[Koko]

Thinking about a getting a beginner digital SLR. Between, work, hobby and family, I feel I could put it to good use. I just have no idea where to start. I'm thinking about a Canon Rebel XTi. Anyone have any personal feedback?

 

[GRIZZLYWIZARD]

Go with the Canon. I personally would stray away from the Rebel line. From what I could tell even for consumer electronics the Canon cameras hold more value.

 

[1Bad1000Xxc]

I also say stick with Canon. Nikon is also a good SLR but it seems to me that there are more items readily available for Canon. I don't think that a Rebel is a horrible first choice but they're not very rugged at all. I started out with a Rebel and then after i got used to it, upgraded to the then new Canon 20D. The Prosumer 20D which much more of a camera, felt better, was built better, etc. My sis has an XTi and it's OK for a first camera but i would never go back now. The latest version in the prsoumer lineup is a 40D. The 30D was after mine.

I highly recommend whatever is the newest in the prosumer line of Canon's.

Buster

 

[1Bad1000Xxc]

Another recommendation is to spend the money and invest in a nice top mount flash. It makes a hell of a difference on indoor shots in poorly lit rooms. Some family moments you don't want to screw up trying to use the on-body flash. I personally like to take my Canon Speedlite 580EX flash and bounce it off the ceiling by pointing it straight up when indoors. not only does it work much better than pointing a flash straight in someone's eyes, but it also eliminates background shadows. Just a thought.

Buster

 

[GRIZZLYWIZARD]

I have had my eye on the 30D for some time now. Very nice! The 40D I think is made out of gold and painted black $$$$.

 

[1Bad1000Xxc]

Well the 30d is a nice camera. It's the same as the 20d but with a bigger LCD on the back and a couple of added little things you'd probably never use like image borders, etc. The larger LCD is the only reason I would have upgraded mine to a 30d but decided it wasn't worth it.

 

[Koko]

So I should look for a 30d? How much are those badboys running? Should I go used and fork over teh coin for a new one. I like the idea of the top mount flash. I didn't realize you couldn't do that with the rebels.

 

[Koko]

Yikes...I just searched online. I saw prices of Canon 40d for $549...then I saw a the Canon EOS 40d for $1300...that's a bit out of my range. I was hoping to get out of this for under a $1000

 

[1Bad1000Xxc]

You could get a used 30D for a small price I'm sure since the 40D's are out. I would look for one on eBay that has low shutter count, a USA warranty card and a receipt included.

 

[Koko]

Thanks...I'll start watching the auctions.

What shutter count shoudl I shy away from? When is it considered too many? I saw some that stated 2500 some that said 5000.