Advice for beginner

[Harhir]

I am just starting with digital photography and want to replace my analog SLR with a digital one since they are becoming now more affordable.

So far I have only used an old MF SLR camera without all the bells and whistles of the modern SLRs.
No AF and other modern things. Just aperature and time settings. Nothing more.
It is an old but very reliable Olympus OM2n from the late 70s or 80s.
Great camera but since I have been using the S200 from my wife I really felt in love with the digital world.

But I love the concept with the interchangable lenses. But I also do not want to spend a fortune on a new camera and lenses. But since I can not reuse anything from my old equipment I need to buy everything new.
The lenses I am using so far are:
28mm 1:2.8
35-70mm 1:2.5-3.5 with macro
70-210mm 1:3.8-4.0

This is the range I am looking to replace.
I am not a professional user and use the camera mainly on vacation and weekend trips.

That is why the 300D package with the lens seems very attractive for me. With another lens besides the 18-55mm covering the range above 55mm I could probably live for a while.

I am mainly into landscape photography. Sometimes incuding wildlife.
But no sports or portrait photography.

I know there are many 10D owners here but the 10D and at least two more good lenses are currently out of my price range.
So with the 300D package and a second lens I could well stay below the $2000. Maybe around $1500.
Wolf Camera and other dealers currently offer the D300 or Rebel how it is called here for $999 with the lens.

I was looking through all the feature description an did not understand much coming from the "old" MF world.
All that stuff is very new me sind I have never used an AF SLR so far.

So I was wondering if I really need all these features of the D10 the D300 does not have. I personally doubt it.
The only thing I am not sure about is the plastic housing. I am used to a sturdy but heavy metal housing.
But this alone would be no reason for me to spend an extra $$$.

Any recommendations???

Thanks a lot in advance
Stefan

[CyberDyneSystems]

If you were to add the 70-200mm f/4 "L" to the 300D with included lens,. it would leave a small hole between 55 and 70mm,.. but I would sugeest that as a first step/2nd lens.

Alternatively you could get a 75-300mm IS,. but in my opinion as you will own a Canon "standard" lens,. (the 18-55mm) it would make a lot of sense to spend a little more on a high quality peice of glass like the 70-200mm f/4 "L" and then you would have a way to compare as well, and thus have the info you would need to decide for yourself which way to go from there. (ie: standard glass or the best you can afford)

Consider the the investment in the 70-200mm f/4 "L" as a no lose investment,. you can resell it if you decide it is more than you need (you won't!) and you will get your paid price back minus about $50.00-$100.00 which you can consider your rental fee! And that applies if you sell it the next week or the next year :)

[yenoram]

My suggestion would be to go for the 28-135IS in lieu of the 28-55, that is if the 300D can be purchased without the 28-55. The 28-135IS is a great consumer grade lens covering a fairly large focal range. Going this route you'll only have one lens to worry about as you get your feet wet in the DSLR world. The IS (image stabilization) capability works wonderfully in low light situations.

[charr5]

I would agree with the previous post. I heard that the Dig Rebel could be purchased without the lens for ~$899 through other postings here. Since you are new to the dig world I would also go for the Dig Rebel with the 28-135 IS lens. It's a great lens for every day, especially until you get used to the camera.
Have a great time with your new DiG SLR and welcome.
CMH

[AliasMoze]

Harhir, same here. I grew up with an all-manual film SLR and never used automatics. My first DSLR, the 300D, is coming tomorrow (Friday).

Realize this, that the "prosumer" mdoels - Nikon D100, Canon 10D, 300D, and the like - CAN operate in manual mode, just like your trusty film camera. One major disadvantage, however, is the lack of focus aid in the lens. That's right, the familiar circle in the center of the viewfinder is gone, and unfortunately this is a DSLR convention; they rely mostly on autofocus of one sort or another.

Note: There are workarounds, and I made sure of this before getting the 300D.

There is a TON of unfamilar terminology related to the fancy automatics.

AF - autofocus
AE - autoexposure
AV - aperture priority
TV - shutter priority
TTL - through the lens

Modes (all indicated by standard icons):
Closup - flower
Portrait - head
Landscape - mountain
Sports - figure running

Flash - lightning bolt

And much, much more.

I've learned allot by reading DSLR reviews and manuals, which you can find online for free. The manuals, especially, will fill you in on exactly how to use an automatic SLR.

The upside, though, is that these technological marvels can do astounding things, some that I would've figured impossible. When you learn, you may feel that you've been under a rock for ten years, as I did, but you will be impressed with some of the new toys you get, like autobracketing. AUTOBRACKETING!!!

Good luck.

[Hatem Eldoronki]

For what you do, I think that the 300D will be sufficient for you. Since you're into landscape, get the lens that comes with the 300D (the 18-55mm). Keep in mind that these cameras (10D & 300D) have a crop factor, that results in a 1.6 focal length multiplication factor. Thjis means that the 18mm becomes 28.8mm. The 28-135mm lens becomes 44.8-216mm. In landscape photography, that 44.8mm might not be quite wide for your shots..
So if you're getting the 300D, I'd suggest buying the kit and not the camera alone...( By the way, a comparable "L" series wide angle lens is gonna cost you a LOT!)

[Harhir]

Thanks of all these useful hints. Really nice.

Yes I am aware of that lens factor. That is why I was thinking of buying the "combo", since this is just a $100 for the lens. There is no way you can buy a wide angle lens for $100 out there. Even a bad one.

The question would be what second lens:
The 70-200 which leaves me with a gab between the 55 and 70 mm or the 28-135 which overlapps with the standard lens? Or another brand?

Are there any other excellent lenses (Sigma, Tamron) that would cover a range from 55mm and above?
I does not need to be Canon, or? Maybe from 35mm up to 200 or similar?
I am just concerned about proper interworking. My father bought a rebel a few years ago that came with a Tamron lens. Was a special offer from the dealer. But the focus made problems. After he changed to a Canon lens the problem was gone.

Thanks for your help again.
Stefan

[lightandlife]

Is there an urgent need to cover the gap?

Not covering it for a while (and saving money) is an option.

[CyberDyneSystems]

DEFINATELY Get the lens as well!

There is NO OTHER WAY to get down to 18mm for anywhere NEAR that price :)