Camera Broke, need a new one that I can afford.

[Sire]

Whelp, my Camera broke, (If you must know, it fell from my backpack, off of bridge, into the lake) So, I need a new SLR camera that can take decent photos, preferably under $200.

Thank you!

[Invincible]

$200? Flip! That's one tight budget. What do you shoot? Where? What experience do you have and your requirements?
I'd say if you aren't serious into photography but more of a hobby, consider going for a mirrorless system. For that I'd definitely look at a Sony NEX as they have APS-C sensors the same size as conventional cropped SLRs but are just so lightweight. Sony are great for general consumer use, easy to handle and relatively rugged.

In general I'd recommend a Pentax K5/7/10/r or an entry-level Nikon series. They're all very capable cameras, it's pretty hard to go wrong on camera choice. At the end of the day, a camera is a camera and the results vary on who's behind it and how the photographer uses it. Different story can be had of your lens choice so definitely set that as your priority. Remember, a working body & a good range of peripherals betters a fancy body skimping on everything else.

To sum it up, if you're tight on budget, settle for a basic body, and spend accordingly with your lenses.

If you decide to go the Canon route and really want to pick photography up as a potential career, give yourself a headstart and try look for some quality, used L lenses (Same can be had of Nikon's FX) and do something for tomorrow :)

[Magenta]

You will never find an SLR for under $200. No way. I just bought my entry-level DSLR for $500 and that was WITH a discount through the police force (since my dad is a cop and this store provides them with their cameras).

You'd need to look for a kit. The body itself can cost you over $200 and that's not even including the lens. Some starter kits will provide you will a standard 18-55mm lens with zoom capabilities.

You could probably get a decent point and shoot for $200. They can take perfectly good photos (not nearly the same quality as an SLR but with your budget, it might be easier).

Good luck.

[unknownuser]

Sorry about your camera... :(

Did you have a DSLR? If yes and you still have functioning lens from that setup, why not check Ebay or local Craigslist ads for a cheap body. I'm sure you could get a 6-8, possibly even a 10 MP body in the $200 range.

If not, then look into Pentax (*ist D or K100D). Great cameras that you can get used for an attractive price. What is great about the Pentax brand is that all Pentax lens (K mount) ever made will be backwards compatible with newer DSLR models. You can get some very sharp manual lens for $40-$60.

[Invincible]

@Julie. He had an A55. Dropped it in the river, along with his one and only standard lens I think.

Don't judge SLRs by pixel count. It's purely a gimmick unless you're a cropfreak or really want to blow out huge prints.

Every camera system sticks to its mount. They're all backwards compatible and futureproof. Canon and Nikon systems work best as they give a wider range of possibilities if he were to continue and expand his work. While Pentax are great, I'd expect to be able to find a Nikon D70/80 for that money. They're great bodies, and a friend of mine shoots with it professionally as a secondary/backup.