Looking to purchase a DSLR camera...

[Wasiq]

I'm very new to this stuff, I've had a Canon S30 for about 2 years now, but I am looking to get serious about photography. I'm going on vacation in about 2 months to UK, Dubai, and Pakistan and I'd like a nice camera to take with me. I wanted something portable and small but unfortunatley for nice pictures thats not possible. So I am looking at the Digital Rebel XT, the 8MP version. I know this whole forum is for DSLR cameras from Canon but just wanted to ask you guys what you reccomend. Like I said I am a beginner so will the camera be OK for me? I was also looking at the Nikon D70, how is that in comparison? I really want to be able to take very nice night shots, especially in Dubai, and even here in NYC, but without a tri-pod if possible. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!

[Maxima]

If you want night shots or low light shots, the D70 may be a bad choice for it's quite noisy @ 800 iso and above, that's what I've been reading. There's no comparison to the Canon XT, which makes a heck of a beginner camera and then some. If something small is what you're after, the XT will fit the bill quite nicely. I had the XT for about a week, however due to some problems, I guess I got a bad copy, no one else has had the same issues, I had to return it. That, plus the size of it, too small and somewhat uncomfortable, I had to take the extra plunge and went w/ the 20D. Don't get me wrong, the XT had everything I was looking for, however it's compact design didn't fit my hands. I would've loved to save the few hundred extra bucks and gotten some decent glass. If the size fits you, XT all the way!!

[CyberDyneSystems]

The RebelXT is the clear value leader,. offering more resolution, faster timings etc. for a very affordable price. The next step up is the 20D

[Wasiq]

Alright thanks alot guys. One more thing, how user friendly is it? I want my mom to be able to use it as a Point-and-Shoot camera too because she's not so tech savy....will it be ok?

[Wasiq]

Oh and I'm also getting a DV cam, is the Canon ZR200 or ZR100 a good choice? About $400 and $350 respectively...just as long as the video is good, I dont care about stills.

[Michaelmjc]

The XT is a great camera. I've had mine not even two days now and its AWESOME!

If you put it on the "auto" setting, you can use it just like a point and shoot. So she will have no problems.

I just cant get over the clarity of the pictures!

[Wasiq]

Is it true you can't use the LCD as a viewfinder? I'm sure it would make it easier for my parents to use it that way...

[mvonditter]

The RebelXT is the clear value leader,. offering more resolution, faster timings etc. for a very affordable price. The next step up is the 20D

Shameless plug here.....I have a 20D for sale over at the "Marketplace" side of the forum.:o

[wolf]

Sorry, no LCD viewfinder on a DSLR just an "after the fact viewer" to view what you just shot.

[Wildman]

Wasiq...

In a DSLR, you'll look through the lens via the viewfinder... the LCD is only for playback and menus.

Which ever camera and lens(es) you buy, do so well before your trip starts. You don't want to start learning when you should be taking pictures that you'll want to remember. Most DSLRs require a lot of "learning"... a real steep learning curve at first. The only thing that has kept me going sometimes is the knowledge that a lot of people not a lot smarter than me have taken some great pictures with a DSLR.

The great thing about a DSLR is that it is a very flexible and powerful photgraphic tool. The downside is that it's not cheap... there's always another lens or accessory you simply must have. I'd recommend a kit lens to start. Learn to use the camera with the kit lens (you can get some wonderful pictures with it if you practice a lot) before you jump into more expensive lenses. You won't even know what you need till you work with your basic equipment. More expensive gear doesn't always mean better photos. The most imprortant part of the "system" is you, the photographer.

Hope you enjoy this wonderful, whacky and expensive hobby...

[lostdoggy]

Hey fellow NYer, How s'it goin'?
Here is the low down. XT is the answer to the D70. Both very good camera. Go with the XT bcause this forum rocks. OK, the Kit lense is nice but you will be needing new glass very soon. Break the bank and skip the kit lense and go with the 28-135 IS lens instead. This combo will give you a better range and the IS will help in taking night photo without a tripod. My rec is too spring for a good monopod. Check out the one from Adorama by Adorama. Just remember this hobby is addictive and not to mention expensive. Before you know it you will be dreaming about those white lenses. Good Luck Shopping and follow the links.

[Az2Africa]

I gotta agree with Lostdoggy here. I have the 20D , but I think for the small size you want in power package the XT with the 28-135 IS is a good way to go. And later when you upgrade (and you will) the 28-135 IS is still a keeper as a good walk around lens. I still use mine a lot.

[Medic1]

If your just beginning, go with the XT. I don't think you will be disappointed. Of course, I am a little biased, because I like Canon and the lens lineup it has to offer. A friend has the XT. He loves it, and has had no regrets.

[Maxima]

Unless you have a wide lens right now, I wouldn't skip the kit lens, for it's a 18-55, whereas the EF 28-135, you're actually getting ~ 45-216, which isn't very wide at all. Just my cheap opinion.

[Wasiq]

Unless you have a wide lens right now, I wouldn't skip the kit lens, for it's a 18-55, whereas the EF 28-135, you're actually getting ~ 45-216, which isn't very wide at all. Just my cheap opinion.


