Completely new and don't know where to start

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  • on 01.08.09
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  • I am taking a trip to Europe in about a month and a half and I want a camera to capture the moments. I want something that will allow me with a shot that when I look at it, I feel like I am there(very defined and detailed).

    Right now I am deciding between the Canon S5 IS or spending the extra hundreds of dollars and going for a Canon XT or XTi.

    What should I go with if I don't have any experience with photography but don't want to end up with a purchase I will be disappointed in.

    If you guys say go the the higher end camera. Is the price difference worth going from an XT to an XTi.

    Also with either of the DSLRs, should I just get it with the starter lens included or should I buy the body by itself and a separate lens? I would like to respectable amount of zoom.

    I'm trying not to spend above $700 but if theres anything slightly above that I'll consider that if its worth it.

    Thanks for your time and effort.


  • The XT is a very nice camera, very good for a beginner. I've got one and I am quite happy with it.


  • Between adorama and B&H is either better? Both are basically the same price.

    Better yet, black or silver. ha.


  • I myself bought the S3 1S before I bought my 30D. It was good to start but I felt limited. Soon after I bought the 30D and I wish I would have bought the SLR right away. You can always use auto in case you are not sure on the technical stuff.
    Just my two cents though :)


  • if you want to use the camera only for this trip or just to do some snapshots then go with a good point and shoot.

    if you want to be creative with your photography and pursue it as a hobby or career then go with an slr.

    i own the xt and honestly i wouldnt spend the extra $ for the xti just yet.

    Mainly for the trip but I keep running into situations where I want to take a picture of something so I've been thinking of turning it into a hobby. I'm even looking into taking some classes at my college.

    So what about the lens situation? Do you have the "starter" lens or something else.


  • For a beginner, is the "starter" lens good enough to get the job done?

    http://www.adorama.com/ICADRXTIBK.html?searchinfo=canon%20xti&item_no=11


    sorry once again I don't know much about the different types of lenses but can the stock lens zoom and if so how far?


    the starter lens will work just fine until you feel the need to upgrade.
    the kit lens does zoom. it won't get in tight on the architectural details of a building, you would need a long zoom for that. you could rent (there are websites to rent from) a long zoom if that seems like a necessary accessory for the trip.

    i shot with the kit lens for almost a year until my photography skills got to the point of where i needed an equipment upgrade.


  • I'm going with an XSi, mainly because I'm getting a good deal. Otherwise I'd probably get the XTi or even the XT.

    And yes, wide angle zoom and telephoto zoom would probably fulfill your needs.


  • sorry I'm back.

    Money has become an issue and I was wondering if there were any other choices. I want a camera that can give me a crystal clear image. I want my pictures to be as detailed as possible so that when I look at the picture, I can feel like I am there.

    Is there a camera that is cheaper than the xt/xti that can do this even if it is a point and shoot?


  • People on another forum are telling me to buy the XTi body alone and buy this:

    http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-1-8-Camera-Lens/dp/B00007E7JU


    along with a cheap telephoto for around $200.

    Is this good advice?

    Also as to the XSi, is it worth raising the extra money to get it instead?


  • I have an S3 I am reluctant to get rid of it even though I now have the XT.
    It is small and much lighter, it has a ton of cool features it takes immaculate shots the only thing you will have an issue with is shallow depth of field if your subject isn't right on top of you.. (As far as a beginners needs)
    I would say if you want something you can put in a small camera bag and forget about until you need it go with the S5 (I am assuming it is the same size as the S3).
    Also I am assuming the S5 takes AA batteries although I did read it consumes batteries much faster than the S3, but the XT takes a lithium type battery that doesn't last very long.
    JMO

    Just read your update try and get your hands on an S3 I have read reviews on the S5 I think the S3 is better for a few reasons.


  • I have the XT and the XTi. If that is the only difference in price, I would go with the XTi. What made me break down and get the newer model was not the megapixel increase but (as silly as it sounds) the change in the screen/menu system. Most of my photos are outdoors and seeing the settings on new screen is much easier, to me. The megapixels might be of use to you if you took pics from a distance and wanted to crop/zoom on a tighter area.


  • I am taking a trip to Europe in about a month and a half and I want a camera to capture the moments. I want something that will allow me with a shot that when I look at it, I feel like I am there(very defined and detailed).

