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 10/03/2004 01:11:36 PM · #1
Ok, my wife is going to let me get a real camera for Christmas... and I'm allowing myself about $2200 to spend...

Now, since I still real new to photography, I figured a 300D would be plenty... however, knowing me, I'll kick myself if I don't get the latest and greatest while I have the opportunity... thoughts?

The next question kinda depends on your thoughts about the first question... what is a good lense to get with the camera? Is the kit lense good enough to start off with? If not, what lense should I look into?

Other accessories that would be recommended? I plan to get a battery grip and a flash... anything else that would be considered a must have?

Thanks for the thoughts.

-Dan
 10/03/2004 01:16:05 PM · #2
Although most people will be going the Canon/Nikon route, I'm going to go down the Minolta route. The lenses are very good value for money, and excellent quality. The real selling point is the new Minolta's IS system built into the body, so every lens you put on it will be stabilised. The noise levels compare very favourably (arguably cleaner) than both the Canon and Nikon DSLRs. Top-end Minolta film SLRs are fantastic pieces of equipment, and I trust them as a manufacturer. That's the path I'll be going down.
 10/03/2004 01:19:13 PM · #3
Canon is coming out with a newer version of the Rebel in March '05 so you might want to wait till after Christmas to make your purchase (if you can wait) to see how far prices will drop.
 10/03/2004 01:24:44 PM · #4
get a canon 20D //www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002XQJFA/103-8277015-4997422?v=glance and one or two great lenes

Message edited by author 2004-10-03 13:26:03.
 10/03/2004 01:35:42 PM · #5
The Canon 20D will cost you $1700 with the kit lens ($1600 without) and you'll not have all that much money left for good lenses. Another option is the Olympus E300, coming out in December, and though they haven't priced it yet, it will most likely be in the same ballpark as the Rebel, but with fewer lenses available for that camera.
 10/03/2004 01:36:34 PM · #6
Originally posted by Olyuzi:
The Canon 20D will cost you $1700 with the kit lens ($1600 without) and you'll not have all that much money left for good lenses. Another option is the Olympus E300, coming out in December, and though they haven't priced it yet, it will most likely be in the same ballpark as the Rebel, but with fewer lenses available for that camera.


guess you didnt look at my link
 10/03/2004 08:52:30 PM · #7
funny, i just found it for 1499 online :)
 10/03/2004 08:58:19 PM · #8
I've used Canons in the past... my current p&s is a Canon... I like 'em and will probably stick to 'em.

With that, what about the kit lense on the 20D? Will that lense work well enough that the kit will make for a good start? Then I can buy smaller things that I'll need... extra batteries, etc.

If not, what lense would you folks recommend I pick up?

Thanks for the help here.

-Dan
 10/03/2004 09:01:36 PM · #9
Before you commit to any body, study the available lenses in the system versus what your photographic interests are. You will eventually spend more on lenses than the body, and you want to ensure that your lens investment will carry forward.
That said, should you decide that the Canon system fits your needs, the 20D can be had for USD 1499 (body only) and as a first lens I would recommend the Canon 28-135 IS, about USD 409. Add in an extra battery, memory, and maybe the Canon 50mm f/1.8 for low-light work, and you have a decent start for around your target price.
 10/03/2004 09:20:37 PM · #10
Thanks kirbic, that's what I was looking for...

I have done a bit of research into other systems, but I keep coming back to Canon... partially because of my habit of being brand loyal... I know that's not always a good thing, though.

Thanks everyone.

-Dan
 10/03/2004 09:50:03 PM · #11
Originally posted by kirbic:
Before you commit to any body, study the available lenses in the system versus what your photographic interests are. You will eventually spend more on lenses than the body, and you want to ensure that your lens investment will carry forward.
That said, should you decide that the Canon system fits your needs, the 20D can be had for USD 1499 (body only) and as a first lens I would recommend the Canon 28-135 IS, about USD 409. Add in an extra battery, memory, and maybe the Canon 50mm f/1.8 for low-light work, and you have a decent start for around your target price.


I agree with Kirbic that this would make an excellent starting package - you can't go wrong with that setup. But I just had to make the exact same decision and went with a 300D. Since it was my first SLR, I wanted to go with the more basic model as a learning tool so that I could build to the 20D that I'm going to convince my wife that I need sometime next year. :-)

I agree that the 28-135mm and 50mm are great lenses, but with the 300D, you can also get a Canon 70-200mm f/4 L lens plus a 1.4X teleconverter and still stay within your budget. When you're ready, you can upgrade the body and take all that great glass with you. It just depends on which one of those packages sounds better to you. Happy shopping!
 10/03/2004 10:11:03 PM · #12
Rebel and kit lens at buydig.com - $850.
28-105 f2.8 - $330.
50mm f1.8 - $75.
2 spare batteries on ebay - $30.
1 gig CF card - $120.
2 half gig cards - 130.
Tamron 75-300mm f4 $130.
$535 left for lighting.

10/03/2004 11:55:18 PM · #13
I'm going to agree with PhilipDyer on this one. The Rebel is plenty of camera to keep you happy. For a complete kit, I'd suggest:

Rebel and 18-55mm kit lens at buydig.com - $850 (or JandR for $878).
Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM - $230
Canon EW-63 II Lens Hood (for the 28-105) - $22
Canon 50mm f1.8 - $75
Canon 550ex flash - $300
Canon 70-200 f/4L - $580
1 spare battery - $30
Sandisk Ultra II 1GB CompactFlash card - $89 at Buy.com
Reverse macro coupler for the 50mm - $8

This is exactly the equipment I use, except you'd have a better flash and larger CF card. If you get imported (gray market) lenses from B&H, you'd probably save enough to add a LowePro bag or tripod to that list. Happy shopping!

Message edited by author 2004-10-04 10:24:00.
 10/04/2004 12:06:20 AM · #14
I normally don't recommend the 300D for those new to DSLRs. I believe that the 300D pushes the user to rely more on the camera (because of the limits on mode selection). I think this runs contrary to how one needs to learn; ideally manual mode shoudl come first. Learn the camera, learn to manage the settings yourself, THEN use the automation.
 10/04/2004 04:08:13 AM · #15
Do I know what camera's best for you? No. For that reason I can't tell you what to buy.

For the camera you have to decide how much money you want free to buy accessories (lenses, etc). The more you spend on the camera, the better the camera, but the less you'll have for accessories. No matter how good the camera, if you put low quality lenses on the front, it will take pretty low quality pictures. Lenses are very important.

Once you've decided on your camera my advice is to buy an item or two at a time. Don't go out and spend your full budget in one go. Also bear in mind the majority of DSLR owners spend WELL beyond their budget.

When you first get your camera you can do without tonnes of memory, an expensive flash, and 5 lenses. Buy things you KNOW you're going to need, and put off other purchases until you're sure.

That being said about me not being able to tell you what to buy, I would recommend sticking with Canon or Nikon (happy Jon? ;-) ). If you're not discerning, buying another make could lead to a camera you can't find enough lenses and accessories for, which isn't ideal. With Canon or Nikon you know you've got a tonne of lenses/accessories available and they will continue to produce them into the future.
 10/13/2004 07:05:34 AM · #16
Ok, faidoi posted a rebate form... it's talking about a $300 rebate for a 300d if you buy two (different) lenses... so, I want to rethink my options a little bit... which two lenses from that rebate form would you folks recommend to accompany a 300d? How about the 20d? Figure on a $2250 budget for the 300d... probably push that a few hundred for the 20d.

-dan

Message edited by author 2004-10-13 07:11:36.
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