Thanks for all the info guys, but I seriously have no clue what you are talking about with the lenses since I am totally new to this. How much does a kit lens cost? I was hoping to be able to take good pictures with the lens that comes with the camera because my budget is $1500 for an SLR cam, DV cam and warranties at best buy. Also should I purchase the Ultra II 512mb card or a Hitachi 4gb microdrive? And when I was reading some threads people were talking about 2 batteries in the "grip" what does that mean? Thanks.

[Maxima]

Wasiq,
The kit lens is the one that comes with the Rebel XT, reg. Rebel and 20D, it is a EF-S 18-55mm lens. Someone had mention to skip this lens, and buy the XT body only and get a EF 28-135mm lens. I disagree, the kit lens is definitely a good starter lens!! Presently Canon makes two types of lenses, EF and EF-S. EF-S are newer lens, made especially for digital cameras with a conversion factor. For the XT, there's a conversion factor, crop factor, of 1.6, this is due to the sensor in the digital camera, being smaller than a 35mm camera film area. With EF-S lenses, what you see is what you get in terms of the focal length. In other words, a EF-S 18-55mm lens will have a focal length of 18-55. However if it's a EF lens, then the 1.6 multiplier will come into play. A EF 28-135mm lens will end up having a focal length of 45-216mm. The XT is compatible w/ both EF and EF-S lenses. The bottom line is, get the XT package and practice, practice, practice when you're done, practice some more. There's a lot to learn w/ a DSLR. Then you can start looking at other lenses and see what you're missing and need. Well, it's not always a matter of need, it's more of what you WANT!! That's when it gets EXPENSIVE!!
Personally, I would go with a memory card such as the Sandisk Ultra II, 512mb is a good start for jpeg files, however if and when you want to shoot in RAW, you'll need MORE than 512. I would probably start w/ 1GB. I do not like microdrives, simply because there are too many moving parts, which translates to, too many parts to malfunction. A memory card has no moving parts, hence much faster as well.
The "grip" is a grip which can be bought separatly, it attaches to the bottom of the camera, giving the camera a vertical grip for portrait shots. This grip is capable of holding 2 batteries for longer shoots w/ your camera.

[lostdoggy]

I'm taking into consideration that Wasig wants to take picture without a tripod. I've brought my Rebel w/ the Kit lens and its pretty cheesy and don't use it much. Only if wide angle is needed.

[Willie]

Maxima, the 1.6 crop factor applies to any EOS lens, EF or EF-S. It is a function of the sensor, not the lens.

[Medic1]

For the extra money it will cost you, I say go with the kit lens....for the price difference its worth it, then you can decide for yourself whether or not you need to buy a better wide lens

[Willie]

Wasiq, I also had the s30, loved it! Then I bought G5, liked that too, but was disappointed with slow shutter lag and slow autofocus. I got the XT, and am happy with it. The difference in focus and shutter lag is huge. However, there is an adjustment going from P+S to DSLR. At first, I was not getting good shots, I needed to play around with the camera and learn to stop down the lens. The shallower DOF of DSLR means focusing is more critical. With P+S more of the picture is in focus, this makes the picture look sharper. Also, the colors and in-camera sharpening are more in the P+S. I am still playing with the settings to get the picture better. Of course, I have to do more post processing now on my pics.

I also recommend the kit lens, you will appreciate the wider angle, and for $100, it's well worth it.

[Wasiq]

Can someone please tell me what the difference is between the black and silver body? And why do you guys prefer the black one because I work at bestbuy and will be getting a silver one. Thanks everyone for all your help!!

[Maxima]

The Big, and only difference is color! The black body gives you a more professional look.

[lostdoggy]

I have the silver and wish it was black. The low down is like this:
Professonals perfer black over silver in the old days is because the chrome on the body reflects light onto the subject black bodies didn't. That is it.

[Jon]

I have the silver and wish it was black. The low down is like this:
Professonals perfer black over silver in the old days is because the chrome on the body reflects light onto the subject black bodies didn't. That is it.

. . . actually they thought the black bodies were less conspicuous. Most chrome body plates were a brushed finish, not a highly-reflective gloss. Sort of a pointless exercise if you're going to hang a long L off the front!

[Perfect_10]

don't forget ... once you've had black, you can't go back ... :) :)

[FattMarrell]

I bought the silver rebel xt about 2 weeks ago and this thing is freakin awesome. No complaints at all. I heard of a bad batch of black rebels (lol), and the silver was more accessible to me. I really don't care of the color, and what other people think.
...maybe thats why my car is primer too...

[Perfect_10]

... ...maybe thats why my car is primer too...

matching car and camera .. neat .. :lol: :lol: :razz:

[mops]

i have a brand new cannon 20D used twice and three new lenses as well
call if interested mike 201 220 5261 nj


Alright thanks alot guys. One more thing, how user friendly is it? I want my mom to be able to use it as a Point-and-Shoot camera too because she's not so tech savy....will it be ok?