Spin off camera thread (need opinions on DSLR and lenses for a noob)

[RogerF]

What do you guys think of the Canon Rebel XTi?

I know that in general Nikon is the preferred brand of SLR crowd, but that for ease of use Canon has been getting up there on the ranks. Let this not be another canon vs nikon thread.........


I am interested in getting into a entry level DSLR and I have been a huge fan of Canon point and shoots.

What is your review of the XT and the replacement XTi? What lens should I get that would be a good all around lens for a beginner like myself?

Thanks in advance guys

[Robb]

I bought my wife the Canon Rebel Xti. I dont know anything about taking pics I just point and shoot and it does pretty good.

[SLRdude]

Personally, I think that Nikon has a much more intuitive interface, and the buttons are very cleverly position to where virtually any change can be made without taking your eye off the view finder.
I was using the Rebel when I was shopping for a new Camera, and the ease of use of Nikon won me over. Plus it just felt more solid.

Honestly, I think that Canon is a GREAT cam. My friend has the rebel, and other than the fact that he wishes his would be easier to change the settings on, he loves it.

As far as a lens... an 18-55 should be a great starting lens.
I have an 18-55 (80% camera time), a 70-300 telephoto (10%) and a 60 mm macro. (the remaining 10%. Mainly watch photos or bugs... flowers... etc)

[roadcarver]

Roger,

Before you decide, go to Henrys and hold both cameras and see which one feels right in your hand.

Take a look at the menu/user interface and see which one flows better. Both Canon and Nikon DSLR are excellent choices and you can't go wrong.

Check dpreview.com for reviews on the cameras as well.

As for lenses, the 18mm-55mm range would be a good start since DSLRs have 1.5x compensation meaning the 18mm would actually be 27mm. You loose wide angle but gain zoom when using lenses in DSLRs.

If you already have a Nikon 35mm SLR the choice would be a no brainer, and I would go with a Nikon DSLR... used D70s for example are great buys. The same applies if you already have Canon lenses.

Good luck on your quest.

Regards,

Vernon

[vh_bu98]

I'm a big fan of the Canon point and shoots as well...I've own about 4 digital elphs. My friend owns the xti and it's a good camera. I've used it before, but I felt it was a little small as a DSLR. Ergonomics is an important factor so you really need to go out and just hold and shoot a few shots to see how it feels in your hand. I personally believe that the Nikons felt better in my hands and that the D200 just seem right for me. With that said, there are a lot of factors that goes into choosing a DSLR and it's not an easy decision. There are days that I wonder if I should have gotten the Canon 5D.

So here are some things to think about. First, which camera feels right in your hands? How are the button layout? Is the viewfinder bright enough? How's the weight?

Second, which system will meet your needs? When you're getting into a DSLR, you're really buying into the glass...ie the lenses. Camera bodies will come and go, but the lenses will last you a lifetime.

Picture quality would probably be lower on the scale which may surprise people. The reason why is that the majority of DSLRs are perfectly capable of taking excellent photos and that it is the user who will fall short. A good photographier can produce great photos no matter what camera they use.

I know that you were interested in the XT/XTI, but you have to ask yourself why? Do you plan to take a lot of low light and fast action where ISO 800 above is required? If yes, than proceed on the Canon path. But not so much, I would suggest you look around and see what other manufactures have to offer. It's best to do as much research as possible instead of narrowing your decision so early in the game.

I have found the DPReview forums to be a good source of information. And nothing beats going down to the camera shop and testing things out for yourself.

And as a beginner lens, I would recommend a 50mm f/1.8 lens. Why? The lens is inexpensive, but very sharp in quality. And 1.8 will allow low-light and action that won't break the bank. F/2.8 zooms are very expensive. Not to mention that being a fixed length, it forces you to frame what you're after. Zooms are nice, but it's better to master your technique first. And it's better to save your money and get good glass first instead of wasting it on cheap glass. I learn the lesson the hard way with a Sigma 70-300mm f/4 -5.6 that I paid about $300 USD. Once I got my hands on a 70-200mm f/2.8, there was no going back.