Replace or step up to digital???

[mjs1973]

Greetings All,

I’m looking for some camera shopping advice. I have owned a Canon Rebel G for several
years now. I love the ease of use of the Rebel and over the years I have aquired a few
lenses for it. (Canon 80-200mm 1:4.5-8.6; Canon 35-80mm 1:4-5.6; Sigma 170-500mm 1:5-6.3; MC Zenitar Fish Eye)

This past weekend I took my Rebel G on a canoeing trip. We ended up
tipping our canoe over and needless to say, my Rebel G got wet. I dried it out but it wasn't working properly so I sent it to Canon to see if they can fix it. I haven’t heard back from them yet, but I’m sure the cost of fixing it will be more than what I could buy a used body for... So here is my dilema. Do I replace the G body with a used one, or step up to digital? I would like to step up to digital since I don't thinks it worth replacing my rebel G body, but I'm not sure how far to step. I know I want to stick with an EOS system so I can keep using the lenses that I have. The only camera that I have been looking at so far is the Digital Rebel, but I'm not sure if I should go with that or step up to the 10D. When I used my G, the majority of the time I used it in full auto mode, except for some night time photos and when I use the fish eye lens. With the fish eye, I have to use full manual mode. I like the idea of the DRebel coming with an 18-55mm lens, because I don't have anything with that short of a focal length, and they are not too expensive. Is this a quality lens? I have also heard good things about the Canon 75-300mm lens. Is that a good lens or is what I'm hearing missleading? Is the DRebel a safe bet or should I step up to the 10D? What can the 10D offer me that the DRebel can't, and would it be worth the extra cash for someone who uses full auto mode most of the time? Is now a good time to make a purchase like this or should I hold off and see what Canon comes out next? When can I expect the price of the DRebel to come down or when will Canon be introducing the next generation of DRebel??

[Michael Fanelli]

First, the Digital Rebel is what you need based onthe uses you have mentioned (and much more). The 10D has extra features but, if you don't use them , they just make the camera more expensive. I have yet to find something I need that the Rebel can't do.

The kit lens is remarkably good for the $100 it costs. It isn't L quality but you'll have to look hard for a difference in smaler prints or on screen. It actually outperforms my 20mm Canon prime by quite a bit.

I have a Canon 75-300 IS lens and have not regretted it. The images are sharp and very clear, Get the IS version. The examples on the following web pages were almost all taken with the 75-300 IS:

http://www.barchoc.com/AntarcticaPhotoMain.htm

I would also look at the 28-135 IS lens. This is the best of Canon's consumer line.

[Sean Dempsey]

The 300D kit sounds like the right thing for you. Can use any canon EF lense, but you can just stick with what you have if you don't want to.

PERSONALLY, I found the 10D to be worth every penny over the Digital Rebel, I have owned both cameras. When I upgraded, I knew that I would never regret it. If you are asking me my personal, biased, one-sided opinion, then I say "Yes the 10D is worth the money over the 300D".

[mjs1973]

Thanks for the advice guys!!! My next question is what is the difference in memory cards? I have seen SD memory cards, Compact Flash cards and I think I saw a third name floating around out there but I can't remember it... Any way, what's the differance in these cards? I know some are useable in other types of media but what is the best for a digital camera? What are the pros and cons of each type and brands???

[Michael Fanelli]

Thanks for the advice guys!!! My next question is what is the difference in memory cards? I have seen SD memory cards, Compact Flash cards and I think I saw a third name floating around out there but I can't remember it... Any way, what's the differance in these cards? I know some are useable in other types of media but what is the best for a digital camera? What are the pros and cons of each type and brands???

The Rebel and 10D both use CF (Compact Flash) cards. There are Type I CF cards (the vast majority) and Type II (a bit thicker, mostly microdrives). You can look at the CF card performance database at

http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/mul...e.asp?cid=6007