Which camera, which lens??

[Tre]

Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum. I have been interested in photography for a long time but have never had a camera capable of doing anything worth talking about.

I have only recently decided to spend some proper money and purchase a camera that I can "grow into" and use to learn and practice photography and the various skills and techniques that it entails.

Currently I am an absolute beginner but I am keen to learn and know the kinds of pictures that I want to take. I am thinking about buying a Cannon EOS 300D. Do you think that it would be stupid to buy a camera like this when I am a beginner? I already have a portable digital camera for pictures down the pub, I'm looking for something that I can use as a hobby and I also want to take good pictures of all the places that I am visiting at the moment.

I dont understand half of the technical terms listed in the spec for this camera but I know that they are things that I can enjoy learning as I become more familiar with the camera and its functions and photography in general. My main area or interest is taking very close-up pictures, for example, an insect on a leaf. I also have a keen interest in taking sunset pictures and pictures or the sky and cloud formations etc.

These are two very differnt styles of photography and I was wondering how the standard lens that comes with this camera would cope with this? If I need to buy a second lens for the close-up work, how much would that cost?

Any advice for me as a beginner would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Trevor

[mikesd]

Tre, personally I have always thought it is better to buy a little more advanced than one is ready for as most of us have purchased lesser cameras to find in a few months we are ready to move up the ladder. The 300D is a great choice in my opinion, and you can use the auto settings while learning the camera. As for as lenses the choices are almost mind boggling, check here http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=search&Q=&ci=8454 and and check out reviews here http://www.dpreview.com/ and here http://www.steves-digicams.com/. Good luck and you will love the Rebel if that is the way you go.

[lomond]

Trevor, first off welcome to the forum.
I, like you, pondered this question about 18 months ago. I bought a 10D and have no regrets. However, unless you a strong willed, expect to shell out some more cash for a few lenses and accessories.
OK. Now, do I think you stupid to buy this camera. No.
You can use full auto untill you are comfortable with the other settings.
Part of the enjoyment for me was, and still is, learning what this camera can do.
For macro work you have two choices,
1. a dedicated macro lens.
2. Extension tubes.
I chose the latter because its cheaper and I'm only dabbling.
Ext tubes in the UK are around £70.
I would also suggest a good tripod.
Check out some older threads, you'll learn a lot hear. I did.

Cameron