My second biggest purchase, finally got my camera...

[JohnnyDaJackal]

First place goes to my car, but this definately takes a shiny silver. Heres my original thread with all my options http://autopia.org/forum/showthread.php?t=68639
And the verdict is........



After lots of researching, and talking with people online as well as in my photo club, I decided to go with the Canon Digital Rebel XT. I decided to skip out on the 18-55mm kit lens because I didn't hear the best things about it, and picked up the 28-135mm f3.5 IS. I had one of the top members in my club highly recommend this lens to me, and this guy isn't afraid to spend money on lenses, so I have high respect for his opinion. I think the lens should suit me well, giving me a nice range and the added bonus of IS. I'll probably pick up a 50mm prime, and when money starts coming in *maybe* a nice 70-200mm f2.8L lens

I decided to go with the Canon Digital Rebel XT because the deal was really good. Canon is now offering a $100 rebate on this camera as well as a couple other cameras, lenses and accessories. I was originally looking at the Nikon D50, but then got swayed with Canon. I was going to get the Canon Digital Rebel (previous model), but for $40 more I got the Rebel XT. The $40 price difference makes the Rebel XT a no brainer. Its got 8MP vs 6.3MP, way more features, faster processor, etc. I originally had concerns about the way it felt in my hand, but it seems fine now. I might have been overanalyzing it because the Nikon D50 felt so much bigger, but this camera is the same size, if not bigger than my older digital camera which I had no problems with. The fit is fine in my hands.

I'm also super impressed with B&H's service. I live about 30 minutes away from the city, but didn't expect it to get it this soon. I ordered it yesterday afternoon, and it came today.
The best part is I didn't pay sales tax, and I used a photo club member's NAPP number so I had it shipped for free too, doesn't get better then that.

I now get to spend most of tommorow reading up on the manual, tommorows going to be rainy anyway. Hopefully I can get some nice shots of the cherry blossoms in action on Sunday. I also plan on making a trip to B&H in the city to pick up a camera bag, and a lens hood(you'd think a $400 lens would come with one ). I also got a coupon for a free gift there from when I went to the Empire State Building so I figure I cash in on that with all the money I've already given them.
Pics will be posted sometime next week with it.

Thanks for all the help in making my decision guys!

[-KGB-]

Congrats, I got the D50 over Xmas. I like it but I have noticed a few better pics with the XT. I had a Cannon before and just did not like it so I took a chance. Honestly I just need to learn to use it. My two complaints are the flash and the color is not very vivd. But I found out that the reason is that most point and shoots are over enhanced where as DSLRs take into account more true color.

[ET Awful]

Originally Posted by -KGB-

My two complaints are the flash and the color is not very vivd. But I found out that the reason is that most point and shoots are over enhanced where as DSLRs take into account more true color.

You can change the color saturation if I'm not mistaken. At least you can on the D70 (and for that matter, every other dSLR I've used). I think there is a setting for "Vivid" color.

Built in flashes on SLR cameras are rarely worth using. Especially if you're using anything other than short lenses (the flash is too low to cast light past the lens body). Sigma makes a GREAT flash for very little money (well worth looking into, and completely compatible with Nikon's iTTL system).

Sorry for hijacking the thread into Nikon territory .

[Accumulator]

Originally Posted by JohnnyDaJackal

I decided to go with the Canon Digital Rebel XT. I decided to skip out on the 18-55mm kit lens because I didn't hear the best things about it, and picked up the 28-135mm f3.5 IS.. The fit is fine in my hands..

Cool, glad you ended up with something you like. IMO the extra money was well spent.

And yeah, B&H is a good way to go

[holland_patrick]

sweet deall How much did that other lens cost ya..??? now we'll have to hang out together cannn brother..

[JohnnyDaJackal]

Thanks for the kind words everyone. I think I already took about 150-200 shots. This thing focuses so fast its crazy . On my older cameras the manual focus was really annoying to use so I never used it, and I felt I'd use it with the newer camera because its easier, but there really isn't a need for it with the USM, unless theres a certain situation that calls for it.

Originally Posted by holland_patrick

sweet deall How much did that other lens cost ya..??? now we'll have to hang out together cannn brother..

Thats right Patrick I was thinking of you when I got this. Theres no excuse for us not documenting the Poorboy's Detailing weekend this year.
The lens cost $420, not exactly cheap, but I wanted something really good, and versatile, the IS also helped. Any tips of things to watch out for the camera? What kind of filters are you using? I also got to pick some of them up too, as well as good cleaning kit for the sensor, although I don't plan on cleaning that for a while since this lens will stay mounted till the money starts coming in, which won't be for a while