Help me help my friend with a DSLR choice!

[FastGass]

Another option is to get a G condition 1D II ($400) at Adorama and a weather sealed lens like the 24-105mm. Yes he will be pushing his budget but I'd really hate to see him with a expsensive paper weight.

John.

[thekingb]

but I'd really hate to see him with a expsensive paper weight.

John.

This is a very good point. Maybe the waterproof point n shoot is the best idea. Thanks everyone.

[Dave Throgmartin]

I'm willing to sell a 75-300 USM III fairly cheap if that's on the table...

$100 + shipping costs would do it.

Dave

[btaylor]

I was also thinking the second hand option. Second hand 50D would be the go I reckon - they're going for as little as $300 on ebay. That way your friend has a pretty tough body with enough features to keep a beginner occupied and plenty of spare cash for a decent all-in-one zoom.

[neuroanatomist]

This is a very good point. Maybe the waterproof point n shoot is the best idea. Thanks everyone.

I have an Oly waterproof P&S, the focus is slow, the shutter lag is long, and the high ISO performance isn't, period. Ok in bright sun at the beach, that's about it.

How firm is the $1K? $1100 gets a G1 X and the Canon housing. If smaller is preferable, perhaps the S100 and it's housing, well under the stated budget.

[FastGass]

Or a good rain cover. That way humidity will be your only concern and you can still get a dslr without to much risk.

John.

[Steve in HB]

Get the best "fixed lens" super zoom canon camera you can buy for the money you have available. Eliminate the learning curve of the dSLR and still get outstanding photos.