Digital Rebel

[wculp]

Hi! I've had a Kodak 4 MP point-and-shoot camera for almost a year now, and have been pleased with the results (processed on my iMac and Canon i950 printer). Now I think I'm ready to move up to a more capable camera, and am serious about the Rebel. Now, for the big question: what should I get as far as accesories for the camera? Lenses, filters, flash, memory card, and so on. I'm really just getting started in photography, and I shoot mostly people (new baby!). Thanks for your help!!!
-Skip in Texas

[PrimoFelis]

You will definitely need to get a Compact Flash memory card, because none comes with the camera. I'd recommend getting one that's 256MB or preferably larger.

For lens, my personal view is that the kit lens makes very good sense as an all-purpose first lens. Although I don't have any first-hand experience with this lens, major on-line reviews I read all seem to say the image quality is surprisingly good, and a steal at such a low price. I don't think you will regret getting it, especailly at this price (about $100 over the body only package).

In addition, if you think you are "serious" about photography, you may want to look into getting a quality tripod. Some books on photography will be a big help too.

I think the rest will come to you after you start using your Digital Rebel.

I love my Digital Rebel. And I think you will too!

Best regards,
---
PS. Clarification: Get books before a tripod. Didn't mean for you to rush out and get a tripod NOW. :)

[EXA1a]

Congratulations! I became a father 5 months ago. Shot a lot of baby photos... hmmm... ONLY baby photos!

I used a D30 with a 50/1.4 and 100/2.0 and a 420EX flash.
Three days ago I bought a 300D (D Rebel) kit with 18-55 lens. That lens is okay and you ought to take the kit (if you want to sell that lens later you don't lose money) but if you want crisp portraits with a shallow depth of field you should use a 50/1.8 (very good, very cheap) and a 420 EX flash (50/1.4 and 550 EX would be the better and more expensive solution). The built-in flash isn't bad but you cannot bouce off the ceiling.
Take two memory cards of 128 or 256 or 512 MB (rather than one of 256/512/1024 MB size).
That's all you need to start right away! If your budget allows, the 85/1.8 or 100/2.0 or 100/2.8 macro are good portrait lenses, too.

When our baby was very young I tried to avoid flashing wherever possible and used a high ISO like 800 and large apertures. Now I use the flash frequently.

Have fun with yout baby, enjoy! (and don't forget your wife!)
--Jens--

[EXA1a]

Congratulations! I became a father 5 months ago. Shot a lot of baby photos... hmmm... ONLY baby photos!

I used a D30 with a 50/1.4 and 100/2.0 and a 420EX flash.
Three days ago I bought a 300D (D Rebel) kit with 18-55 lens. That lens is okay and you ought to take the kit (if you want to sell that lens later you don't lose money) but if you want crisp portraits with a shallow depth of field you should use a 50/1.8 (very good, very cheap) and a 420 EX flash (50/1.4 and 550 EX would be the better and more expensive solution). The built-in flash isn't bad but you cannot bouce off the ceiling.
Take two memory cards of 128 or 256 or 512 MB (rather than one of 256/512/1024 MB size).
That's all you need to start right away! If your budget allows, the 85/1.8 or 100/2.0 or 100/2.8 macro are good portrait lenses, too.

When our baby was very young I tried to avoid flashing wherever possible and used a high ISO like 800 and large apertures. Now I use the flash frequently.

Have fun with yout baby, enjoy! (and don't forget your wife!)
--Jens--

[Belmondo]

Skip:
Really, what you'll want to do is get the camera, use it for a while, and figure out where you see yourself going with it. Like the old saying goes, "If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there." In time you'll figure out if you're more inclined to be taking pictures indoors vs. outdoors, up close or at a distance, in broad daylight as opposed to low-light situations, and so forth.

The two things you really need (besides the camera) are memory card(s) and spare battery. Unlike the old 35mm days when an extra roll of film only cost a couple bucks, a spare CF card is a lot more expensive and significantly harder to find in convenience stores. An extra battery can be a lifesaver in the middle of a nature hike miles from electricity. Beyond that, you'll figure it out as you gain experience.

Things like a good tripod, a more powerful flash, polarizers, and so forth, are important, but not crucial.

Tom

[tony723]

wculp wrote:
Hi! I've had a Kodak 4 MP point-and-shoot camera for almost a year now, and have been pleased with the results (processed on my iMac and Canon i950 printer). Now I think I'm ready to move up to a more capable camera, and am serious about the Rebel. Now, for the big question: what should I get as far as accesories for the camera? Lenses, filters, flash, memory card, and so on. I'm really just getting started in photography, and I shoot mostly people (new baby!). Thanks for your help!!!
-Skip in Texas
If you don't have enough budget, you may just buy the 300D with 18-55mm len and it is enough for most of the case.

And then if you have more indoor occasion, you may consider to buy a 550ex flash and also the 50mm F1.8 affordable len for that.