Is this a good choice??

[wdwpirates]

I am looking into purchasing a Digital SLR. Upgrading from my current point and shoot. I have narrowed it down to a Canon and I have found the following model for about $800. It's the EOS Digital Rebel XTi Silver 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera (with 18-55 mm Lens).

I really want to be able to take sharper pictures as well as night shots, like fireworks. Does anyone have experience with this particular camera? Any thoughts? Pros/Cons? Good zoom or will I need an additional lens for sure?

Thanks kids!

 

[Groucho]

You do realize that you're going to get questions on what prompted you to narrow it to Canons in general, right? Nothing wrong with making that choice, but it'll be interesting to hear why you've ruled out Nikon, Pentax, and Sony? (And maybe even Olympus?)

All DSLRs can produce extremely sharp photos and quality night photos but the lens is the most important thing. Canon's kit lens is, well, unloved. You'll do better than a PnS but not be getting all that the camera is capable of.

All kit lenses have fairly little zoom so if you want a lot of range, you'll have to pick up an additional lens. All kit lenses are also not particularly "fast" so don't make great night lenses. I prefer multiple lenses for multiple needs, but you can find "walk-around" lenses that give you a wide range of zoom levels, usually at a cost of a little bit of image quality over a lens with a shorter range.

For fireworks, most any lens will do but you'll want a tripod or other support system to hold the camera still to allow you to do a long shutter - a remote shutter release is important, also. For non-fireworks night photos, you're best served by a fast lens, which generally means either a prime (non-zoom) lens or a fairly expensive "fast" zoom (which'll almost always be slower than a prime.)

BTW, if you do eventually decide to purchase the XTi, you can get it for $649 with no lens, or $729 with lens, from Beach Camera - no tax, free shipping.

 

[JR6ooo4]

The canon kit lens works great... in a certain aperture range. around 8-11 Which works best with lots of light. So during the day it is ok. But even in a well lit living room it can struggle to stop any action.

You can get great reccomendations for lenses from the guys and girls here. The slightly older rebel xt is 8MP which will print poster size easily. Maybe that body and a more versital lens.
I have the XT and the canon 28-135 IS and the 70-300 IS, about $400 and $600. And the canon 50mm f1.8 for $80 (great for spectro magic parade).

Mikeeee

 

[mabas9395]

Every time this question comes up, my first respons is what are the reasons why you want a dSLR instead of a really good P&S?

While its true that you can do twice as much with a dSLR vs a good P&S, but it takes ten times the effort because in order to squeeze out that extra bit of functionality, you have to do some studying and learn about the settings like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, etc.

That being said, I have the older version of the camera (the XT) and think its a great camera. The lens that comes with it is fine if you understand its limitations, but depending on what you plan on shooting, you may need a longer zoom.

So IMHO, the first question should be are you wanting to just "do something" (take pictures) or are you wanting/willing to "learn something" (photography).

The second question is are you wanting to invest in a a camera "system"? Becuase if you really get into this, that $800 may be your first, but it sure won't be your last.

 

[jann1033]

i have the xt as well...i think the dust control aspect on the xti and i think it has a larger lcd screen are good ideas..other than the mp i can't remember the other upgrades from the xt...you can save the $100 and just get the camera body though and then get another lens with a little bigger range...the sigma 18-125( think that is right, it was around $200+ last i looked) is well liked by some on here but some copies are not that sharp so you might want to take the camera body to a local camera shop who sells them and they will let you try out copies on your camera body.
i have the kit lens and like was mentioned it is fine for a basic lens but the zoom isn't enough imo to be your only lens. i just got rid of my 28-135 as i had lots of problems with it( that canon fixed but imo made worse) but i like around that range for a general purpose walk around lens, 18 at the wider end would be even better.
i bought my kit lens off ebay for $60( since i was lacking the 18mm) and usually there are many used on there. now i am buying the 70-200 f4L canon( upper$500s new, to replace my 28-135mm) and looking for a wider angle in that same or hopefully lower price range. the 50mm 1.8 is a great little lens for under $100 new as was mentioned for low light conditions but not a zoom so you have to move around and keep you subject in the correct distance so it is focused .

if i could only spend 800 i'd probably get the xt body only and use the extra money on a better lens. imo i'd rather have the little less nice body and a better lens...if you really get into photography you will want to upgrade from either body in a few yrs ( or less ) but can continue to use the better lens with your next canon body...jmho

 

[boBQuincy]

The second question is are you wanting to invest in a a camera "system"? Becuase if you really get into this, that $800 may be your first, but it sure won't be your last.

Ain't *that* the truth!


boB, with way too much equipment

 

[wdwpirates]

Guys, thanks so much for the advice I really appreciate it. I am looking to get into photography more and really learn something, I don't mind taking the extra time to learn if the results are going to be worth it. We live on the water, lots of wildlife around. We do a lot of boating in the summer including whale and seabird watching and a few basking sharks here and there!...in between our Disney trips of course.

Again thanks for all of the advice! Take care!!

 

[ukcatfan]

Out of all of the stock answers to this question, I don't think I have seen this one yet.

Go out and actually try one. It may look like the ultimate camera for you, but after you actually handle it, you might hate it. Better to know that before buying.

Kevin

 

[Jeanne B]

Out of all of the stock answers to this question, I don't think I have seen this one yet.

Go out and actually try one. It may look like the ultimate camera for you, but after you actually handle it, you might hate it. Better to know that before buying.

Kevin

Great advice, before buying my dSLR I handled both the Nikon D50 and the Canon Rebel XT and I didn't like the feel of the Canon at all, too small and too much of a plastic look IMO. The D50 was too large for my hands so I took a chance and bought the K100D online without handling it because I knew by the dimensions that it was between the size of the xt and D50 and that's exactly what I was looking for. I read very good reviews on the K100 so I felt pretty comfortable buying it without handling it first and I've been very happy with this camera. So, like Kevin said, handling some or all of the cameras you're considering can be a big factor in your decision making.

(Ok, I couldn't help myself, I had to give the plug for the K100 but Groucho and Kevin did a great job restraining themselves!!)

 

[Groucho]

(Ok, I couldn't help myself, I had to give the plug for the K100 but Groucho and Kevin did a great job restraining themselves!!)

I try to not be TOO predictable. I know a lot of people feel comfortable with the Canon name and I think that accounts for much of their success. My father buys Canon cameras pretty much exclusively, for no particular reason other than he's used to them and has a level of trust that they will at least be competent.

If someone announces right off the bat that they've chosen that, then there's probably no need to turn it into another C vs N vs P thread - I'm sure there'll be another one before long anyways. We all know which one I like best!

 

[OrganDonor]

Ain't *that* the truth!


boB, with way too much equipment

That is the truth.
D80 - $900
18-200 lens - $800
18-70 lens - $300
50MM 1.8 $100
Bag, memory card, tripod, remote, and other odds and ends - $300
STILL TAKING BLURRY PICTURES - PRICELESS!!