Which Canon Camera to buy? - DPChallenge Forums

07/05/2007 04:10:39 PM · #1

Hello,
I have mainly taken photos with a manual Nikon Em and a Minolta Srt-202, but now I am looking to buy my first DSLR camera. I have been trying to decided between a Nikon and a Canon and I think I want to buy a Canon. I am not sure which reasonably priced model to buy. I was looking at the Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT versus the Canon EOS-400D Rebel Xti. There is a big difference in price and I was wondering if I should purchase the XT or spend the extra money for the newer model?
I was looking at the samples of pictures and they both produce nice shots. Are there any other camera models I should look into? Please, your feedback would be much appreciated as I am newbie.
Noa

cpanaioti

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

07/05/2007 04:23:46 PM · #2

This thread may be of interest to you, depending on your budget.

//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=632186

NVPhoto

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

07/05/2007 04:23:56 PM · #3

Both are nice. The xti has a larger screen and its 10MP instead of 8, but thats really not anything of significance.

Your camera is less important that the lens you put on it. With that in mind, if you can get a nice lens w/ your savings, go that route. You will upgrade you camera body many times throughout the future, but your lenses will stay. Buy quality lenses and you will be pleased w/ almost any camera body you buy especially at the entry level stage. Buy the XT and some nice lenses. Experiment and find what you like and don't like and use that for your next purchase.

Im holding out for a few more months for a 5D. I want that camera because I know what features Im looking for and what it could do for my photography. Its taken 2 years of working w/ the XT to figure that out.

Spend your money on lenses you will be happy you did.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

07/05/2007 04:24:25 PM · #4

If you search the forums here, there are many discussions covering the pros/cons of these two cameras.

Nullix

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

07/05/2007 05:16:42 PM · #5

Buy the cheapest one and invest in glass. The glass is what matters and what really makes an image (that and the photographer).

In 5 months your digital camera will be worth less since they'll come out with another version. Good glass on the other hand keeps it's worth.

07/05/2007 06:43:52 PM · #6

Thanks alot for the help...I'm gonna save up some more money and most likely get the Rebel XT..Buying better lenses makes alot of sense..Should I stick to Canon Lenses then?

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

07/05/2007 06:55:01 PM · #7

Originally posted by noajordan:

Should I stick to Canon Lenses then?

Only the ones that have the letter 'L' in the description :p

awpollard

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

07/05/2007 06:56:27 PM · #8

The SP line of Tamrons give many of the Canon lenses a run for the money... So (IMO) you don't have to always go Canon glass, but on the other hand there is "L" glass that can't be beat either.

Andy

Nowaytotell

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8-4.0 Aspherical DG for Canon

07/05/2007 07:05:04 PM · #9

Originally posted by noajordan:

Thanks alot for the help...I'm gonna save up some more money and most likely get the Rebel XT..Buying better lenses makes alot of sense..Should I stick to Canon Lenses then?

i just got the rebel XT all i have to say is that is awesome!

Prof_Fate

07/05/2007 08:03:18 PM · #10

The 350 is sufficient for most needs - the two big things the 400 adds are sensor cleaning (reviews i've read doubt it has much value on any of the dSLRs) and more MP. 8mp is plenty for 24x36 inch prints so the extra MP only fill up your hard drive faster.

Send the savings on lenses - the kit lens is fine for general use, but you can do better if you spend a bit more - the canon 17-85 IS, tamron 24-135 SP, tamron 28-75 2.8 SP are all good. A good long lens for the money is the sigma 70-300 APO (must be the APO version) for around $175.

Nullix

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

07/05/2007 11:03:22 PM · #11

Check the reviews. I seem to remember something about the rebel line not having mirror lockup and 3200ISO. There might be some other restrictions on the rebel line.

I seem to remember when the digital rebel first coming out there was a software hack to allow for these options. I'm not certain that hack still exists (or is needed).

