I'm looking to get back into photography, and it looks like my ~30 year old Minolta is going to need more work than the camera is likely worth at this point to be usable. I've been poking around at some higher-end consumer grade cameras and wondered if anyone here has some experience.
Digital SLR is a must, and my goal is to keep this under $1000. I'm currently looking at the Canon Rebel XTi, which Newegg has for about $900, including a pretty beefy combo package. Unfortunately, I'm so out of date on my cameras that I have no idea whether this will be a good intermediate-level camera with which to resume my hobby.
Anyone have some advice here?
Photographers?
Photographers?
Traz Blackwolfe (Retired)
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I could turn you inside out
What I choose not to do
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I could turn you inside out
What I choose not to do
I'd probably recommend the XTi. I had the XT (350D) model before an unfortunate accident. I replaced it with a 30D then the XTi came out a few months later. If the XTi was out at the time I might have considered it instead as it is cheaper. But I haven't really done a side-by-side comparison of the two so maybe not. I wanted spot metering which the XT/XTi doesn't have.
Anyway, the XT was a good camera for the price and the XTi has better specs than it had.
Can check here for the Pros and Cons from the DPReview review:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos400d/page29.asp
They seem to indicate a few possible alternatives. The Nikon D80 and a Pentax thingie. Those weren't out when I did my research so I don't know anything about them. I'm pretty much in the Canon camp now after spending a few dollars on lenses. DPReview is a good source of information as their reviews are usually pretty thorough. So you may want to look through some of those before deciding.
As for the price I'm not sure which combo Newegg has but you may want to consider just getting the body only as the kit lens is of mediocre quality. Although I guess for the price it may be a decent starter lens.
Oh and one final thing. The XTi has sort of a small body that some people find uncomfortable. Before buying online I would probably make a trip to Best Buy or Circuit City and hold it in your hand to make sure that's not an issue.
Anyway, the XT was a good camera for the price and the XTi has better specs than it had.
Can check here for the Pros and Cons from the DPReview review:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos400d/page29.asp
They seem to indicate a few possible alternatives. The Nikon D80 and a Pentax thingie. Those weren't out when I did my research so I don't know anything about them. I'm pretty much in the Canon camp now after spending a few dollars on lenses. DPReview is a good source of information as their reviews are usually pretty thorough. So you may want to look through some of those before deciding.
As for the price I'm not sure which combo Newegg has but you may want to consider just getting the body only as the kit lens is of mediocre quality. Although I guess for the price it may be a decent starter lens.
Oh and one final thing. The XTi has sort of a small body that some people find uncomfortable. Before buying online I would probably make a trip to Best Buy or Circuit City and hold it in your hand to make sure that's not an issue.
Have You Hugged An Iksar Today?
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I actually replaced an old Canon EOS 500 non-digital SLR with the Rebel XTi recently and am very happy with it. A few things I would mention though:
- Yes the camera is smaller than many other SLRs. I personally like it since it is easier to carry with me, but I know some people am not happy about it.
- I would highly recommend getting the body only since the lenses they ship with it are usually not that good.
- Might want to check out Dell as well, they have had a few good sales on the XTi lately with coupons you can purchase on Ebay.
Both myself and one of my good friends (who is really into photography) would highlyh recommend the XTi. There are better cameras. There are cheaper cameras. But it is very very good bang for the buck camera.
- Yes the camera is smaller than many other SLRs. I personally like it since it is easier to carry with me, but I know some people am not happy about it.
- I would highly recommend getting the body only since the lenses they ship with it are usually not that good.
- Might want to check out Dell as well, they have had a few good sales on the XTi lately with coupons you can purchase on Ebay.
Both myself and one of my good friends (who is really into photography) would highlyh recommend the XTi. There are better cameras. There are cheaper cameras. But it is very very good bang for the buck camera.
