Newbie: what camera should I get?

KEH, B&H, several others as well. Used is a great way to get a bit more than your budget allows. Buying from a reputable source becomes more important when buying used.

Hi Kim - As one rookie to another, and as you know, this forum ROCKS! That said - and when asked for opinions -- everyone has one. Like you - I am new to this and after spending a few months groping around have played - "If I had it to do over..." - game several times. From the rookie point of view - I would still have gotten the Rebel (it is a very nice camera that outperforms my expectations - I will not upgrade a body until I exceed the limits of the camera - not vice versa) - I would not have gotten the el cheapo 75-300 mm lens at Best Buy regardless of what the "person" there said -- that was money in the toilet - it sits on my counter at home. Nor would I have gotten the 50 mm 1.8 - also unused with decent zooms - and $100 is NOT nothing - it is $100 toward the next better lens you want. I am GLAD I got the 17-85 mm IS lens - image stabilization RULES and for a new shooter it is forgiving of a lot -- and is a nice mid-range zoom - a very good "walkabout" lens. It is a step up from the basic "kit" lens. I then shot a lot, studied and found out what I like to shoot best. For sports - or wildlife - landscape a decent moderate range zoom would be nice. I tried several and decided on a 70-200 mm F4L IS -- a bit more than you want to spend but the non-IS is fairly reasonable -- coupled with a 1.4 teleconverter is provides decent range. That completed two thirds of my lens lusting. So - a Rebel with a 17-85 mm IS lens is the basic. TONS is written about Canon/Sigma like the Canon/Nikon or Colt/Smith & Wesson -- again -- everyone has a preference. I prefer Canon stuff - because it is - well - Canon stuff. I also got a Canon backpack (like $40 at Amazon) and have looked at nearly every bag since - and have not replaced it. Filters? I have a UV filter that I have taken off - bought into the UV filter thing but then started using hoods on both and the filters went bye-bye. I find less condensation and better IQ with the filters off - shooting in Florida the changes in temp can be tough. I also got the grip for the Rebel (eventually - not the first thing) because it fits better in my hand - and looks neat. I am being perfectly honest here - things I wish I had known when... The Rebel is a camera that will probably make you happy, get a good starter lens that has "all around" uses (as far as that can be pushed), get out and shoot - look at your first 100 - or 500 shots and see what you do most then tailor your "kit" to that... And while everyone reads this shaking their heads - saying pity the poor newbie - I take pictures for me - for fun - to share with friends and family - and I LOVE doing it - taking pictures - getting stuff - learning - it's all good - have a GREAT CHRISTMAS and best of luck -- post 'em when you get 'em...Tim.

I got back into SLR photography last year after a 15 year break. I bought the Rebel XT (350d over here in europe), with the 18-55 kit lens.

This is still a very good camera and the kit lens is perfectly adequate as a first lens. The price of the XT is falling now it's replacement (the XTi) is on the market, making it even better value for money. For lenses I wouls suggest starting with a general purpose medium zoom and build a collection as money becomes available. I generally buy my lenses second hand now from e-bay.

You caould also consider e-bay as a source for a great camera, I have seen nearly new 30d's offerred for less than the price of a new XT or XTi.

Also - leave a bit of budget for image editing software, "Elements" is a good strating package.

Neil ...

kgauger30 wrote in post #2394126
Thank you all for your suggestions. I am on here now all the time to check to see what everyone has to say. I have to say this is the best Forum that I have ever been to.!!

Question about the used cameras. Where is the best place to get one? And what condition is the lowest you would go. I don't want to get one that is a 8+ and it need repair right after I get it. Also do you know if they come with warrantys if they are used?? Just trying to see if it is better to get a used body or spend the couple hundred more for a new one.

Thanks again for your kindness in helping me out!!
Kim

With electronics...only LIKE NEW/MINT will do...any surface marring may look innocent enuf but may indiate a jar/jolt to the casing that results in something unknowingly loose inside...the difference between LN/M and NOT is 10-25% and NOT worth it.