Cheap DSLR camera

[holly1402]

Hi guys,  I'm looking on getting a DSLSR camera for taking photos of the milky way and stars as I will be going to a dark sky sight , I am looking at a used camera so my budget is limited, I have been told a wide angle lens of 24 mm is the lens to have.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and any help will be truly appreciated.

Mark 

[Alien 13]

The best used entry level camera is probably the Canon 450D it works with all of the current software and has live view, the kit 18-55 mm lens is a good place to start. 

Alan

[wxsatuser]

Look on MPB, lots of cheap ones on there.

[laser_jock99]

Or a Canon 40D (slightly better spec than 450D) easy to astro modify.

[SonnyE]

My preference is a low end Nikon.

I use a D3300, in manual mode, and a 10-24mm wide angle lens. I use this for time lapse photography of the heavens. I use an Intervalometer, and either an AC adapter for power, or a dual battery hand grip to keep the camera running all night.

And although I do admire the Canon imaging (I really do), I often find Nikon's mesh better with my PC preferences. If you tend to prefer Apple computing, maybe Canon is better suited to you.

I would dearly love to go mirrorless for my time lapse photography. But don't have the quid.... So you might consider that (mirrorless).

Best of luck with your endeavors. And remember to practice, practice, practice. With digital you can always delete, delete, delete...

Clear skies!

[John78]

450D+ or a 1000D+ from MPB would be my preference, you can get a manual focus cheap lens later...  Depends how much your budget is.

 

 

[holly1402]

Thank you all , you have given me some great information.  I now have something to look out for. Your all so knowledgeable. Thanks again. 

[michael8554]

450D is 14bit, 1000D is only 12bit.

Michael

[Relpet]

14 hours ago, holly1402 said:

Thank you all , you have given me some great information.  I now have something to look out for. Your all so knowledgeable. Thanks again. 

If  you are looking for a camera already modified for astro-imaging you might take a look at this site too.

https://cheapastrophotography.vpweb.co.uk/.  I'm just saving up the pennies myself.

[holly1402]

Thank you again for all your advice , i now have an idea of the camera i need , i dont suppose any of you kind people can recommend a tripod or mount for the camera , i believe it has to be a sturdy one.

 

[noah4x4]

Try 'Camera Jungle' for used cameras and accessories.

It is owned by Jessops so you get its warranty and support. I got a mint condition D5200 Nikon for about half the price of it new. Ok, it had just been superseded by the D5300 and hence stock clearance but it arrived in a sealed box (hence probably new!). 

[david_taurus83]

@holly1402There's a couple of astro modded cameras on sale on the forum at the moment, well priced. @tooth_dr

 

 

[tooth_dr]

Thanks David! I made contact already via PM.

The Canon 40d is sold pending payment to another party.  

[holly1402]

Thank you both for considering me for these . I also need a good sturdy tripod i believe, have you any advice on brands , just so i can look out for what may be suitable. 

Thanks

Mark

[RichM63]

On 05/11/2018 at 20:28, tooth_dr said:

Thanks David! I made contact already via PM.

The Canon 40d is sold pending payment to another party.  

"Pending payment" being the operative phrase in barter transactions!

Rich

[tooth_dr]

1 minute ago, RichM63 said:

"Pending payment" being the operative phrase in barter transactions!

Rich

Payment received  

I actually had a few people looking it and it has went to a good home.  Sold via ABS.  It was a super camera, and I was lucky to get 3 nights of imaging before it went.

[Stub Mandrel]

On 31/10/2018 at 23:53, michael8554 said:

450D is 14bit, 1000D is only 12bit.

Michael

Good point. The 1100D is the 'economy' version of the 450D.

[Chris]

Another vote for MPB.com, they are very competitive with the second hand market, and you don't have the risk of ebay/private sale. I've bought a couple of cameras from them and have been very pleased.

You can pick up Canon 1100D's really cheap now, or maybe a 450D.