novice photographer wishing to eventually get serious

I have only had experience with point and shoot digital cameras to this point (I have a 10.1 MP Sony Cybershot). I am obviously not schooled in photography but hope to get some skill in the near future with it. For Christmas I already know that I will be getting a Canon Rebel XS (or 1000D for those who wish to go with that model#) with a 18-55mm IS lens. My question is should I get anything in addition to this kit from BH? There is a second kit that includes a second lens (75-300mm III lens) for an additional $25 from BH. Should I get that instead? I want to test the waters of both still and action photography. The two links are provided bellow for a quick look. Thanks.

kit 1
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_EOS_Rebel_XS_a​_k_a_.html

kit 2
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_EOS_Rebel_XS_a​_k_a_.html

That 70-300mm is a III, it's not worth it.

Well for 25$ you can not get anything, so i would say why not?
Just make sure you get the 18-55 IS (Not the older non IS kit)
Just bare in mind that the 75-300 reviews are is not that great , so take it for what it is at 25$

On another note, I would try to go for the XSI if you can, or maybe a 30D or 20D with a 18-55IS kit lens.
I have read rumors (just rumors) that Canon is considering to kill the XS next year and will pull a newer Rebel on top the XSI

Just my 2 cents

http://www.canonrumors​.com …y/photography/c​anon-500d/

http://www.the-digital-picture.com …al-SLR-Camera-Review.aspx

Here is a XSI review

http://www.the-digital-picture.com …al-SLR-Camera-Review.aspx

@ nontetheredbrain:
I don't really know what a III means.

@borism:
The XS is all that can be afforded by my family (long drawn out story). I'm actually going half with my parents to get this camera kit.

Read the description of the lens it's a 70-300 f/4.0-5.6 III,. It does have USM or IS. It's one of those lens that they throw in kits to make you think you're getting something. It should take good pictures, but it's going to be slow.

I have the XSI and the 70 -300mm lense its ok not worth my time tho it is pretty slow but it only was 50 more on top of my kit. nice to hae great play lense you might want to look at the 20d i think its the same as a XS but dont quote me

also you can always go and sell the 70-300 later on when your ready to expand for something better

What are you planning on shooting?

check out the FS thread. you might find better deals.

If it's only $25, I'd get the second lens. If nothing else, it will give you an idea of what type of pictures you like to take and what range you'll use most. Stick around this forum, post pics and you'll get plenty of advice on how to improve you skills and spend more money.

I think at $25.00 I'd go for it, even with the fact it's bottom of the line. At least you will know just how much you need (or don't need) of the different sets of focal range it covers. We don't know what magnification you will need, and for me a $25.00 price tag makes it a good deal, even if it isn't the best lens in that focal range.

@borism:
The XS is all that can be afforded by my family (long drawn out story). I'm actually going half with my parents to get this camera kit.[/QUOTE]


Totally understand, Just trying to help, but the prices are so close to consider the higher end body

Just something to consider
http://www.adorama.com …XSIBK.html?sear​chinfo=xsi

Just 110$ more, off course you'll need a memory card
or
consider Canon refurbished (90 day warranty)

http://www.adorama.com …rchinfo=xsi%20r​efurbished

Good luck with your final choice

I would consider saving a bit more if you can to get the Xsi. Heck even a Xti is still better than a XS. However, with that said I do understand the plight of having a "situation".

Kit 2 for the reasons above. Just don't get downhearted if your first images with the 75-300 aren't great. 90% of the finished photo will be down to your skill and not the camera or lens anyway, so don't get too worried by equipment. Mostly better equipment just makes it a bit easier to take good photos, or helps you to take good photos under more difficult conditions.

John

nontetheredbrain wrote in post #6714539
Read the description of the lens it's a 70-300 f/4.0-5.6 III,. It does have USM or IS. It's one of those lens that they throw in kits to make you think you're getting something. It should take good pictures, but it's going to be slow.

No, it's a 75-300 f/4.0-5.6 III

SUB1IM388 wrote in post #6714843
I have the XSI and the 70 -300mm lense its ok not worth my time tho it is pretty slow but it only was 50 more on top of my kit. nice to hae great play lense you might want to look at the 20d i think its the same as a XS but dont quote me

The 70-300 lenses are very highly regarded; the 75-300s are all considered poor.

I'd suggest that you get the second kit with the 2 lenses, and immediately sell the 75-300 without ever opening its box for as much as you can. You'll probably get enough for a 50/1.8, or you could put the proceeds toward a 55-250IS or a 430EX flash.

OK so I'm going to get the second kit. For a novice should I get anything else down the road (my birthday is in April) like a flash or another entry level lens? What basic accessories should I look into first? I've got a camera bag already from an old digital camera (I think its a 4 MP Fujifilm my dad got ~8 years ago) and I have SD cards but I'll probably get a 4GB card instead of having multiple cards that are 512MB.

No doubt a flash like the 430 EX or EXII would be your best 2nd purchase