 and it's the shit. Just find a canon in your price range and you're all set. They all rock.

Originally posted by SonicYan
So does it have to be a digital SLR? Cuz if its under $400, that's a bit impossible.

Bout sums it up.

$400 is a really tight budget for a digital SLR. You might be able to find a used one in somewhat decent shape for that much...

I wouldn't reccomend Sony stuff these days. The quality has really seemed to go downhill from what it was just 5 years ago.

Originally posted by thedawg
Canon Digital Rebel. No substitutes. http://www.ccicameracity.com/canondrxt.html

http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1734.html

I'd stay away, far far away...

Oh yeah, be careful Driggs when you search for cheap cameras online. There are a lot of shady online stores, be especially wary if they're from Brooklyn. They mostly do the bait and switch where you try to buy a certain camera, once you purchase it online, they ask you to call to confirm, then they say they don't have the camera in stock, but will sell you something else more expensive.

Try www.bhphotovideo.com. Its one of the most trustworthy camera stores and popular in the photography world. If you plan to shop around, I suggest looking at this site first and then comparing the prices you see to this site. If its too expensive, its a rip off, if its too cheap, its a scam. BHphoto also has a used equipment section.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=800467097&is=USE&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Here's a decent used dSLR for $430. No lens yet, but you can get a decent 50mm lens or a cheap wide angle lens for less than $80.

as far as sony - only their lower consumer level stuff sucks. their pro-sumer and professional products are pretty impressive. i've had a sony dsc-v1 for 2 years now and its been great. takes stunning pictures with tons of manual controls. it even uses a projected laser grid to gauge depth throughout the field accurately. this's their highest model before a slr. so yea, canon and the others are great brands but don't knock sony off the list. most people have only used their entry level "cyber-shot" cameras which are pretty crappy. but then they're not very expensive either.

No problems here taking awesome pics with my Kodak Easy Share digital...and the printer dock is awesome too, FTW :thumbsup

WWW.DPREVIEW.COM

great thorough reviews of all the top cameras. lots of general info as well as very in-depth testing (white balance, purple fringing, etc).