mircan 0 #1 December 13, 2007 Hi, what do you recommend: - buying new DSLR with stock lens or - buying used camera and spending that extra money on better lens? Camera in question is Canon EOS 350D and it will be used mainly for skydiving. What is their life span, do they broke up often etc... I`m on the budget, and that is why I`m considering buying used in the first place. I would appreciate any advice.dudeist skydiver #42 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freefalle 0 #2 December 13, 2007 buy a used camera, with a used lens. Mircan, lets face it. You are probably not out to make a fortune selling photos and unless you get lucky or you are working alot its going to take some time to get a return back on your investment. thats if you are using the camera for tandems and such. The stock lens and a used camera that has been taken care of will do you just fine. I have had more than a few photos published that were taken with the "stock" kit lens. As time goes on you may want to get a better lens but theres nothing wrong with buying a used camera and used lens. Have fun learn to use it well. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mircan 0 #3 December 13, 2007 Thanks chuck. Yes, camera will be used 99% for tandem/RW so no fortune planning here. I was interested in what average life span or what problems to expect with used digital? What is the production quality? I`m hearing that new cameras in this price range last for about "warranty period" with high malfunction rate after the warranty has expired.dudeist skydiver #42 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cj1150gs 0 #4 December 14, 2007 Quote I`m hearing that new cameras in this price range last for about "warranty period" with high malfunction rate after the warranty has expired. That is not my experience. I had a 300D which I abused hard. Skydiving was its lightest duty. No protection whatsoever, salt water/mist, motorcycle off-road travelling in nasty dusty/hot environments: zero problems besides the flash latching mechanism that gets bent once in a while and that I straighten up with my finger. Sold it with around 20 k shoots to a friend that kept jumping it. It keeps shooting. I now have a 20D, have dropped it on the floor several times, been abusing it much the same way and have no complains, just broke the battery door after dropping it. Canons look flimsy compared to Nikons but mine sure have endured a lot of mistreatment. Carlos Martins Portugal www.cj.smugmug.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mircan 0 #5 December 15, 2007 As I understand (and as I found on some other (photo) forums) eos 300d/350d/400d cameras, are Canon`s entry level pro models. As such there was compromises in manufacturing process (i.e. they put plastic instead of metal etc...) resulting in parts being faster "worn out". Add skydiving to this... Thanks for the info Carlos, it`s good to know that in the end, your camera lasted so long.dudeist skydiver #42 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sdctlc 0 #6 December 15, 2007 I have a XT that I have been using for skydiving and other ground shots but I would have to say skydiving mostly.. I have taken over 15,000 shots with it and have not had any real camera problems. With skydiving I dont have it in a case or anything and on the ground I am switching lenses a fair bit. The rebel series is not as tough as the heavier brothers like the 20D but it will take a reasonable amount of abuse. I find that if your not trying to break it you will be good.. Also the used market is small that I have seen and given you can get a XT with a stock lens CF card at COSTCO on line for $499 why not get new... http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11234479&search=Canon&Sp=S&Mo=114&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&N=0&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=Canon&Ntt=Canon&No=11&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1# Canon Rebel XT 8MP 1.8" 3 Frames per Second EF-S 18-55mm Lens Bonus ATP 2GB CF Card Battery & Charger Compatible with more than 50 EF and EF-S Lenses $499.99 Item # 232105 Shipping & Handling: $14.99 Scott C"He who Hesitates Shall Inherit the Earth!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mircan 0 #7 December 15, 2007 Quote Also the used market is small that I have seen and given you can get a XT with a stock lens CF card at COSTCO on line for $499 why not get new... I`ve searched the web, and like you, found good offers, but... with added customs and taxes price is going back up. Even more than what I can buy in the stores here. On the flipside, there is big photo exchange here tomorrow. I assume there is going to be reasonable amount of good buys. If the Rebel XT can manage to survive yours 10,000 (at least) shots made in skydiving without protection, then I guess it will serve good equipment nazi like me Thanks for the info Scott.dudeist skydiver #42 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sdctlc 0 #8 December 16, 2007 I did not look at where you are located! I guess the import thing can add up.. Good luck at the exchange and I hope you get something good! If you are worried about the durability of the 300D, 350D, or 400D, the 10D, 20D ect in the series is a tougher build but it is a little heavier.. Scott C."He who Hesitates Shall Inherit the Earth!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mircan 0 #9 January 24, 2008 For the record, I just want to write here what I got in the end: I just waited for holidays to end... Then I found after-holiday sale and i bought new EOS 400D bundled with an extra battery and 4GB memory card for the price of EOS 350D before holidays. I`m soooo satisfied with it! .....And now I see there is new kid on the block - 450D. Oh, well... dudeist skydiver #42 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
