And I'm Finally on the Hunt of a DSLR...help

[JaceTheAce]

Do not get the T1i (or even T2i). I imagine you want that over the XS or XSi because of the video? If so, the T1i and T2i have severely limited features in movie mode compared to the 7D and 5D Mk II.

My suggestion:
If you want new, get a factory refurb Canon XSi directly from the Canon website at $419 (body only). Buy the $90 nifty fifty (Canon 50mm f/1.8). DO NOT even waste $20-50 extra on the 18-55 kit lens. It's complete piss-poor-optical-quality junk. When you have more money buy the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 at $450. I have this lens and it is SHARP, even at f/2.8. If you want to spend even more money consider the Canon 24-70 f/2.8L and Canon 70-200 f/2.8L (either IS or non IS) on the used market.

If you don't mind used and want an overall way better camera body than the XSi, get a used Canon 40D body and buy the rest I listed above. They are going for $500 to $550 with low click counts on www.photography-on-the.net Forums and Photocamel.com Forums.

Some other advice:
When buying new products ONLY buy from BHPhoto.com, CalumetPhoto.com, Amazon.com, or Adorama.com (I could list a few other reputable sources, but those are my top 4).

 

[WindyCityPilot]

Do not get the T1i (or even T2i). I imagine you want that over the XS or XSi because of the video? If so, the T1i and T2i have severely limited features in movie mode compared to the 7D and 5D Mk II.

My suggestion:
If you want new, get a factory refurb Canon XSi directly from the Canon website at $419 (body only). Buy the $90 nifty fifty (Canon 50mm f/1.8). DO NOT even waste $20-50 extra on the 18-55 kit lens. It's complete piss-poor-optical-quality junk. When you have more money buy the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 at $450. I have this lens and it is SHARP, even at f/2.8. If you want to spend even more money consider the Canon 24-70 f/2.8L and Canon 70-200 f/2.8L (either IS or non IS) on the used market.

If you don't mind used and want an overall way better camera body than the XSi, get a used Canon 40D body and buy the rest I listed above. They are going for $500 to $550 with low click counts on www.photography-on-the.net Forums and Photocamel.com Forums.

Some other advice:
When buying new products ONLY buy from BHPhoto.com, CalumetPhoto.com, Amazon.com, or Adorama.com (I could list a few other reputable sources, but those are my top 4).

:yeahthat:

I have the setup Jace is talking about. XSi body, Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8, and the 50mm f/1.8 nifty fifty. I also have the Canon 55-250mm EF-S lens for my zoom but will eventually probably replace that with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens...either Canon or Tamron/Sigma.

I sold the 18-55mm kit lens and put that money toward the 17-50mm Tammy. Definitely the way to go.

I also got the battery grip for the XSi since my hands are a little bigger and the size of the XSi body is a little small for my hands so the grip makes it a bit larger as well at it allows me to use 2 batteries so I have basically unlimited shooting time in a day.

 

[derg]

Koo Koo lives!

 

[Adler]

Ok, now I think I'm convinced on the XSI :clap:

 

[ETAV8R]

If you want to spend even more money consider the Canon 24-70 f/2.8L and Canon 70-200 f/2.8L (either IS or non IS) on the used market.

These two are outstanding lenses. I have those two and just picked up a Sigma 150-500 to go with my 5D. For entry level use and learning a kit is fine. I have friends who take great shots with non-pro bodies and kit lenses. Go to a local store and check out some bodies in person to help make your decision. Then go online and bust that credit card!

 

[gne in prog]

well?

 

[Adler]

well?

I got depressed over lens costs. Thanks to all the help here, I'm pretty sure I want an XSi with with the stock 18-55, down the line a nifty fifty, and a 55-300 usm is...once I find a used one cheap enough.