New to the community

[bowmaster]

Hello,
This is my first post, but I have been on this site for the last couple of days and really enjoy it. I started taking pictures (point and shoot) and video of my son's football games and making him a DVD in windows movie maker so he can always look back and remember these days. I have really enjoyed taking pictures of him playing football and putting together the DVD. I'm going to do the same thing when he starts playing baseball (junior high) in the spring. I have been in the Coast Guard for over 19 years and will be retiring in 1 1/2 years and was hoping that this might turn into something more than a hobby. Anyway, I am looking at buying a new camera, I can get the Canon EOS 30D kit with a 18-55mm and a 55-200mm lens for 1499.99 (no tax) thru the exchange or a Canon Rebel XTi EOS kit with a 18-55mm lens for 879.00. In your opinion, which one would be the best buy?
Thanks for any advise that comes my way.
Scott

[adina]

Both would be good cameras, you need to look at what features they offer that you think would be most beneficial to you. Another suggestion would be to go to Best Buy or something, and hold them both. See what feels best in your hands. A kit lens won't be super high quality, but will work great while you get a feel for things. If you are shooting sports, the 55-200 will come in super handy.

Welcome!

[Photo-John]

Since sports is your main subject, I think the 30D would be a better choice. I'm using the XTi for mountain bike photos and I think it's great. But the frame rate could be restrictive for you. The tradeoff is, you'll be giving up the sensor dust removal system and the 10-megapixel sensor that the XTi offers. Of those two features, the dust reduction is more important since 25% more resolution doesn't really make that much difference. What you get with the 30D is 5 frames-per-second instead of 3, a better build (although the XTi is built very well), and the thumb wheel control on the back. I really like that thumb wheel control. But if you aren't shooting in full manual you might not use it anyway.

Hope that helps sort it out for you a bit. You might want to make another post on the Canon forum.

Welcome to the site!

[I_Fly]

Hi Scott,
Welcome to the site. Congratulations on being so close to retirement. There are a few of us veterans running amok around here!

I haven't handled either camera personally so please take my advice for what it is...free. I started out with a Canon Rebel film camera and it wasn't long before I was frustrated by its limitations and wanted features only available in a higher end model. I now shoot with a 1D and 20D and believe that the 20D and 30D are very similar. Of the two choices you gave and your indications of wanting to turn your photography into something more than a hobby I would recommend the 30D. I'm not saying that the Rebel is not worth seriously considering but if you can afford it, I'd jump on the higher end model.

I'm looking forward to seeing some of you work! Welcome again to the site!

[bowmaster]

Thanks for all the advise...Once I decide which one to get and start taking some pictures I will post a couple for you guys to rip up..em I mean give me advise on how I can improve.

Thanks