Need camera buying advice.

[asiancowboy]

I am new to this place, but i need advice. Right now i have a Canon G4 which has served me well, but i need another camera. I used to be in photography back in school, and I have always wanted to pick up digital photography for a long time, and have thought about buying an SLR camera for a while now. Recently i have been offered the chance of a lifetime to travel throughout all of Greece and Italy for a month and photography and learn about the history of the place. I need to know which SLR camera would be worth buying (i'm thinking of investing in a Canon Rebel SLR), and what lenses would you recommend for this trip, as well as a carrying case, and possibly a good place to learn a bit more on SLR photography. Also, i am looking for a 10 footish tripod if you would have any idea of where to get them. My last trip to China ended up being screwing me over a little since there were a lot of people in the way of where i wanted to shoot. Any advice would be helpful, and i know i am wanting to buy a really expensive camera, but i'm willing to spend a little extra money on a hobby that i've wanted to pick up for a very long time now. thanks.

[sugarzebra]

I would suggest you think about the Rebel XT or EOS 20D as they are both 8.2 mega pixel cameras (as opposed to 6 in the Rebel). Enjoy doing the research and even more enjoy your upcoming trip of a lifetime. Welcome to POTN, I think you will find all your answers here.

[tim]

I would say a Rebel XT with a 17-85 IS lens would be a good choice. If you're happy with a two lens solution i'd suggest the Tokina 12-24 F4 along with the Sigma 24-70 F2.8 (alternately the Tamron 28-75 F2.8 which is a bit lighter). If I had to travel with only one lens it'd definitely be my wide lens (my gear list is below). I spent a month travelling Fiji and Bali, that lens got 90% of my shots.

[peterdoomen]

The Rebel recommendation is certainly a good option.
Alternatively, you can look for a good deal on a 20D. People seem to upgrade to 5D or 30D and selling the 20D. Not only here, also on other forums.

Lens: Tamron 28-75 is definitely the way to go. Don't buy the kit lens, go for the Standard Tammy (or the +- equivalent Sigma lens) at once.

P.

[Andy_T]

Welcome to the forum

You might consider selling your Canon G4 ... since Canon never sold this on the market, it should be worth a lot of money to collectors

Seriously, the 350D is a great camera, and the lenses suggested (Tokina 12-24/4.0, Tamron/Sigma 24/28-75/2.8 ) are great suggestions. Add a Canon 70-200/4.0 L as tele lens (with 600$ a bit more on the expensive side, but offers great image quality), and you're complete. For tripods, look at Manfrotto's range ... they make good sturdy tripods that don't necessarily break the bank.

Best regards,
Andy