Help for a newbie buying a EOS 300D

[Asmo]

Hi there, I'm looking to buy a EOS 300D soon, and I was wondering if anyone could help me decide on the accessories, lenses front.

A bit of background on me, I'm a total newbie on the SLR front, I have a Fuji Finepix s304 at the moment, and while its a great camera for shots with no action, as soon as things start to move the pictures go downhill, so I'm looking to move up to the world of Digital SLR, and the 300D seems to be just what the doctor ordered.

My main interests are wildlife and nature shots, although sports does come into it as well (rugby). I'm going to get the kit with the lenses supplied, as I have been told it is a bargin for an extra $100. On top of that I would like to get a telephoto lense for getting close to the little critters without them running away. For that lenses I'm looking at spending around $500, does anyone have any suggestions?

Also, to complement my new camera, I'm getting a new computer. I've been a P.C and windows user for years, but I have no particular love for it, and use Linux and Unix day in, day out, so I was wondering if I should make the switch to a Mac? Are they overrated does anyone know?

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies.

[Belmondo]

I'll leave it to others to discuss your 300D questions, and I’m sure that if you dig around in some our earlier threads, you’ll find a ton of discussions that will answer your questions. As regards the PC/Mac question I would say the following:

Macs are not overrated. They are overpriced---at least when compared point by point with your average PC. On the other hand, they remain the weapon of choice by most graphics professionals, although not to the extent they were just a few years ago. For pure sex appeal, though, nothing tops a Mac.

I don't know how things are in Ireland, but where I live (only a couple hours drive from Los Angeles), there are no Mac dealers anywhere close. I do have a couple electronics 'super-stores' here, but the only things they would have for a Mac user would be peripherals and media. On the other hand, withing a 1-mile radius of where I live, there are probably a dozen stores that sell PCs. It's one of the reasons I switched from Mac to PC a few years ago. Price was the other.

[Asmo]

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm planning a trip to new york within the next few months, so I hope to pick up all my kit over there.

The apples are just so cool, but for the price I just can't help but feel that I could get an awesome PC. Although I am still torn on the subject. I'm not a professional photography, its all done for my own fun, and the computer would be used for a lot of other things as well.

As for the camera, I thought I had made up my mind, then I saw the Nikon D70! Its looks great, and seems to give the 300D a run for its money.

[daaaveman]

Asmo, Please read all the threads on the Nikon vs. the Canon. You'll learn plenty enough to make your decision. The general consensus around here is that the N70 is better in many ways on paper but the Canon image quality can't be beat. It is also believed that bodies will come and go but you will keep your lenses "forever" and Canon makes better lenses. So read a lot, and make an informed decision. Good luck.

[Andy_T]

Also, to complement my new camera, I'm getting a new computer. I've been a P.C and windows user for years, but I have no particular love for it, and use Linux and Unix day in, day out, so I was wondering if I should make the switch to a Mac? Are they overrated does anyone know?

I used to work a lot with Macintosh computers many years ago (when Windows was at their version 3.11 :)). They are great computers for people who don't want to get too technical, but just want to have a machine that's intuitive and easy to use.

What just drove me nuts was that you can not change a single system parameter (remember, you don't want to get too technical) like monitor resolution or else. You don't have much choices as software is concerned, and even less at hardware.

Given that you say you like to use Linux and Unix, that might be some thing to bear in mind...

Best regards,
Andy

[BDM]

Hi there, I'm looking to buy a EOS 300D soon, and I was wondering if anyone could help me decide on the accessories, lenses front.

A bit of background on me, I'm a total newbie on the SLR front, I have a Fuji Finepix s304 at the moment, and while its a great camera for shots with no action, as soon as things start to move the pictures go downhill, so I'm looking to move up to the world of Digital SLR, and the 300D seems to be just what the doctor ordered.

My main interests are wildlife and nature shots, although sports does come into it as well (rugby). I'm going to get the kit with the lenses supplied, as I have been told it is a bargin for an extra $100. On top of that I would like to get a telephoto lense for getting close to the little critters without them running away. For that lenses I'm looking at spending around $500, does anyone have any suggestions?

Also, to complement my new camera, I'm getting a new computer. I've been a P.C and windows user for years, but I have no particular love for it, and use Linux and Unix day in, day out, so I was wondering if I should make the switch to a Mac? Are they overrated does anyone know?

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies.

The MACs are very fine machines but they are pretty expensive and I've been reading that Adobe has been slower in supporting MACS of late. Frankly, I really think I would go with a higher end PC at this stage. It used to be that MACS were the preferred machines for graphics applications but I'm not sure there is that much of a distinction now. For what it may be worth, the art department at an organization I'm affiliated with just changed from MACS to Dell PCs. That may mean something.

The kit lens will serve you well for a while and it will certainly give you time to learn about the camera and do some additional research as to other lenses. For the kind of photography you describe I think a zoom which extends to 300 - 400 mm would be good. Many in the forum praise Sigma lenses. Of course there are a number of fine Canon optics in that range but I'm not sure you will find one within the budget cap you stated.

Have fun with the new camera. I have a DRebel and I am very impressed by the quality it provides.

Bruce

[dongo]

hi asmo :o iv been on hear many times trying to get the correct information !! its all good stuff but the decisioun is yours ....however iv got the canon d300 it first class i shoot motorsport mostly motocross . if your looking for the cheapest canon on the net try [/url]www.7dayshop.com they sell the d300 body only fot £599 a bargain ..if your lookin for cheap lenses try www.1stcameras.com ..

[FJC]

I *just* went through the same thing - moving up to DSLR from a point-and-shoot digital. After a ton of research, I bought the DRebel, and I've been very happy with it.

For lenses, I went with the kit lens. After some discussion here, I popped for the 70-200mm f/4L lens. Very high-quality lens (one of the legendary Canon "L" lenses that you'll read a lot about here), but affordable at around $539. I also bought another very popular lens, the 50mm f/1.8 Mk II (under $70 when B&H has it in stock). Great for indoor shots, as the large aperture allows for decent shutter speeds in dim light.

With those three lenses, I think I'm sufficiently covered for the large amount of learning I still have to do. :) I've sworn off buying any more gear until I learn what I have (though I'm considering a 550ex flash unit...and maybe a polarizing filter...).