First Time SLR Buyer

I am looking to get an SLR and want an opinion on which one to get. I do have a budget, around $1500. I like to shoot landscapes/nature and animals. I am looking for a body and a lens with a pretty good zoom.

I was looking at the EOS 50D and the Rebel T1i.

Thoughts?

With a $1500 budget I'd prefer the T1i over the 50D so that I could afford two decent lenses and most importantly, a 430EX flash. You want body, EF-S 18-55 IS, 55-250 IS and the flash to start.

Really - what I would do is grab a used 40D for even less than the price of a T1i as the 40D is every bit as good a camera as the 50D. But I know a lot of newbies are nervous to pick up used gear.

I would go with used camera as well..

what about the 20D or 30D, are they any good?

I'm looking at lots of alternatives for my first DSLR. Currently I am either 5D classic, 10D, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D or 1D classic. All depends on what I can get in my (very low) budget.

get yourself the 40D in classifieds for 525 and spend 975 on glass, memory cards, carrying case, flash, etc.

kim_bo513 wrote in post #10135471
I am looking to get an SLR and want an opinion on which one to get. I do have a budget, around $1500. I like to shoot landscapes/nature and animals. I am looking for a body and a lens with a pretty good zoom.

I was looking at the EOS 50D and the Rebel T1i.

Thoughts?

be sure to go to a store and handle the models but I would also look at the newest T2i (550D) with a 18-55IS and 55-250IS lens (and flash and money left over)

Be aware that if you get the 5D Classic you will be limited as to what lenses you can use on that body. The 5D cannot take ef-s lenses. So you will be limited mostly to L lenses (with exception to a few).

I echo what others say about the 40D. If you want new, go with the T1i. Then spend the rest of your money on lenses and flash.

If you're planning to get Canon T1i, why not consider the new T2i? It also supports SDXC card which can eventually support up to 2TB of data.

I'd buy the 50D if i did it all over again i don't use the video on my t1i and the 50D has a better layout better autofocus lens microadjustment.
If you get the least bitten by the DSLR bug you'll wish you had the 50D in hindsight, i guarantee you.

Regarding video the t1i is very limited compared to the t2i in this regard, no external microphone for instance.

On a side note - whoever mentioned flash:
The OP wants to shoo nature, landscapes and animals.

Landscapes + Flash = pointless (or has anybody here ever lit a valley?)
Animals - if they are far away, some people like to use flash to get a reflection in the animals eye... but if you are using a zoom lens you won't see a lot of benefit from flash other than the aforementioned.
Nature - close up shots of flowers etc. here it might be useful.

This variety also means the OP will need a lens combination able to do Landscapes, Macro and zoom - although maybe macro can be replaced with a reasonable nearish minimum focal distance.

t1i vs. 50D - well, one is a beginner model, one is sort of midrange... doesn't mean either is better...

I ended up getting the T2i. Thanks for all your opinions!

Good choice. I would definately recommend the Canon EF-S 55-250 with that.

I got that lens and the 430EX II flash. I will post pictures tomorrow after playing around with it for a couple hours today.

Looks like you got the T2i. Good choice!

Now with your remaining $600, consider purchasing a 70-200 f4. Great all-purpose lens

kim_bo513 wrote in post #10263124
I ended up getting the T2i. Thanks for all your opinions!

Good choice. What lens do you have with it?