Thinking about SLR...

[Viking Joe]

Hi, everybody. I'm another nut that has found the enjoyment and wonders of digital photography. I never got into photography before because of the film expense and things like that. I recently purchased my first digicam and love taking and editing pictures. I'm completely addicted. Anyway, to make a long story short, I am extremely disappointed with the limits my p&s camera are putting on me and am looking to venture into the SLR realm. I have narrowed down my choices and am leaning toward the Rebel XT. I would like to hear some input about this camera and/or what lenses you can recommend for me. I have about an $1800 budget to start and can piece together from there. Any help will be truly appreciated.

[tim]

Welcome to POTN :)

You might like to try posting on the lens forum (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=33) if you're after lens advice. The XT is a great camera, it'll put your P&S (POS? ;) ) to shame. The kit lens is usually a good buy, and also look at the sticky "top ten" thread in that lens forum too.

[Viking Joe]

Thanks. I'm obviously new to the site and am still trying to find out where to ask what. POS...too funny.:)

[dicky109]

Joe,

I'm a recent convert to the Rebel XT, having previously used Pentax & Canon film SLR's and a Canon G-1 digital. You are correct the the P & S's do limit what you can do, however, I must express a bit of disappointment in the Rebel XT.

Many people have posted complaints regarding soft focus, however, the biggest problem to me seems to be inconsistency. One shot will be nailed and the next will be off under similar conditions. Due to the small and dim viewfinder on this camera, my aged eyes have become more dependent on AF. On the chance that this is an abnormality for this camera & lens, I'm sending it back to Canon to check the calibration. In any case, search other people's experiences here & on other web sites. The XT does seem to be the most highly regarded sub-$1,000 SLR.

Regarding lenses, I have the kit 18-55, but am not satisfied with the range of this, plus the fact that the front element rotates when focusing. This makes using a polarizer difficult, which I feel is still necessary (even with post-processing) . Thinking of getting the 17-85 IS Ef-S and 10-22 Ef-S, but will probaly wait for other alternatives. In any case, those 2 lenses will set you back at least $1,200, which would make it impossible to keep your budget under $1,800.

As Tim said, you should check out the lens forum for the best information on glass.

Good luck

[Viking Joe]

Thanks, dicky. I guess I'm using the $1800 as a starting point (camera, memory, etc.) and was hoping I could grab an extra lens also. I'll check around and I appreciate your comments. Good glass is expensive, I know, so I might have to put that off for a while. Thanks for the response.

[Medic1]

Welcome to the forum.......DSLR photography is a great hobby...be warned though....this forum may cause you to spend ridiculous amounts of cash. All envy brought on my this forum comes with a disclaimer! lol

Have fun!

[Viking Joe]

[QUOTE=Medic1]Welcome to the forum.......DSLR photography is a great hobby...be warned though....this forum may cause you to spend ridiculous amounts of cash. QUOTE]

I can see that could be a problem. Every thread I open, I learn more about photography in general and more about things I want to buy. I ran my updated list of things to buy past my wife and I'm still trying to get her to come to.:) Oh well, the older you get, the more expensive your toys get, I guess. Time to work some double shifts.