Newbie in digital photography

[IllinoisNukee]

I'm a poor college who's been wanting to get back into photography. I had a Rebel XS back in my middle school years but sort of fell out with the transition to digital. So long story short, I managed to convince my mom to dump the crappy point and shoot she'd been using and pick up a new 30D. I've got a traditional camera bag that came with my old Canon but want to get a backpack one that'll be able to fit a couple lenses in it (18mm-55mm and a 55mm-200mm). Any good suggestions? Also, any good stickies or links to good resources for a beginner would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all!

[SuzyView]

All the stickys in these forums are a must read for newbies. The lens forum has good reviews. I would suggest you get a 28-105II lens to start, it costs around $200 and is really useful. I have the Kata 465 and it's wonderfully comfortable. Welcome to the forum!

[tvphotog]

Welcome! Stickies first and look especially at the bag reviews.

[IllinoisNukee]

I've been looking through the stickies and gotta say they're great resources. But does anybody know of a more backpack like bag that doesn't scream "I have a camera in here"? I'll be going into the city in a couple weeks with it and would feel better without that stamped on my forehead.

[yogestee]

I've been looking through the stickies and gotta say they're great resources. But does anybody know of a more backpack like bag that doesn't scream "I have a camera in here"? I'll be going into the city in a couple weeks with it and would feel better without that stamped on my forehead.

Yeah,,the Lowepro Slingshot 200 AW..

http://products.lowepro.com/product/SlingShot-200-AW,2035,4.htm

[tvphotog]

The Crumplers look a little like a diaper bag with all their colors, but otherwise, the shoulderbags all have logos that a thief will recognize. Even the Crumpler's. This appearance issue has been discussed here before and the consensus is that a camera bag looks like one, no matter who makes it.

The ThinkTank Urban Disguise looks like a computer bag, but that's not inconspicuous either.

[rang]

I'm a poor college who's been wanting to get back into photography. I had a Rebel XS back in my middle school years but sort of fell out with the transition to digital. So long story short, I managed to convince my mom to dump the crappy point and shoot she'd been using and pick up a new 30D. I've got a traditional camera bag that came with my old Canon but want to get a backpack one that'll be able to fit a couple lenses in it (18mm-55mm and a 55mm-200mm). Any good suggestions? Also, any good stickies or links to good resources for a beginner would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all!

Well...this is sort of "tongue in cheek" but sort of half serious.
A buddy of mine used to run errands for a very expensive jewelry store owner in La Jolla, CA. He carried very "scary expensive" custom pieces in a Mc Donalds paper bag. Who would've thunk.

So like others have mentioned...good thieves know what to look for no matter how subtle...they know the camera gear/bags logos. But most of all they observe...you ; and not just a quick glance. They will watch you for some time and for patterns in your behaviour.

So maybe a "Hello Kitty" book bag???

:confused:

[SuzyView]

If security is what you want, I have the Kata torso bag, but it is not a common bag, so most don't know it's a camera bag. It can be carried on the chest or as a sling bag, very nice.

http://www.kata-bags.com/product.asp?p_Id=324&Version=Photo

Or the PacSafe products:

http://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Daysafe-Anti-Theft-Computer-Backpack/dp/B0018BQGR6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1243878972&sr=8-3

[tvphotog]

If security is what you want, I have the Kata torso bag, but it is not a common bag, so most don't know it's a camera bag. It can be carried on the chest or as a sling bag, very nice.

http://www.kata-bags.com/product.asp?p_Id=324&Version=Photo

Or the PacSafe products:

http://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Daysafe-Anti-Theft-Computer-Backpack/dp/B0018BQGR6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1243878972&sr=8-3

Or get a Domke or Lowepro or Tamrac bag and just use a Pacsafe 200 shoulder strap with steel cables in it. The best of both worlds. It'll eliminate slash and grab thefts. I don't think you can do this with Crumpler as the strap is sewn on to the bag.

[SuzyView]

The PacSafe strap is not nearly as comfy as the POTN one. I have that, too. :)

[IllinoisNukee]

Thanks all for the input. I'm thinking I'll get the Flipside 200 sometime today if the Ritz near me has it at a decent price.