Canon Rebel XT

Joshua312 · 06-08-07, 05:33

Hey guys, well with all the DSLR talk lately on the forum and everyone getting cameras I really want to start to get into the hobby. I know it isn't as easy as buying a nice camera and lens and expect to take great pictures, but I need to start somewhere and make a step in the right direction.

I have been doing a lot of research and decided on the Canon Rebel XT because of the lack of shutter lag, upon many other things. I kept going back and forth between this unit and the Nikon D40 and ultimately I felt the XT would suit my needs better.

As for purchasing..I found this site to buy the body only and was wondering if anyone has experience with this company...Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT 8.0 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera Body (Black)<br> w/ 1 Year USA Warranty

It guarantees all their products are brand new and come with full warranty.

Another question, what lens would everyone recommend as a general "good" lens to start out with (prefer to stay under $300 right now for the lens)...I was thinking maybe the Tamron 28-75mm??

Any XT or DSLR owners feel free to to post pictures as well

AndySRT · 06-08-07, 05:49

i would reccomend going to your local camera store first before buying anything and see how well the ergonomics of the camera fit you. i found both the canon and nikons too small and they felt odd to hold to me. im not a canon guy so ill let them chime in as far as lenses go. I have heard the stock kit lens sucks. ohh and be careful with those brick and motar online stores i suggest B&H photo video Digital Cameras, Camcorders, TV's, Home Theater, DVD Players, Apple iPods for online purchases they have a actuall store front in NY and have been around for a long time. as far as used equiptment i suggest KEH never had a problem and some great deals come up on thier site. KEH Camera: Used Cameras, Digital Cameras, Film Cameras, Laptop Computers and More. for reviews of cameras and ect check out Digital Camera Reviews and News: Digital Photography Review: Forums, Glossary, FAQ

P1et · 06-08-07, 07:59

I recently took the jump as well to DSLR and haven't looked back since. I was able to get it for $482 (with lens kit) when Staples was having a sale. Already bought a lens, tripods, all that good stuff since. I've been practicing a lot (it's complicated at first) and have been able to take some really good pictures with it.

I'm glad you went for the Rebel XT as opposed to the D40. The fact that Nikon only lets you put on certain lenses turned me off. With Canon, you have a free run of all the lenses they make. And they make some great lenses!!!

Currently, I have the 18-55 kit lens and a 50mm f/1.8 lens.

Here a few pictures, nothing special:

Good luck! This will be a whole new addiction...

Joshua312 · 06-08-07, 08:12

P1et, Those are some great shots...Especially with the kit lens. I will keep looking around to see if I can find as good of a deal as you got. Under $500 for the body and kit lens is a good price, even if the kit lens isn't the absolute best, it is somewhere for me to start until I can save up for some nicer glass. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts on it

AndySRT · 06-08-07, 08:19

i belive most of those are taken with the 50mm f1.8. id really suggest this lens 50mm are great all around portrait/car picture taking lens.

Joshua312 · 06-08-07, 08:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndySRT

i belive most of those are taken with the 50mm f1.8. id really suggest this lens 50mm are great all around portrait/car picture taking lens.

Oops, I skipped over that part in his post...thanks for pointing it out!

P1et · 06-08-07, 10:27

Sorry, I should have been more clear. The pictures of my truck and my friend's dog are taken with the 50mm lens.

The two of the little creature were taken with the kit lens.

Keep your eye out on deals as the XTs are being cleared out. For example, my local camera shop in Austin, TX, is having a $499 sale right now on the XT with kit.

JohnnyDaJackal · 06-09-07, 06:28

Josh,

Just giving you a heads up but with a dSLR you gotta do more post processing to your images then a P+S. You'll probably get 'lens lust' and want "L" lenses from Canon if you go with the XT which can be VERY dangerous on your wallet as most "L" lenses cost at least $1k.

With that said the XT is a nice camera, it's what I have and like. You can probably get it cheaper now that it's a little older and newer models are out. I would go to a retail store just to hold and make sure you like it, the XT is a little small compared to other dSRLs. I initially didn't like the feel, but I got use to it quickly. I'd recommend getting the camera at a reputable dealer (B&H, Adorama, Amazon, etc.). There are A LOT of shady online camera dealers.

As for first lenses the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 is nice if you don't get the kit lens. The nifty fifty is good for the price and it teaches you how to compose a shot. I'm not sure when you plan on taking the plunge, but I might be putting my Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 up for sale if your interested.

Let me know if you have any questions as I'm a Canon junkie and researched this stuff to death when I got my setup.

Here are some of my pictures from my Flickr site(in sig), feel free to look at more
All taken with Canon Digital Rebel XT and 70-200mm f/4L...

Joshua312 · 06-09-07, 07:51

Thanks for the heads up, I may PM you soon to review what I am going to purchase.

As for right now, I made a deal with my mom and we are going to sell her Canon S2 IS to help fund the purchase of this camera...sooo if anyone is interested shoot me a PM, it's less than 5 months old and used for probably 400 shots.

P1et · 06-09-07, 11:21

Johnny, do I recognize those shots from POTN? Beautiful pics!

tom p. · 06-10-07, 04:58

WOW, if that camera deal is for real, that's a great price. Mabye you can ask around about that company. I've never heard of them.

Great pics, guys! Really beautiful!

Personally, I've been thru 5 digicams so far. I just got a dSLR last week. I think the dSLR is going to have "broad" appeal at the sub-$500 price point when you consider how superior the fotos are. The Nikon D40(x) is another to consider, but the deal on the Canon, if real, is likely unbeatable.

Enjoy

AndySRT · 06-10-07, 09:03

k ill bite on posing pictures. these are taking with my minolta 7D and sigma 100-300 F4.0