Canon Rebel XT ?

[romymichelle21]

Hello all!

Ok, a few questions! Currently, I do not have a camera I'd actually been stuck with a wimpy 2mp Canon for the last few years, and finally it died on me. So, broke as I am right now, I'm starting research for my next dream camera!

If you don't have, or know of this camera offhand, it's this one.

Does anyone here have this camera? What do you think of it? Or, do you know of something in a comparable price range to this one that you would recommend instead? I'm relatively new to camera technology, but not new to taking pictures! I'm one of those people who never puts her camera down at the parks (Drives DB nuts sometimes - but oh well!).

Primarily, as far as locations, I'd use this mostly at home or Disneyland. Lately it's been unbearable being at the park and not able to take pictures! DB and I have been using his iPhone camera, but... eh... it's just not the same

I noticed this camera has the option of coming with a lens, or just by itself. One of the reviews states that they recommend buying it alone - and purchasing your own (better) lens. What do you guys think? Also, what kind of lens would you recommend for a beginner, if I only purchased one? I'd like as much clarity and zoom as possible - hairs on the back of a bee if you know what I mean - but of course everyone wants that, I'm not sure if there's a lens that "does it all!".

And flash? Is flash just flash, or are there 'better' ones? I know prices can vary by brand, but I wouldn't know if something was more expensive because it was made by a more famous company - or because it's actually of higher quality.

I know as well as lenses and flash, you also need a tripod, bag, extra batteries, memory cards, neck straps, etc. Is there anything I'm missing?

Another thing - do specialty camera shops have better prices than big-name stores like Circuit City and Best Buy, or higher prices because they are in fact a specialty store, with a higher knowledge base?

Lastly - PLEASE - if you have any Disney photos with this camera, post them here! I'd love to see what kind of photos this thing can take! (I've already seen the entire customer gallery on Amazon).

Sorry for all the questions!! I'm a curious little bugger

 

[romymichelle21]

Hello all!

Ok, a few questions! Currently, I do not have a camera I'd actually been stuck with a wimpy 2mp Canon for the last few years, and finally it died on me. So, broke as I am right now, I'm starting research for my next dream camera!

If you don't have, or know of this camera offhand, it's this one.

Does anyone here have this camera? What do you think of it? Or, do you know of something in a comparable price range to this one that you would recommend instead? I'm relatively new to camera technology, but not new to taking pictures! I'm one of those people who never puts her camera down at the parks (Drives DB nuts sometimes - but oh well!).

Primarily, as far as locations, I'd use this mostly at home or Disneyland. Lately it's been unbearable being at the park and not able to take pictures! DB and I have been using his iPhone camera, but... eh... it's just not the same

I noticed this camera has the option of coming with a lens, or just by itself. One of the reviews states that they recommend buying it alone - and purchasing your own (better) lens. What do you guys think? Also, what kind of lens would you recommend for a beginner, if I only purchased one? I'd like as much clarity and zoom as possible - hairs on the back of a bee if you know what I mean - but of course everyone wants that, I'm not sure if there's a lens that "does it all!".

And flash? Is flash just flash, or are there 'better' ones? I know prices can vary by brand, but I wouldn't know if something was more expensive because it was made by a more famous company - or because it's actually of higher quality.

I know as well as lenses and flash, you also need a tripod, bag, extra batteries, memory cards, neck straps, etc. Is there anything I'm missing?

Another thing - do specialty camera shops have better prices than big-name stores like Circuit City and Best Buy, or higher prices because they are in fact a specialty store, with a higher knowledge base?

Lastly - PLEASE - if you have any Disney photos with this camera, post them here! I'd love to see what kind of photos this thing can take! (I've already seen the entire customer gallery on Amazon).

Sorry for all the questions!! I'm a curious little bugger

 

[michygoomy]

Yep, I have it, and it is my dream camera!

I'm no pro, and pros might give you better/different advise, but I'm just a gal who likes to take a lot of pics and I love this camera and dreamed about it for years before I got it. I had (well, still have) a Rebel film camera for years and loved that, too, before I jumped to fully digital.

