Considering buying the Canon 300D/Rebel

[Claire]

Hi,
Ok, so I'm fairly new at photography but I'm dying to buy the 300D. I have a Canon IXUS 300 since before, but want to learn more about photography, therefore considering buying the 300D.

There is a store in Gothenburg where they sell the Canona 300D with a Sigma 18-50 mm and tele Sigma 55-200 mm telezoom ($1499). I don't know anything about these things and wasn't sure if Sigma's a good brand. Also, not sure if those lenses are good, and being a beginner I'm not sure I need a telezoom!

Now, first of all I'm curious how much the camera + lens kit costs in the US (I won't buy it online). I want to see if I'd save any money having a friend get it for me and ship it to Sweden. Would it be worth it, or would the shipping itself cost me a fortune?

Also, durability. You don't really hear about analogue SLR's having too many technical problems. Has anyone heard of people complaining bout the 300D? I don't exactly want to end up with something that messes up now and then like my computer... :?

Hm, and just by curiosity, how much would a 256 or more memory card cost over in the US? Gosh, this photography thing doesn't come cheap!

[Bruce Hamilton]

Personally, $1500 sounds a little high for what you're getting... I bought a 300D in the US with a Canon 18-55 lens, a Canon 75-300 zoom lens, a Canon 28-90 zoom lens, and a pair of 256 CF cards for less than $1,500.

[Claire]

Personally, $1500 sounds a little high for what you're getting... I bought a 300D in the US with a Canon 18-55 lens, a Canon 75-300 zoom lens, a Canon 28-90 zoom lens, and a pair of 256 CF cards for less than $1,500.

Wow, that's quite a few things! Seems like US is much cheaper than over here... So, how much would it cost me approximately for the Canon 300D kit (their lens) and a couple of CF? Doubt I'll need too many extra lenses. I'm a beginner.

Also, how much do you think it'd cost to ship by UPS/FedEx to Sweden?

[Malok]

Bruce,

It sounds like you found some great prices. Where did you buy your gear?

Malok

[Lamplight]

I am also considering purchasing the Digital Rebel. :) The average price I have seen with the 18-55mm lens is about $1000 or around $900 as a body only (those are non-internet prices). Personally, I am still torn between the Rebel and the 10D. From all I have read they are both fantastic for the price, but the Rebel is just so darn cheap!

[Bruce Hamilton]

It sounds like you found some great prices. Where did you buy your gear?
Got the camera and CF cards locally at Ritz and Best Buy, and the lenses on eBay.