Introductory advice... selecting and other questions

[Photoform]

I want to preface this by saying I am buying my first digital camera for hobbyist reasons - I want better pictures of the places I travel to and places that I visit. (So far I have always used digital snapshots cameras such as Nikon Coolpix and a Canon prior to that.) I'm going to be buying this camera for my girlfriend, but she's pretty much inline with me as to what we want and experience in the area. If you could help me make a decision and share your expertise, I would be most grateful!

Anyway, our friend used a Canon EOS XSi (I believe, maybe Xs) and she took very nice pictures and I was generally impressed and after some time I want to get one as well now.

So I have a few questions. I am looking to purchase the Canon T1i because it has video, although from what I've read it really isn't worth the ~$200 price increase over the Rebel XSi when it comes to picture quality. Does this sound accurate?

Also, I plan to keep this camera for years, probably 5+ since I am only using this as a hobby and don't need the latest, greatest technology (I just want very nice pictures). Is it reasonable that it should last this long?

Also, I have seen the T1i in packages (online) with a lens that prices around 750-850 USD depending on the extras. I know my friend with her Rebel has a nice telephoto lens (I believe she said it cost her around $200-300). However, what can I expect just from the "base" lens that all these packages seem to come with?

Is it HIGHLY recommended to buy an extra battery? I would think these batteries would last a while for obvious reasons, but I'd rather not be on a trip with a dead battery, thus effectively no camera.

What should I expect to pay for a tripod and what should I look for? In one newegg package I saw the t1i came with a tripod although it's tough to judge how nice a tripod is from merely pictures.

What's the general consensus when buying a digital camera online as far as returns, reputable companies, and warranty concerns? The last thing I would want is to get a bad camera and be screwed over for more money by dealing with returns or a flat-out bad purchase.

Thank you so much for reading!

 

[ErectedGryphon]

<SNIP>
Anyway, our friend used a Canon EOS XSi (I believe, maybe Xs) and she took very nice pictures and I was generally impressed and after some time I want to get one as well now.

Odds are she took the nice pictures, the camera is just a tool. Your shots with the same camera will look a lot like your shots with your old P&S, until you learn to develop a style.

So I have a few questions. I am looking to purchase the Canon T1i because it has video, although from what I've read it really isn't worth the ~$200 price increase over the Rebel XSi when it comes to picture quality. Does this sound accurate?

How much would a video camera cost you, that you would likely use less than this camera?

Also, I plan to keep this camera for years, probably 5+ since I am only using this as a hobby and don't need the latest, greatest technology (I just want very nice pictures). Is it reasonable that it should last this long?

Longer, if you take care of it.

Also, I have seen the T1i in packages (online) with a lens that prices around 750-850 USD depending on the extras. I know my friend with her Rebel has a nice telephoto lens (I believe she said it cost her around $200-300). However, what can I expect just from the "base" lens that all these packages seem to come with?

Lenses come in many different qualities and price ranges, one you play around with the kit "base" lens, you might decide you want something better, but until that time comes, learn with what you have, or will have.

Is it HIGHLY recommended to buy an extra battery? I would think these batteries would last a while for obvious reasons, but I'd rather not be on a trip with a dead battery, thus effectively no camera.

Yes.

What should I expect to pay for a tripod and what should I look for? In one newegg package I saw the t1i came with a tripod although it's tough to judge how nice a tripod is from merely pictures.

Worry about a tripod later, learn to use the camera first.

What's the general consensus when buying a digital camera online as far as returns, reputable companies, and warranty concerns? The last thing I would want is to get a bad camera and be screwed over for more money by dealing with returns or a flat-out bad purchase.

Thank you so much for reading!

I believe in supporting your local business, but if there is that big of a difference in price, and they won't price match, go with well established on-line company. B&H or Adorama, both with physical stores, strong on-line shopping carts, and both have reputable eBay business as well.

 

[Garbz]

Just to expand on what was already said. Tripod will be a must eventually. It normally doesn't take very long at all from the first camera purchase to the first time you put the camera on a table or a car or something and realise you want a tripod.

Look for something metal. A lot of the cheap tripods are plastic. Avoid cheap tripods with a quick release like the plague. I have had my camera fall off one twice. Holding the entire camera with a tiny little clip is something I would only trust to a tripod / head combination worth over $100.
I would suggest for the tripod go to a local camera store, extend the legs, and play around with it. It's hard to see exactly how stable or how tall a tripod is just from someone on the internet telling you. Personally I would happily forgo the video feature and spend the $200 on a tripod, but that's because I like nighttime photography.

 

[Photoform]

<SNIP>
Anyway, our friend used a Canon EOS XSi (I believe, maybe Xs) and she took very nice pictures and I was generally impressed and after some time I want to get one as well now.

Odds are she took the nice pictures, the camera is just a tool. Your shots with the same camera will look a lot like your shots with your old P&S, until you learn to develop a style.

That's a good point.

So I have a few questions. I am looking to purchase the Canon T1i because it has video, although from what I've read it really isn't worth the ~$200 price increase over the Rebel XSi when it comes to picture quality. Does this sound accurate?

How much would a video camera cost you, that you would likely use less than this camera?

Interestingly, I think it would cost about the difference, which I just compared the XSi and T1i and the difference is 600 vs 770 USD (with a lens). So the difference of $170 is about the cost of the pocket HD recorders.


Longer, if you take care of it.

That's good and reassuring to hear. So, this raises the question in my mind, why do people act as if owning "old" (i.e. 3+ years) cameras is somehow extremely undesirable? Is this just an artifact of the fact we're on an internet forum?


Lenses come in many different qualities and price ranges, one you play around with the kit "base" lens, you might decide you want something better, but until that time comes, learn with what you have, or will have.

Thanks, that sounds very reasonable.


Yes.

For the batteries, should I avoid knockoff brands or anyone particularly? Or are some brands known to be top notch? I recently bought a no-name iPod battery off eBay and it sucks.

What's the general consensus when buying a digital camera online as far as returns, reputable companies, and warranty concerns? The last thing I would want is to get a bad camera and be screwed over for more money by dealing with returns or a flat-out bad purchase.

Thank you so much for reading!

I believe in supporting your local business, but if there is that big of a difference in price, and they won't price match, go with well established on-line company. B&H or Adorama, both with physical stores, strong on-line shopping carts, and both have reputable eBay business as well.

I checked out both of those and adorama seems considerably more inexpensive with their package deals (caveat though that I don't know if the stuff bundled up is total garbage like the adorama bag).




Thanks a lot for the help!

 

[Scout]

Another thing to think about ref: buying online...
I don't know where you live but here in California our sales taxes are extremely high. I bought my newest camera from Adorama and saved almost $400 in taxes alone. That's enough money to buy alot of extra toys, including a nice tripod!

 

[Garbz]

The knockoff batteries are every bit as good as real ones, often even made by the exact same manufacturer. It sucks that you got a dud battery but that is rare. I don't know a local photographer who actually uses the official batteries.

 

[photograham]

Let us know what you end up with! I'd love to know