I got the kit lens. Nothing wrong with it, and it's good for just all pupose snaps. Later I got the 50mm prime lens which is super-sharp, but not great for just general use because you can't zoom. For Christmas I got the Sigma 70-300mm macro/telephoto lens which is great for zooming in or seeing those bee hairs you speak of. I'm sure there are much better lenses for telephoto, and for macro, but for the price for an amature, this is a great lens!

I also bought a Speedlight external flash for mine. I just like an external flash best and I have really bad light conditions in my house, where I really end up taking the majority of my pictures.

And you want pictures? Glad to oblige! Remember, I'm just an amature, no fancy footwork was done to get these shots. (One warning: I seem to lose some resolution with photobucket).

From 2006 (all with just the kit lens):

2007 (most kit lens, some 50mm):

(just the integral flash here

with the 50mm:

I haven't used the flash or the telephoto lens at WDW, but if you want to see pics from them, too, just let me know.

 

[romymichelle21]

Hello all!

Ok, a few questions! Currently, I do not have a camera I'd actually been stuck with a wimpy 2mp Canon for the last few years, and finally it died on me. So, broke as I am right now, I'm starting research for my next dream camera!

If you don't have, or know of this camera offhand, it's this one.

Does anyone here have this camera? What do you think of it? Or, do you know of something in a comparable price range to this one that you would recommend instead? I'm relatively new to camera technology, but not new to taking pictures! I'm one of those people who never puts her camera down at the parks (Drives DB nuts sometimes - but oh well!).

Primarily, as far as locations, I'd use this mostly at home or Disneyland. Lately it's been unbearable being at the park and not able to take pictures! DB and I have been using his iPhone camera, but... eh... it's just not the same

I noticed this camera has the option of coming with a lens, or just by itself. One of the reviews states that they recommend buying it alone - and purchasing your own (better) lens. What do you guys think? Also, what kind of lens would you recommend for a beginner, if I only purchased one? I'd like as much clarity and zoom as possible - hairs on the back of a bee if you know what I mean - but of course everyone wants that, I'm not sure if there's a lens that "does it all!".

And flash? Is flash just flash, or are there 'better' ones? I know prices can vary by brand, but I wouldn't know if something was more expensive because it was made by a more famous company - or because it's actually of higher quality.

I know as well as lenses and flash, you also need a tripod, bag, extra batteries, memory cards, neck straps, etc. Is there anything I'm missing?

Another thing - do specialty camera shops have better prices than big-name stores like Circuit City and Best Buy, or higher prices because they are in fact a specialty store, with a higher knowledge base?

Lastly - PLEASE - if you have any Disney photos with this camera, post them here! I'd love to see what kind of photos this thing can take! (I've already seen the entire customer gallery on Amazon).

Sorry for all the questions!! I'm a curious little bugger

 

[ukcatfan]

Wow, many questions there. Let me ask you a few before answering some of yours. You say that you are broke, so when will you actually be making the purchase? Also, how much do you plan on spending when you do? Lastly, how much of a commitment (i.e. $$$) do you have towards buying new stuff in the future like lenses, filters, etc.? The reason I ask is because the XT is not likely going to be available much longer, so you might not even be able to consider it if you are not acting fast. It has been out of production for over a year from what I have seen. There was just a large stock to go through. We need to know how much you are going to spend to tell you if you should try to go with an upgraded lens right away. As for future commitments, Canon is near the top concerning the cost of upgrading, so that could come in to play if you are not going to have many funds available.

Concerning quality, basically every DSLR is going to be good. It should come down to other factors for your decision like the feel in your hands, the right lenses available, the right price, etc.

With a DSLR, you need to get out of the "zoom" thinking. There are lenses that cover a long focal length range, but those almost always sacrifice image quality. You are better off getting multiple lenses that cover the range. If you want the best image quality, then you need to go with prime lenses (no zoom). They are fixed to a certain focal length, but are usually sharper and useful in low light. As for what you go with at first, that has everything to do with your budget, so we really cannot answer.

The basic lens that comes with the Canon is not very highly thought of. It is alright in terms of image quality, but the build quality is below par. It has a plastic mount, the front element rotates, it wobbles, etc. They offer a new upgraded IS version of the kit, but it costs a little more and has the same build quality. It does have better image quality though.

