Should I buy a Digital SLR now, or should I wait?
I’m running into hard times financially. My hours have been cut at work, my mom is disabled. My sister and I both pay the bills, she’s already given her two weeks notice and she’s leaving her job, but doesn’t have another lined up. So who knows how long I’ll be doing it by myself.
I was going to buy a digital SLR before I go to Florida, which is in 3 weeks, but now I’m not sure if I should. SLR’s are the camera’s that professionals use. I was going to buy an entry level one and it costs about 0. Should I save my money until things get better or should I stick with my plan to buy a DSLR before I go on my trip? If I don’t buy one, I still have a camera to take pics with, they just won’t be as beautiful. I think I might feel guilty if I spent the money now. Should I stick to my gut feeling and wait?
The one I was going to buy is called the Nikon D60, and I was also interested in the Canon xsi.
I have some savings, it’s not a lot. I think it’s enough to pay the bills for about 3 months. Getting a used one sounds like a great idea, how do I know if it’s actually a good camera (meaning, not broken or defective)?
I’m not paying for the trip to Florida, my boyfriend is. Well..he’s paying for a majority of the trip, I am just paying for half of the hotel cost. He won’t lend me the money for the DSLR because I already have a point and shoot. He thinks that there is no need for a new camera because I got the one last year.
I always knew I liked photography, I just didn’t know much about it. Now I know that my current camera is limiting. It’s holding me back from discovering my potential. If I have no talent, at least I’d have a camera that takes great photos. I think I will get the D40…eventually. Thanks a lot.
Tagged with: canon • d40 • digital slr • dslr • gut feeling • hotel cost • job • mom • money • new camera • nikon d60 • photography • photos • trip to florida • two weeks notice
Filed under: Entry Level DSLR Camera
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It sounds like you should really wait. You do not need a digital SLR but you do need to pay the bills. Sorry for your situation but do not make it worse by wasting money.
OK I’ve been camera hunting go with the d40 its the same camera as the 60 except the mega pix. Which only matters if your making posters… Just get more lenses… for the 40.. which you really dont need… right away
You can always get a less expensive camera for the trip and then get the DSLR when times improve.
You could look to upgrade your point and shoot for better pictures while spending less than buying a DSLR. You can also check on buying a used DSLR for significantly less money. Just think about what;s really important to you and what you can afford to spend without affecting your month to month life. If you had been saving, I’ll assume you have, you should have some money set aside that would not affect you negatively.
Don’t be afraid of used cameras, especially if you can a warranty. I bought my Olypmus E-300 from Cameta Camera, via eBay, and it came with a warranty. Buying used from a reputable source, like a camera shop, is a little like buying a certified used car.
You have some money saved, perhaps buying a higher end point and shoot would work well for you. It could give you substantially better pictures and keep your costs much lower than a DSLR. You could also consider a film SLR camera. I have seen these under $300, and even with film and developing, you can keep your costs low compared to $900.
1) If money is tight $900 is too much to be spending right now.
2) I don’t think you should get a lesser point and shoot camera to tide you over either. It’ll just be wasted money, because later on, you’ll just end up buying an SLR.
3) Instead, consider a Nikon D40 SLR with an 18-55mm lens. Sells for under $500 from reputable stores online, like http://www.us1camera.com or amazon.com. Image quality is on a par with the D60, just with fewer megapixels. And any 6mp SLR will blow away any point and shoot (even a 12mp point and shoot).
4) If $500 is too much right now, then stick with your current camera.
5) You can help afford the camera by skimping on meals in Florida and not getting so many sourvenirs. Just let the photos be your momentos.
Life is full of choices and regrets. You may regret spending the money, but then again, you may regret not having a camera to take good photos. At this stage, if $500 is the difference between eating and starving or housing or no housing, then a trip to Florida is questionable, let alone a camera. But life pleasures should also be appreciated as well–because of the joy they bring. Try to live your life without the fear and regrets.