LARGE sensor for low $$$?

[wataa]

I'm looking for the largest sensor I can get for less than $500 inlcuding lens. It looks like the Olympus E-300 might be my best bet, but I'm just curious if an even larger sensor for that price.

I know I could pick up an old model with a large sensor for cheap, but the point here is that I DON'T want crummy photos. ; )

>>I'm just looking for a cheap camera that will give me very lifelike tonal range and a short DOF. And I'm willing to sacrifice most other things to keep the price down.

[jamison55]

I'm looking for the largest sensor I can get for less than $500 inlcuding lens. It looks like the Olympus E-300 might be my best bet, but I'm just curious if an even larger sensor for that price.

I know I could pick up an old model with a large sensor for cheap, but the point here is that I DON'T want crummy photos. ; )

>>I'm just looking for a cheap camera that will give me very lifelike tonal range and a short DOF. And I'm willing to sacrifice most other things to keep the price down.

Sounds like you want a Canon Digital Rebel (300D). It has a sensor that is quite a bit larger than the Oly, will give very lifelike tonal range, and very short DOF (with the right lens). Join the Buy & Sell board at www.fredmiranda.com and post a WTB ad. I sold mine a few months ago for $450, and they seem to still be valued at about that. With the extra $50, keep your eyes peeled for a used Canon 50 f1.8. That will give you plenty short DOF!

[Jason25]

The 300D will do better in low-light, and give you more lens options in the long run. Each camera is capable, it just all depends on what you want, though. Dig in and read some past reviews for each camera and take it from there. Definitely go see each in a store if possible, as no amount of reading can replace that.