For photo enthusiasts on a tight budget, there are several tried and true SLRs that are now available for under $500 if you know where to look. Below you will find a list of five such SLRs (body only) with their retail price and where we found them.

The Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D
  • Lowest Price: $495
  • Found: eBay (WeGotBetterDeals)
The Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D is an all-around solid entry-level dSLR with a 6.1-megapixel CCD image sensor, anti-shake technology, 2.5 inch color LCD display, ISO 100-3200, 1/4000 second shutter speed, and comprehensive image adjustment and control, including zone matching, for creative imaging.

Nikon D50
  • Lowest Price: $453
  • Found: Broadway Photo
    (http://www.bwayphoto.com)
The Nikon D50 is easily one of the most popular and best loved entry-level dSLRs of all time. The camera boasts a 6.1-megapixel CCD image sensor, continuous shooting capable of capturing 2.5 frames per second up to 137 photos, 2.0 inch color LCD display, shutter speed up to 1/4,000 second, 5-area autofocus system, and USB 2.0 for fast download speeds.

Olympus Evolt E-300
  • Lowest Price: $435
  • Found: Butterfly Photo (http://www.butterflyphoto.com)
Although capturing less attention than the D50, the Evolt E-300 has proven to be a close competitor that offers a great deal of value for the money. The camera has an impressive 10.2-megapixel CCD image sensor - one of the highest in its class. It is compatible with a wide variety of Olympus E-system lenses, including the Zuiko Digital 40-150mm (80-300mm) lens. One of the camera's most unique features is supersonic wave filter that automatically shakes off dust and other debris that may settle on the image sensor.

Pentax K110D
  • Lowest Price: $449
  • Found: OneCall (http://www.onecall.com)
The Pentax K110D is an entry-level dSLR verteran. It's solid performance is due to a fast, high-precision 11-point auto focus, 6.1-megapixel APS-C size CCD, and an impressive16-segment multi-pattern metering system. The camera also comes with a 2.5-inch LCD display, ISO from ISO 200 to 3200, and USB 2.0 data transfer.

Canon EOS-300D Digital Rebel
  • Lowest Price: $476
  • Found: Preferred Photo (http://www.preferredphoto.com)
As the original Digital Rebel, the EOS 6.3-megapixel camera is a classic. The camera has a 7-point autofocus, Canon's own DIGIC imaging processor, and 12 shooting modes.