Canon 550D (Rebel T2i, Kiss X4)

[carpedm]

Thanks to all of you for your advice and suggestions. I am very excited to get started. My new toy is scheduled to be here tomorrow. Of course, I have to work, but I will be off for a long weekend this week so it should give me ample opportunities to get out and start learning. And, all the spring flowers are in full bloom here, so needless to say, I am looking forward to it!

JPG- I'd love to hear your thoughts on the camera after you have some time to use it. I'm thinking of getting the same model and am interested in any feedback.

Thanks!

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Can you IMAGINE what the circular polarizer would cost for that big lens????

$169.95, if you buy the Canon. The big lenses use "drop-in" filters. Instead of screwing on the front, these filters go into a slot in the lens near the back. I bought one last month for my 300mm lens. The drop-in polarizer is really convenient. I wish more of my lenses used this design.

Because they all share the same drop-in size, I'll already have a polarizer when I get my 1200mm lens.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Just needed to share.

Purchased our new Canon Rebel T2i (550D) today with the 18 - 55 lens. Just finished unwrapping the camera and the battery is charging at time of post. Will be playing with it tomorrow.

Thanks for all your helpful hints on this subforum - particularly on how to spend $$$$$.
MarkB, if you are reading this...that thread on what settings to set the new camera on will be one that I will be pouring over tomorrow (in conjunction with the user manual).

 

[PrincessInOz]

I've been investigating wireless remote release devises for the Canon 550D camera; plus tripods. I'm hoping to take fireworks shots at WDW.

I was wondering if you could share what makes and models you're currently using?
I've been looking at a Velbon tripod and Gorillapod; and a Phottix remote.
Can you tell me what a good price in the US is for remote?
Thanks in advance.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Okay...maybe if I say that the Canon 550D is the Canon T2i; I wonder if there is anyone on this board who could help with this question?

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Since I'm not a Canon shooter, I'm out of my element for the remote. On a tripod, if you are looking for a travel tripod, I would recommend the Cullmann Magic 2. Its not an everyday heavy duty tripod, but for travel its hard to beat. It folds flat to roughly 13" x 5" and weighs about 2 1/2 lbs. Great for a suitcase. Its considered a full height tripod and does extend to about 57". Below is the website info from B & H.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/14703-REG/Cullmann_CU_2722_Magic_2_Tripod.html

 

[boBQuincy]

Canon's RC-1 works very well and is inexpensive. I have a Velbon Maxi 347 that works ok with a Rebel equipped with a not-too-long lens.

 

[Cinbride]

Video is not my concern. Looking for the best camera quality.(bursts and low light ) It is taking everything I can to talk my dh into me getting one. (and that's the t1i) Also, what lens would be a great main lens.(if I found a pkg deal or bought the body and found another lens) Shots of kids and some landscape, low light. I currently have an sx10is (I'm so tired of missing shots because I have to sit there with my finger holding down the shutter and wait for it to click), then the time for it to recycle. I also use the zoom on that frequently on my 10is. And who have you seen with the best price? thanks

 

[ukcatfan]

Are you aware that the standard zoom lens on a DSLR is around 3-4x when thinking in zoom terms? You either need to get a second lens or a lens that covers a large range. With a two lens package, you can probably get the extra lens for $100-150 more. For one lens that covers a large range, it will probably add $300+. If cost is an issue, I do not believe that the T2i is really that much better. You seem set on Canon, so I will save my Pentax sales pitch.

 

[photo_chick]

Be realistic about lens prices going into this and be upfront with your DH about the extra costs of lenses you may want. Many spouses don't get that it's not just a camera, a DSLR is a system.

For low light you're probably going to have to invest in a faster lens than the 18-55 kit. The kit is great for general everyday stuff and an excellent first lens, but it's not going to do much better than your sx10 in low light. There are a lot of choices there. For zoom... your sx10 goes to the 35mm equivalent of 560mm. The aperture is f/2.8-5.7... you won't find an entry level DSLR lens that will give you that. Where you will gain with the T1i or T2i is in the ISO department but you will not be able to get the reach you have on your current camera without a serious investment.

The popular combination to start with right now is the 18-55 kit lens and the 55-250. Both have IS. Both are solid entry level lenses. Add a 50mm f/1.8 for low light and you've got a really good setup to start with.

IMO, the improvements on the T2i make it worth the money over the T1i.

 

[Luv2Scrap]

Be realistic about lens prices going into this and be upfront with your DH about the extra costs of lenses you may want. Many spouses don't get that it's not just a camera, a DSLR is a system.

For low light you're probably going to have to invest in a faster lens than the 18-55 kit. The kit is great for general everyday stuff and an excellent first lens, but it's not going to do much better than your sx10 in low light. There are a lot of choices there. For zoom... your sx10 goes to the 35mm equivalent of 560mm. The aperture is f/2.8-5.7... you won't find an entry level DSLR lens that will give you that. Where you will gain with the T1i or T2i is in the ISO department but you will not be able to get the reach you have on your current camera without a serious investment.

