New help choosing a camera please!

[Kate317]

Hey everyone,

I was hoping you guys could help me out. I am looking for an early Christmas present (for myself ) and I'm kind of lost. haha I started to get into photography a while ago, was really interested in the history of it all but never learned much about the technical aspects of it. I've never had any great cameras.. I've had two digital cameras (just point and click kinds) and other than that just disposable ones. :blush2:

I asked a friend of mine what she had (Canon Rebel XT). She said she loved it but wanted to upgrade to the newer one. I started researching that one and the upgraded one and ones similar (Canon Rebel XS) and .... ...... :mad2:

I read the "Which camera is right for me?" post and here is what I would like in a camera..

I would like to shoot pretty much everything.. family pics, wildlife, sports.. so I need a versatile camera.

Right now I would definitely consider myself an amateur but would love to learn more. I was thinking about taking a photography class. I'd like a camera that I won't be completely lost with at first but one that I'll still want to use once I get a better idea of what I'm doing.

Right now I'm planning on making mostly 4x6 prints but if I get some good shots I would love to make larger ones to hang on the walls.

I mentioned some Canon models above but I don't care what brand.. I was just researching what was recommended to me. I would like to spend around $500 but no more than $700.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks! :thumbsup:

Kate

[Liz]

Hi Kate,

I think your decision to get a dslr is a good one considering that you want to continue to learn. You've gotten a great start, studying the history! More than a lot of us here.

At any rate, I have a Canon XTi and really love this camera. The upgraded version is the Canon XSi and I checked a few models and "kits" (with a lens) out for you. I'll add the link to the XSi that comes with a Canon 18-55IS lens. This is one of the newer kit lenses and it has IS (Image Stablization) - I've seen some nice photos taken with this lens.

With the dslr you can take it right out of the box, charge the battery - put the camera on "auto" and snap away. Little by little you can learn more how to change the settings and work your way up to manual if you want.

Another option would be to purchase the XSi body only and purchase a different lens. The Canon 50mm/f1.8 is a great lens for only $89 - it is good in low light (the 18-55 isn't as fast, so you would need to use the flash indoors). If you wouldn't miss the zoom, the 50mm is a faster lens and can be used for many things including portraits, kids, whatever.

The first link is to the kit I mentioned - 2nd link to the body only - and 3rd to the 50mm lens.

Since I have the XTi which is very similiar, I can recommend this camera which also has great reviews - I think you will be very happy with it.


XSi kit
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...specifications

XSi body only


50mm/f1.8 lens
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...0mm_f_1_8.html

Here I've added the link to the page that has more choices in cameras. You might consider the XTi (the one I have) which is less expensive - same lens options. Or they also have the XT (the model prior to the XTi) which is also a very nice camera that I owned before the XTi - which is even less expensive. All nice cameras that you can grow with.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...3A+A+to+Z&pn=1

XTi - body only
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Rebel_XTi.html


B&H is a very reputable dealer - one of the largest online (and instore) dealers in the world.
They are closed from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning for the Sabbath. They also close on the Jewish holidays.

Good luck - and come back with any questions. Also - let us know if you make any decisions.

Liz

[Kate317]

Hi Liz,

Thanks for your response. I will take a look at those links.

I have now also been looking at the Nikon D80. Does anyone have any reviews/advice about this one?

Thanks,
Kate

[Frog]

I and several others here shoot with the Nikon D80. It is being replaced by the D90 so prices are coming down.
I'm not sure how it compares to the xsi but am very happy with it.
Research as much as you can about which system you want to buy into by thinking about the kind of shooting you'll want to do now and where you see yourself going and then check into the lenses and other things offered by each brand.
Don't forget sony, fuji, olympus, pentax which all also have good cameras.

[Kate317]

Hi all,

I ended up getting the Canon XSI which came with a 18-55mm lens. They had a deal going so I also got a 55-250mm lens.

I keep checking the shipping and it should be here tomorrow. I can't wait.