Uwe,

This is a good topic as well as a learning experience. I agree with all you said for the most part. My only exception is from my personal experience, which regards enjoying the computer portion (I don't!). But I still feel the Rebel 300D was the best choice for me.

I dislike working on the computer since I do so much of it at work. However, since I've used the 300D, my photography has improved immensely, and I enjoy it even more. I'm not a pro, but I do fairly well with little post processing, as I try to get better results right from the camera. I'm sure my images would improve greatly by increasing the work on the computer, but I can't do that, and really enjoy photography as a hobby and an outlet. My photography time is very limited, and my enjoyment comes from the actual out in the field work vs computer.

Since purchasing the Rebel, I have changed my equipment by selling most of the lenses I used before and purchasing fewer, but better glass including the Canon 200mm/f2.8L (first L lens), 85mm/f1.8 and 50mm/f1.4. I still get good results from the 28-135 IS lens. I too have to take weight into consideration.

Thank you for posting this list, as it made me stop & think things over a bit.

Liz

Quote Originally Posted by ustein
This is a frequently asked question and some even expect a brief answer.

Many of you probably know that there in no single good answer to this question.

I would rather suggest a way more important question: "What do you want to do with your camera"

I just want to list a few of the many more questions you should answer for yourself:

- Do you like to work with the computer and Photoshop? If not, then digital might be not for you.
- How large do you want to print on a more regular basis? Try to be reasonable.
- Do you plan to use a solid tripod and carry it more often than not?
- What kind of subjects do you like to photograph? Birds require very long lenses, sports fast cameras, ...
- How important is photography to you?
- Of course the budget is important too. Buying a camera and a few lenses is not all!

Uwe