Camera Guru's enter

[lilmaniac2 5,000+ posts]

Ok, I have a camera noobie question. I have been researching DSLR's for a while, and I want to go with a trusted brand, Canon/Nikon preferably. I also want one with a live view screen, In photography club in high school, we shot with the viewfinder and I wasn't a fan. With my glasses its just a major pain to have to use it.

So that narrows my choices down considerably. I also don't want to spend more than $700-$800 for a kit. I have absolutely nothing other than my point and shoot camera, and would like to try out a few different lenses and filters.

I am leaning toward this bundle here which is the Rebel XSi 450d which is the cheapest model I can find with live view. I have shot an Xti and it was ok, but again the lack of live view I disliked.

Does anyone have anything bad to say about the Canon EOS Rebel XSi 450d?

I realize that the included lenses with that model are probably lower tier lenses, but would they work to help me get a feel as to which lenses I would like? Should I just buy a body and buy quality lenses?

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[BIGsherm7272]

The xsi is a great camera, I am very pleased with mine

 

[lilmaniac2 5,000+ posts]

The xsi is a great camera, I am very pleased with mine

what lens/lenses you have?

 

[Blazin_Jason 10+ year member]

g/f just picked up a rebel xsi eos w/ standard lens. I think she said it only has live view on 1 certain setting. Seems most don't do live view or something.

 

[lilmaniac2 5,000+ posts]

g/f just picked up a rebel xsi eos w/ standard lens. I think she said it only has live view on 1 certain setting. Seems most don't do live view or something.

hmm interesting.

 

[dumple 5,000+ posts]

get the nikon d90 and take hd videos !! sorry lol but the cannon is a sweet cam my oldest brother has it and its beautiful pictures

 

[wu501 10+ year member]

the xsi is a good camera. I currently have a rebel xt and it has been great. Learn with the cheaper lenses that come with the kit and then buy higher end lenses as you advance.

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

Meh, not really a fan of those packages. Tamron lenses, especially those zooms, are just average.

If it were me, I'd get the body, and a really good 50mm prime lens //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

Check out photo.net for reviews, they're usually a pretty good source.

 

[hoss 5,000+ posts]

IMHO if you arent going to be using the view finder to preview the pic, you are probably better off just finding a really good point and shoot.

most all of the DSLR's ive used have had adjustable view finders, which may or may not help you. thats my oppinion though, i like to be able to focus myself most of the time. its faster than most lenses will do it, and you dont have to rely on the camera to try and decide what you are trying to focus on.

 

[hoss 5,000+ posts]

also, for a starter DSLR, id say go with something pretty minimum, you can always upgrade later, and the lenses are going to make a bigger difference for the time being than the camera itself. i still barely use my D40 to its whole potential, but like i said, i also prefer to do everything manually. the only thing i wish my D40 has is the two wheels for adjusting aperture and shutter speed individually, but even that isnt a big deal.

 

[lilmaniac2 5,000+ posts]

I will use the viewfinder some, but its just annoying to have to flip up my glasses every time I go to take a shot. The live view is the only thing I am set on wanting.

The only reason I choose that kit with those lenses is Im not sure what I am going to be shooting primarily so i think it would be better to have some options

 

[bose301s 5,000+ posts]

Why do awesome cameras have to have such an awesomely high price tag, lol. I wish I could get into this like you are going to Chad, I would love to do it, but I am too poor, lol. Anyway, good luck on finding the camera you want, I will be watching this thread to maybe learn a thing or 2.

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

Why do awesome cameras have to have such an awesomely high price tag, lol.

You're telling me.

Digital backs for medium format gear is still way too expensive //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif I really want a Hasselblad or Contax rig that I could set up for digital, but it's just nuts what they want for those, even used...

 

[bose301s 5,000+ posts]

You're telling me.
Digital backs for medium format gear is still way too expensive //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif I really want a Hasselblad or Contax rig that I could set up for digital, but it's just nuts what they want for those, even used...

Just looked that stuff up, and //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/omg.gif.05aa02c3095d6ce9338996654eca0863.gif That stuff is sick, way over my head. Personally I wouldn't mind a Canon Rebel DSLR of any model, lol. I bought a Canon S5-IS over the summer, I like it, decent camera for what it is.

PS: Sorry for the thread jack Chad //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif