Seeking DSLR < $1k (Body + 50mm 1.8)

lupiter on 24/04/2017 - 11:13

I've been trawling DPReview without much luck, I think I get too excited by fancy cameras (medium format! oh my!) and too put off by their "not for pros" reviews on mid-level models. Also every time I find a model I think might be interesting, I can't find anyone selling it (too old or too new).

I currently have a Konika Minolta 5D (2005) with a Sony 50mm 1.8 prime lens. It's great except it has a light leaking issue at the full 1.8 and the autofocus is so poor I stick it on manual 50% of the time and focus by eye. Oh and it doesn't take 4k photos so I can't use pics as desktop wallpapers.

I'm not interested in compact or mirrorless. I'm looking for a body and a 50mm prime @ APS-C (or 35mm @ full frame) with:

  • Full-frame or APS-C
  • 12 megapixels or more
  • Good Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Full Manual
  • Manual focus (for macro)
  • Weigh <700g
  • Battery life >400 shots

I'd like but don't need:

  • H.264 video

Not interested in:

  • Flashes
  • Remotes
  • Battery grips
  • Wifi
  • NFC
  • GPS
  • Back screen
  • Face detection

Thanks in advance for any advice. Happy for new or reputable second-hand.

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • blonky on 24/04/2017 - 11:38
    +2

    Could get a new 750D or used/grey market 70D in the Canon range (I'm not too familiar with Nikons) for around $8-900. Add $200 for the 50mm
    But pretty sure both are APS-C, can you even get a full frame for under 1k?

    • lupiter on 24/04/2017 - 13:44

      Thanks, I'll have a look :)

  • ronnknee on 24/04/2017 - 13:06

    Nikon user here. That's quite an unrealistic budget for a full frame DSLR and a 50mm f/1.8 lens. A brand new grey import D600 (lowest full frame model) and a 50mm f/1.8 is at least $1500.

    • lupiter on 24/04/2017 - 13:42

      APS-C is fine, like I listed, just don't want Macro 4/3. I'd like full-frame, but I'd rather keep within the budget. :)

  • Caped Baldy on 24/04/2017 - 14:25
    +1

    Have you considered mirrorless cameras? Olympus and Sony are the leaders of the pack.

    • lupiter on 24/04/2017 - 16:00

      Yeah, I have looked at them. Especially as I have an A-mount lens already I thought I'd check the Sony models. But I'm unimpressed with the battery life, and I don't like the viewfinders. Maybe in a couple more years they'll be there, but not yet.

      • KitchenSink on 24/04/2017 - 20:07

        Sony's mirrorless use E mount, not A mount. You'd need an adapter for it with your current lens.
        The A6000 is a good all rounder camera, has an APS-C sensor in it and really good autofocus for its price. Although the A6300 and A6500 are out and much better, the A6000 still sells along side them. Battery life can be hit and miss, but a few extra batteries don't hurt. I've bought some from Better batt for a fraction of what Sony sells them for.

        I read the Olympus uses Micro 4/3s which may not interest you.

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