Should I do it??

[prlswabbie]

First off, HEY! I'm Scott!

I've been lurking around these forums for a few months and I love what I see. I'm really wanting to get into photography, but I just need to make the initial break down and purchase my first camera.

I'm leaning towards the rebel XSI or the XTI as a starter. My job sends me to literally to almost every country on the planet and I think I could contribute some great stuff, I just need a push.

Who wants to push me?

[Darsk47]

Do it.

You'll find we are all very good about helping you spend your money on things that we want but can't afford at the current time.

[Michael_Lambert]

Don't buy something as a starter - research what you are going to need, What kind of photography you are planning on doing will make an impact on what camera you want to look at.

I would be looking at getting a used 30D / 40D or look into buying a 50D if you are looking for a all around body.

[FocalPrincess]

Don't buy something as a starter - research what you are going to need, What kind of photography you are planning on doing will make an impact on what camera you want to look at.

I would be looking at getting a used 30D / 40D or look into buying a 50D if you are looking for a all around body.

Yes, absolutely. Along with a good lens. If you're looking at one of these, it could be the kit lens, but don't set yourself up to just "need" to spend more money in a few months...make a good investment right off the bat.

[gjl711]

Either the XSi or the XTi is a great body to travel with. It's smaller than it's bigger brothers yet every bit as capable. Have you though about lenses as well? What type of budget are you looking to start with. A great package to get started on is the XSi with the 18-55IS lens and add the 55-250IS tele for the longer stuff.

[Mike-DT6]

Welcome to the forum Scott! :-)

You couldn't be in a better place for learning about photography. Do lots of research in the forums, then post back with your ideas to get some opinions from the other users on what options you have chosen.

You'll soon arrive at the best set-up for your needs.

Good luck,

Mike

:-)

[zerovision]

Yes, you should do it! Especially if you travel that much. You need a good camera like Michael_Lambert is advising. If you plan on taking good landscapes, then you might want to go with the 30D or the 40D at least. look at a good all purpose L lens, some kits of the 40D come with the 24-105mm f/4L. This would be good for a single all around lens without breaking the bank. Try to get a good flash as well. 430EX or 430EX II run between $250 and $350.

If you can get the 40D, 24-105 f/4L and a 430EX, this will, by far, handle what you need for travel and such.

[bckane]

GO 4 IT SCOTT

[BillsBayou]

YES! DO IT!

What was the question?

[midnight_rider]

Come on everybody who is anybody is doing it. Just kidding.
If you enjoy photography and you are ready to make a purchase then go for it.
And just to add to my comment I had a XTI and it was a great camera.

[grandpawrichard]

First off, HEY! I'm Scott!

I've been lurking around these forums for a few months and I love what I see. I'm really wanting to get into photography, but I just need to make the initial break down and purchase my first camera.

I'm leaning towards the rebel XSI or the XTI as a starter. My job sends me to literally to almost every country on the planet and I think I could contribute some great stuff, I just need a push.

Who wants to push me?

Push! Was that a good enough Push ? ;):)

With the photo opertunities that you have in your travels you are really missing out on some great times and memoriees that you can save with a DSLR Digital camera!

I would recommend a Canon 30D or a 40D with some good lenses! I own both of these cameras and I love them! :)

So here are a few more Push! Push! Push! Push! Pushes! ;):):lol:

Dick

[Oneslowz28]

Do it but forget about the tiny consumer cameras Spring for a 40D or 50D

[prlswabbie]

One of the many reason I love lurking around this site...the sense of humor. I think you folks have given me the push I need..especially grandpawrichard, lol. I've got a little bit more research to do then I'll let you folks know my decision.

THANKS!!!!

[grandpawrichard]

prlswabbie,
I forgot to tell you Welcome to the forum in my last post. :o How rude of me! :oops:
I am actually a newer member of this forum too, but I have learned a lot here, even though I am not a newbie to photography. :)
Do your research and checkout all the cameras that you are considering, that way you will be able to choose the camera that best fits your needs.
I'm into archery very heavily and I teach Beginners. I always preach to them to shoot as many different bows as they can, so they can find the Perfect Fit and Feel for their needs. The same goes for cameras.

My Best Friend just found one heck of a deal on a Canon Rebel XT at a local Target Store. It was a Closeout and the Last one they had. He got the camera with a 28 to 70mm kit lens, all the books, etc. and a 4 gig. Compact flash card for $297. :eek::) He loves his Rebel XT and is taking some very good photos with it.:)

I just received my new Canon 40D yesterday afternoon. Man, is that camera Fantastic! The first thing I did was to put on my Canon 70 to 200 mm. f/4 L series lens and rush out to take a few photos. :) This is one of them:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b218/grandpawrichard/Canon%2040D/fuchia1withLserieslenscroppedsmalle.jpg

Dick

[Jim G]

I'd also be recommending a 30D/40D over an XTi... more room to grow there. You don't want to buy a camera that you're only going to want to sell 6 months down the track and upgrade...

[zerovision]

Keep us posted as you lean towards one decision or another. If you post your thoughts here, we can help. If your leaning towards one lens, but the price may force you to go with a cheaper body, then let us know. This forum is great for that.

One thing to keep in mind is, your final decision on the body, will affect how soon you replace it. If you stick with a body that has full manual functions (..high ISO, good custom WB, etc. ) you will keep that body for a long time. Don't get a great body if you have to give up a good lens. Sigma has great lenses for much cheaper than the Canons, but if you can get a good L then you should stick with Canon. The faster the lens the better... If you can afford a fast zoom (f/2.8), then you should do it. If you are not able to afford something that fast, then look for an IS (as mentioned earlier 24-105 f/4 would be an excellent first lens and is available in some kits.

Another important feature to look for in a lens is the f-stop. Get one that does not change with the zoom. This is more expensive, but is well worth the price.