07/05/2007 11:11:59 PM · #12

It has mirror lockup. Does not have i3200.

cpanaioti

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

07/05/2007 11:13:29 PM · #13

It was the 300 that didn't have lockup unless you installed the hacked firmware. With the hacked firmware I believe you also got ISO 3200.

07/06/2007 10:00:55 AM · #14

How often does someone use ISO 3200?

07/06/2007 10:03:19 AM · #15

As often as you use horses 350-425 - but it's nice to have when you need it ;)

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

07/06/2007 11:29:44 AM · #16

Have any of you had to have your camera repaired? I've been reading peoples review on the Rebel Xt and most of the complaints are that they have had to have the camera repaired within a couple months to a year of use.

digitalpins

Canon EOS-60D

07/06/2007 11:33:29 AM · #17

I have had my rebel xt for a couple of years now and its time for it to be sent in, so far I have taken about 45,000 photos with it and now it keeps freezing during a day of shooting. But I also have a Rebel XTi-400 and that camera also very good. I love the bigger screen and the display where it has all of your settings.

whiteroom

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon

07/06/2007 11:40:16 AM · #18

Rebel XTi-400 this camera is great i believe, i recently went on safari and it seems to be the "ranger's" choice.

photo gallery

Sting11165

Canon EOS-20D

07/06/2007 01:31:28 PM · #19

I'll throw another into the mix:

The Canon 20D.

If you are willing to go refurbished, you can get a 20D (body only) for less than $700. I just got one and the user interface is so much nicer than my XT (the viewfinder alone is a huge improvement).

FYI, got my XT used for $400, but it is flakey and I need to fix the CF slot.

But, yeah, on a tight budget, go with the XT. $300 = a decent lens.

TJinGuy

Nikon Coolpix 2100

Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

07/06/2007 01:49:26 PM · #20

Since you are just starting out with DSLRs and have no money invested yet, I would recommend getting an XT and 2-3 lenses. The XTi is just not worth the extra money. If you want to spend more, step up to a 30D. And skip the kit lens if you can afford it. Just grab a Tamron SP 17-50mm and start with that. Then add a Canon 75-300mm for the long end and a 50mm f/1.8 for use as a super shallow DOF lens as well as a tack sharp lens.

Then just start saving for L lenses and when you have a bag full, buy a 5D.

07/06/2007 02:31:45 PM · #21

I know ultimately a great picture is produced by the person behind the camera and that there is no guarantee with any camera that it wonâ��t breakdown, but I just want one that is reliable and that takes nice sharp pictures. So, for now I will buy a camera and one lense with a good range and save up for other lenses along the way. I really like the pictures that are taken with the Canon EF-S 10-22mm lens, those are a bit steap, but I'm sure worth every penny. I've seen the Rebel XT's Body alone for $199 or packaged with a kit for more money. So, the lenses that come with the kit's aren't good?
Thanks for all the help, making a decision can be a bit overwhelming.

Message edited by author 2007-07-06 14:50:50.

cpanaioti

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

07/06/2007 03:02:11 PM · #22

$199 for an XT body seems a little low.

Be sure to check the reseller ratings.

//www.resellerratings.com

Sting11165

Canon EOS-20D

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon

07/06/2007 03:17:32 PM · #23

Under $300 for an XT body (even used) would make me skeptical. $200 seems way too low. I think the going rate is about $400 for a refurb or used camera from a reputable shop, maybe $300+ for a used body off eBay.

The kit lens is a great value for the money. If you are short on cash, get a kit lens ($60-70 used) and upgrade it later. IMO, the kit lens gets a bad rap, but I never got one when I was starting out and I regret it. Get the Canon 50mm F/1.8 prime ($90 new) too though, because it will show you the results of quality optics (even though the lens itself is cheap as anything).

If you have the cash now, the Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 is a great lens to start with. If you'll be doing more portraits, you might be better off with the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8.