DSLR purchase help

[lucamacis]

Hey guys, hope your all well.

I worked in a camera store for 3 and a half years and have seen digital SLR prices plummet so much that profit margins are insanely low as well as the technology becoming cheap to make (like with everything else)

A long time ago i bought a Nikon D40 for about £350 which back then was the cheapest DSLR you could purchase. Over the period of a year the price went down to £250 with eventually a REFURBISHED model coming in to the store for £200 with lens and everything else that comes standard.

Now - cut to the chase. My girlfriend wants a digital slr and i automatically suggested a D40 as it's very beginner-ish and yet produces excellent pictures. It's small and all the rest of it. Problem is that there are no cheap D40's around. It's been out for a long time and as far as i know has been discontinued and yet eBay is still selling them for more than £200 second hand!

Anyone know of any other services that sell reasonably prices second hand DSLR's or any other simple to use DSLR that is below the £250 mark? I'm aware that a lot of of entry level camera's are at the £299 mark but we we're hoping on something cheaper as it wont get used enough to justify spending that amount of money. She is a student so even £50 makes the world of difference.

Thanks for any feedback!

(I am well aware it's stingy but i feel spending £250 for a second hand D40 is a little high considering that Jessops sell it for £259 brand new with their limited stock)

[bendrucker]

You might consider looking into whether used/refurb D60s are the same price if not cheaper. Otherwise, the D40 is really the best you can do in terms of price.

[lucamacis]

Yeah i was afraid that may be your answer. Thanks anyways!

[dCapFX]

The Sony entry model: A200 I think its called. Is well worth a look at. I'm a Nikon dSLR user, but I reckon that Sony is the best entry model around. If staying Nikon: D60 it is.

[bendrucker]

I would be hesitant to buy a Sony, even if it was the best camera. A dSLR is more about the lens and accessory system, not just whatever camera is out this year.