New to this

So my fiancee joined the military recently. This means selling all my big toys and finding a hobby with smaller easier equipment. She has always loved photography, took a couple of classes in school and I have worked with some professionals just lending a hand because I knew them and needed a few bucks or what not. I want to get her a decent camera for us to share. I was looking at keh.coms used equipment. I like canon but have no idea where to go to from there. I have about a $500 budget for now. Im looking for a body and a basic lens. Close up and inside shots. Im not a professional and dont need pro equipment but want something better than a point and shoot.

Isn't the Canon 1000D the cheapest? Not sure how much it cost but I think it's close to $500. That was my first camera and turn out pretty good.

i was looking at the xsi the body is $200 plus a lens, though i have no idea where to go with those.

Just to show, I looked for about 1 minute (really less) and saw these on Craigslist, I would imagine that you should be able to do the same, hopefully in your own area.
The T2i is a lot better camera than the 450D/Xsi, I know, I've had them both, I actually still have the T2i, I rarely use it, but it's not a bad all around camera at all.

Randy

http://dallas.craigsli​st.org/ftw/ele/3719803​914.html

http://dallas.craigsli​st.org/dal/ele/3716437​011.html

i always keep an eye out on CL but I come from a smaller town and nicer cameras are harder to find. I saw a t2i with 2 lenses about a week ago but the wanted $950

You're right, I know that is hard for someone in a smaller town.
I saw some tonight that were outrageously priced too.
You might also try the Canon trade-up program, just buy a used junk camera and buy from them.

Good luck!

Randy

Welcome to POTN!
Have you looked in "Classifieds: Sell"? You might have to look down to page 10, but there are usually plenty of good rigs offered. You just missed one on a great buy on a 60D. ; )

My opinion is to get an inexpensive Rebel with the kit lens 18-55mm, and then also pick up the 55-250 that Canon sells. Get a bag that can hold them both, a large class-ten memory card, and you're in business.

You'll get some really good shots with practice.

Any of the Rebels will fill your needs.

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Here's another idea: Online lens rental services are exceptionally great. You order the lens, it gets shipped to your house, and the return box/labels come with it. You shoot for a few days, box it up, send it back, and it's all good. If you look carefully you can find good deals.

Everyone will tell you that the lenses will make a much bigger difference than the camera.

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Finally, ask a lot of questions of people and learn as much as you can before spending your money.


You might also consider the basic Nikon kits. The D3100 is an exceptional camera kit.

gmm213 wrote in post #15795243
So my fiancee joined the military recently. This means selling all my big toys and finding a hobby with smaller easier equipment. She has always loved photography, took a couple of classes in school and I have worked with some professionals just lending a hand because I knew them and needed a few bucks or what not. I want to get her a decent camera for us to share. I was looking at keh.coms used equipment. I like canon but have no idea where to go to from there. I have about a $500 budget for now. Im looking for a body and a basic lens. Close up and inside shots. Im not a professional and dont need pro equipment but want something better than a point and shoot.

look at the Canon refurbished site for a T3i (600D) with 18-55IS and 55-250IS

gmm213 wrote in post #15795289
i was looking at the xsi the body is $200 plus a lens, though i have no idea where to go with those.

I've started with the Xsi a couple years ago. Like you, I would describe my skills as 'enthusiastic'. Its been great for learning how to get off the auto settings. I figure when I become aware of the limitations then it's time to upgrade, but for now I still use it and am happy with it.