New to DSLRs, what do I buy?

dufrenbk · Mar 31, 2008

Hi, I'm new to DSLRs and new here on the forums. I wanna get into some photography and I wanna get a decent setup. I'm looking to spend no more than $1300 for a setup. I've been reading lots of stuff and have a general understanding (on paper) of what I think I need to know, just need to get the camera to see if I really know :wink:

. Anyways, what would you guys recommend? I was looking at the Rebel XTi first, then I noticed on Canon's website that the XSi's coming out soon (anyone know the exact date?). Then I stopped by some local stores and fell in love with the 40D. I think I would most like to get the 40D. But, anyway, what do you recommend? Is there anything I need to consider? I'm sure there is, but if you guys ask me the questions, it'll help me figure out what's most important in this purchase. What about this? It seems like a deal to me... only thing is, I really like the 28-135 lens in the store...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=290218969036&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=019
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=120240722460&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=002

asfixiate · Mar 31, 2008

XT is good and it saves you more money to buy glass.

dufrenbk · Mar 31, 2008

but what about those options listed? do they come with decent accessories?

asfixiate · Mar 31, 2008

Strike everything I said. If everything is idneed new and you trust the source I'd go with the top one. Looks like nicer lenses and nicer cases to carry it all around. the second ones lenses are pretty basic(not saying they're bad).

dufrenbk · Mar 31, 2008

so those seem like good deals? to me, after seeing best buy and circuit city's prices, it seems like these kinda listings would be gone like the second they're put to sale.

Village Idiot · Mar 31, 2008

The e-bay kits are crap. The extra stuff isn't really worth it and the lenses are mediocre at best. The only lens in those kits that I would purchase is the 50mm f/1.8

Do yourself a favor and go to some place like B&H (there's a link at the top of the page) and put yourself together a kit. Get the camera, maybe the kit lens if you like it and the 50mm f/1.8, a CF card, and a cheap camera bag. Then play with it can find out what else you need.

And the 40D is a better camera than the XSI, despite the 2mp difference.

dufrenbk · Mar 31, 2008

I don't see how they're crap, Newegg has those lenses selling for over $500 each... and they're Canons. But, I'm new... lol

asfixiate · Mar 31, 2008

I thought it was a pretty good deal since you can spend 1299.99 on just the camera on Dell

EOS 40D KIT 10.1MPIX BODY-ONLY DSLR 6.5FPS 3IN LCD = 1299.99

ON b&h for 1600 you get this

Canon EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S with a 18-55mm lens

Obviously the 40d is better than Rebel but I assumed you actually wanted to take pictures when you got the camera and not wish you had a lens. That's why I'd have gone with the first choice of your 2 links.

Village Idiot · Mar 31, 2008

dufrenbk said:
I don't see how they're crap, Newegg has those lenses selling for over $500 each... and they're Canons. But, I'm new... lol

:|

Canon 28-90 $99.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/351555-USA/Canon_9516A002_EF_28_90mm_f_4_5_6_III.html

Canon 75-300 $189.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/169269-USA/Canon_6472A002_75_300mm_f_4_0_5_6_III_USM.html

Canon 50mm $89.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12142-USA/Canon_2514A002_Normal_EF_50mm_f_1_8.html

I don't know anything about the 28-90, but it's certainly not a fast lens. The 75-300 is soft and slow. The 50mm is super fast for the price and very sharp when stopped down. A true bargain in a very expensive hobby.

I'm not saying they're absolute crap, but with photography, quality lenses get expensive. There's very few lenses that I would touch under $500. This is after a year of owning my 30D. Most of the ones I want are between $600 and $1000. That's after purchasing a $1500 lens. And the accessories they put into the kit are the cheapest things you can find that make it seem like a bargain because they have a big list of items in their auction.

Some one quoted Chase Jarvis, an accomplished photographer that hangs out in the strobist flickr discussion group...it was something along the lines of you should go ahead and purchase the expensive high quality stuff now, because eventually you're going to be doing it anyway.

Instead of getting two mediocre lenses and a decent lens, get the camera, a good lens, and the decent bargain lens.

That's just my advice.

dufrenbk · Mar 31, 2008

the way i see it, i get to at least get those lenses with the camera for the same price as the camera everywhere else. if all else fails, i could eventually buy new lenses. i'm sure they wont be complete crap.

asfixiate · Mar 31, 2008

Canon 28-90mm f/4-5.6 USM III
Canon EF 90-300mm F4.5-5.6
Canon 50mm F1.8 EF are on his first link.

Village Idiot · Mar 31, 2008

asfixiate said:
I thought it was a pretty good deal since you can spend 1299.99 on just the camera on Dell

EOS 40D KIT 10.1MPIX BODY-ONLY DSLR 6.5FPS 3IN LCD = 1299.99

ON b&h for 1600 you get this

Canon EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S with a 18-55mm lens

Obviously the 40d is better than Rebel but I assumed you actually wanted to take pictures when you got the camera and not wish you had a lens. That's why I'd have gone with the first choice of your 2 links.

B&H

40D body = $1139.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/518207-REG/Canon_1901B004_EOS_40D_SLR_Digital.html

40D + 28-135 IS USM = $1329.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/518570-REG/Canon_1901B017_EOS_40D_SLR_Digital.html

The one you pointed out actually have the 17-85 lens. That $515 on B&H for just the lens.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/351548-USA/Canon_9517A002_EF_S_17_85mm_f_4_5_6_IS.html

Mav · Mar 31, 2008

Start off with a new or used Rebel XT or XTi and save your money for a few nice lenses. The lenses in those eBay kits certainly aren't "$500 nice". The "wide angle lens" in one of those is just a crappy adapter that'll give lousy image quality. By the time you master the XT or XTi and are ready for more, the 40D will be obsolete and the 50D will be coming out.

I'd get something like a new or used XT/XTi with the 18-55, 50mm f/1.8, and then a 70-200 f/4L. Or if you don't think you'll be much of a tele-shooter, substitute the 70-200 (& 18-55) for the 17-85IS, or if you think you might do wide angle stuff more, the EF-S 10-22. Those are all real $500 lenses. The junk in those ebay kits are not. Edit VI's post above, LOL!

Personally I would avoid the 28-135. It's great on the pro bodies or film, but for a lot of stuff 28mm just isn't nearly wide enough on 1.6x XT/XTi/40D bodies you're looking at.

asfixiate · Mar 31, 2008

I use and enjoy my XT and I take a LOT of photos. I would love to be in your dilema though dufrenbk. Not knowing where to spend your 1300 dollars is a good problem to have.