Advice on a Canon DSLR please :)

PJL · Mar 25, 2011

None of the above. I'd get a used, higher grade body. My Canon 40D is my first DSLR, and I bought for under $500. The ergonomics of a bigger camera are much more comfortable for me (the Rebel series bodies and inexpensive Nikons feel toy-like in my hands) and the controls are more intuitively laid out. Once you own a Canon with a rear control wheel, you can never go back. Having to press an extra button and use the index finger control wheel to change exposure compensation in Av or Tv mode, or aperture in M mode, is a pain.

mjhoward · Mar 25, 2011

You can get a new D90 for about the same price as a D3100 now.

AmazingGrace0385 · Mar 25, 2011

Not a bad price, especially for that lens to be included... I wouldn't be a fan of that particular body, but that lens alone retails for around $400.

mikehaugen · Mar 25, 2011

AmazingGrace0385 said:
Not a bad price, especially for that lens to be included... I wouldn't be a fan of that particular body, but that lens alone retails for around $400.

I definitely agree, in fact that lens just went up in price to about $550, on amazon anyway but I am sure the others aren't far behind. I know it's a little late and you have probably made up your mind, but if you just wanted the body for some reason you shouldn't have a problem getting 300-350 for that lens, then you paid less than 100 for the body. I would keep that lens though (I haven't use it yet, though am thinking about getting one) as it is supposed to be fantastic.

KmH · Mar 25, 2011

Kmiller said:
Oh and I have no preference to either Canon or Nikon. But I have noticed that every photographer that I have ever taken my kids' to, has used a Canon.

Unless you have taken your kids to a hundred or more different photographers your sample size is statistically useless.

o hey tyler · Mar 25, 2011

If it is indeed the 50 f/1.4 I'd get that setup. Just double check and make sure it's the f/1.4 and not the f/1.8. The only thing I'd warn you is that the 50mm on a crop frame body is a bit tight indoors, but it provides good image quality with great low light shooting ability. It's also much more sturdy than the f/1.8 model.

KmH · Mar 25, 2011

Kmiller said:
photocist said:

Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

Click to expand...

I've read that a few times, thanks though! I was looking for more "on-hand' reviews from real people/owners

The people at DP Review have more expertise than most "real people/owners, who often have little technical understanding of camera performance/operation nor the ability to critically evaluate image quality relative to the quality of the optics used to make an image.

The vast majority of DSLR cameras available today are very capable of making high quality photographs. The most variable part is the skill and expertise of the photographer using the camera

DennyCrane · Mar 25, 2011

I might look around and see what kind of deal I could find on a T1i. Canon is now up to the T3i and I would expect the bottom to fall out of the T1i prices very shortly, if not already happening. The difference between the Xsi and the T1i are staggering.

Kmiller · Mar 25, 2011

DennyCrane said:
I might look around and see what kind of deal I could find on a T1i. Canon is now up to the T3i and I would expect the bottom to fall out of the T1i prices very shortly, if not already happening. The difference between the Xsi and the T1i are staggering.

This is what I found locally. Canon 500D T1i, 18-55 f3.5 lens, and 50mm f1.8 lens

Seems like a good deal, especially if I offer less than the $650 ( even then it seems like a great deal with both lenses)

The thing that appealed to me for the d3100 was the hd video option and hdmi output.

And no, I have not been to hundreds of photographers for my children, I was just pointing that out

for those not wanting to click a link, here is what is on the ad.

Upgrading some of my equipment. Would like to sell this package of Canon 500D T1i, 18-55 f3.5 lens, and 50mm f1.8 lens for $650 or best offer. .

AmazingGrace0385 · Mar 25, 2011

I have the t1i, and I LOVE it. Like Dennycrane said, the difference is staggering. The higher ISO capabilities alone make it worth it. Also love my 50mm f1.8. The kit lens is crap. Personally, I'd offer them $500 for the body and 50mm and tell them they can keep the kit. I upgraded my crappy kit lens to a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 and it was the best decision I ever made. The EF 18-55 f3.5-5.6 lens will simply frustrate you.

Kmiller · Mar 25, 2011

AmazingGrace0385 said:
I have the t1i, and I LOVE it. Like Dennycrane said, the difference is staggering. The higher ISO capabilities alone make it worth it. Also love my 50mm f1.8. The kit lens is crap. Personally, I'd offer them $500 for the body and 50mm and tell them they can keep the kit. I upgraded my crappy kit lens to a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 and it was the best decision I ever made. The EF 18-55 f3.5-5.6 lens will simply frustrate you.

Thanks for your advice!! I think I will go ahead and contact them to make the offer. if still available and they are willing to budge (being as it's been on CL for 20 days) I will call and cancel with my Xsi I was going to purchase today.

what are the high and low points, in your advice, about the T1i

AmazingGrace0385 · Mar 25, 2011

One thing to keep in mind is lens before body. A good lens with a mediocre body is better than a mediocre lens with a good body.

The high points are the high ISO capabilities - I can get up to ISO 3200 without much grain, esp if I bump my exposure a little bit. Between this and my 50mm and the Tamron's wide aperture range, the camera does well in low light situations.

For me, going Canon is a personal thing - it was a better fit. I found the body lighter and that it felt better in my hands. I was looking at a Nikon before purchasing my Rebel, but as soon as I picked on up I changed my mind.

It's fairly easy to navigate - there are great tutorials online. It's a GREAT consumer grade DSLR in general. I really can't think if any low points, I really love this camera.

Kmiller · Mar 25, 2011

Wow thanks for the great advice AmazingGrace!!

I think I will go ahead and get the t1i as opposed to the Xsi based on you

Btw, I checked out your photos and love them!

AmazingGrace0385 · Mar 25, 2011

Well thank you... I am a beginner also.

I've been shooting manual with my SLR since last July. And those shots were with the crappy kit lens, what I'd give to go back and do it all again with a different lens and what I know now! LOL But I'll just keep moving forward!