The Newegg combo does include the low-end lens, which I went ahead and picked up for now; I expect I'll want to get a better standard lens and a 75-300 zoom lens later. The USM/IS lenses Canon makes look decent, so I'll be keeping my eyes open for deals through the Egg, Ebay, etc- but for now I've hit my price ceiling.
The combo also includes a bag, tripod, extra battery, cleaning kit, UV filter, and 1GB flash card. I can't wait for it all to get here.
The combo also includes a bag, tripod, extra battery, cleaning kit, UV filter, and 1GB flash card. I can't wait for it all to get here.
Traz Blackwolfe (Retired)
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I could turn you inside out
What I choose not to do
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I could turn you inside out
What I choose not to do
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Arborealus
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Be sure and check out bhphotovideo.com. They tend to have the best prices and also sell reconditioned gear and offer a variety of packages. I'm currently looking to replace my EOS3's and don't want to replace all my lenses and lighting so I'll prolly go with EOS1's.
The Canon EOS/EF system probably has the best selection of lenses and lighting available at a variety of price points from both Canon and other mfgs.
Erp a bit late...but bookmark 'em anyway...
The Canon EOS/EF system probably has the best selection of lenses and lighting available at a variety of price points from both Canon and other mfgs.
Erp a bit late...but bookmark 'em anyway...
Grats on the purchase. Hope you enjoy it! The main benefit of the kit lens is probably for resale value later on if you decide to sell the camera. Some people like buying a camera that includes a lens.
Just a word about the Canon lenses. If you plan on going full frame in the future be wary of the EF-S lenses you purchase as they wont work. At least with current models. I try looking for EF alternatives but that's not always possible. For example wide angle I went with the 10-22mm EFS since there really wasn't a EF equivalent once you add in the 1.6 crop factor.
I second the B&H recommendation. Usually decent prices and lots of selection.
Here's a good link for lens reviews:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Revi ... views.aspx
I think I'd stay away from Canon's 75-300:
Just a word about the Canon lenses. If you plan on going full frame in the future be wary of the EF-S lenses you purchase as they wont work. At least with current models. I try looking for EF alternatives but that's not always possible. For example wide angle I went with the 10-22mm EFS since there really wasn't a EF equivalent once you add in the 1.6 crop factor.
I second the B&H recommendation. Usually decent prices and lots of selection.
Here's a good link for lens reviews:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Revi ... views.aspx
I think I'd stay away from Canon's 75-300:
f you care about great image quality and sharp photos, the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM Lens is not for you. And Photoshop cannot enhance details that are not there.
Have You Hugged An Iksar Today?
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I recently bought the XTi myself. Although I have not had a chance to put it through its paces yet, I did the same sort of thought process about trying to find the right camera to jump into SLR (DPReview). It was a huge upgrade for me, since I was using a 3 MP point-and-click. I still plan on using the P&C for most instances, and bring out the big gun for certain instances. I purchased my camera through Beach Camera. I went with the stock lens, 2 GB memory card, and bag. Although in hindsight, I wish I would have purchased my own bag after determining my needs. The next purchase I have in mind is Adobe Elements 5.0. It's going to be a steep learning curve to figure all of this out, and any literature/software anyone has about the XTi would be appreciated, but I know there is no substitute to getting out there and using it. As for the size of the XTi, I have pretty small hands, so I'm comfortable with it. You can always opt for the larger battery.
On a side note, we went to visit my in-laws for Thanksgiving last year, and my wife's aunt had the XT. It was a gathering of family, but to have that huge camera blazing away at a family gathering was almost too much. I'm a firm believer in the right tool for the right job. To each their own. I was happy just snapping pics with my P&C.
On a side note, we went to visit my in-laws for Thanksgiving last year, and my wife's aunt had the XT. It was a gathering of family, but to have that huge camera blazing away at a family gathering was almost too much. I'm a firm believer in the right tool for the right job. To each their own. I was happy just snapping pics with my P&C.
