Want to enter the digi age...help

[lopie8]

I'm new. Feel free to laugh. I have never had my hands on a digital camera. I want to purchase one. I have previously used Canon EOS series and an old AE-1. I would consider myself an amateur enthusiast.

I have been reading this forum as a guest for two days now trying to get answers to a few questions.

1. Is the S2IS a reasonable purchase for a digi newbie? (ease of use, functionality)

2. Am I going to grow out of the camera quickly?

3. Are any newer models on the verge (sp?) of release?

Thanks in advance.

[teekay]

The simple answer to all three of your questions is YES!

[Andy_T]

Lopie,

very important ... what is the budget you have in mind?
That would have a major influence on the suggestions.
Do you still have your EOS outfit left?
If so, getting a used Digital rebel (300D) might provide a cost-effective yet very powerful and flexible solution for you with a multitude of advantages over the S2IS.
Compact size and portability, however, would not be among the advantages of such a solution :wink:

Best regards,
Andy

[lopie8]

I was trying to keep the price below a 1000.00 including memory and a decent bag. I still have my 35mm EOS SLR with lenses. I was tossing around the idea of going with the Rebel XT (also called the 350D?) but that would push me above the $1000 mark for the whole setup.


Size and portability is also an issue. I was hoping for something smaller but the S2IS is not exactly a "pocket" camera.

From the replies on other posts, it seems that it will possibly just come down to my own choice. I was viewing the photo section and I didn't see many pics from the S2IS. I wondered if I am expecting too much from an "out of the box" all in one camera. Does anyone have a link showing examples of zoom, macro, night...etc?

Any Canon future releases that I could read up on as a comparison? Should I hold off a few months for a better buy?

[MoHo]

I was trying to keep the price below a 1000.00 including memory and a decent bag. I still have my 35mm EOS SLR with lenses. I was tossing around the idea of going with the Rebel XT (also called the 350D?) but that would push me above the $1000 mark for the whole setup.


Size and portability is also an issue. I was hoping for something smaller but the S2IS is not exactly a "pocket" camera.

From the replies on other posts, it seems that it will possibly just come down to my own choice. I was viewing the photo section and I didn't see many pics from the S2IS. I wondered if I am expecting too much from an "out of the box" all in one camera. Does anyone have a link showing examples of zoom, macro, night...etc?

Any Canon future releases that I could read up on as a comparison? Should I hold off a few months for a better buy?

First time trying this...........but you might see some pics here:
http://kamsands.blogspot.com/

[lopie8]

Hey thanks for the picture link. I will have to view the pictures more at home with a better monitor than I have at work. They look great. I really like the way the blue "pops" on the pond lily picture. Thanks again.

[Andy_T]

Lopie,

take a look at this thread in the G series forum:
G6 vs. D Rebel (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=49026)

It shows the most important arguments in favour or against DSLR's and compact cameras.

I used the G2 for 2 years, and upgraded to the 20D early this year.
I decided to keep my G2 as a 'portable' camera, but since that day I've virtually never used it again. When an event is worth to take the camera, I might as well take my slinger bag and take the *big* camera.

Operation and image quality are just so much better.

So my suggestion would be to look at a used 300D with the 18-55 kit lens. You can use all the lenses you have for your EOS film camera in additon with it.

Best regards,
Andy

[lopie8]

Ok, I'm leaning toward the Rebel. Where should I buy from? Don't have a camera shop nearby that I'm sure I can trust. Any experience with an online seller? Whats the cheapest I can get a 300 or 350 for? I found a site that had the Rebel XT for 698.00 for body and factory lens. Seems too inexpensive.


Sorry I have so many questions. I'm trying to educate myself. You have been very helpful thus far.

[MoHo]

Hey thanks for the picture link. I will have to view the pictures more at home with a better monitor than I have at work. They look great. I really like the way the blue "pops" on the pond lily picture. Thanks again.

Glad you liked them. I've just deleted & added some different pics.

[Andy_T]

One avenue to go is a used Digital Rebel or 10D ... many users are upgrading to the Digital Rebel XT or 20D and you find clean units at favourable prices either here in the forum, at Fred Miranda or on eBay.

The other is an online shop ... look in the 'Marketplace' forum, there is a thread on member recommended vendors (e.g. B&H or Adorama or www.zipzoomfly.com) that seem to have the 350D with kit lens for aroung 890$ now.

Be aware that there are a lot of black sheep among online sellers, so check www.resellerratings.com before placing an order. An example of such a dealer to avoid would be A&M photo world (http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1988.html) :shock:
Browse the feedback on that one a bit, so you are able to identify the worst scams.

Best regards,
Andy

[Tlucz-huba]

Hello,

Right now, www.newegg.com is running special on BLACK Rebel XT (body only) for $780.95 + $5.99 Fedex shipping.

It`s a trustworthy seller, I have bought a tons of stuff from them and they never let me down.

You can look around there for a CF cards as well.

Do you thing $220 would be enough to get the other stuff?

For now I guess you can reuse your older lens and later on when you save some $$$ get some better ones (e.g. Tamron 28-75mm/2.8 XR LD Di) or Canon L series.

[lopie8]

Well, the story has half an ending anyway. I drove a bit today to a camera store recommended by a friend and bought the S2IS and an Ultra II card. I realized it really did matter which one I purchased right off because I was going to have to learn the basics of digital (plus it's a nice camera).


Also, I threw my $1000.00 budget out the window and am planning to shop for the best price on a Rebel and buying that also. You only live once. Thanks for all the imput and help. You are greatly appreciated. I will post some pictures once I figure this out. I've spent the past few hours reading my manual.

ANDY and MOHO thanks for the many useful links.