September 24, 2008

Thoughts wanted



Ok, what do y'all think??  This Canon Rebel XSi is the camera that I've been drooling over for a little while now...the Ritz camera lady at the mall thinks I'm stalking her, it's pretty bad.  The camera is sooooo sweet but I'm in sticker shock (to the tune of $799 with the option to buy the 75-300 mm lens for another $100).  The last camera I had was a Nikon so I sorta feel like a traitor but then again, nah!  This puppy was so light and has a few extra features that I really like over the Nikon D40.  Anyways, does anybody out there have any thoughts??  What do you think about buying a SLR camera on the internet vs. buying from a store?

Speak to me.  Thanks!!  :)

  

11 comments:

Lauren said...

I think this is a great camera to start off with for sure. It really all depends on what your future goals are in the world of photography.

If you are going to be learning to shoot in manual and not in auto this is definitely great. The only piece of advice I have is don't waist your money on any kits lenses. They have good prices but their quality isn't all that great.

Get the 50mm f/1.8 (about $80-$90). This isn't a zoom lense but is great to start off with!

Come on over and let me know if you have any questions! I'd be glad to help.

Musings of a Housewife said...

I have the Nikon d50. We love it, but the Canons have a great record as well. GO for it! You will not regret having a D-SLR!!

Shannon (muzbeecrazy.com) said...

I don't know much about cameras so I asked my hubby. He said if you are going to buy on-line make sure it is from a reputable place because there are a lot of scams out there. He said if the price on the internet seems too good to be true it probably is. Good luck!

Liz Ferguson said...

I don't have an answer to your question, I was curious to see what others would say on this topic. I am looking into a new camera myself. I have taked to a few friends who are professional photographers and they say that this camera (the Rebel) is a good one to start out with. Bill just got a job working at a college, and now I can take classes for free. So I am thinking of going back to school for photogaphy. I don't think my little 6.0 mp Kodak is going to cut it much longer! :D

HoodMama said...

Ok, I have it and love it. I totally agree though, not to get the kits lenses. I use it all the time and really love it!

Bethany said...

http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/

Hi Kari! I love the above site and have spent way to many hours of my life reading it.

As for Ritz, that's the last place I'd buy a camera, for exactly the reason you mention (sticker shock). I bought my Digital Rebel XT online (albeit refurbished and directly from Canon, an employee special) and have had nothin but love for over a year.

I agree that you need a reputable online dealer, otherwise, well, you could have problems without recourse.

Two options to consider: go to Costco (if you're not a member, you probably know someone who is!). Their cameras are priced below Ritz, and are often bundled with other stuff you might like. Or go to a local non-chain store, where they'll be able to talk with you about all your camera hopes and dreams, and may even have a gently used one you could buy at a good price.

But not everyone's willing to buy used stuff (I'm just super cheap), so read that website I sent, and do your thing! You'll love your camera...I do!

Oneneedler said...

I have the Cannon camera and absolutely love it. I raved so much about it that my sister bought one. Now she loves it too.

I bought my on-line through Amazon and my sister bought hers through Ritz. She paid a lot more for hers than I did.

I did not buy the lens kit, but about a year later bought a very nice lens.

I love the camera! You can't go wrong with it.

Kim

FlipFlop Mom said...

I have a Nikon D80.. and it's molded to my hands... I couldn't use another.. LOL LOL.. I'm a Nikon Junky.. 4 camera's.. all Nikons...

BUT.. I've heard GREAT things about Canons.. I really go by how it feels in your hands... are you comfortable with it?? I'm big into comfort..

Stacy said...

My sister-in-law bought her Rebel XT online, so that isn't an issue. What is an issue, is to make sure you buy from a reputable dealer. She founds lots of too good to be true deals, which were scams. BH Photo is a reputable place online, or you could look up your supplier at www.resellerratings.com. They expose scammers over there.

BTW I bought my camera from Ritz. ;)

As for Nikon Vs. Canon - they are both great cameras. I shoot a Nikon D50, and when I upgrade it will be to the Nikon D300. I did use my kit lens, though, so I don't always agree with everyone on that. It's all in learning the sweet spot to get the focus right. I usually only use it in the summer, though, since it doesn't open up wide enough.

Hope that helps and thanks for visiting my site! :)

Nicole Bateman | thepixelboutique.com said...

Hi Kari,

I just got the XSi for my birthday in April and I love it! Its a great camera...you will love it. The price tag is steep...I want to get the 75-300 lens too, but cant swing it just yet. You wont be disappointed when the time comes... :)

Gilpatriclife said...

So, if you need a lense for your camera, why don't you borrow mine for a test drive before spending the money. I have the Canon Rebel EOS (not digital) and love it. I have had it for years. Anyway, would love to let you try the lenses if you decide to buy this camera. Definatetly shop around. I got mine back about 5 years ago from Walmart and still runs like a charm (and I love to use it).
Keep me posted on what you decide.

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