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.