The popular combination to start with right now is the 18-55 kit lens and the 55-250. Both have IS. Both are solid entry level lenses. Add a 50mm f/1.8 for low light and you've got a really good setup to start with.

IMO, the improvements on the T2i make it worth the money over the T1i.

I agree, I bought the T1i on clearance at Sam's Club a couple weeks ago, but after doing more research, I decided the improvements on the T2i were enough to make me return the T1i and order the T2i (which I will be picking up tomorrow! )

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

Every review I've read indicates that the T2i is very much superior to the T1i; and well worth the extra $100 or so.

The specs of the T2i are more in line with the recently-released "prosumer" 7D than with the rest of the entry-level Rebel family (T1i, included!). The T2i is better at ISO6400 than my beloved Canon S3 is at 800! W00T!

The biggest problem, now, seems to be actually *getting* one!! My DW bought me one as a Fathers Day/Birthday/Christmas present, and it's *still* on backorder from HHGregg!

Mine is going to come with the kit lens and the 75-300. I've read some bad reviews of this lens, but I don't plan to use it in low-light conditions or for kids' sports, mostly day-time nature photography like birds and animals. I've seen some very nice pictures taken with it on flickr ... it's a 480mm zoom on the T2i and that's a lot of zoom for the money.

I also plan to get the "nifty-fifty" 50mm 1.8 before our 2nd Honeymoon trip to Maui, in October!!

 

[mojo55000]

I just picked up a t1i and starting to learn how to use it. I'm excited to see people talking about photography.

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

UPDATE!!!

My T2i just came in, last night! W00T!!

I've only been playing around with the kit lens and a couple of shots with the 70-300 and WOW!!! am I impressed!

Indoor shots with the ISO at 3200 are incredibly clear!

 

[bob100]

UPDATE!!!
My T2i just came in, last night! W00T!!
I've only been playing around with the kit lens and a couple of shots with the 70-300 and WOW!!! am I impressed!

Indoor shots with the ISO at 3200 are incredibly clear!

you are going to have fun with Canon's latest !

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

Here's one of the first 'cool' pictures I've taken with my brand new T2i ... I was taking a lunch-time nature walk and noticed this little floating thistle seed caught atop the larger Queen Anne's Lace flower:

The detail on this at 100% is astonishing!!

 

[MichelleB]

I am wanting to get my first DSLR camera and am looking into the canon rebels because I met someone that had one and they loved it. Can someone tell me the pros/cons to these 3 cameras? My main complaint with my camera now is the length it takes to shoot multiple pictures and I have to admit that I NEED image stabilization (I get MANY blurry pictures). I think I'd like to have video capability also as I do currently take video with my camera. How important is video capability to most? Being a complete novice, would I truly notice the difference between the t1i and t2i? I am currently using a kodak easyshare DX6490 - talk about a dinosaur! I can't help but think that any of these will be a vast improvement over what I've got. I would also like to be able to take low light and night shots....are these all 3 good for that? I am going to try to find a photography class in my area to help me understand more of what I can do once I get the camera but am starting at basics. Any help you can give would be much appreciated.

Oh, 1 more question....when we go to WDW I always carry my current camera in my tote bag - even on rides. Are these safe to take on the rides?

Thanks!

 

[ukcatfan]

I am wanting to get my first DSLR camera and am looking into the canon rebels because I met someone that had one and they loved it.

I am not just saying this as an owner of a different brand, but that really should not be all you base such a huge decision on. You should take a step back and research all the available brands. There are many nice cameras available right now. The thing you need to figure out is which one is right for you. Things you should consider are your budget, the availability of lenses and accessories you might want, if you ever plan on being a professional, the "feel" of the camera, etc.

If (and only if!) you go with one of the three you listed, I say go for the T1i. Many disagree with me, but I just do not see the T2i as being enough better than the T1i for the price. I personally see both as overpriced. The XSi is getting dated and not much of a bargain over the T1i.

I think the Pentax K-x is really the best deal around right now! It is a whole lot of camera for a pretty low price. I went into detail on the thread I linked below.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2496666

Whatever you decide, I am sure that you are going to love it. The move to a DSLR is a huge step in image quality and control.

 

[ukcatfan]

Oh, 1 more question....when we go to WDW I always carry my current camera in my tote bag - even on rides. Are these safe to take on the rides?

Thanks!

I keep my camera out for all rides except water rides, SM, MS, and RRC. The water rides is to keep it from being damaged. SM and RRC because there is not much of a chance of getting any shots. MS is because it is a video screen and pointless.

 

[photo_chick]

Image stabilization doesn't necessarily fix blurry pictures. What it does is help slightly with camera shake.

My advice is not to buy a camera because someone else loves it. Now, if you used it and fell in love with it that's different. If not, list out the features that you want. Decide on your budget. Pick one camera from each line that fits in your budget. Go hold them. Buy the one that feels right in your hands.

The T2i is worth the extra money to me. But that's me. Would you notice a difference? I don't know. It really depends on what features you're looking for, your expectations and your level of experience.