NYVideoGuy said:
Spend the extra money and grab a 20D if you can . I have the RebelXT. It takes great pictures, no doubt, but the viewfinder is small and dark.
Depends on your POV (no pun intended). I have the XT, and find that the finder is bright. And with glasses the smaller finder image not real issue.
The auto white balance stinks, learn how to do it manually, and get a good flash. You will love it, just that darn viewfinder....
Auto WB is different between vendors and even different models from those vendors. Learning to do WB manually can help no matter what camera you are using. Whether it is by working with the RAW format, or using something like the Expodisk (
http://www.expoimaging.net/).
Flash is subjective also. I have a 420EX that sees rare use. The built-in is great for most uses, for me.
Blong said:
Pick up the cameras and have a play with them. Many people like the feel of the 350D, but it seems like just as many don't.
When the 350D was released, I felt that the price was right to buy a DSLR. However, when I picked it up and played with it, I really didn't like the way it felt in my hands - most likely could have become accustomed to it in a short time, but then I picked up the 20D. Biiiiiiiiig difference in balance and feel. So I bought the 20D, was worried about the extra cost for a little bit, but I am very happy now that I made the choice.
Good points. I wrestled with my choice between the XT and the 20D. For my style of shooting, I preferred the smaller, lighter body. Also with the 12-24 Tokina, 17-40 Canon, and the 28-75 Tamron; the balance for me was better with the XT body over the 20D.
Abstract said:
I had Canon brand loyalty as well, and still went with a Nikon D50, although I now wish I considered Olympus a little bit more, along with Pentax (but these 2 companies are much harder to find where I live).
Yep, each vendor has something else to offer. Olympus has their sonic cleaning of the sensor, and some fantastic - but expensive - high-speed lenses coming out. And their Panasonic tie in may give them access to lenses designed by Leica (our rep is hedging a bit on the OIS system from Panasonic). Pentax has great compatibility with their older MF lenses.
Anyway, if you get a Canon, don't make it a 350D. I always say get a 20D as a bare minimum, because the 350D's comfort and quality feels like poo on a stick, and the general button layout isn't exactly Canon's strong suit.
Again subjective. I love the ease of the controls that matter, over the controls of my 10D.
Also, I hope the reason you're choosing a Canon over other brands isn't because your professor is offering you the kit lens for $50. It's not a good enough lens to make a decision solely on his offer.
Don't worry, I'm a student on a budget as well, and I can probably help you with lens suggestions if you need them. You simply can't afford all the great lenses Canon has to offer.
Depending on usage, the 18-55 is not that bad of a lens for one starting out on a budget. For what I am hearing the OP is trying to stay close to $600. IIRC from my stores pricing the D50 w/18-55 is about $700, though the *ist DL fits that budget of $600. Even though the price the OP posted is after a $100 mail-in rebate.
macdaddy121 said:
Bad news: I live in a small town and they don't have a camera store.
First, I don't count Baton Rouge as a "small town". There was one shop many years ago that I thought about working for. Maybe they were pushed out by the big box stores and those that just want the lowest price.
Good news: Moving to Atlanta in 2 months. Going to house hunt in Atlanta in 6 days. I will definently be checking out some camera stores.
Should be some great independent shops in ATL. Of course there are Ritz's and Wolfes' there.
I am hoping the 20D price drops a few hundred. Anything around 900 seems like a great price. It might take a month or so. But I don't see how it can stay at its price with the 30D being so cheap in some places.
If $900 is not out of the question, then look at the Nikon D70s kit with the 18-70 for about $999. Sure you might have to wait, but it is also a great choice. It may not have the ISO 3200 of the Canon, but it does allow for wireless TTL flash without needing to buy a $240 accessory. It also offers grid lines imposed on the screen for composition.
macdaddy121 said:
I am afraid this thread is going to make me spend more money than I was planning. However, I really want that 30D. Maybe I just need to get over the fact that it cost more than twice as much and realize its just money. Who needs it??
By the way....I have never been a big fan of the Rebel name myself. The price drop is the main thing that has made me be very interested in it.
Keep in mind a camera is a tool. What matters in a tool, is how it is used by the person using it - and the results they can get. The name behind it means little, but to those that names mean more than results.
If you have little need for 5fps vs. 3fps, then the lowly "Rebel" may serve your needs. If you have little need for ISO 3200 vs. ISO 1600, then the lowly "Rebel" may serve your needs also.
To be honest the strongest reason, other than "spec envy", for the 20D or the 30D are the common interfaces to the upper end of the Canon line. It would shorten the learning curve perhaps.
