Cheap Camera (Which One?)

Basically, my birthday is coming around soon and I would like to get a camera. I have talked to my parents and they said that I have a MAXIMUM budget of $800-$1000. The camera that I probably like the most is the Canon XTi. However, this does not permit me to get any lenses othe than the kit lens and (possibly) the 50/1.8. or 35/2 or 28/2.8. Do I need a flash right away or should I wait before I become accustomed to shooting a DSLR (I now shoot with a kodak P&S where iso 100 is extremely noisy).

What about going for the XT? if you go with the xt, that'll save you save cash so that you'll have money left over for memory cards, case/bag and some better glass.

Get the XTI with some memory and save some money for other stuff down the line. You can take some great shots and get accustomed to the camera while saving for your choice of extras.

Price difference from the 50 f/1.8 and 35 f/2.0 and 28 f/2.8 is pretty significant.. why not aim for the XTI w/o kit lens + 50 f/1.8 + CF card + polarizer and maybe some other goodies?

Do you have a job or any other income that'll allow you to upgrade your kit as time progresses?

I totally agree with Shrugs, the price is a great deal different. Get some goodies!

Welcome to the forum. The XTi w/kit lens would be a very nice introduction to the world of dslr's. If you feel determined to get another lens with it, then the 50mm f1.8 is your best bet. Don't forget to budget for an extra battery and some memory. Check out Sterlingtek for batteries, and Newegg for cf card ( take a look at Ridata cards). Start slow with things like extra lenses, flash,etc, until you learn your new camera.

Flash isn't necessary at first and you will have an on-board flash if you absolutely need it. That's something you can aim for further down the line.. I'd definitely get a 50mm 1.8 before I got a flash if I was on a limited budget. Something like a 430EX is much more expensive than the 50mm.

Also, if you want an extra battery don't buy the Canon one, check out Sterlingtek - a fraction of the price and lasts longer. Many people on these forums own them including myself (1 Canon, 3 Sterlingtek) and they're great. There should be a link in the accessories forum or just search for "sterlingtek" on here.

Get a used 10D or 300D and get a sigma 17-70 is one option, the only downside to these cameras is thr start up time, burst rates and buffer. Keh.com has 10D's from $550 like new as originally packeged to $450 in excelent condition. This will leave you $500 for a lens, flash card and any other little items you may desire.

Keh is a very reputable company.

I just looked and there is a 10D with grip, for $525, includes cables, CD, battery and charger. Another thing 6mp is more than enough.

One recommendation for a XT and one for and XTi, don't know which one to choose. The 28/1.8 and 35/2 were meant for the case if I got an XT without a kit lens. Reading my OP it's really ambiguous. I am not sure of which Rebel to get and also not sure of where to get the kit lens or a normal lens. With the XTi, is the sensor cleaning system that good or is it just hype?
From Adorama:
XT, 135/2.8, 50/1.8, 28/2.8, CPL filter, UV filter, 2GB CF
for about 1,050. Is this a good kit for a beginner?
Would it be better without the 135/2.8, but with hoods and a bag instead?
No, I don't currently have any source of income, other than birthday, I will turn fourteen this weekend so after that, I can babysit and do other stuff.
I live in New York City, so I can just get the stuff directly at the store.

is the xt/xti really so much of a battery hog that an extra battery is needed right away?

i went from a digital p&s (and a few film slr's including medium format) to the 30d and am amazed at getting 1000 or so shots between battery charges. is this not normal?

If it were me and I was limited to only $1,000, I'd get an XT, a couple of 1GB CF cards, a couple of the $12 Sterlingtek batteries, and one decent lens like the Tamron 28-75 or Sigma 17-70. You could get a used 28-75 and still have enough for the 50mm f/1.8 prime lens. As has already been suggested, www.keh.com is a great place to get both new and used equipment. I've purchased several items from them and have always been quite pleased with their merchandise and service. If you take your time and shop wisely, you could assemble a great kit.

Hello,

Welcome to the forum. Here's my standard link for this sort of question:

http://dsnyder.ws-e.com/canon_2006/

Congrats on the new arrival. If you have questions, you know were to ask.

well if you are ok with used equipment you can do alright. I just got an XT with 1 gig CF card and a 17-40L off B&H for less than a thousand dollars, and thats a combination that works for me. deals can be had if you look long enough