general questions

[DoeRaeMe]

Hi there -

I have a few basic newbie questions -

1. If I have a film Rebel will the lenses I have work on the XTI (OKay maybe a very stupid question )?

2. I am looking to get the XTI and I am trying to decide if I will need to get a lens or just the body - also is the 18-55 lens that comes with the body any good or should I just buy the body and get a different lens?

3. Any reccomendations on where to purchase (internet, Costco, camera store)? (sorry if you can't answer on this site- I wasn't sure of the rules)

4. I have found that I really like taking pictures and I LOVE my film camera but I really would prefer the digital version - for many reasons. Is there a big difference for a new photographer between the XTI & the 30D?

Thanks so much for any help you can give.

Leessa

[EricL]

Yep, the lenses are all "EF mount". They will interchange.

Most of the best buys come from B&H on-line. Or stop by if you are in NYC.

You can get some great shots with the kit lens, however, I gave mine away.

I currently own the XTi and have been really pleased with it. Not sure about the 30D. They are both 1.6 crop cameras. Which will affect your lens purchasing decisions. 30D is a little faster and a little more control than the XTi. The 30D also has the magnesium body, making it a little more durable. EricL

[Dchemist]

If you already have lenses with your Rebel body, why not start with an XTi body and see how you get on with the gear you already have. Cheaper... and you find out what your needs are. Good luck, Dennis

[Doug Pardee]

If the lenses are Canon brand lenses, they will work. All Canon EF lenses will operate on all EOS cameras including the DSLRs. Bear in mind that the field of view will be narrower due to the size of the sensor on the XTi. The field of view will be approximately the same as with lenses of 1.6 times the focal length on 35mm.

If the lenses are Sigma lenses, they may or may not work. If they don't work, Sigma may or may not be willing to "rechip" them to work.

The 18-55 is a good "beginner's" lens, for someone who doesn't know what they want. Its big limitation is that it likes lots of light, so that you can keep it stopped down to f/8 or so. If you're shooting in low light, you'll need to use the flash.

As for buying, all of those sources are good. Use caution when shopping on Internet, there are a number of scam operations, especially in Brooklyn. If the price seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. A good guideline is to compare the price with what B&H charges. If it's a lot lower, be very leery.

There have been zillions of discussions on XTi/400D vs. 30D here. A search should turn up many of them. Here are a few: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] The bottom line is that the 30D has a faster and more durable shutter, a bigger viewfinder, and a number of capabilities and ergonomic features oriented toward the more serious photographer. It's also bigger, heavier, and more expensive. The XTi has a couple of extra megapixels (no big deal), the dust shaker (may or may help), and reportedly can use CF cards over 8GB which the 30D can't. Both produce excellent results when properly used.

[DoeRaeMe]

Thanks so much for the info - I will keep checking back to see any other helpful hints - I need all the help I can get

I know one of my lenses is a Sigma Not sure about the other - it may be a Tameron - I need to look.

The size of the 30d may be a deterrant for me. I want to be able to take the camera with me where ever I go - I hope to find a bag/ purse that will allow me to do that - This way i will be able to practice where ever I go - I know I will be taking pictures of my son playing soccer. We also enjoy camping and other outdoor activites so I am anxiuos to get started -

I currently have a s3 is camera and hope to sell it so I have a little cash to put towards my new camera.

[DoeRaeMe]

Well I went and got my camera yesterday - I am so excited! I did find that when I got home with it the lenses and macro tube I had for my film camera worked without any problems. So happy about that!
Now I am off to take somepictures and learn about my new camera -

[liza]

Keep in mind also that you'll need post processing software. Digital workflow differs from film in that you must post process images afterward. In essence, you "develop" them on the computer. Photoshop Elements 5 is a good place to start.

[DoeRaeMe]

Tanks! I will look into that - I don't really have anything right now except Asee Dsee (sp?) I am excited to learn more about al that is involved.

[asysin2leads]

Congrats on the new purchase. Not really sure how much you've looked through the posts around here. Some of the guys (and gals) here have some of the best advice. I would say shoot in RAW format. This will allow better control over the end result. That's one of the things I've learned here, btw. Snap away and post them here. Share the wealth.

Kevin