    Right now I am deciding between the Canon S5 IS or spending the extra hundreds of dollars and going for a Canon XT or XTi.

    What should I go with if I don't have any experience with photography but don't want to end up with a purchase I will be disappointed in.

    If you guys say go the the higher end camera. Is the price difference worth going from an XT to an XTi.

    Also with either of the DSLRs, should I just get it with the starter lens included or should I buy the body by itself and a separate lens? I would like to respectable amount of zoom.

    I'm trying not to spend above $700 but if theres anything slightly above that I'll consider that if its worth it.

    Thanks for your time and effort.


    if you want to use the camera only for this trip or just to do some snapshots then go with a good point and shoot.

    if you want to be creative with your photography and pursue it as a hobby or career then go with an slr.

    i own the xt and honestly i wouldnt spend the extra $ for the xti just yet.


  • When you go for a tele, I think you should look at the Tamron 70-300 (http://www.adorama.com/TM70300DEOS.html?searchinfo=tamron%2070-300mm&item_no=3). sabbath recommended this to me when I was looking at these types of lenses, and I would have bought it if my dad didn't bring home a much more expensive 400mm Sigma lens.

    And yes, you should buy the 50mm 1.8 also.


  • Between adorama and B&H is either better? Both are basically the same price.

    Better yet, black or silver. ha.
    good things are said about both companies.

    black is supposed the color of the pros but i have the silver :) so i guess i'm not a pro :(


  • Thank you tiberius and one guy. Its just what I wanted to hear(no need to upgrade until I feel the need). I will also beusing the guide.

    And to sandspur, thank you, its nice to hear a different option but at the same time after reading what sarah said and what other people have said on other forums, I don't want to spend the initial money on the S5 to only feel limited later and go ahead and buy the DSLR while I could just get the DSLR now and be content.

    I will most likely end up going with the XTi with the lens kit. I think I can find it right under $600 with adorama. Any other suggested places I can buy?


  • Any other suggested places I can buy?

    My opinion is to stick to Adorama or B&H... just to be sure you`ll not be scammed... :)

    Good luck with your future new camera, and have a nice trip :)


  • You can also just get the body by itself for the XT and XTi and it takes off about $100.

    I can probably already say I'm going to be taking pictures of monuments(buildings) and people. For people I shouldn't need zoom but for certain buildings, I won't physically be able to get closer.


  • sorry to keep bugging but anyone?


  • anyone?


  • Ok so I think im going to go with the XTi with the lens kit. If I decide I want more from there, ill add on.

    What about the XSi? Those that seem worth purchasing over the XTi? yes or no and why?


  • For a beginner, is the "starter" lens good enough to get the job done?

    http://www.adorama.com/ICADRXTIBK.html?searchinfo=canon%20xti&item_no=11


    sorry once again I don't know much about the different types of lenses but can the stock lens zoom and if so how far?


  • you can try b&h photo. i think $589 gets it.

    click here (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?shs=xti&ci=0&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=RootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t)


  • My best friend has the XT, and I have the XTi, and I was very happy to spend the extra money. To me it was worth it, after playing with hers...but thats just me


  • I'm sure this is going to be a contrarian view ... but here goes.

    Get the S5is. Three reasons (well, actually four)

    1. It'll cost a lot less that $700

    2. The quality of construction and materials in the S5 is FAR superior to either the XT or XTi. The S5 is built on a magnesium frame, and it's joints, fittings and seals are outstanding compared to any of the low end (plastic) DSLR bodies (no matter who makes them).

    3. The quality of the lens built in to the S5 is FAR superior (I mean better glass ... Really better glass!) than any kit lens you'll get with a Rebel. PLUS! A great 12x Zoom Range ... which no kit lens can come close to. (Of course, you could opt for higher quality lenses - Either Canon or Tamron, Sigma, etc.- but not on the budget you've mentioned.

    4. The S5 is smaller, more compact, easier to carry around - whether you're traveling in Europe or back home and just snap shooting.

    Actually, there's one other advantage to the lower price thing: Since the S5is has a hot shoe you could still stay below $700 and add a SB600 flash, or maybe the new SB400.

    I'm making these recommendations because I own the S5's predecessor (the S3is) and it's my constant companion. I don't use it for my pro work - but I could in a pinch and get outstanding results.


