I'm looking to buy a used cheap DSLR, preferably a canon or nikon. I've seen some pretty cheap ones on ebay that include the lense/body/battery.

What can I actually expect to buy those for on ebay?

What should I really be looking for in a DSLR? I really don't know much about the SLRs.

not to sound like a dick but if you don't know much about SLR's you probably shouldn't be buying one. I think anyone here would probably tell you the same. If you got money to waste, which i'm guessing you don't because you're looking for one on ebay, then go ahead and buy one and learn it, but i would honestly suggest getting a nice mid level camera for a good price rather than stepping up to a DSLR.

I had a Canon A540... and i really wanted a DSLR too, but aside from the high price, i knew i wasn't ready for a camera like that so i found a nice middle ground until i can work my way up, and that was the Canon S3 IS and a Lensmate adapter to add some nice lenses in the future. Relatively cheap, has alot of features that an SLR has.

I know you said you wanted to buy a cheap one on ebay but the new Nikon D40 would be an awesome first camera. It's the newest cheapest one nikon makes. It's really geared towards someone who wants to get a little more serious than point and shoot photography. I myself own a Canon SD400 and I really love it but I will be soon buying a D40 to go with it. I think you can get a Nikon D40 for about $730 CAN if you shop around(that includes a 18-55mm lens). I've been doing a ton of research on what dslr i want to get and it looks like the D40 is the one for me. Hopefully you can find something that you like in your price range.

I have an SD600 and I'm 'bored' with it.

I would recommend finding a Nikon D50. The D80 is a beautiful camera, best I have laid hands on, but it costs a lot. So if you want, look into a D50 cause you can get them cheap, maybe $600 with the lens used or less without the kit lens. Check out Nikonians.org as well they have a buy/sell section. Not sure if you need a subscription to enter or not though... but ya, if you have male sized hands, the Canon XT or XTi just won't cut it, plus to me it's not nearly as nice a camera to use.

The reason I don't mention the D40 is because you can get the D50 for cheaper and it does more. The D40 is a seriously crippled D50, and can only accept lenses with the built in focus motor... plus doesn't have the top LCD screen, less focus points, etc. etc.

cheap? then try Nikon D40, D50, Canon Rebel XT. The D50 and Rebel Xt competes together in term of features. The D40 is new and a more simple camera.

btw, the D50 was the 2005 camera of the year and D80 the 2006 camera of the year

I've never read such a crock of **** in all my life! I didn't know anything about DSLR's when I bought mine, but I bought it anyway and learnt hands on. How can you really learn something without owning one and actually using it??

To the OP, I would suggest the Nikon D50, great camera and you can get one at a decent price. However, if you don't have much money to spend I would have a serious think about if you want to take the DSLR route, as the original camera purchase is only the first step in a series of financial outgoings, i.e. the price really spirals once you start buying additional lenses, filters, and various accessories along with a decent bag and tripod. Just make sure you can afford to maintain your new hobby!

thanks for the support fuel! That's how I felt about his post too.

It looks like everybody I've talked to is recommending the D50 and the occasional D40/Rebel.

D50's are discontinued now. According to Jessops (UK camera store) The D40 is the new replacement the only place you will get one if this is true are shops that havent finished selling out yet or second hand on ebay

they probably wouldnt discontinue one of there best sellers, especially since its only been on the market for for a year or two.

The D40 is not as good as the D50, so keep on the lookout for a D50, you wont be disappointed