The best prices are going to be from Buydig, Beach Camera, Adorama, and B&H.

You also might want to consider other brands.

Kevin

 

[ukcatfan]

Wow, many questions there. Let me ask you a few before answering some of yours. You say that you are broke, so when will you actually be making the purchase? Also, how much do you plan on spending when you do? Lastly, how much of a commitment (i.e. $$$) do you have towards buying new stuff in the future like lenses, filters, etc.? The reason I ask is because the XT is not likely going to be available much longer, so you might not even be able to consider it if you are not acting fast. It has been out of production for over a year from what I have seen. There was just a large stock to go through. We need to know how much you are going to spend to tell you if you should try to go with an upgraded lens right away. As for future commitments, Canon is near the top concerning the cost of upgrading, so that could come in to play if you are not going to have many funds available.

Concerning quality, basically every DSLR is going to be good. It should come down to other factors for your decision like the feel in your hands, the right lenses available, the right price, etc.

With a DSLR, you need to get out of the "zoom" thinking. There are lenses that cover a long focal length range, but those almost always sacrifice image quality. You are better off getting multiple lenses that cover the range. If you want the best image quality, then you need to go with prime lenses (no zoom). They are fixed to a certain focal length, but are usually sharper and useful in low light. As for what you go with at first, that has everything to do with your budget, so we really cannot answer.

The basic lens that comes with the Canon is not very highly thought of. It is alright in terms of image quality, but the build quality is below par. It has a plastic mount, the front element rotates, it wobbles, etc. They offer a new upgraded IS version of the kit, but it costs a little more and has the same build quality. It does have better image quality though.

The best prices are going to be from Buydig, Beach Camera, Adorama, and B&H.

You also might want to consider other brands.

Kevin

 

[ukcatfan]

The boards are acting crazy tonight. There are three threads for this now. Since someone else posted to this one, I am also going to post mine to it.

 

[ukcatfan]

Wow, many questions there. Let me ask you a few before answering some of yours. You say that you are broke, so when will you actually be making the purchase? Also, how much do you plan on spending when you do? Lastly, how much of a commitment (i.e. $$$) do you have towards buying new stuff in the future like lenses, filters, etc.? The reason I ask is because the XT is not likely going to be available much longer, so you might not even be able to consider it if you are not acting fast. It has been out of production for over a year from what I have seen. There was just a large stock to go through. We need to know how much you are going to spend to tell you if you should try to go with an upgraded lens right away. As for future commitments, Canon is near the top concerning the cost of upgrading, so that could come in to play if you are not going to have many funds available.

Concerning quality, basically every DSLR is going to be good. It should come down to other factors for your decision like the feel in your hands, the right lenses available, the right price, etc.

With a DSLR, you need to get out of the "zoom" thinking. There are lenses that cover a long focal length range, but those almost always sacrifice image quality. You are better off getting multiple lenses that cover the range. If you want the best image quality, then you need to go with prime lenses (no zoom). They are fixed to a certain focal length, but are usually sharper and useful in low light. As for what you go with at first, that has everything to do with your budget, so we really cannot answer.

The basic lens that comes with the Canon is not very highly thought of. It is alright in terms of image quality, but the build quality is below par. It has a plastic mount, the front element rotates, it wobbles, etc. They offer a new upgraded IS version of the kit, but it costs a little more and has the same build quality. It does have better image quality though.

The best prices are going to be from Buydig, Beach Camera, Adorama, and B&H.

You also might want to consider other brands.

Kevin

 

[romymichelle21]

Well, I think the price range best suited for me would be up to $600, but that's not to say I wouldn't consider something around $700 as well. As soon as I have a steady income is when I'd consider the purchase. Hopefully any time now!

As for the 'zoom', I wasn't quite sure how it works (with lenses vs. standard zoom on regular digital cameras), but your explanation makes sense.

With components - lenses, filters, flash, etc - I'm always willing to pay more for a better product, depending on prices and the difference of quality between them. I'd always prefer fewer pieces that are higher quality, than several that are just so-so quality.