  • I have a Rebel XT and completely love it. You can get one on eBay for around $400 used. The XTi is the same sensor with higher megapixels and some say the quality of pictures is not any better... but i don't know if that's a fact or not.


  • OK, i've decided the XSi is out of the question.

    So the question is now. Are their any major differences between the XT and XTi in terms of photo quality?

    Im asking this because I can get an XT package for $531 while an XTi and lens kit will cost me $590.

    Is it worth spending the extra for an XTi?


  • Ok, I was just searching around the canon website and see that the next rebel is set to come out next month. Is the XSi worth waiting for and buying?


  • if you go with an SLR, please read the tutorials in my signature. They'll give you a good grounding in the basics of using the different modes the SLR will offer you. And remember that you can make a copy of those tutorials to take with you. print them out if you want and take them with you for reference.

    And make sure you practice! You want to know how to use the camera before you go. And the more familiar you are with your camera, the more easily you'll be able to adjust your camera to get the photos you want.

    I'm using the 350D (XT) and it's quite capable. Just remember that having a more expensive camera isn't the most important part of being able to get good pics. it's knowing how to use it. if you get the kit lens, it will be a wide angle zoom lens which will get the job done. it's not the best lens, but it will give decent photos nonetheless. i used mine for over a year before upgrading it.


  • The 50mm is a good lens, but if you have just the 50mm and a telephoto of say, 70-300, you'll be pretty limited. You won't have a wide angle lens. I'd go with a wide angle zoom and a telephoto zoom.


  • I have a Rebel XT and completely love it. You can get one on eBay for around $400 used. The XTi is the same sensor with higher megapixels and some say the quality of pictures is not any better... but i don't know if that's a fact or not.

    ---------- Quoted from Megapixel.net -----------

    The XTi's auto focus system, for example, is different from the XT, and is imported from the EOS 30D. This is an auto focus system with 9 AF areas, and is a valuable addition to an entry-level SLR, since this is a system that is fast and precise.

    The buffer memory of the XTi is also improved over the XT, and the XTi is capable of longer bursts, double that of the XT, be it with RAW or JPEG images.

    The Canon Digital Rebel XTi, although it resembles the XT, is in fact a distinct model. Its 10-megapixel CMOS sensor gives it a slight advantage in terms of resolution, but it is really the AF, the buffer memory, the Picture Styles, and the dust reduction system that position it ahead of the XT. Although the lens it is currently sold with in kit form does not do the camera justice, quite unlike when it is paired with any of Canon finer lenses.

    ------------------------------------------------------ End Quote


  • The 50mm is a good lens, but if you have just the 50mm and a telephoto of say, 70-300, you'll be pretty limited. You won't have a wide angle lens. I'd go with a wide angle zoom and a telephoto zoom.

    umm, is the lens kit that comes with the XTi a wide angle zoom?


  • Hey, if you haven't bought anything yet and you are still considering the XTi, I would aim to get this setup for the trip:

    Canon Rebel XTi
    Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 - standard kit
    Canon 75-300mm f/4-5.6 - nice for those buildings and other things you won't be able to get close to. you can also look at the Sigma equivalent, which is cheaper and good.


  • ^^^^ what they said, you will be fine with the kit lens and im sure you would benefit from getting lower end telephoto zoom also

    And get it in black:D


  • Mainly for the trip but I keep running into situations where I want to take a picture of something so I've been thinking of turning it into a hobby. I'm even looking into taking some classes at my college.

    So what about the lens situation? Do you have the "starter" lens or something else.

    i think either one comes with the kit lens which is 18-55mm. this lens will not knock your socks off but it isnt horrible.

    i personally use the L series lenses. if you arent familiar with those they are canon's pro line of lenses. very expensive.

    a lens that i own which isnt an L is the 50mm f1.8. it can be had for around $85. very sharp lens. big upgrade from the kit lens. bad thing......it isnt a zoom. it's a fixed focal length....your feet become your zoom.

    sigma makes some good quality lenses for prolly less than what canon charges for theirs.

    you have to ask yourself what subjects are you going to be photographing. that will help decide which lens or lenses you will need.


  • The kit lens is a 18-55 zoom, which is a wide angle.

    Not extremely wide, but wide enough for just about anything you'll want. Go to the shop and have a look through it beforeyou buy.







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