I guess I'm just a busybody photographer at heart; the P&C cameras don't allow me to fiddle with the picture nearly enough.
Next quarter is my last at UW, and I have 9 unneeded credits to fill out to get my financial aid. I plan to use 5 of those to take a photography class as a refresher, and since I'm a UW student I can get a sweet deal on the Adobe products. I think Creative Studio will be a bit much for me, but it would be nice to have Photoshop CS2.
Next quarter is my last at UW, and I have 9 unneeded credits to fill out to get my financial aid. I plan to use 5 of those to take a photography class as a refresher, and since I'm a UW student I can get a sweet deal on the Adobe products. I think Creative Studio will be a bit much for me, but it would be nice to have Photoshop CS2.
Traz Blackwolfe (Retired)
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I could turn you inside out
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I could turn you inside out
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Arborealus
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Yeah that lens is ass a friend of mine bought it and you cannot get a sharp photo out of it. You can buy the same lense from Tamron for 150ish...it is still a waste of money...but it is a waste of less.Aslanna wrote: I think I'd stay away from Canon's 75-300:f you care about great image quality and sharp photos, the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM Lens is not for you. And Photoshop cannot enhance details that are not there.
Any recommendations then, for a good, reasonably priced telefoto zoom lens that will fit the rebel?
Also, keep in mind there are several iterations of that lens; the one I was looking at was the USM/IS version (not that I know of a difference in picture quality).
Also, keep in mind there are several iterations of that lens; the one I was looking at was the USM/IS version (not that I know of a difference in picture quality).
Traz Blackwolfe (Retired)
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I could turn you inside out
What I choose not to do
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I could turn you inside out
What I choose not to do
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Arborealus
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The Canon 70 - 200 f/4.0 L
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Revi ... eview.aspx
Is a good low priced Zoom Tele.
or the Canon 24 -105 f/4.0 L
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Revi ... eview.aspx
Which at $1100ish is prolly the best built most versatile lens you can get these days.
If you can find a rehabbed Tamron 28 - 105 f/2.8 LD IF jump all over it. When I go somewhere to shoot I always have this on one body. Then swap out specialty lenses for specific shots on another body. If I take one camera this lens is the one. It is a bit heavy but it is yum.
And never discount a big bright 50mm...I love being able to handhold in candlelight.
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Revi ... eview.aspx
Is a good low priced Zoom Tele.
or the Canon 24 -105 f/4.0 L
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Revi ... eview.aspx
Which at $1100ish is prolly the best built most versatile lens you can get these days.
If you can find a rehabbed Tamron 28 - 105 f/2.8 LD IF jump all over it. When I go somewhere to shoot I always have this on one body. Then swap out specialty lenses for specific shots on another body. If I take one camera this lens is the one. It is a bit heavy but it is yum.
And never discount a big bright 50mm...I love being able to handhold in candlelight.
For a 50mm I'd recommend the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM if budget is a concern. A pretty good value in my opinion for $300 or so. I originally had the 1.8 but that was on the camera in regards to the previously mentioned mishap. It was really pretty shoddy construction-wise but it was only $60 or so too. If you have big bucks go for the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L but for me $1600 is a bit much since it's not my profession.
I also have the 70-200 f/4.0L and it is a good lens that I would recommend to others if you don't need image stabilization. I haven't had any problems with it. I am trying to sell it to move up to the 70-200 2.8L IS but no luck so far. Which isn't really a big deal since I use it in the meantime. Canon recently released a version of the 4.0L with IS but I don't know. I think I'd recommend just spending the extra and go for the 2.8L IS. That's what I'd do if I were to do it over again. It's a fairly big jump costwise but I think over the long haul it's the better choice.
Just a word of caution.. Depending on the quality of the tripod that came with the camera the lens that you buy may be too heavy and you'll have some 'drooping' issues. That's happened to me with the 70-200 f/4.0L especially with the lens hood on. In my defense I was pressed for time before a vacation and didn't have time to really research tripods!
