There’s absolutely no reason now for any self-respecting geek to not own a DSLR. Harvey Norman is selling the Canon EOS 1100D, an entry-level DSLR with a 12.2MP CMOS sensor and 720p video recording, for just $398 with a kit EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 III lens. With some features that out-perform DSLRs from a few years ago, that’s an unbelievable price for a solid camera. [Harvey Norman via OzBargain]
light487
Monday, January 23, 2012 at 12:44 PMI think I’d pay a little extra and get the Nikon D3100.. just seems a little more worthy of an entry-level DSLR.. but this isn’t a bad camera either.
Jack
Monday, January 23, 2012 at 1:45 PMIf by “a little extra”, you mean 200$ for a grey stock, then yes, D3100 is a better camera.
TSH
Monday, January 23, 2012 at 12:49 PMTrue nerds buy mirrorless cameras… :–P
angryofmayfair
Monday, January 23, 2012 at 12:56 PM+1, hinged mirrors (like optical media) are so last century…
Jack
Monday, January 23, 2012 at 2:05 PMThinking about buying a dslr because you are ‘a geek’ and its a ‘cool gadget’ is an excellent reason not to buy a dslr.
Biderjum
Monday, January 23, 2012 at 2:20 PMthx Jack, was just about to get one because I’m a geek always buying cool gadgets and dont currently own a dslr.
But decided I dont actually take photos, apart from the odd on the spot funny thing I see for which I just use phone:
http://pic.twitter.com/SroWJK5J
Roger
Monday, January 23, 2012 at 3:27 PMI’ve found that since buying a nice camera I’m talking a LOT more photos.
doubleDizz
Monday, January 23, 2012 at 3:30 PMthank you everyone in the comments for being elitist douche bags. I can no longer tell if this is a good deal or not…?
lokiparan
Monday, January 23, 2012 at 3:50 PMThe 1100D seems like a nice entry-level DSLR body, but I would check what lens has been included in that pack. Harvey Norman seem to be offering another similar pack for about twice as much money, but what differs is the lens. However, I don’t know enough about the difference.
Just This Guy ...
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 1:52 PM“….for just $398 with a kit EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 III lens”
Deshan
Monday, January 23, 2012 at 3:53 PMGood deal. nice entry level camera. i picked one up on saturday and I’m happy with it. DSLR’s nowadays are so close in quality, only a professional would be able to distinguish a photo taken on this compared to one taken by say, a 5D mark II.
imo, get it.
Jack
Monday, January 23, 2012 at 4:05 PMThe difference between an 1100D with a 12mp crop sensor and a 5dii with a 21mp FF sensor is like night and day. But, given you bought a $400 camera on saturday, you clearly know best.
The 1100D is a broken camera for soccer mums who leave it on greensquare. At least get yourself a 550D. You will thank me later.
Peter
Monday, January 23, 2012 at 4:25 PMYeah, I agree with Jack, there’s actually a pretty huge difference between the 1100D and the 5DMKII. Tonal differences, better DoF handling, etc. all of that really does show in the pictures/videos (especially video – and you don’t need to be a professional to see these differences).
However, $398 is really, really, really cheap for a DSLR. It’s a few dollars off an impulse buy range. The grey imports of this product don’t even go this low, so it’s a huge bargain. So if you’ve been hankering for a dirt cheap DSLR, this is it.
I would advise, though, that you spend a little more (as in up to an extra $300 from grey market places – D-D-Photographics and eGlobalDigitalCameras have been around for a while and are fairly reliable) and get a Nikon D3100 or a D5100 – or the Canon equivalents.
Also, the kit lens (the one that they’re selling it with) is a pretty useless lens. Useless in the sense that it’s not that great of a zoom and it’s not that great of a wide angle, nor would it be considered a fast lens, it’s in the middle of everything and so is it’s performance. You’re better off getting a dedicated zoom lens or a prime lens (I recommend this option, it’s an everyday lens that has great depth of field, giving you great bokeh, which is what most people want when they’re new to DSLRs). Spend a bit more and you’ll have a much better camera that will last you for much longer.
Snapsort is pretty bad at ranking, but it does give you a very rough idea of how much a difference there is between the Canon 1100D and the Nikon D5100 (difference ranges, I know, but I think this would be your best choice if you’re new to DSLRs).
http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-1100D-vs-Nikon-D5100
smurfydog
Monday, January 23, 2012 at 8:13 PMThis is a fantastic bargain.
The kit lens isn’t much to write home about, but you’ll still find yourself taking better pics with this setup than almost any other camera to be had for the price.
This would be a great starting point for anyone looking to get into DSLR photography.
If you decide that this is something you love, then you’ll find yourself spending your dosh on more lenses, maybe a flash, filters, spare barreries, overpriced CF cards (unless Canon have switched to SD now?) tripod, fancy bag to house all your kit.
I a few years, when you know what you’re doing, maybe then upgrade the body.
And you won’t regret any of it.
Roman
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 2:32 PMmy thoughts exactly…
i was thinking about moving up into the dslr range from my high end point and shoot (canin sx30is)
this cheap body would let me do that and get a few decent lenses without braking the bank. if im still interested, down the track i can upgrade the body and still use the lesnses
Chris
Monday, January 23, 2012 at 10:21 PMIm a professional photographer and find some of these comments hilarious. Yes a 5D Mark II is better but for 90% of the population it doesnt matter. People will still cut heads off with either camera. ONce you have learnt the 1100D and used manual modes, then get the 5D.
Just This Guy ...
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 1:50 PMFinally. A voice of reason with a sensible piece of advice.
This is a brilliant camera at a brilliant price for those who want something better than a point and shoot or want a little more creative control than that which a mere phone can offer.
It’s also an excellent entry level DSLR for those who are looking at getting more heavily into photography but don’t yet want to outlay over a grand just to find out that it’s not their bag after all.
Excellent value for money is what this represents.
TDK
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 7:53 AMJust bought this yesterday.
$398, come on, a DSLR with a lens (does it even matter what lens you get for this price?).
I saw the seller tore off the $799 price tag off it, so at one stage (not sure how long) it was worth that much.
The guy tried to sell me an extra 2 year warranty for $125, downgraded from $250, but I said I was on a really strict budget, then he downed it to $95, was tempting, but I turned that down as well. Was on a budget.
Yes, it was impulse buy, but who would turn this deal down if you’re on a budget and want a DSLR?
Get it whilst it lasts.