ongoing dilema

[subhuman]

I have been trying to figure out what to do for a good while now.....
I have been using a film SLR (Canon Rebel T2) for about 2 1/2 years now and I am
slowly but surely getting better......my problem is I have thought about buying a
digital camera for a few months now,but I have never owned any kind of digital camera
whatsoever.....I thought about getting a dslr but it took me forever to understand about the crop factor....I shoot mostly architecture (I have the original 28-90mm kit lens)but
sometimes need a wider angle and if I got the XTi it would seem like I would need
an expensive wide angle lens like the 10-22mm or the 12-24mm to tell a
difference on a dSLR am I right? I also thought about the Olympus e-500
I have read where it is full frame (I don't know if thats right I just read that)
and it is only $489 with single kit lens, but I would have to learn
the Olympus system....Or I even thought about buying a SLR-like camera like
the Canon S3 IS, and getting a less expensive wide angle lens like the Tamron
17-35mm for my film camera & wait till prices come down onthe XTi's..... the
frustration is driving me crazy.....what do you guys think I should do........ thanks:mad2:

[Greg McCary]

If you are worried about learning the E500, I had a Canon Rebel 2000 that I used for about a year before I got my E500. I learned how to use mine very quickly. It has pre set buttons fro ISO, Focus points, WB, Timers ect. You will pick it up fast, but I would recommend the two lens kit. I have really enjoyed mine. I have improved simply because I don't have to worry about wasting film.

[another view]

Far as I know, all the Olympus DSLR's are a 2x crop, so a 14mm lens gives you a 28mm angle of view.

Let's start with this - why do you want a digital camera? There are plenty of good arguements for and against both, but what are you hoping to gain from using digital? As far as the lens goes you'd probably need about an 18mm on a Canon with a 1.6x crop factor (such as an XTI) to get the angle of view that you're used to. Lots of options with this, including a lot of kit lenses.

[freygr]

I have been trying to figure out what to do for a good while now.....
I have been using a film SLR (Canon Rebel T2) for about 2 1/2 years now and I am
slowly but surely getting better......my problem is I have thought about buying a
digital camera for a few months now,clip....

Since your a Canon user, I would recommend to stay with Canon and purchase a DSLR with the kit zoom lens. The Kit lens wide angle end of the zoom, will be about 28mm equivalent at 17.5mm. But if you need a wider lens just purchase the body and a wide zoom like this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...6_AF_Lens.html

There are camera reviews at Photographyreview, and more at these 2 links:
1) http://www.steves-digicams.com/
2) http://www.dpreview.com/

Please check out the each camera model at the review sites before ordering as the magnification factor may not be the same between models and it's not the same between brands.

[subhuman]

Thanks for the replies guys..............
Why do I want a digital camera ? I guess the main thing is instant
gratification........you don't have to guess, wonder, worry, if the shots you
worked so hard to get, came out the way you wanted,or somewhat wanted
(although,it would be great if they had LCD screens about as big as prints,
say about 4 x 5 or so, my old eyes don't see as well as they used to)
also the delete button would be something that I am sure I would use a lot. Also you don't have to constantly buy film,worry how many shots you have left, did you bring enough
film, is the film the right speed etc.... Hopefully a digital camera would improve my
pictures..........I guess the main thing that has kept me from a digtal camera
is the prices, I just can't see forking out $800 or more for something that is just
a hobby to me and I'm just not that good at it any way (I can afford that
much, I just don't want to...I am very picky with my money, I hope that doesnt
sound too arrogant, sorry) another thing is the lense cropping thing I am just
too dense too understand.........bottom line is I need to quit whining & get
on with my life & quit bothering you nice people with my annoying questions.... agree ?
lol........Anyway I just thought I would respond to your questions another view
thanks for asking & for helping, everyone is very nice & patient on these forums
Thanks again

[another view]

I understand about the money thing. When I sunk some cash into a DSLR, I decided I would keep it for awhile. It's been four years and I think I'll still hold out for awhile. Lots of money for a hobby!

The "delete" button - haven't had a problem myself with it on the occasions I haven't followed my own advice but I've heard that there is a potential to have problems with the rest of the images on the card if you use it. Best situation is to shoot and not delete, then download all the images on the card (and backup). Now you can delete the problems, once it's in the computer. The next time you use the card, format it (in camera) before shooting. I've never had a problem doing it this way.

I was really just curious to see if it was a case of "everybody's doing it" or if you had reasons for it. Either is plausable... My frustrations were mainly with lab quality, waiting for film and/or prints to come back from the lab - and of course costs. With digital there isn't so much a per-shot cost as there is with film. However, the initial costs are much higher.