I also have the 70-200 f/4.0L and it is a good lens that I would recommend to others if you don't need image stabilization. I haven't had any problems with it. I am trying to sell it to move up to the 70-200 2.8L IS but no luck so far. Which isn't really a big deal since I use it in the meantime. Canon recently released a version of the 4.0L with IS but I don't know. I think I'd recommend just spending the extra and go for the 2.8L IS. That's what I'd do if I were to do it over again. It's a fairly big jump costwise but I think over the long haul it's the better choice.
Just a word of caution.. Depending on the quality of the tripod that came with the camera the lens that you buy may be too heavy and you'll have some 'drooping' issues. That's happened to me with the 70-200 f/4.0L especially with the lens hood on. In my defense I was pressed for time before a vacation and didn't have time to really research tripods!
Have You Hugged An Iksar Today?
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Arborealus
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Definitely get the f/2.8 IS if budget allows...
Speaking of support...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... Navigation
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... Navigation
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... Navigation
I love my Bogen 3021...the Center column is reversible for Low-Angle landscapes or Low to the Ground Macro Work. The column can also convert to an arm to get away from the legs or support off camera flash at odd angles.
A 3D Pan Tilt Head is great tool for portraiture, still life, macro and landscape work.
A 360 Ball head is great for versatility. Make sure you get one with independent releases for pan and tilt. Fluid Dampening is nice and can save gear when you forget to resnug the releases but I've never needed it and it feels sluggish to me.
Be sure and get quick releases cause the neat stuff always seems to happen behind you as soon as you lock into a tripod...
I like the Bogen/Manfrotto RC2 system....
I like to buy heavier than I need just to be sure...
I prefer aluminum over fiber legs...cause I can lug the extra weight and sometimes I need to use the legs to beat my way through a blackberry thicket etc...
I would recommend buying the tripod heads from a local shop if available, so you can play with them a bit and see how they feel to you (knob size, adjustment/release placements etc).
Speaking of support...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... Navigation
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... Navigation
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... Navigation
I love my Bogen 3021...the Center column is reversible for Low-Angle landscapes or Low to the Ground Macro Work. The column can also convert to an arm to get away from the legs or support off camera flash at odd angles.
A 3D Pan Tilt Head is great tool for portraiture, still life, macro and landscape work.
A 360 Ball head is great for versatility. Make sure you get one with independent releases for pan and tilt. Fluid Dampening is nice and can save gear when you forget to resnug the releases but I've never needed it and it feels sluggish to me.
Be sure and get quick releases cause the neat stuff always seems to happen behind you as soon as you lock into a tripod...
I like the Bogen/Manfrotto RC2 system....
I like to buy heavier than I need just to be sure...
I prefer aluminum over fiber legs...cause I can lug the extra weight and sometimes I need to use the legs to beat my way through a blackberry thicket etc...
I would recommend buying the tripod heads from a local shop if available, so you can play with them a bit and see how they feel to you (knob size, adjustment/release placements etc).
I mist have closed the window on my previous reply, because it doesn't seem to have made it in. 
I'm looking at a 50mm fixed lens for sure, probably the EF 50 f/1.8 for the time being, but eventually a nicer one if I can budget it.
I'll also probably get something like the EF 28-135 IS for a standard walking lens and I really do like what I'm seeing about the EF 70-200 f/2.8L or EF 70-200 f/4L for telephoto.
RE: the tripod, I don't expect the freebie I'm getting from Egg will be worth much, but I should at least be able to use it for long exposures with the smaller lenses without too much worry. If I decide I need a good one I'll pick one up down the road.
I'm looking at a 50mm fixed lens for sure, probably the EF 50 f/1.8 for the time being, but eventually a nicer one if I can budget it.
