Lurker now Poster

Just joined and saying Hey!

Im a former Video photog who is jumping from video to stills.

I hope to learn more and better my skills.
One thing tho...I have no decent camera...

Yet.

Got a recommendation this W.E. from a pro shooter about the Canon Rebel XTI. So Im looking at that.

Thanks,
JD

Welcome to the community!!! Will you find a wealth of knowledge here. You say you are going from video to still. Is it a hobby or profession? What is your main focus for photography?

CobaltSS wrote in post #4908539
Welcome to the community!!! Will you find a wealth of knowledge here. You say you are going from video to still. Is it a hobby or profession? What is your main focus for photography?

Thanks,
I used to be in the TV news game for a while. Im a serious hobbyist with my video gear, but Im finding out that I like taking stills better. I have more fun with my crappy p&s than my 3 chip video camera. I want to get better at photography.

JD

Ok well in that case I think the XTi will suit you very well. You can find them fairly cheap now since the XSi came out. But definitely keep in mind what you plan on shooting because that will decide what lenses you will need.

Welcome.
Got a budget in mind? Minimum to play is probably about $520 (XTi) + $175 (EF-S 18-55 IS lens) = $695. No upper limit!

Welcome to the forums!
The XTi is a great choice to start with.

Welcome to the dark side. Your video buddies are going to make fun of you now for just carrying a little twinkie still camera

One of my best friend's from high school is in video...and he always make fun of me for my little photo shoots...but I make fun of him because he can't light or compose a scene. So we're even.

Thanks for the welcomes.

I like to camp and hike and take pics of the trails/rivers/nature where I go. I also like to shoot old courthouses. My kids are natural hams and love their photo taken. And beach scenes when we go on vacation.

Taking stills is more fun than video anyday.

My video friends will understand. I think...

Going to Bestbuy later today to check out the different bodies and lenses.
I plan on using my tax rebate that GWB is promising us, and part of my bonus to purchase my gear.

displaced texan wrote in post #4908514
Just joined and saying Hey!

Im a former Video photog who is jumping from video to stills.

I hope to learn more and better my skills.
One thing tho...I have no decent camera...

Yet.

Got a recommendation this W.E. from a pro shooter about the Canon Rebel XTI. So Im looking at that.

Thanks,
JD

Welcome!

If your budget runs to it, check out the 40D too

I started with 40D....and I don't regret

Welcome to the forums. I have only been here for about a week and have learned quite a bit. That "M" setting on my A560 is a lot of fun now!!! I am in the same boat, looking for something soon to make my foray into stills but my purchase is a few months off.

Definitely go to BB, CC or where to play with the bodies. I originally was looking at the XTi like yourself and figured that would be the best fit for me (not that it is not a great starter camera) but after feeling the 5D and 40D I quickly realized how small the XTi really was and that for any extended shooting that my hand would quickly cramp.

So with that said I am going to have to go against the grain and recommend picking up a used 20/30D from somewhere like KEH, B&H or Adorama for a decent price. You can find good quality 20D's at B&H for about the same price you would pay for an XTi. Just my $0.02 but thought I might throw it out there!!!

GL and have fun!