New Camera

[Rich P]

I stand corrected. I misread UV as polarizing...my mistake.

[moc]

I loved my digital rebel and have since moved on to the 30D.

Your major investment will be in lenses, so you'll want to pick a brand and stay with it so you can keep your lenses. If you move from a canon to a nikon, for example, you'll have to reinvest in new lenses.

If you're interested in indoor photography without a flash, you'll want a lens faster than a zoom (unless you've got a very pricey zoom). Still, I recommend a decent zoom first, and then adding lenses as your needs dictate.

Personally, I buy only full frame slr lenses (NOT digital). It won't be long before all digital slr cameras have full size sensors. You won't be able to use digital lenses with these cameras. I dream of the Canon 5D Mark II - and that's a full size sensor.

For the same reason, I would recommend buying the camera body rather than the kit, and then using the left over cash to help pay for a full size lens (it will cost slightly more up front, but you've got a better lens).

I'm fairly familiar with the Canon line, so I can give more specific advice if you're interested. Or I can just quiet down

*moc

[Tom Slick]

I noticed that when I clicked on the "What's In The Box" tab, it said that the camera body color was silver - that's odd. Not a deal-breaker, but definitely odd...

Ray.

Silver bodies are common on Canon's Rebel line in the US.

I have a Rebel XT and it's been an excellent camera. If you are not accustomed to shooting with an SLR there can be a bit of a learning curve, even with the automatic settings.

[jziegler]

The Canon Rebel series are good basic SLRs, I choose the Nikon D60 instead (pretty comparable to the Canon Rebel XS in most spec) because I didn't like the feel and control layout of the Canon (and I like Canon compacts, so not a brand bias). I'd highly recommend going to a store to at least feel one in your hands, even if it is tethered and has no battery. It doesn't hurt to look at Olmypus (the e-620 looks very nice), Pentax, and even Sony. If you go to the review sites (dpreview.com is a good one) you will see that every DSLR currently on the market is good. They all have different strengths, but all are good.

Jim

[Alex Franke]

It's a great, solid camera. We have the original rebel XT, and it's still a great camera. My brother in law picked up the one you're looking at, and my parents in law picked up a slightly newer one.

They all accommodate point-and-shoot (in fact you can take a picture just about as fast as you can turn it on and press the shutter button) and have "fully automatic" modes, as well as common special modes for things like sports, portraits, etc. I don't think I've ever used them, though, because it also supports more advanced users with features like shutter/aperture priority modes, fully manual, bracketing, etc.

IMHO, this camera is an exceptional value. You won't regret going digital (if you haven't already), and you won't regret doing it with Canon, either.

That said, I agree that it would be a good idea to see this camera (and comparables) up close an personal. The better it feels in your hands, and the more you "connect" with the camera, the more you'll use it. I have some good friends who chose Nikon and they're very happy too. I prefer Canon, though.

Edit: I second the www.dpreview.com suggestion -- also check out www.steves-digicams.com. Both have excellent and thorough reviews.

Unless you're sure of Buydig.com's reputation, try looking at B&H Photo.

I ordered a lot from buydig over many years now-- never a problem. I agree that they're totally reputable. AND they often have some GREAT deals!

[tuttlejr]

If you are still looking, consider the Olympus Evolt line of DSLR's. Not that they are better than Canon or Nikon but they are on a par with them and often over looked.

Be sure to handle the ones that you are considering. Live View and shake reduction are excellent features.

[drumpriest]

I have the XTi and a set of lenses that I've collected. My walk around is a f2.8 Sigma atmospheric

http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-18-50mm-...8924835&sr=8-2

It's a good camera, and the XS uses the same imaging sensor with better electronics, and is cheaper. I'm getting one for my dad (so we can swap lenses and flashes and such).

Here are some shots that I took earlier this year with it, before I got my bounce flash. I'll be uploading some newer ones soon that don't have the harsh shadows....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2278107...7620482257409/