Need some dSLR advice

[07redSI]

Been looking and have seen a lot of good camera advice. Seems like there are a few experienced photographers here. Any opinions would be apreciated.

Starting with some background, I took a couple of high school photography classes and absolutely fell in love with it. I was using a friends Canon Rebel (35mm) at the time and thought it was a great camera (for me). When the Digital rebel came out I was dying to get one, but being that I was in college I really didnt have 1000 bucks to spend on a hobby (only on beer). Now a couple years have passed and Ive been working a bit. I havent taken many picutres since then but I'm really dying to get back into it.

Ive checked some prices and have found I can get a Canon Rebel XT for about ~$650US with a kit. I have seen nothing but rave reviews of the camera on this site, however other review sites have not been quite as kind. I'm thinking the carmera itself will be plenty for an ameture like me.

The thing that really makes me nervous about other reviews is the kit lense. I have seen many places that say its crap. Would you guys recommend just getting a body and buy a different lense? What is wrong with the kit lense? and which would you recommend instead?

Also I would love to hear what other extras you would recommend to start (other lenses? filters? flash? etc). I'm thinking right off the bat one "all around" lense will get me going but I dont know. I know I need a tripod and remote to start too cuz I'm really interested in night shooting. As well as a bag to carry alll the crap i'll accumulate. What other recommendations are there for starting?

I wouldnt call myself a total newb, but definitely an amateur (sp?). I've got beginner skills with an SLR and photoshop as well. Really just lookin to mess around and learn some stuff through trial and error.

[Izzy]

The 18-55mm lens that the camera comes with is not THAT bad. Especially if you're starting off. I'd say use it myself, until you're acclimated to using a DSLR.

[kish-81]

I shoot with the Canon 10D and love it! Don't overlook the used market for DSLR - unfortunately for me, (and good for buyers) DSLRs are like PCs & holding their value. I shot with the 30D as well, very nice and they are built a little more rugged than the Rebel line. Of course, the other brands like N***n aren't too bad either - a lot depends if you already have a lens collection you can use with the body.

[CivicWithNav]

anyone want to trade DSLR for my kayak? (complete kit)

PLUS CASH of course

[07redSI]

Originally Posted by kish-81

I shoot with the Canon 10D and love it! Don't overlook the used market for DSLR - unfortunately for me, (and good for buyers) DSLRs are like PCs & holding their value. I shot with the 30D as well, very nice and they are built a little more rugged than the Rebel line. Of course, the other brands like N***n aren't too bad either - a lot depends if you already have a lens collection you can use with the body.

Nope, no lense collection (or anything for that matter). Best I've got is an 8 year old Canon 1 MP P&S (read: paperweight)

I'm always open for suggestions as to other cameras. What has got me stuck on the rebel (besides the fact that I like canon) is the amout you get for the price.

Also, any recommendations as to where to look for used? (dont say ebay)

[CameronJr9]

Originally Posted by 07redSI

Nope, no lense collection (or anything for that matter). Best I've got is an 8 year old Canon 1 MP P&S (read: paperweight)

I'm always open for suggestions as to other cameras. What has got me stuck on the rebel (besides the fact that I like canon) is the amout you get for the price.

Also, any recommendations as to where to look for used? (dont say ebay)

I'm pretty much a newb as well when it comes to (digital) photography. I'm shooting with a Nikon D50. For what I use it for, it's perfect. IIRC, the kit (18-55mm lens) is running around the same price as the Rebel XT. A step up would be the D70 or D70s.

PM me if you'd like links to some of my shots. Again, I'm a newb, so take them for what they are.

[kish-81]

Originally Posted by 07redSI

Nope, no lense collection (or anything for that matter). Best I've got is an 8 year old Canon 1 MP P&S (read: paperweight)

I'm always open for suggestions as to other cameras. What has got me stuck on the rebel (besides the fact that I like canon) is the amout you get for the price.

Also, any recommendations as to where to look for used? (dont say ebay)

I *really* want to say eBay, but since I can't, B&H Photo is good:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home/

Also Adorama is good (where I bought my digital gear)
http://www.adorama.com/

Happy shopping!

[JerrfyLube]

Even though the kit lens that comes with the Rebel XT is fairly mediocre in terms of SLR lenses...its still WAY better than even the best point and shoot lenses out there.


For an amature photographer, youll get plenty of use out of it.

[CameronJr9]

Also, if you're looking for great deals, wait until the day after Thanksgiving and shop online anytime from 5:30 to 11:00 a.m. You'll find all kinds of deals on the cameras, tripods, lenses, batteries, memory, etc. Just shop around.

Last year when I got my camera, I saved nearly $450 on everything. That's $300 on the kit, $50 on a combo pack (camera bag, photography book, UV filter, extra battery), and $70 on memory. I also got the Circuit City deal on the camera where I have 2 years interest free to pay it off. So, I'm taking my sweet time.