New Member looking for a DSLR

Hi guys, my name is Kyle, I'm 14 right now, and I really like photography. I'm looking for a good DSLR in the $500-$700 range, and I was wondering if anyone could suggest a good DSLR. I've been thinking about the Canon XSI or the XS, and I was wondering if this would be a good beginners camera. I'm coming from a G9, so I'm familiar with the settings and such. Also, is there a possibility I would have to buy extra lens? I'm mostly interested in macro, but I would use it for nature, vacation, etc... Also, could anybody give me some sample shots? Thanks guys.

And here are a couple from the G9.

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A used model like a 30D, XTi, or XSi with a 50mm Compact Macro and whatever basic zoom lens fancies you would be a good start.

kyle L wrote in post #8869497
Hi guys, my name is Kyle, I'm 14 right now, and I really like photography. I'm looking for a good DSLR in the $500-$700 range, and I was wondering if anyone could suggest a good DSLR. I've been thinking about the Canon XSI or the XS, and I was wondering if this would be a good beginners camera. I'm coming from a G9, so I'm familiar with the settings and such. Also, is there a possibility I would have to buy extra lens? I'm mostly interested in macro, but I would use it for nature, vacation, etc... Also, could anybody give me some sample shots? Thanks guys.

Welcome to the forum Kyle!

If you're handy with a G9 (which you seem to be), you'll find the XSi a very nice next camera. As far as a lens, the 18/55 IS kit lens works well. It won't get you quite as close to things as the G9 wrt macro, but it will be quite good. (If you're really into macro, keep the G9, or be willing to spend $400 on a 50mm macro.)

Here's a thread for the XSi/450D. In it you'll find a range of photos folks have taken with the XSi.

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=525847

In addition to the EF-S 18/55 IS, I own the EF-S 55/250 IS. It's a good lens, and I use it a fair amount. However, if you have a budget, you might want to consider going with the 18/55 and getting a good external flash. Mine is the 430EX, which I actually bought for the G9. While the built-in flash works well on the XSi, there's nothing like the flexibility of a flash that can be swiveled and tilted to bounce off ceilings and/or walls.

Good luck and enjoy!

mathogre wrote in post #8869805
Welcome to the forum Kyle!

If you're handy with a G9 (which you seem to be), you'll find the XSi a very nice next camera. As far as a lens, the 18/55 IS kit lens works well. It won't get you quite as close to things as the G9 wrt macro, but it will be quite good. (If you're really into macro, keep the G9, or be willing to spend $400 on a 50mm macro.)

Here's a thread for the XSi/450D. In it you'll find a range of photos folks have taken with the XSi.

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=525847

In addition to the EF-S 18/55 IS, I own the EF-S 55/250 IS. It's a good lens, and I use it a fair amount. However, if you have a budget, you might want to consider going with the 18/55 and getting a good external flash. Mine is the 430EX, which I actually bought for the G9. While the built-in flash works well on the XSi, there's nothing like the flexibility of a flash that can be swiveled and tilted to bounce off ceilings and/or walls.

Good luck and enjoy!

Hi,
Thanks so much for the reply! Hopefully I can get equal, or better results compared to the G9. Thanks for the input.

check out the the marketplace. lots of XXD's for sale as people are upgrading to the 7D. even more as Christmas rolls around.

If it were me I'd probably save up a little more cash and get an XS or XSI body and a couple of lenses and a good flash. But then again I'm not a big fan of buying camera bodies used..... I've been burned before.

You might want to just get a set of Kenko extension tubes instead of a dedicated macro. It's cheaper and you don't have to carry around as much stuff.

Absolutely the XSI/XS/or new T1i are fantastic cameras. Make sure you get one with the excellent 18-55mm IS kit lens. For macro a cheap place to start actually would be hit up deal extreme for the $9 extension tubes lol.

Yeah I agree with everyone. Do something like the setup I have... used 20D from the forums and a used Tamron 24-135 MACRO. Love the setup.... and love the Tokina 19-35mm that I recently picked up from the local craigslist.

I think a XSI/450D with the kit lens (18-55mm IS) would be a great start. Looking at your photos, I can imagine a 10-20 or 10-22 would be the next lens on your christmas list.
...Terry

Thank you guys for all of the recommendations. I think I will go with the Rebel XSI and an extension tube. Can anyone recommend some online places which I can buy from?

Kyle,

Good to see another young photog with decent skills! I'm 15 and own the XSi/450D. I like it, I just wish it had a metal body. The IQ is decent, the kit lens quality isn't too rough. I currently own the 55-250mm that was also previously mentioned. This is a sharp lens as well. Overall, I would say you cannot go wrong with a Canon SLR.

If you have the money, I would consider investing in some L glass. I am in the works of purchasing the Canon 24-105Lmm. It's going for around $1,175 on B&H, as of last time I checked. L glass is quite sharp and improves IQ considerably.

Chase

kyle L wrote in post #8874455
Thank you guys for all of the recommendations. I think I will go with the Rebel XSI and an extension tube. Can anyone recommend some online places which I can buy from?

www.bhphotovideo.com
www.adorama.com
www.amazon.com

kyle L wrote in post #8874455
Thank you guys for all of the recommendations. I think I will go with the Rebel XSI and an extension tube. Can anyone recommend some online places which I can buy from?

I would recommend the Kenko tubes. (The set) All three cost about as much as one Canon tube.