And yes - I forgot to mention - I'd really, really like something that does awesome in low light/nighttime! I know you mentioned that with the prime lenses. I love taking pictures of fireworks and things that are lit up at night . (I know this is where tripods are important as well, a camera can only do so much when your hand is shaking!).

I'd consider other brands - it seems that people get attached to brands they've used and liked - so I immediately looked into Canon, but I'm happy to take other recommendations!

 

[ukcatfan]

Well, I think the price range best suited for me would be up to $600, but that's not to say I wouldn't consider something around $700 as well. As soon as I have a steady income is when I'd consider the purchase. Hopefully any time now!

As for the 'zoom', I wasn't quite sure how it works (with lenses vs. standard zoom on regular digital cameras), but your explanation makes sense.

With components - lenses, filters, flash, etc - I'm always willing to pay more for a better product, depending on prices and the difference of quality between them. I'd always prefer fewer pieces that are higher quality, than several that are just so-so quality.

And yes - I forgot to mention - I'd really, really like something that does awesome in low light/nighttime! I know you mentioned that with the prime lenses. I love taking pictures of fireworks and things that are lit up at night . (I know this is where tripods are important as well, a camera can only do so much when your hand is shaking!).

I'd consider other brands - it seems that people get attached to brands they've used and liked - so I immediately looked into Canon, but I'm happy to take other recommendations!

Whatever brand you go with, for your budget you should go with the kit lens IMO. An upgraded lens from the kit could easily cost you $400 alone. Kit lenses are great for what they are made to do. They are starter lenses. I am still using my kit as my main lens. I have a Pentax. They have to compete for business a little more than Canon, so their kit is a little higher quality. For example, it has a metal mount, a non-rotating front element, included hood, is more solid, etc. As for the optics, it is probably only a little bit better than the Canon kit. The kit lenses from Sony and Olympus are also supposed to be of higher quality than the Canon and Nikon ones.

If you are interested in low light, then primes are going to be needed. Unless you are willing to go with a used Nikon D50, you might be able to rule them out based on that. Their current entry level model is the D40 and it will not auto focus many of the prime lenses, including their cheap and popular 50mm f/1.8. I believe the Olympus offering of primes is very expensive, so you might need to consider that. I do not believe that Sony has an affordable prime either, but used Minolta primes would be an option. I have the Pentax 50mm f/1.4 and it has been great for me. It runs around $175-200.

I do not have any knowledge of flashes that can help you, but compare the options to see what you would want.

Kevin

 

[jann1033]

i have an xt, originally got it because it fit my old eos lenses from my film rebel. if you have had canons, the basic dial will probably be similar.
it's a good camera for a starter dslr , consistently has good reviews for good picture quality. there are also some pentax sony and olympus with inbody image stabilization, which might be a good thing depending on who you talk to( like everything else ) but i don't really think you could go wrong with any of them so probably go see them and see which you think feels the best to you. the xti and xt bodies are i think identical incase you can't find an xt in a store.

as far as canon lenses go, you might be able to save a few $$ and pick up a kit lens on ebay( i did for $60 a while back) other lenses you might want to consider would be 50mm f1.8 ( only about $80 new) and i have a 28-135 IS that i use as a walk around( some copies stink some are great) which you can find all over used for in the $300+ area...as far as sharp enough to see a bug's hair you might need to spend a little more for that with a zoom there is a canon macro that is in the $350 ish range and 70-200L f4 is about $600 and sharp as a tack ( at least mine is) check out www.fredmiranda.com for lens reviews
i haven't gone to disney with my xt but these are from my last vacation

and not a bug's hair but giraffe eyelash

above with 70-200 f4 lens
28-135 below

sort of close up through water

 

[boBQuincy]

DW has a Rebel XT and loves it. We bought the "kit" lens, you can't go wrong for the $$, but mostly use a Canon 24-85 which has better image quality.

We usually buy from B&H because they have *everything* and are good to deal with. Be wary of the sales droids at the "big box" stores, most of them are nice and sincere but totally clueless when it comes to good cameras.

