My first DSLR, and I have a $1000 budget... - Page 4 - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

TheMarchingMule · 06-16-2008, 04:31 AM

Hey guys, just got back from CC. My mistake was to first try out a Rebel XSi. Within five minutes or so I got used to it almost like second nature, and after getting tired of the 18-55mm lens, I grabbed a nearby 55-200mm lens (I think it was the one that was just released?) and fooled around with that one too.

Then after almost half an hour with it, I decided to finally try out the Nikon D40. I was sad. Like this:

All the cool dedicated buttons seemed to be gone, and I couldn't figure out how to alter some settings for awhile (ISO and AF, for example).

Funny thing was, as I was leaving CC, I saw one of the very high-end Canon models sitting next to the XSi. I was all "Y'know, I shouldn't...but I will," and I picked it up to see how good it was compared to . I immediately got confused by all the buttons and the unfamiliar layout, and so I gave up on it.

So yes, my sights are now firmly set on a Canon Rebel XSi, and I'm going to buy it online. That amazon.com price does seem nice this time of year.

I'm going to guess I'll need a macro lens and a "far-range" lens to even out the view spectrum. Can you guys help me out further here?

Again, thanks for all of your comments and advice.

lan · 06-16-2008, 05:47 AM

Buttons and layout, you can learn. But you went with my recommendation of XSi so it all worked out in the end.

I don't think you'll be getting a macro and telephoto and still be in $1000 budget. Are you revising your budget?

TheMarchingMule · 06-16-2008, 05:51 AM

Originally Posted by lan

Buttons and layout, you can learn. But you went with my recommendation of XSi so it all worked out in the end.

I don't think you'll be getting a macro and telephoto and still be in $1000 budget. Are you revising your budget?

lol Well, not that Rebel XS model threw a wrench in my plans, but I think I'll still go with the XSi...

And maybe I can go a few hundred over $1000...it depends how much I have left over with the other $1000 after my audio renovation is all said and done.

Sh0eBoX · 06-16-2008, 07:14 AM

are you doing body + kit or body only? because US1Photo.com has the body + kit lens model a bit cheaper than Amazon (it's got good user reviews from pricegrabber too so it's a reliable merchant)

XSi + 18-55mm IS Kit - $824.99 + free ship from US1Photo:
US1photo.com

XSi Body Only Kit - $759.95 + free ship from Amazon:
Amazon.com: Canon Digital Rebel XSI 12MP Digital SLR Camera (Black Body Only): Electronics

My recommendation would be to go with the body only and purchase the lenses separately. The 18-55 IS is a nice starter lens but it's very limiting in the fact that it's only f/3.5-5.6 wide open.

TheMarchingMule · 06-16-2008, 07:35 AM

Thanks Sh0eBoX, I did feel that the lens was very limited; it did what it was supposed to, but the results were nothing mind-blowing.

Body-only it is then...I'm still unsure of the lens situation, since I seem to be throwing almost all my money onto the XSi, but I can't imagine handling another camera other than that one.

Sh0eBoX · 06-16-2008, 08:16 AM

heheh yeah well, after your camera how much are you willing to budget into lenses for the moment?

and also... give us some info on how you plan to shoot mainly as this can help us put your money into some glass that would suit your needs best for now and then you can save up for the others later if need be.

but of course, i will recommend no matter what you choose to buy first... invest in a 50mm f/1.8 right away because it's a cheap, must-have piece of glass. great for night shots (since it's fast) and it's tack sharp! unless of course your needs would lead you into buying the 50mm f/1.4 instead

rapier84 · 06-16-2008, 08:41 AM

Using an XTi myself, and yes I'd agree that the user interface and the ergonomics of the XSi is superior to the older models. But newer models are always gonna be expensive and improvements (image quality wise) are little (not if you dig the live view, then you really need an XSi etc). The lenses on the other hand are the real investments that'll last you through camera body changes, and they too have a massive effect on the image quality. The older cameras may have a clunkier interface, but a bit of practice soon overcame that. So if you feel bad dumping too much cash into the XSi, why not consider the older models still on sale?

TheMarchingMule · 06-16-2008, 08:47 AM

Um...there's one small thing I didn't mention about my trip to CC...the Rebel XTi was the only one that couldn't be working at the time.

So I truly don't know how nice the XTi is...I only took home shots from the XSi and D40.

Sh0eBoX · 06-16-2008, 08:58 AM

Oh hrm, you should see if you can get your hands on a functional XTi soon before you take the plunge on the XSi --- you could potentially save some money and have more to spend on lenses! (and you could jump on those crazy good deals that i posted a page or two ago if you're willing to buy used!)

TheMarchingMule · 06-16-2008, 09:11 AM

Originally Posted by Sh0eBoX

Oh hrm, you should see if you can get your hands on a functional XTi soon before you take the plunge on the XSi --- you could potentially save some money and have more to spend on lenses! (and you could jump on those crazy good deals that i posted a page or two ago if you're willing to buy used!)

Well, fudge...lol guess I have to go to Best Buy to try it out, since knowing my CC's customer service, the XTi's power isn't going to be restored for another week.

I'd be willing to buy lens used, but not the body...it's just the weird way I roll, that's all.