Canon Rebel XTi SLR

[Lugnut]

I have the XTi and a few accesories.

If you're just shooting for fun, I'd recommend the following listed in order of importance (in my opinion)...

1. Make sure you get the NEW XTi package. They come with an image stabilized kit lens. Old package does not.
2. External E-TTL II flash (I have the 430EX and LOVE it)
3. extra memory cards
4. Extra camera battery
5. rechargeable batteries for flash
6. cheap inverter so you can charge the batteries in the car WHEN you forget to charge them ahead of time.
7. Canon 75-300 EF III USM zoom lens (not the best zoom, but good bang for the buck)
8. cheap tripod


Canon also makes a 50mm F1.8 lens that's only $80.Not a bad portrait lens for us family picture nuts, and if you take pictures in low light it works pretty well too.

[hvp05 (Premo)]

Originally Posted by itsbob

Question I have is how do the Nikon Digital SLR's stack up to the Canon's??

Canon is my brand, so I can't answer your other questions, but I can answer this one...

The Nikon D-SLRs have historically held pace with the Canon's up through the "prosumer" level, offering equal results and capability. However, Nikon's pro level has been severely lacking compared to Canon's - hence why Canon's claim that most pros shoot with their equipment is true and you can see it on the sidelines at any game. That said, Nikon has recently taken a big step forward with their D3, as it is comparable to Canon's Mark III. But as long as Canon maintains its high quality standards and innovation, the pros will stick with them, especially considering how deeply invested those guys are with their Canon equipment and comfortability.

So, to most of us, there isn't much difference...

[hvp05 (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Lugnut

6. cheap inverter so you can charge the batteries in the car WHEN you forget to charge them ahead of time.

EXCELLENT investment! They don't cost much and can save you if you run low on power while away from an indoor outlet. Here is an example of one. (I am not recommending that one, but that is what you're looking for; most electronics places carry them.)

8. cheap tripod

I would not suggest anything "cheap", as it will have a shorter lifespan than if you spend a little more on one at the start. You can find them under $20, but like I said before, I think the $50 level is fairly decent.

[Pandora (Premo)]

I have a FujiFine Pix....


































But I'm sure you all don't care about my camera.
(kinda like bragging about your new Edge at the Corvette convention )

[vanbells]

Originally Posted by hvp05

She doesn't need an L lens to shoot her baby's portraits.

What if she was 100 yards away? A good 100-400mm lens and a teleconverter would be schwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeet!!!!!

[vanbells]

Originally Posted by hvp05

She doesn't need an L lens to shoot her baby's portraits.

You also don't need a Digital SLR either.

[MrX (Premo)]

Congrats on the new XTi, they're pretty nice cameras.

[itsbob (Premo)]

Originally Posted by hvp05

Canon is my brand, so I can't answer your other questions, but I can answer this one...

The Nikon D-SLRs have historically held pace with the Canon's up through the "prosumer" level, offering equal results and capability. However, Nikon's pro level has been severely lacking compared to Canon's - hence why Canon's claim that most pros shoot with their equipment is true and you can see it on the sidelines at any game. That said, Nikon has recently taken a big step forward with their D3, as it is comparable to Canon's Mark III. But as long as Canon maintains its high quality standards and innovation, the pros will stick with them, especially considering how deeply invested those guys are with their Canon equipment and comfortability.

So, to most of us, there isn't much difference...

I heard a rumor about why all the pro's carry Canon.. Most of them are given their cameras to use by Canon..

Don't know if there is any truth to it.. but did hear most carry them as back ups to their preferred cameras (whatever they may be).. so it would be true to say for example 80% of photo professionals carry Canon..

I've also heard Nikon is a late comer to the Digital SLR..

[clevalley (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Lugnut

I have the XTi and a few accesories.

If you're just shooting for fun, I'd recommend the following listed in order of importance (in my opinion)...

1. Make sure you get the NEW XTi package. They come with an image stabilized kit lens. Old package does not.
2. External E-TTL II flash (I have the 430EX and LOVE it)
3. extra memory cards
4. Extra camera battery
5. rechargeable batteries for flash
6. cheap inverter so you can charge the batteries in the car WHEN you forget to charge them ahead of time.
7. Canon 75-300 EF III USM zoom lens (not the best zoom, but good bang for the buck)
8. cheap tripod


Canon also makes a 50mm F1.8 lens that's only $80.Not a bad portrait lens for us family picture nuts, and if you take pictures in low light it works pretty well too.

I have the XT and it ROCKS

I totally agree with Lugnut on this - I have the same setup above and it does all that I want!

[hvp05 (Premo)]

Originally Posted by vanbells

You also don't need a Digital SLR either.

Yeah, I guess that's true. But, even if all I was shooting was family stuff, I would still pick the SLR for its customizability. My advanced point-and-shoot (prior to my first SLR) was a nice camera, but it was still limited in some ways.

Originally Posted by itsbob

I heard a rumor about why all the pro's carry Canon.. Most of them are given their cameras to use by Canon..

Maybe true... but Nikon still did not have much to put in for competition until recently.