It's A New World Opinions Please!

Howdy POTN Folks,

I'm back, and confused as ever. Could really use your advice- I was never a frequent poster here on the forums, but I lurked about quite a bit and found the information here extremely helpful.

Almost two years ago, I sold all my gear- Canon 40D, 3 great lenses, including an "L", bag, filters- all of it. It was for a good cause so I don't regret the sale, and I just wasn't taking many pictures at the time. I did love it- lots of prints in my house right now, reminding me constantly how much I love it.

Wasn't long before I felt naked without a camera, so I saved and decided to go micro 4/3- spent way too much money on a setup - and just didn't take to it. I waited trying to warm to it, and in the meantime Olympus released a bunch of upgraded 4/3 stuff and of course when I finally decided to part with that equipment, I didn't net near what I put in.

The point- I've got a little one on the way, and I'm looking now to pick it back up. But- jeeez--- since I've flipped a DSLR shutter: XSi2, XSi3, 50D, 60D, 7D...all these new bodies! I've been reading extensively, but I've only managed to confuse myself. the 7D seems to be out of my price range. I'm leaning toward the 60d, although I'm not really interested in video, as I said I have a baby coming...and I can see suddenly kicking myself that I don't have it. Bottom line is- I loved my 40D. Is it worth it to go with the 60d, or should I opt for a next to new 40D, and buy a good fast low light baby catching lens, within my modest budget. I have to get to as low as I can. As I said, I got NTN for that Oly. Argh.

Sorry for the long winded post. It's been awhile!

Thanks for your help!
Mike

Welcome aboard (again).

If a 40D did everything you needed then, it'll still do it now. Maybe even a 30D would. I'm not seeing any reason for going to a 7D in your post.

That leaves lenses. On a tight budget, the 18-55 IS + 55-250 IS are the way to go. With a baby coming, opt for a flash, perhaps the 430EX, and learn to bounce or diffuse it. If you really want to use available light cheaply, your best bet is the venerable 50/1.8.

If there is more in the budget, look at something better than the 18-55 IS, probably one of the f/2.8 lenses from Tamron or Sigma, or if there is a bit more, a 15-85 or even a 17-55/2.8 IS. More yet? Get either the Sigma 50/1.4 or the Canon 50/1.4, or look at the Sigma 30/1.4 if you like that FL on a crop.

You would be as well to go into your local camera store and ask to have a hold of the various makes and models about. I had a 550D and didn't miss the movable screen aspect of the 600D or the 60D. It depends on which camera you feel comfortable with, the 18-55 IS and the 55-250 IS lenses are very good optically for kit lenses and not too expensive and there are some very good flashguns out there that are good for the money also. If you go for new video will be a standard feature, the best thing is to walk again before you run. Probably get a kit to start with and then add the lenses you want when you can afford them or when you want them. Whatever you do, enjoy taking the pictures and keep it pointed at that little one when they arrive.

I think a 40D or 50D with an 18-55 IS, 55-250 IS, 430 EX and a fast prime like Sigma 30 1.4 or Canon 28 1.4 would be a great start, maybe add a 50mm or 85mm lens after e.g. 50 1.8 or 1.4, 85 1.8.

60D - Great way to kickstart your photographic experience again.