looking for options

I have had dreams of being a photographer for several years now and I really want to make it become a reality. I am taking a photography course through New York Institute of Photography. I currently have a Canon Rebel 35 mm that I have had for over 2 years--I dont have a good digital and honestly I have no desire to use my 35 mm because I can't see the images to practice taking photos. So I am in the market for a new digital camera but there are soooo many options. I really want to stick with Canon, I will have about $1000.00 to spend. I have seen several things on e-bay and other sites that offer package deals with extra lenses and tri-pod and other accesories but I dont know if those are quality deals. I will need to make this equipment work for a while and just need to know what models are my best options. Please give me some feedback!!

Well since you have a Rebel you then have a lens or two already. I think I would go with a 30D. It is much better built than the Rebels. 8.2 mp is more than enough for excellent pics. Yu can get a new body for $800.00 at B&H Photo or get a refurbished body or kit at Adorama(http://www.adorama.com …meras&sf=Title&​Startat=61)

Either that or you could pick up a like-new 40D body for about the same price as a new 30D.

Add a 50 f/1.8 or 1.4, or a 18-55 IS and you'll have all you need for class.

Most of the eBay kits with filters, tripods, bags, yadda yadda are either not worth it or are outright scams. Stick with the main companies (BH photo, Amazon, Adorama, ...) or at least check www.resellerratings.co​m first.

What lenses/accessories do you currently have?
Any particular photographic leanings: portraiture, sports, landscapes, etc.?

All I have right now is the kit lens, which it never crossed my mind to just buy a body since i already have the lens (thanks for that one). So the consensus is that the ebay kits are no good?? To answer the previous question my goal is to start my own portrait studio. Thanks for the advice, would appreciate more.

trying2bpro wrote in post #6585811
All I have right now is the kit lens, which it never crossed my mind to just buy a body since i already have the lens (thanks for that one). So the consensus is that the ebay kits are no good?? To answer the previous question my goal is to start my own portrait studio. Thanks for the advice, would appreciate more.

What's the kit lens for the Rebel 35 mm?

Oh sorry-- 28-90mm, 1.4-5.6

But to warn you, you'll be switching from essentially a full frame to a crop frame.

$1000...
emphasis on studio portraiture...
you'll need a lens or two...
cheap but good quality.

Option one would be the EF-S 18-55 IS + EF 50/1.8 at around $220 total
Add in a 430EX flash as the easiest way to get control of your lighting at $245

That leaves $535 for a body and incidentals.
Hmmmm - used 30D at $620? Budget blown by $85.

You could forgo the flash for the moment, giving you $160 in hand

If you did that, you could get the Tamron 17-50/2.8 instead of the two lenses above at $440, and only blow the budget by $60.

I'd take the 30D + 18-55 IS + 50/1.8 + 430EX route myself.
You'll get a decent body, a versatile general lens, a fast prime for shallow DoF portraiture, and lighting. Around $1085, but you could save by getting used lenses or flash.

I haven't figured your 28-90 into this - it isn't a great lens as far as I know. Keep it for your film body (it will of course work with the 30D), or sell both together.

Thanks for giving me options--I will further research before I buy--
So the 28-90mm lens I have will not work well with a digital body? Thanks for the advice.