Camera on a budget - recommendation please

[BRISTOL86]

Hi Folks

Looking for some advice on a camera on a budget please!

It's been a great number of years since I owned a camera which wasn't attached to a smart phone! Although the phone camera is great in terms of resolution etc, when it comes to taking good photos of family and pets etc, I really miss the wide apertures and shallow depth of field that my old DSLR setup used to offer me.

With a budget of - say - £250 at most, what are my best options? Used DSLR that's a few generations old? Portability isn't an issue as it will mainly be used about the house. Since I was last up to date with camera tech (many years ago) there's been a ton of change...maybe there's something in more compact form that fits the bill these days?

Open to all ideas but the cheaper (sorry....best value for money) the better goes without saying

[BRISTOL86]

Craikeybaby said:

My money would go on a second hand DSLR, probably with a 50mm prime lens.

That's what I was thinking. Used Canon 40D for £120-£140 seems incredible value

[BRISTOL86]

Thanks guys I've pulled the trigger on an 'as new' 40D with less than 10k on the shutter for £149

[BRISTOL86]

rich888 said:

Well done, now that should keep you out of mischief for a little while. What lens did you get with it or is that next on the agenda? Take a look at this website for viewing which lens are available: www.lenshero.com

Pick up a Canon 50mm f1.8 lens and/or Canon 24mm f2.8 lens, the 50mm is superb and there are plenty knocking round on the used market, though they're not that expensive new and the Bokeh is superb.

Thanks for that. I've heard good things about the Yonguo 35mm f/2 and 50mm f/1.8 - for the price they have to be worth a look! I imagine the build quality isn't as great as the Canon lenses but they may be just the ticket for my basic needs!