Canon 400D (Rebel Xti, Kiss X)

[donaldduck1967]

Very nice shots. I really like the fireworks shots.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Yes I used a lightweight tripod and a cheap remote from ebay.


For those who wanted to see more there are 700+ on my flicker account here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/emnmandasmom/sets/72157601842603274/


there are a lot more fireworks / low light on there to view if interested.

Thanks everyone for the kind comments, it means a lot!

Great photos! They really are very nice!!!
Would you mind if I asked what kind of lightweight tripod you used? Specifically what brand and model?
Thanks!

 

[iluvdisnee]

Its a Samsonite and I got it at Circuit City...20.00 or something like that. I just found a nylon strap from one of my bags and clipped it on and carried it over my shoulder for those couple times I knew I wanted to use the tripod. It only weighs 2 lbs or something like that. It works fine for temporary use. Someday I'd like to get a really nice one when I get my studio set up.


http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Samsonite-Tripod-2601/sem/rpsm/oid/117233/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

 

[WDWFUN]

I've finally made my decision on my next camera!
The Canon 400D XTi..I've only read very good reviews and have seen the wonderful pictures some of you who own it, have taken.

Now, my question is, what type of lens do you use. I love to take pics at night and this is where I need the most advice in using this camera.
I will be heading to Disney for Christmas and want to take lots of pics of the castle at night.

Tell me all you know!...thanks

 

[Snurk71]

As a 1 year owner of a DSLR (XT), I started with one all around lens (Sigma 18-125). I probably would have been fine with the kit lens for starters since 90% of my pictures were between 18-55mm and didn't use the extended reach that much.

Since then I've gotten a little smarter about using a DSLR and how to get better pictures. So in my effort to get better low light pictures I've added the 50mm 1.8 ($80 - $100), and most recently the 85mm 1.8 ($230??). Not sure what might be next on my list - maybe the 70-200mm 2.8 for some better range (the cheaper version without IS - $450ish).

 

[boBQuincy]

Get the kit lens (18-55), nothing is as good or as versatile for the price. Next, get the 50mm f/1.8, nothing else is as good for low light for the price. Next, get a tripod, even with the f/1.8 you will need one for night photos of the castle. Also, spring for the remote shutter release.

A mini-tripod perched on a convenient trashcan works well and is easy to carry around. The GorillaPod also works well (get the SLR or SLR-zoom one).

 

[jann1033]

i usually use the canon 28-135 as a general walk around lens and this copy is good in general but it is not good for low light..i agree with the others,i'd get the kit lens( you might be able to pick one up used on ebay, i got a like new one for $60 there) and then add the 50 f1.8 for low light till you see what you like to shoot. no matter what lens you get, the 50 will give you low light capability for a great price so i'd get that for sure.

 

[Disneyluvr81]

I bought my DFi a Canon Rebel Xti for his Christmas present from Best Buy over Labor Day weekend and had shipped to my house. When it came, the box it was shipped in was dinged up a little bit.

The box for the camera though was untouched, but I was still super paranoid so I took everything out and everything looked fine. When I picked up the body of the camera, however, there was a little rattle coming from the top of the camera around the flash area. That freaked me out so I charged up the battery and played with the camera last night and everything appears to be working just fine. I have absolutely no knowledge of SLR cameras so if something was just a little bit out of place, I wouldn't catch it.

My question is - is that rattle normal or should I be concerned with it and take it back to Best Buy and have the camera exchanged? Since I am giving it to him for Christmas I don't want to wait until he has a chance to really play with it to find out something is wrong as I think their return policy for these type of cameras is 30 days.

Thank you so much for any help in advance!! I hope I am just being paranoid and the rattle is normal!

 

[Anewman]

Sounds normal.

The camera contains an "orientation" sensor which detects when you are shooting vertically(or not) and rotates the image automatically so it appears right side up on your LCD and computer(once downloaded).

I am 99% sure that the noise you hear is the sensor moving around.

 

[jann1033]

my xt sounds kind of like a bb pellet rolling around if that helps...and it's fine

 

[Disneyluvr81]

Thank you so much for your replies!!! It almost does sound like a little BB pellet now that I think about it. Glad to know it is nothing to worry about!!

 

[shancan911]

I first heard this noise yesterday(just after I broke my lens ). We popped the flash up, and it still made the noise. When i held the hinges, or whatever you would call them, the noise stopped. So, that's probably all yours is, too. Hope so!!!
BTW, SUPER gift

 

[eeyore3847]

mine has that rattle too, I am sure it is fine I have had my camera for over a year and love it!!!!!!!!!!

Lori

 

[DVC Jen]

Just shook mine as well - it rattles - same place as the one you have does.

 

[Gdad]

Thanks a lot- I had to go and shake my Nikon- and yes- it rattles.

 

[Disneyluvr81]

Thank you to everyone for your replies!! I am so glad rattles are normal!!

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

After reading these posts, I had to check our XTi and yes it rattles too - something I never noticed before. At least we know it's normal.

 

[SWDopey]

It also could be the orientation sensor, which shifts depending on which way round the camera is held, and which you'll therefore hear rattling if you shake it.

 

[lovetheprincesses]

Me again........question for the experts on this board.....

I am taking DD to see Hannah Montana in concert. We will be in the FedEx Forum in Memphis in section 107 about midway........I am pretty certain I will be able to take my camera. Which lens would give me the best photos? Is there one of the lower end lens which would offer any usuable photos? I just want to be able to take a few photos for the scrapbook, not oscar worthy! I would really appreciate your suggestions. The only lens I have is the kit lens. I had planned on (from your suggestions) buying the nifty fifty and also possibly the 28-135. Would either of these help with the concert? TIA!

 

[Master Mason]

That's a tough question to answer without knowing what the lighting will be like. However, in general, I think it is going to be hard to get much without a fast lens. The 50 is fast, but not very long for this situation, so you might get something pretty decent if you crop it, but you probably won't be able to get much more than a 4x6 after you have cropped it that much.