Student Photographer with a $500 base camera budget

[calitrumpet]

Hello,

I am new to this forum, but have been enjoying photography quite a bit in the last four months. I took a photography class at my school and bought a Canon Rebel K2 (35mm standard slr...non digital). I learned alot about black and white photos, shutter speeds, apertures, iso, etc.

Now, I just sold that Canon and want to upgrade to a digital SLR. I kinda like the Canon name and from what I have read, the Rebel XT series cameras are very good, in particular the Rebel XTi. I have read that the kit lens kinda sucks so I am looking at this Canon Lens:

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-28-105m...r_1_18?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1201237257&sr=1-18

Since my budget is around $500 for the base and $200ish for a nice lens, I guess I am at about $700 all together. I would love to know what people would do or buy with $700 for someone like me, just introduced and learning the small technical details for taking the best shot.

Other options that I am considering is the Nikon D40X, and the Rebel XT (runs 400 on amazon).

Where would my money be best spent. Which Lens? Thanks so much!

 

[keith204]

Rebel XT $379 shipped from buydig.com
Canon 28-135 IS ~$300, look around.

I used the XT to start out, and it got me very far. Then, I sold it to buy a 40D. Now, I needed a 2nd camera, so I purchased yet another XT cause I liked my first one so much.

Basically, I would invest more in the glass than the camera. My XT took plenty of good 20x30's. Don't get me wrong, the XTi is nice, but between that, and a nicer lens...I'd go for the nicer lens.

 

[bhop]

You could also consider a used camera. I saw on ebay some 30d's (but more 20d's) that are going for around $600-$700 with lens and it's got more controls than the XT.

Personally, I like Nikon, but you're probably already used to the way Canon works and IMO it doesn't matter which brand you choose as long as it feels comfortable to you.

 

[jlykins]

Can't go wrong with a used Nikon D70. There is someone on here selling one for $425 right now with the 18-70mm lens, and you Can pick up a nice 55-200 or 70-300 with the money you have left over. The D70 is far Superior to the D40 in so many ways.