I'll also probably get something like the EF 28-135 IS for a standard walking lens and I really do like what I'm seeing about the EF 70-200 f/2.8L or EF 70-200 f/4L for telephoto.
RE: the tripod, I don't expect the freebie I'm getting from Egg will be worth much, but I should at least be able to use it for long exposures with the smaller lenses without too much worry. If I decide I need a good one I'll pick one up down the road.
Traz Blackwolfe (Retired)
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I could turn you inside out
What I choose not to do
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I could turn you inside out
What I choose not to do
Online Photography Lessons:
http://www.morguefile.com/archive/classroom.php
This site looks like it would be interesting to browse from work for picture taker types!
http://www.morguefile.com/archive/classroom.php
This site looks like it would be interesting to browse from work for picture taker types!
Student discounts. I just got a copy of Adobe Creative Suite 2.3 Premium for $200. I need to remember that when Office Pro and Vista upgrades come available.Camera received today despite UPS' best attempts to interfere. A day late ("THE PACKAGE WAS MISSED AT THE UPS FACILITY", wtf...the package is 3 feet long; how the hell do you "miss" that?) and packed in a torn, leaking accordian instead of a box- hell of a job there Brown.
First notes are that I need a nice indoor/low light prime, as the kit lens doesn't open nearly enough at the aperature for low light shots (f/3.5 @ 18mm, f/5.6 @ 55mm, ick). Hopefully I'll get a chance to take it out for some wildlife/landscape shooting this weekend to see how badly I'm going to want to get that zoom.
PS CS2 rocks my world.
First notes are that I need a nice indoor/low light prime, as the kit lens doesn't open nearly enough at the aperature for low light shots (f/3.5 @ 18mm, f/5.6 @ 55mm, ick). Hopefully I'll get a chance to take it out for some wildlife/landscape shooting this weekend to see how badly I'm going to want to get that zoom.
PS CS2 rocks my world.
Traz Blackwolfe (Retired)
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I could turn you inside out
What I choose not to do
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I could turn you inside out
What I choose not to do
Re: Photographers?
Oh and if you're looking for some good deals on lenses B&H has some nice prices at the moment. Just enter the following codes in the search box:
I wouldn't wait too long though. Thier promo codes don't usually stick around. $1474 for the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS can't be beat. I dont know anything about the Sigma equivalent though as far as quality goes. Nice price though. Also a good price on the 580EX II flash.Canon Lenses
ps1107g0l0g - Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Autofocus Lens - $609.00
ps1107se5k4 - Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Autofocus Lens - $854.00
ps11072dhty - Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens - $1184.00
ps1107wpejx - Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens - $984.00
ps1107gza1t - Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens - $1589.00
ps110768kob - Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Autofocus Lens - $1474.00
ps1107voivm - Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens - $944.95
Sigma/Tokina/Tamron Lenses for Canon DSLRs
ps1107nsnvq - Sigma 10-20mm f/2-5.6 EX DC HSM Autofocus Lens for Canon DSLRs - $459.00
ps1107lwkdw - Sigma 39mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Autofocus Lens for Canon DSLRs - $389.00
ps1107tdywc - Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro Autofocus Lens for Canon DSLRs - $349.00
ps1107bcozs - Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS Lens for Canon DSLRs - $509.00
ps1107pveqv - Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO HSM Autofocus Lens for Canon DSLRs - $789.00
ps1107y45hp - Tokina 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 AT-X 107 DX Autofocus Fisheye Lens for Canon DSLRs - $529.95
ps1107qgwrt - Tokina 50-135mm f/2.8 AT-X 535 PRO DX Autofocus Lens for Canon DSLRs - $669.95
ps1107zz3vs - Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD IF Autofocus Lens for Canon DSLRs - $419.00
ps11076na0r - Tamron 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD IF Autofocus Lens for Canon DSLRs - $469.00
Canon Flash
ps1107etgul - Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash - $329.95
Have You Hugged An Iksar Today?