 

[Maude4Disney]

I do alot of lurking on this board and am soooo impressed with the wealth of information and the wonderful pictures. Anyway, DH has given me the go ahead to upgrade to a DSLR. I've been trying to do alot of reading and have been torturing myself holding lots of cameras and having to walk out of the store without. I think I have decided upon the Rebel, but am wondering if the difference in the XT and XTi is that much different to warrant the extra $$ for the XTi (although when spending that much what's another $$) Am I incorrect that the basic differences are the mp and the size of the viewing screen? I am leaning towards the XT kit as I can get one from B&H for $399, whereas the XTi kit is $599. I could put the extra $200 towards another lens. I plan on using this camera for several things... Disney trips, kids baseball, soccer and marching band, as well as DH has asked me to be the team photographer for the JV football team he coaches. I will also be using it for DS's band concerts (terrible lighting). I take lots of pictures of things outside and of course family events. I just want to be sure I'm getting the right camera. And yes, price is an issue, especially since I am very much the amateur, but I love it when you can get a great shot! And one last question (for now anyway) Is B&H a good, reputable place to place my order? Any problems that anyone has had?? Thanks!!

 

[pjacobi]

The XT will likely not be sold after May when the Xsi follow-on the to XTi becomes available. That's why it's so cheap.

Many people will recomend B&H. I've used them serveral times with execellent service. Be sure to check out coupon codes at:

http://www.supercoupon.com/Coupons/Electronics/B&H_Coupon_for_Canon/

I noticed that $399.00 is the USED price.

The regular price is $469.95, or $454.95 with coupon code.


-Paul

 

[mabas9395]

B&H is a very good place, I buy from them all the time.

Here are some of the differences listed between the XT and XTi:

*10 megapixel CMOS sensor
*Separate low pass filter with ultra-sonic vibration to remove dust
*Anti-static coatings on sensor surface, software based dust mapping/removal
*Nine area Auto Focus sensor (same as EOS 30D)
*Picture Styles, larger range of image parameter adjustment (same as 30D)
*Faster image processing
*Removal of control panel LCD display, now uses main LCD monitor
*Proximity sensor below viewfinder eyepiece to disable main LCD during composition
*Camera settings made on main LCD (such as metering, white balance, ISO, AF area etc.)
*Setting adjustment saved with half-press of shutter release
*Continuous shooting buffer up to 27 JPEG and 10 RAW images
*Large 2.5" LCD monitor with 160° viewing angle
*Image magnification available in record review
*Histogram available as brightness (Luminance) or RGB (Red, Green, Blue)

If you can get a good deal on an XT, I'm not sure that you will really miss the above differences. I have an XT and love it (but I can't wait to upgrade to the 40D).

You might be better off spending that extra $150-$200 on other things like a bag, extra batteries and memory cards, the 50mm f/1.8 lens, the book Understanding Exposure, etc.

 

[MassJester]

If you can get a good deal on an XT, I'm not sure that you will really miss the above differences. I have an XT and love it (but I can't wait to upgrade to the 40D).

I caught that you are going to the 40D, and I was curious what features push you in that direction. Just curious.

 

[Maude4Disney]

Thanks for the input. Still not sure what I'm going to do.

 

[MontanaZoo]

I have the xTi (had the same decision to make) and I think it's great. Even if you get it, get this book if you don't have it. I don't remember the exact deciding factor, but I believe I thought that the XTi might handle fast action and larger formats than the XT would. I donate all the pics I take at the zoo where I volunteer as photographer back to the zoo and we print and sell tons and the XTi has been wonderful for that kind of photography.

You might be better off spending that extra $150-$200 on other things like a bag, extra batteries and memory cards, the 50mm f/1.8 lens, the book Understanding Exposure, etc.

Best book ever! Never really started understanding how to mess with Manual settings until I read that book.... Had that book, a weeklong camping trip in Montana without access to a car and my older camera, a Canon Powershot IS. Was very entertained the whole week. I need to reread it again before I go to WDW next week.

 

[PoohJen]

Hi Guys!

I do love my Rebel XT, but have never been 100% thrilled with the coloring - I always thought my old Kodak EasyShare captured a more vibrant color.

I have heard you can set sharpness and/or saturation in some cameras. Can you do this with the Rebel XT? If so, how? I think I'd like to play with that a little.

TIA!

 

[ukcatfan]

Why not just shoot RAW and control it in PP?

Kevin