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Re: Photographers?
jeeze, I feel cheap comparing $300-400.00 cameras after seeing the prices of those lenses!
I'm still holding off on my camera purchase. It bothers me that the Cannon SD950 only does 15fps in its HD video mode. I think I'd be wanting to upgrade again early next year as I'm sure a 30fps 1280x720 digital pocket camera will be released with the next batch. (important to me since I won't be buying a video camera separately)
Still looking! I just don't think I'd be enough of a photo hobbiest to tote around the larger bag with lenses, etc.
I want to see some more pictures from you serious photographers!
I'm still holding off on my camera purchase. It bothers me that the Cannon SD950 only does 15fps in its HD video mode. I think I'd be wanting to upgrade again early next year as I'm sure a 30fps 1280x720 digital pocket camera will be released with the next batch. (important to me since I won't be buying a video camera separately)
Still looking! I just don't think I'd be enough of a photo hobbiest to tote around the larger bag with lenses, etc.
I want to see some more pictures from you serious photographers!
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Re: Photographers?
Picked up that 580EX II myself for my 40D, it's not a huge savings but it's nice enough.
/drool over the 70-200 f/2.8L IS and the 17-55 f/2.8 IS lenses..
With the codes, definitely check B&H. Without them, Amazon is usually less expensive in my window shopping experiences.
/drool over the 70-200 f/2.8L IS and the 17-55 f/2.8 IS lenses..
With the codes, definitely check B&H. Without them, Amazon is usually less expensive in my window shopping experiences.
Re: Photographers?
No need to feel cheap. For some people a point & shoot is good enough. Other would like to further explore the artistic side of photography so they want something a little more capable.Winnow wrote:jeeze, I feel cheap comparing $300-400.00 cameras after seeing the prices of those lenses!
Still looking! I just don't think I'd be enough of a photo hobbiest to tote around the larger bag with lenses, etc.
I want to see some more pictures from you serious photographers!
Also, most of the Canon lenses listed are the L vairety. Which is Canon's top of the line model which has high optical quality and (usually) a nice large aperture. Good glass costs money. If you think those are expensive look at the 400mm, 500mm, or 600mm variety
Have You Hugged An Iksar Today?
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Re: Photographers?
I'm a hobbyist photograher. I shoot with a Canon Rebel (XTI). Nothing too fancy. Once I learn how to take better pictures, I'll upgrade the glass. Here are some of my pics...Winnow wrote:I want to see some more pictures from you serious photographers!
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Re: Photographers?
Xyphir wrote:I'm a hobbyist photograher. I shoot with a Canon Rebel (XTI). Nothing too fancy. Once I learn how to take better pictures, I'll upgrade the glass. Here are some of my pics...Winnow wrote:I want to see some more pictures from you serious photographers!
Nice pics : )
DId you take the lake photo with a fish-eye lens? The water has a curved look to it.
At what resolution was the picture taken originally?
Re: Photographers?
No fisheye. I used the stock lens and (surprisingly) without a filter and it came out looking like that. It was the middle of the day and I was worried that the picture was going to be blown out, but it came out looking like a postcard. The camera is 10 Megapixel, and the size is about 3 MB. I don't know the other spec. I pulled the pic off of Kodak EasyShare, so the resolution is not true quality. It looks curved because the lake is in a dormant volcano; Crater Lake, OR.
Re: Photographers?
The stock lens on the XTi is 18mm at the wide end, and has a nontrivial amount of barrel distortion (the effect that is greatly increased to give a fisheye lens it's look), which is what you're seeing there. The geography plays into the effect as well.
Sadly, since graduating and getting a new job I haven't had any time to work on my photography. I hope to get back out and take some more pictures when I find a job that doesn't eat up 50-60 hours a week.
Sadly, since graduating and getting a new job I haven't had any time to work on my photography.
I hope to get back out and take some more pictures when I find a job that doesn't eat up 50-60 hours a week.